Rose Noire Absolue

Just received this in the mail yesterday. I usually don't write about fragrances soon after I get them, as I need to have a period of time to reflect and understand it's sum parts. But I bought Rose Noire Absolute thinking it was going to be an old fashioned, English rose type of scent which would be fitting of my personality. I have been spoiled by Joy and Tea Rose, which both are fleshed out and realistic as smelling rose as in nature, thorns, stems, rainwater and that cold, fresh chilly freshness that reminds me of a rose covered in rain on a cold spring morning. This fragrance is different, more like smelling rose on body or face powder. It would be too easy to resign myself and say I am disappointed, but I don't give up like that. I defy myself to discover what it is about this fragrance that make others enjoy it. For me, that is part of the game, the intrigue involved in becoming acquainted with something I don't yet understand. My nose is confused at the moment as I have been wearing a really powerful Orchid scented oil for about a week now...To be continued

I received a sample with a swap and I LOVED this scent! When I ordered it and smelled it from the bottle from the first time...it was a HUGE disappointment. While it's okay smelling, it wasn't at all close to what I smelled in the tester bottle - which was sweet, rosey and almost gourmand. I don't know if I got a crap bottle from eBay or maybe the sample vial had something sweet in it before, but now I'm trying to force myself to love this...but I don't. Guess I'll keep trying - but if someone is interested in swapping for another inexpensive rose...PM me :) UPDATE 10/6/15: I don't know what it is...this "bad" bottle with the interesting smell...is really starting to grow on me....I started a return to eBay, but I'm thinking of just keeping it and buying another bottle just for a comparison. Another update when I get the new bottle...

This is a very nice, slightly complex rose perfume with top notes of apple and citrus, and musky, powdery base notes that complement the rose really well. I find myself reaching for it often, especially because in addition to being a very versatile daily-wear scent, it doesn't trigger my allergies at all. This is probably the best scent in its price range that I've ever found. It's easy to underestimate its longevity because one tends to become nose-blind to it, but close friends tell me that I still smell lovely long after I think it's worn off. A great scent at a great price. What's not to love?

Very fresh apple opening, so pretty... followed by the palest of pink roses. Lots of them. Very shampoo clean and refreshing. This is a gorgeous little treasure for pennies, and she holds on,gently, all day. I layer with this one a lot. Very versatile and the total opposite of the Powder Bomb that is the original Rose Noire. I imagine a sparkling pink bubble bath with this perfume, so softly sweet and clean is she.

I really like this fragrance. It's a sweet mix of rose and apple with hints of other notes. It lasts for about 5 hours on me. I bought a big bottle of it years ago and have not once regretted it. I'll definitely buy it again when I run out.