Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Rosa Rossa Review
BY REBECCA DIEUDONNE & SOPHIE CHUNG
Guerlain are clear experts in the alchemy of beautiful fragrances, with their first release dating back to 1853.
4 NOV - 2018
The latest addition, Rosa Rossa belongs to the Aqua Allegoria collection which was first launched in 1999.
The latest addition, Rosa Rossa belongs to the Aqua Allegoria collection which was first launched in 1999. These fragrances are blended with the freshness of a cologne and the hold of a perfume. The guiding scents of the collection are bergamot and citrus, delivering both depth and freshness.
When I first spritzed this fragrance, it was hard to pick what the notes were. I expected a powdery rose – given the name, but I was pleasantly surprised, this was not what I got!
I AM IN LOVE. You first experience a delightful floral freshness, which then develops into a zesty and spicy middle. As it matures, you are left with a gorgeous floral citrus which smells so expensive and luxurious. I’m wearing it with my vintage leather jacket and it melts beautifully against the aged leather scent.
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Rosa Rossa, NZD$189
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Range
Adore
Turns out the top notes are bergamot, lychee, blackcurrant and lemon which I never would have picked! It’s not overly sweet or fruity, so I like that this is subtle. The middle notes are rose and peony with woody base notes of cedar. White musk has also been added – although this scent does not smell powdery at all (which can often be a downside with musk in my opinion – they often slide into ‘nana’ fragrances).
I absolutely adore this fragrance. I think it may have knocked V&R Flowerbomb off the pedestal of my favourite everyday perfume. I can picture wearing it to lift a cold and rainy day, and also with a white linen dress and straw hat for a day on the boat in summer. I implore you to try this for yourself, I’m sure you will be just as surprised as I was!
Sophie’s Thoughts
Upon my first perfume shower of the Guerlain Rosa Rossa, it was like I was sprayed with the juices of summer fruits. I’m used to dousing myself with gruntier fragrances with erotic white evening flowers so this one took me a while to adjust. This one is a floral-fruity number that’s citric, fresh and pungent with rose - perfect for the oncoming warmer days.
The top notes are super sweet - litchi and blackcurrant - but the rose provides balance and the dry-down introduces the scent of peonies. I definitely prefer the lingering musk and woody scent when the base comes through after a few hours.
It’s perfect for the girly girl or bougie woman who likes her expensive things - Glossy Musings is the epitome bougie. I can imagine poised wealthy chicks at the races with their bubbly and cray hats smelling like Rosa Rossa. If the elite vibe is what you’re going for, might be worth a spritz at the next Guerlain counter you come across.
You can also take this quiz to decipher which Aqua Allegoria would best fit your personality. All of them have a bergamot base so they're pretty well-suited for summer!
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