l’Opera des Rouges et des Roses

From the vial, an outstanding, beautiful floral—reminiscent of Norell. On, exquisite, just a beautiful rose with a touch of spice underneath. A bit dewy, humid. When first applied, still wet, this may be the most beautiful rose scent I’ve smelled. Three minutes in, it has sweetened a touch (vanilla?), and a more conventional and tea-leaning rose appears, but the opening was majestic. This is so well done, so balanced—the hint of tea from the bergamot and likely a tea-centered rose, and just a shadow of sweet roundness from vanilla, all resting on a slightly resinous, spiced wood base. At ten minutes, the tea continues to expand. Seven hours later, you’ll have a scent that has settled beautifully into a dry, tea-scented rose on resinous, aromatic wood.

352 Classic rose blend, a little citrus, something peppery, and a powdery/moldy/musty/yeasty note (patchouli I think). I don’t know if my 1 year old bottle went off even though I keep perfumes in a cool dark place or that some note became more prominent after spraying. I figured out it must be a touch of a variety of patchouli, and I’ve smelled a similar mustiness in velour of roses (even stronger, yeastier smell) which turned me off. So be warned if some variety of patchouli bothers you. I think this blend would have been great without the patchouli coming forth. It seems that many of Dawns roses have patchouli and/or musk, which does not agree with me. 6/10-not for me

This was included in the Carnation sampler. The top note was very unpleasant to me, very musty, dry and peppery. I got no rose at all. Fortunately the initial notes which I’m guessing were patchouli and probably pepper, are greatly reduced almost immediately. There’s a tiny whiff of honey, myrrh and tolu balsam, still no rose, jasmine or carnation. This is the 3rd sample I’ve tried of DSH perfumes; so far all are disappointing, without much longevity.