Back in June, I traveled to Connecticut with Lancôme for a sneak peek at a new fragrance collection unlike anything the brand has launched before. As I walked into the garden surrounding the Mayflower Inn & Spa, the brand had displayed each of the 11 fragrances in a gorgeous, floral setting. And as I’d soon learn, each of the new scents were shaped around a single iconic ingredient: the rose. But, this isn’t rose as you think you know it. A gifted group of master perfumers crafted a different (and modern) interpretation of rose to suit every nose. Here, a closer look at the exquisite Absolue Les Parfums collection from Lancôme fragrance.
The Inspiration
Born in Lancôme’s Domaine de la Rose, the house’s estate in Grasse, France, these fragrances are for anyone who appreciates the beauty of this regal flower. They also celebrate two new patented rose extracts, which have been created for this collection. “The centifolia extract, created by Firmenich, marks the first time a centifolia rose extract has been created without extraction solvent for Lancôme,” the brand tells us. “Firmenich uses a bioextraction process that preserves the flower’s extraordinary olfactive properties. Additionally, the first natural centifolia absolute for Lancôme by IFF, the Neo Absolue de Rose, unlocks unprecedented diverse olfactory profiles that mirrors the rose.”
The centifolia rose had been emblematic of Grasse since the 17th century, says Lancôme, but by 2020, it had almost vanished. Since then, the brand has carefully cultivated the flower, planting several thousand rose bushes on the Domaine.
The Collection
“We’ve categorized the 11 fragrances into four fragrance families: Fresh & Electric, Sweet & Luminous, Warm & Mysterious, and Dark & Dangerous,” says Allie Hartman, vice president of fragrances and retail marketing for Lancôme USA. “There is a fragrance in this collection for everyone, even if you’re someone who’s never worn rose. This is rose like you’ve never seen before. It’s really incredible what these perfumers have accomplished.”
Fresh & Electric
1001 Roses: “This is the original emblem of the Domaine de la Rose,” says Hartman. “It evokes a freshly picked rose, and is the most classic when you think of rose fragrance.” Key notes include centifolia rose, damascena rose and musk.
Storm and Roses: “This scent captures the fresh yet earthy scent of a rose after an electrifying summer rainstorm,” says Hartman. Key notes include centifolia rose, patchouli and blackcurrant bud absolute.
Not Your Rose: This fragrance is meant to evoke a bit of mystery and “a cold, mysterious rose shrouded in a wintry haze.” Key notes include centifolia rose, musk and moss.
Sweet & Luminous
6AM Rose: “This fragrance is clean and bright, fresh and floral,” says Hartman. Its perfumers managed to bottle the “first rays of sun on a rose.” Key notes include centifolia rose, jasmine and lily of the valley.
Le Parfum: “You may recognize this scent, as it echoes the scent of Lancôme’s iconic Absolue Soft Cream,” Hartman says. “It’s comforting, sensual and intimate—like velvet on the skin.” Key notes include centifolia rose, white tea and musk.
Hot As Rose: “Think of a rose that’s been sweetened by surrounding fruit trees,” says Hartman. The perfumers combined rose and an ensemble of aromatic notes—cypress, rosemary and thyme—which is like an ode to a lush garden. Key notes include centifolia rose, patchouli and aromatics.
Warm & Mysterious
Rose on the Moon: In our group of 10 discerning beauty editors, this was the crowd favorite. “This fragrance evokes a hypnotic rose,” says Hartman. It’s warm and mysterious, and has that addictive quality you want in a perfume. Key notes include centifolia rose, sandalwood and vanilla.
I Flamed a Rose: The perfumer describes this scent as “a rose dressed in the depths of woods and amber.” It’s bold and earthy, yet feminine and wearable. Key notes include centifolia rose, patchouli and ambrox. I also love the rosy pink color of the juice, which looks beautiful on my vanity.
Rose or Die: If you love rose but want something deeper, darker and slightly smoky, this is the scent to try. The perfumer describes it as “the smoky, bewitching volutes of black tea meeting the delicate freshness of rose.” Key notes include centifolia rose, black tea and guaiac wood.
Dark & Dangerous
Hell of a Rose: “This one is categorized as ‘dark and dangerous, and its name shares that energy,'” says Hartman. For this iteration, the perfumer says the rose was “contrasted and adorned with wood. Vetiver reveals its fresh and smoky facets to adorn the rose and reveal a new intensity.” Key notes include centifolia rose, vetiver and ambrette absolute.
Oud Bouquet: Rounding out the collection is another “dark and dangerous” scent, which combines the femininity of the rose with rich, woody vibes and a decadent praline accord (think almond, hazelnut and caramel). The perfumer describes it as “the first gourmand oud: deliciously irresistible.” Key notes include centifolia rose, oud wood and praline accord.
