Essential Parfums Rose Magnetic Review (Sophie Labbé) + Sustainable Rose Draw

January 25, 2019January 25, 2019

Essential Parfums Rose Magnetic (Photo courtesy of Essential Parfums)©

Always on the lookout for new French fragrance brands, Essential Parfums instantly attracted my attention with their impressive-sounding manifesto: restoring the essence of “haute parfumerie” by emphasizing on the use of natural ingredients, giving creative freedom and full credit to perfumers, practising ecological ethos and social responsibility, and ultimately offering quality scents at accessible prices. Restoring the essence of fine perfumery is of course a mighty ambitious goal, whose achievement can only be determined in the long run; as far as the rest of their individual objectives are concerned, Essential Parfums seem to be off to a good start.

Daria Strokous for Dior Trianon Collection/Spring 2014 (Photo: Steven Meisel)©

The perfumers (the first five are Calice Becker, Natalie Gracia-Cetto, Bruno Jovanovic, Sophie Labbé, and Antoine Maisondieu) are truly placed in the spotlight (apart from their names being featured on the bottles, they're also prominently presented at the brand's site, voicing their own thoughts on their respective creations). Furthermore, it is true that natural ingredients are given the chance to shine in Essential Parfums’ straightforward, understated, simple but delightful fragrances. Honoring the promise for environment-friendly production, the natural raw materials – whenever possible – come from sustainable sources, while the packaging is 100% eco-friendly. Last but not least, the prices are attractive (69€/$75 for a 100ml bottle, with travel sprays and samples also available).

Senior IFF Perfumer Sophie Labbé (Photo: Essential Parfums)©

Essential Parfums Rose Magnetic is a contemporary take on the rose, composed by IFF perfumer Sophie Labbé. The perfumer’s idea was to have “a duet of roses expressing the multiplicity and sensuality of this flower on a vibrant and captivating musk base note.” The muskiness indeed gives depth and sensuality to the rose, but the true modern twist of this fragrance is its fruity facet.

Karlie Kloss for Vogue, 2014 (Fashion Editor: Phyllis Posnick / Photo: Patrick Demarchelier)©

Essential Parfums Rose Magnetic starts off with slightly bitter, refreshing grapefruit, along with a hint of invigorating peppermint; the opening immediately captures one's interest, leaving no doubt that this is no retro rose scent. The Turkish rose itself is vibrant – but the whole olfactory experience becomes truly intriguing due to the lychee accord: the latter's own delicate “rosiness”, aquatic-like freshness and moderate sweetness compliments the flower’s properties beautifully, making the scent a real delight to wear.

J.K. Simmons for W Magazine, 2015 (Photo: Tim Walker)©

The necessary warmth and depth are provided by a base of musk and natural cedarwood, with the valuable aid of natural vanilla and tonka. An excellent choice for the gentlemen as well, Essential Parfums Rose Magnetic has average sillage and good longevity (10-12 hours, with a long musky drydown)

Notes: Grapefruit, peppermint, natural Rose Essential ™ LMR and natural Turkish Rose Absolute LMR (both certified “For Life”), lychee, natural cedar, natural Madagascar vanilla, natural tonka bean.

Disclaimer: I would like to thank Essential Parfums for my travel spray. The opinions are my own.

– Despina Veneti, Editor

Thanks to Essentials Parfums we have 10 ml purse spray of Essential Parfums Rose Magnetic for one registered reader Worldwide (be sure to register or your comment will not count). To be eligible, tell us what appeals to you about Essential Parfums Rose Magnetic and where you live. Draw closes 1/28/2019

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so like Çafleurebon and use our blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.