These are our 10 favorite rose perfumes, from timeless classics to cool, modern blends

As classic fragrance goes, rose perfume is the long-reigning champion. This scent provokes memories, but don't let the old-fashioned, powdery blends of days gone by put you off – modern rose perfume can be anything you want it to be.

So many of the best perfumes for women contain rose notes, from traditional floral fragrance to clean, unisex fragrances. "We adore rose, as did the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans," explain Sarah McCartney and Samantha Scriven in The Perfume Companion: The Definitive Guide to Choosing Your Next Scent. "Even if you don’t think you like rose perfumes, do give them a try. They are all so different: rich, light, dark, citrussy, sweet, sharp, soft. There are roses for men, women, and everyone."

We couldn't agree more. Rose is incredibly versatile: It’s suitable for blending with other notes or holding a fragrance on its own. And whether you’re a rose fan on the hunt for a new signature scent or looking to dabble for the first time, our top perfume picks include something for everyone.

How we tested the best rose perfumes 

Perfume is incredibly subjective. So while there's no 'apples for apples' testing method for scent, we have personally spritzed on and worn every fragrance in this guide – and many are personal favorites we have loved for years. We wore each for at least a full day to check how it changed as it dried down, as well as how well it lasted. Finally we considered who might like to buy each rose perfume we tried, taking into account the brand, packaging, price, as well as the mood it best suits. 

The best rose perfumes, chosen by our beauty team

There's one obvious reason why this is a timeless rose perfume that would be received well by anyone you can think of... it's a Chanel perfume. Say no more, right? Ok, we will say more because beyond the label and beautiful bottle, what's inside is very likely to please too. It's a souped-up version of 1984's Coco Eau de parfum, which is to say a sexier version of an already pretty seductive fragrance.

The original blended jasmine, ylang-ylang, and tonka bean, this one adds the note of the hour, rose, to great effect, creating a headier more romantic aroma. The rose is exceptionally well-balanced, never feels overpowering, making this undoubtedly one of the best Chanel perfumes to wear for evenings out or cozy days in while we await warmer climes. It also lasts very well on the skin, although what you have left at 4pm is more creamy tonka and patchouli than rose, per-say.  

Of course Aesop, the too-cool-for-school Aussie fragrance, skincare, and body brand has created this hip gender-neutral rose scent. It's a perfectly balanced blend of spices, woods, and zippier floral notes that dries down to a mellow, warming, and unique aroma. It's worth stating that any fragrance can be worn by any gender, but the lack of obvious florals and spicy undertones would make this a particularly good shout for fragrance lovers who prefer scents that are not easily categorizable. 

We love how cleverly balanced this scent is - it's sophisticated and understated, but will definitely have anyone who gives you a hug asking what it is. It is subtle, and not overtly floral, so if you're looking for something that makes a huge statement or a very traditional rose perfume then this may not be your guy. Thanks to the peppery top notes, it is a more neutral floral than Chanel Coco Noir, so it's one to go for if overtly feminine perfumes aren't for you. 

A vibrant, modern take on rose, this flower fragrance is youthful and incredibly clean smelling. If you like fresh, green scents and would love to find a rose scent that suits you, this will be it. The crisp bergamot, juicy pear, and fresh rose petal notes make a lovely blend. Plus, it is a much more affordable pick than most other perfumes of this quality.

The benefit of this fragrance is that it is contemporary and playful but not overpowering in the slightest. The only drawback? It probably won't last as long on the skin for its lack of deeper accords. We'd say this is an ideal scent to spritz on during the day or perk you up on a springtime morning.

Dior’s younger sister, Miss Dior, has taken rose scent and made it warm, sweet, and unmistakably feminine. This might be considered more of a youthful scent, but if you are looking for a fragrance that's accessible and choc-full of rose petals, this could certainly be the best Dior perfume for you. More full-bodied than the Floral Street scent, this is a perfume we recommend for those who want their rose fragrance to be truly noticeable.

It can become quite powdery when dried down and this does make for a musky-smelling perfume, but the touch of grass cuts through just enough to avoid it smelling too soap-like. The fun scent and more affordable price tag than is typical of Dior also make this a great option for an 18th birthday gift or 21st birthday gift.

Portrait of a Lady is such a clever fragrance because it manages something very few do. This rose perfume is, at the same time, an iconic scent beloved by so many that also has a niche and unique energy. If you wear this, it'll feel like your signature scent (and yours alone) and other people will ask what you're wearing. You may not want to tell them. Though it is pricier than other perfumes in this guide, in many cases considerably so, if you can splash out it is worth every penny for something truly distinctive.

So what makes the scent itself so special? Well, it's a full-on heady, impactful perfume. Turkish rose sits right at the top rather than layered in the middle (which is unusual in itself) This means the first thing that hits your nose is a huge whiff of fleshy petals, but that's closely followed by tonnes of spices, woods, and lip-smacking raspberry and cinnamon. This unusual mixture lasts incredibly well on the skin, and one spritz really will last all day and night, which we suppose goes some of the way to justifying the cost. 

When we think of contemporary rose perfume, this is the scent that comes to mind. Modern, bright, and light, this fragrance is for those looking for the classic scent of rose without it feeling dated. Added green notes make for a slight botanical leaning and in general, it's a very fresh, light, true rose scent. With incredible lasting power, we'd say this combines the brightness of Floral Street Neon Rose with the day-long wear of Chanel Coco Noir.

The mix of juicy lychee and herbal artichoke does give this a fruitier, greener scent than your average rose perfume, so if you're looking for a very floral offering, you may want to try something else. We also think that this is one of the most beautiful bottles on this list, making it the perfect perfume to keep on display. This is a true icon for the brand, and can also be enjoyed as a home fragrance with one of the best Diptyque candles.

This beautiful scent perfectly demonstrates the synergy between rose and the best oud perfumes. These two perfume notes get along famously well, combining trad florals with resinous woods to create a heady scent. This reminds us of nights out on vacations, where an abundance of aromas fill the balmy night air. 

We love how long-lasting this perfume is, particularly the rose notes which linger on the skin for hours. This lasting power and richness is unusual for this brand, as even the best Jo Malone fragrances tend to have lower lasting power and a fresher feel, due to being cologne strength. This is from the brand's premium Cologne Intense collection, created with higher levels of perfume oil and more precious ingredients – and you can really tell. 

A luxury fragrance but one that will last for hours. The blend of fresh rose with spicy pepper and heady amber makes this a bit deeper than your average rose scent. In fact, we found it to be similar to Aesop Rozu in its spice and depth, but distinctly more powdery. 

All Byredo scents are designed to be worn by both genders and although this scent is more traditionally feminine than some, it does have a touch of rebellion about it too. In terms of lasting power, this fragrance dries down to a more powdery finish but is still beautifully modern. The rich depth of fragrance means it lasts a bit longer on the skin than most rose scents, plus the on-trend Byredo bottle means that this would probably be a greatly-appreciated 30th birthday gift.

Known for making some of the best perfumes for women, Penhaligons offers a truly classic rose fragrance. Delicate rose absolute and spicy cinnamon give this floral fragrance an elegant scent. It’s grounded by vetiver and musk and will linger on the skin for hours, making it worth the investment. 

According to the brand itself, "The Tudor rose, a symbol of Elizabethan England, is immortalized in this airy scent." And we couldn't agree more. It certainly has an air of regality and has amassed a cult following since it first landed on shelves in 2018. This isn't a rule breaker or offering something unexpected, it's a purist's rose perfume in the best possible way and one to go for if you want a truly classic scent.

Just like Portrait of a Lady, this Gucci offering might be eye-wateringly expensive, but this special fragrance bottle is something of a collector's piece. The fragrance inside could easily work as one of the best men's colognes as well as a floral option for women, as it’s not too sweet or hugely floral. Plus, the base of wood and musks make for a deep, intoxicating scent.

This is a bold and modern take on rose perfumery and has a depth that could be considered quite masculine - which is ideal if you're after a fragrance that isn't sickly or too feminine. If you want to invest in one rose scent that will stand out in terms of appearance and scent, this is it.

Lively Sichuan pepper and aromatic turmeric have been blended with notes of rose to create a scent that lingers on the skin for hours. It dries down to a musky base with patchouli and tonka bean giving an earthy, seductive base. In a similar vein to Chanel Coco Noir, this is a luxurious rose perfume that isn't intoxicatingly sweet. 

Due to including two roses and bags of patchouli, this unisex fragrance isn't one for the faint of heart and might be a little overpowering to some. But if you want a standout scent that is instantly identifiable, Rose Prick will come up trumps. Plus, as with most Tom Ford fragrances, this looks the part and has an memorable name that'll stand out on your vanity. 

How to choose the best rose perfume for you

If you already know you love rose perfume, there's no going wrong with any scent on this list. However, if you need a little more guidance as to the right rose perfume for you, there are a couple of things to look out for when shopping.

• Base notes: To get a rose perfume you really love, pay attention to the base notes of each fragrance. These are what determine how your perfume will smell after it has dried down, indicating what the lasting smell will be throughout the day. If you like a truly floral fragrance, look for base notes of patchouli. For a slightly more mature or day-to-night rose perfume, go for woody or musky base notes.
• Sweetness: Many people assume that they don't like rose perfume because they don't like sweet scents, but it is possible to find a rose perfume without an overwhelming sugary smell. Consider which end of the sweetness scale you want your perfume to be at, and pay attention to the top notes of each scent. Fragrances like Diptyque Eau Rose, with fruity top notes, will come across as sweeter. Those with peppery top notes will have a more neutral smell that can work for everyone.