* Wild Roses starts with a dirty, moist rose with a light hint of citrus. Sometimes, I get a little bit of dry grape when I wear it.
* Especially for a natural scent, it starts off quite loud and brash – yes, wild.
* After about thirty minutes, the single rose opens up and blooms into a garden of roses. It’s almost a bouquet with a fruity rose, a jammy rose, a spicy rose (almost like a carnation), and a dry rose.
* The roses stay present into the dry down, when a dirty patchouli and a dry vanilla ground it close to the skin.
Summary: Last October at the Elements Showcase in New York City , there was a Rose panel where we all smelled the different absolutes, oils, and concentrations of rose. Perfumers shared works in progress, and when I smelled Mandy’s Wild Rose, I commented that she had to finish this one off. As 2012 was the year of the rose in perfumes, Wild Roses stands out as the best all natural rose that I smelled and probably the best new rose scent that I smelled all year. If you use 1-2 sprays, this could be office-safe though it will only last 5-6 hours on your skin (so bring an extra vial to freshen up after lunch or before you go out after work). To guys afraid of wearing rose scents, grow a pair and try this one.
Aftelier Perfumes fragrances are available through their website.
Disclaimer: Sample provided by Aftelier Perfumes for review. Image courtesy of Aftelier Perfumes Website.