Jo Malone Red Roses Fragrance Chronicle: Scarlet Velvet Rose, Honeycomb, Sweet Lemon

Jo Malone first launched Red Roses cologne for the Valentine's Day in 1996. This classical rose composition was created by perfumers Lucien Piguet and Patricia Bilodeau who framed a sweet rose accord with notes of lemon, violet leaves, spearmint, clove, sandalwood, musk, and honeycomb.

In time for this year's Valentine's Day holiday, Nordstrom is once again promoting The Red Roses Fragrance Chronicle™, a coffret of three accords used in the original Red Roses. "Sweet Lemon brings tantalising transparency; Scarlet Velvet Rose adds richness; and Honeycomb, a nectar-like warmth." They can be layered or used individually.  The coffret contains Red Roses Cologne (1 oz.), Sweet Lemon Cologne Accord (0.3 oz.), Scarlet Velvet Rose Cologne Accord (0.3 oz.) and the Honeycomb Cologne Accord (0.3 oz.) and retails for $110. There is also a new Red Roses Bath Oil (8.5oz, $65). Via Nordstrom.

Comments

[Suzanna]

I love this idea, but Red Roses is very fake-y on me. That big lemon note at the top reads as citronella on me skin and the rose smells synthetic, like a three-dollar attar. Perhaps it's just the way it smells on me, but I've had a better time with Lutens and Creed.

[Victoria]

Yes, I'm with you. I love this coffret idea, but not the original Red Roses. The new bath oil is great though.

[Shannon]

I personally love Red Roses, but primarily when layered with other scents. On me, it's bright and fresh when paired with Grapefruit, a bit warmer and more complex with Nutmeg & Ginger. I've also had success pairing it with Vetyver and even 154. Alone, it doesn't smell synthetic on me, but when I was told I reminded a co-worker of her grandmother (albeit in a "good way", but still...)I decided maybe it shouldn't be a stand-alone fragrance for me. :)

I do love the bath oil, though, and use it under all sorts of florals.

[Victoria]

Rose and vetiver make a great duo! Now, I want to try your idea of Red Roses and Nutmeg & Ginger, but with Diptyque Eau Rose. I think that it will be very nice, spicy and warm.