If it were possible for the rose – perennial as it may be – to have a “moment”; the moment would be now. No longer shall this flower be considered twee, old-ladyish, biliously sweet. Aside from its already impressive skincare-boosting credentials (soothing, moisturising and fatty-acid rich), rose is the eternal symbol for all things beautiful, feminine, romantic… And it smells so, so good. We’ve picked our favourite of the season’s bunch.
Ormonde Jayne Rose Gold Parfum, 120ml, £345, Harrods
We love Ormonde Jayne’s sumptuous luxury fragrances that make no compromises on quality or perfume-oil percentage. It was the first brand to use oud in a fine fragrance, a move which set off a chain reaction in the perfume world. So we’re following this perfume house’s pioneering nose very closely as they develop new fragrances, falling head over heels for this Rose Gold scent. With top notes of lime and orange blossom; base notes of oud and sandalwood; and at the heart carnation, jasmine, orchid and water lily, we were ravished by Rose Gold. It’s got unbeatable staying power, a rich dry-down and a beautiful, classic bottle.
RMK Moist Cleansing Balm, 100ml, £30, Selfridges
This solid cleansing balm by Japanese brand RMK is enriched with Damascus rose. It melts beautifully into the skin to lift makeup and grime and give the skin a thoroughly good cleanse, leaving it plump, hydrated and delicately scented. Free from parabens and containing Jojoba oil and avocado oil, it’s like a health food for the skin.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream, 50ml, £34, Fresh
Cult-brand Fresh has just added two new products to their famed rose collection and we love the Deep Hydration Face Cream. Containing both rose water and rose flower oil as well as miracle moisturising ingredient hyaluronic acid so that this non-greasy formula not only hydrates the skin but prevents future dehydration. Try dabbing under the eyes for a refreshing midday eye-fix with a hint of rose, naturally.
Dr Hauschka Rose Deodorant, 50ml, £12.25, Dr Hauschka
Finally a deodorant that surpassed the generic, “cucumber fresh” standard. We have long loved Dr Hauschka’s inimitable rose day cream so when we heard of this rose deodorant from the 100% natural brand, we were ready and waiting to try it – armpits akimbo. It’s kind to the skin, contains no aluminum salts but gentle natural oils that leave our underarms soft and smelling like… roses!
Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist – Intense Deluxe Edition, 200ml, £45, Jurlique
Never did a facial spray feel so goddam good as at about 4pm, when the desk-hunger hits and we’re feeling all office-y and sticky and in need of a refresh. And never was a cult product better than Jurlique’s supersonic, fully-loaded, intense deluxe edition of the hero-product Rosewater Balancing Mist. Its super-calming formula provides a short and sweet burst of freshness, enlivening cakey makeup and rejuvenating the skin.
Dr Jackson’s Baobab and Rose Oil, 50ml, £70, Liberty
Now that everyone has firmly jumped on the oil bandwagon to hydration town, we’re loving this superfood-inspired offering from Dr Jackson. The UK-based brand incorporates traditional ingredients from African and Indonesian healing methods to create beautiful products with formulas that work. This Baobab and Rose Oil has a lightweight formula and just a hint of scent (nothing overpowering), add a few drops to the bath or lather onto skin post-shower to keep the skin looking glowing.