20 modern rose perfumes to fall in love with this Valentine's Day

A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet… but what if rose perfume has never been your go-to fragrance family? It may be inauspicious of me to admit that, in the past, rose perfume never really piqued my interest. Instead, I used to associate rose scents with syrupy sweet concoctions, reminiscent of vintage vanities or dusty bottles lurking in second-hand shops. Think powdery, candy-like florals that felt more cloying than captivating.

But recently, there’s been a renaissance in the world of rose fragrances: #Perfumetok has spotlighted innovative new blends, indie brands have fearlessly paired roses with unexpected notes, and beauty behemoths have further refined their crop of roses – be they Damask or Centifolia – creating complex, cutting-edge scents.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, there’s no better time to revisit (or discover) modern rose perfumes. Below, you’ll find 20 editor-approved scents that range from simple soliflores (featuring a single floral note) to complex bouquets marrying rose with everything from zesty citrus and warm musk to spicy oud and smoky woods. After all, if there’s ever a season to stop and smell the roses, it’s now.

Why we love it: This was the perfume that made me rethink my aversion to roses. In fact, this subtle scent of Centifolia (AKA May) roses was what I wore to my May wedding (soppy, I know). With a citrusy kick, the subtle Grasse Rose ground the scent alongside a sophisticated amber dry-down to create a refined, long-lasting fragrance that strikes just the right balance.

Skip if… you prefer rich florals featuring fully bloomed roses.

Why we love it: This is an easygoing rose scent that doesn’t feel dated or overpowering — perfect for everyday wear. Fruity redcurrant top notes lift the floral heart, while crystal moss adds a subtle depth, proving you can get quality rose perfume without breaking the bank.

Skip if… you have an aversion to sweet scents.

Why we love it: Inspired by the rituals of Japanese theatre, this airy, powdery rose is delicately accented with white musk. While the price may seem steep, the luxe presentation and exquisite blend justify the price for devoted rose lovers.

Skip if… you’re on a strict budget or don’t want to spend more for packaging and prestige.

Why we love it: Concentrated yet silky, this oil format allows for a more intimate, long-lasting wear – just roll onto your usual perfume points. A seductive scent, it combines rich Turkish rose with subtle hints of black plum and patchouli.

Skip if… You don’t like layering. Perfume oils often perform best when blended with lotions or creams.

Why we love it: This radiant soliflore showcases the green and citrusy facets of roses without any heavy or powdery overtones. Highlighting every part of the floral from stem to petal, it is fresh, dewy, and perfect for those who love a single-note fragrance.

Skip if… You want a more complex composition – this one is straightforward rose.

Why we love it: Named as a tribute to nurses in World War I, this fragrance is both comforting and resilient, blending Turkish rose petals with raspberry blossom and papyrus. It has impressive longevity (both in terms of staying power and timeless appeal) carrying you from day to night.

Skip if… You’re sensitive to spicier or woodier dry-downs.

Why we love it: Ultra-delicate and sparkling with citrus notes alongside a whisper of rose accord – Chanel’s Paris-Paris is perfect for those craving a fresh, airy floral that won’t overwhelm a small room.

Skip if… you want an intense, head-turning scent.

Why we love it: Jo Malone’s Cologne Intense line offers richer, deeper scents, and this one pairs dark, velvety rose with a warm oud base. Yet, despite the intensity, it retains the brand’s signature clean, uncluttered style.

Skip if… You’re looking for a bright, playful rose. This is more sultry and enveloping.

Why we love it: Elegant packaging and refined Italian craftsmanship make Acqua Di Parma’s perfumes a standout choice for those seeking a floral twist. As someone who considers every fragrance unisex, this take on rose – blending crisp citrus top notes with clean musk and earthy patchouli – is the ultimate way to embrace ‘La Dolce Vita’ this Valentine’s Day.

Skip if… You’re not a fan of patchouli nuances in your fragrance.

Why we love it: An iconic creation by perfumer Dominique Ropion, this show-stopping rose named after Henry James’ novel from 1881 and inspired by its heroine, Isabel Archer, is anchored by deep amber, patchouli, and incense. She smells of dark roses, mystical and intense – and oh-so wonderfully complex.

Skip if… You want a discreet fragrance as this one demands attention.

Why we love it: Savour’s ‘Rose in the Shadow’ combines sweet-smelling petals with smoky undertones, building on a base of smouldering embers. Created by niche Swedish perfumer Linda Landenberg, it is ideal for those craving a contemporary, slightly gothic twist on a classic floral.

Skip if… You’d rather have a bright or sweet floral.

Why we love it: This is a juicy, tangy take on rose, thanks to the crisp rhubarb and zesty grapefruit opening. The sweetness is balanced by gentle floral notes, leaving us with a playful yet sophisticated juice.

Skip if… You’re not fond of sweet or tart fragrances.

Why we love it: Despite its name, rose is a star player here, spiced up by patchouli, cacao, and a subtle leather accord. Mysterious and decadent, we envision ourselves enveloped in this scent during cool spring evenings.

Skip if… You dislike patchouli or leather hints, and if you’re looking for longevity. This one has a tendency to fade.

Why we love it: There’s a reason why Le Labo keeps rolling out iconic cult classics. Take their Rose 31, for example, famed for its woody, peppery spin on rose – both masculine and feminine at once. The cedar, vetiver, and cumin interplay creates a uniquely intriguing aura, resulting in a complex rose accord that we can’t get enough of.

Skip if… You’re averse to earthy, spicy notes.

Why we love it: We’re travellers at heart, especially during the darker months of the year, and if a perfume can transport us to far away places we’re on board. Case in point: Passport Amour. Building on nods to travel and romance, this scent balances the richness of oud with a lush, modern rose core, making it a wonderfully evocative choice.

Skip if… You want a lighter rose for daytime wear.

Why we love it: What feels more fresh than a seaside stroll? Ninfea’s aquatic twist on rose, intertwined with lily pads and a clean, airy musk, ticks all boxes – be they for a floral fix or a dip of watery dew. Best worn during a springtime stroll by a blooming pond, it is perfect for anyone who finds typical rose scents too heavy.

Skip if… You want a long-projection perfume. Keep in mind that this leans more gentle and intimate.

Why we love it: Soft, powdery, and undeniably feminine, Yves Saint Laurent’s Parisienne is an ode to the effortless French women we all idolised in the early 2000s. Blending Damascus rose with violet and a hint of cranberry, this specific scent certainly isn’t for everyone. But if you’re after a mature, perfectly powdery perfume, then this is one for you.

Skip if… You prefer unisex or more androgynous scents.

Why we love it: This jammy, dessert-like fragrance fuses lush rose petals with sweet vanilla, creating a warm, enveloping aroma that feels both comforting and seductive. Sillage and longevity are superb – ideal for anyone who wants to make a (delicious) statement this year.

Skip if… You prefer a subtle or understated rose; this one is unapologetically bold and sweet.

Why we love it: A seductive fusion of dark coffee, spice, and richly textured rose, this perfume is complex, bold, and made for date nights. It belongs in jazz bars, best paired with an all-black ensemble and espresso martinis – smudged red lipstick optional.

Skip if… You want a subtle or discreet daytime scent.

Why we love it: Light, breezy, and fresh, this formula is built on organic rose and embodies everything we love about a Chloé signature scent. The airy accord makes this rose ideal for everyday wear without ever feeling overpowering.

**Skip if… **You prefer strongly amber-y or spiced compositions.