Drôle de Rose

Has this really been discontinued?? That means thatwith the inclusion of Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile, two of my all time favorite, simply beautiful fragrances have now gone away this year alone - probably more that I'm unaware of, not to mention others tragically changed through reformulations (though that's a different issue). I know that many younger people find it annoying when we older frag heads mourn the destruction of our past favorites, and they do have a point in that a new generation is being exposed to the reformulations as if they are brand new. Now, to that, let me add that I can't say for certain, but I would certainly prefer to take me chances on a reformulated, perhaps less refined and cheaper version of a beloved favorite than nothing at all. As it is, when I run out of my bottle of DdR, I will likely have to purchase the significantly more expensive Lipstick Rose for my fix. Far, far from a bad alternative, but an investment I would not leave to chance to see if I can find a "bargain" elsewhere than through the Malle store of a licensed retailer. TL;dr - For the second time this year, I've learned that one of my all time favorites (Drôle de Rose, and previously Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile) is no longer in production and I am mourning the loss. EDIT 6/2/2022: Unfortunately, the half bottle I had left of DdR has turned. I'm not sure if it improves as it moves towards the mid notes, but the opening has that musty quality one gets from fragrances that have lost their top notes. There are still bottles available on line, but as to be expected, the price has risen. However, happy ending. I just purchased a 1.7 oz bottle, sealed, with the old label for an affordable (thank you, Mastercard!) price. It had to be done.

This is lovely. As a poster below mentions this is really a geranium/violet accord, gentler than rose. Perfume Shrine also mentions a Nivea Cream similarity, and once pointed out it's noticeable. Drole de Rose has the old fashioned make-up/lipstick effect, but not full-on sweet like 'Lipstick Rose'. For me Lipstick Rose is almost foody/gourmand in its sweetness, I wanted more lipstick wax, and while Drole de Rose doesn't have anything approaching heavy sophistication, it's very easy on the nose, gentle - it feels like a soft rosy blush on the skin. It's tone is cool pink as opposed to neon It's been compared to Ombre Rose and I can see why, also it has something in common with Al Rehab's Red Rose, but it's more contemporary than those two, less heavy on powder and less 'starchy' or upright. I associate Ombre Rose with Church service in a quiet village, a bit suburban, whereas Drole de Rose has a slightly whimsical humorous flirtiness (hence the 'drole' perhaps?). The nose of this perfume, Olivia Giacobetti also created Philosykos, which I love, and though these perfumes have nothing in common in terms of notes, they both have a gentle uplifting mood that seems brought in on a breeze, not breezy fresh as such, but evocative and drifting It's definitely 'girly' and not a perfume I'd wear a lot, but I'm glad to have it for its gentle caressing feel - it soothes the heart and mind Silage is soft and longevity good. It's not a hard hitter but it's definitely there

Drôle de Rose has been on my test list for quite a while, because this category of lipsticky rose/violet/powder scents is one I can't get enough of - at least in that regard, I guess my taste really is clasically feminine after all! And I have to say I wasn't disappointed - this is one of the best I've tried from this genre. It's indeed reminiscent of Lipstick Rose from the heart onwards, which is to say delightfully make up-like with its focus on sweet rose and violet and lovely powdery drydown. But the opening is very different - where Lipstick Rose's is pure musk, this one's is pure green natural rose: girasole638 put it exactly right when they called it 'rose-in-a-blender'. Also, Drôle de Rose is far lighter and more transparent, which is very nice, and also makes it easier to wear and less conspicuous. I wouldn't dare to go to work next to my perfume-hating colleague wearing even a drop of Lipstick Rose, but I've been wearing this one for the last few days without even considering it - to my own great pleasure and his blissful ignorance. Which means sillage is exactly right in my book, at least for daily wear. I won't say this is a tamer, workaday version of Lipstick Rose - although in practice it can be used that way, it makes it sound less than what it is, which is wonderful in its own right, and not boring at all. Another one for my wish list...

I love roses; and I equally love violets. You can see that I was immediately captivated by Drole De Rose! And after I read its description in L'Artisan webpage (a little daughter watching her mother putting on her make up, getting ready for a night out) I was determined to buy it. Then, suddenly I came across Lipstick Rose by Frederic Malle, a perfume that shares the same concept, smelling like good quality cosmetics, I faced a terrible dilemma... Literally, the two fragrances were fighting to win the battle of my ultimate choice... At some point, I thought that I would buy lipstick rose, as it lasted longer on my skin; felt relieved after resolving. But upon decision, I started an aversion towards the LR fragrance (and maybe unfairly), because its actual sweetness and lusciousness upset my stomach, suffocated me, rendering it synthetic... I returned to my initial love for the Drole De Rose! It's much more natural, and although not extremely long lasting, it's adorable! And it was the first that encapsulated the concept of smelling expensive lipstick and face powder! It is going to be my birthday gift to myself! Edit: changed my mind for Drole de Rose too; too sweet... I cannot believe how enthusiastic I was initially... Maybe, it will come back to me.

Lovely fragrance: fascinating and delicate, a novelty in its genre (though some years have passed!), powdery (iris) and zesty (orange, not only the flowers) carrying a sweetness but avoiding an easy to reach confectionery effect in the meanwhile. It carryes also the charm of an oldish perfume with those notes which reminds you old, good lipsticks and good quality maquillage. Very nice dry down when it settles on the creamy notes of leather, rose and a hint of violet normally; whereas on my skin violet overwhelms the rose! Not so particularly impressive sillage: a frag for "few friends" as it stays really close to you. Recomended for the middle season, spring or the very beginning of summer because of its light consistence. These are the best moments in the year in which the lasting power of the frag is more reliable than others (let's say some 5 or 6 hours). p.s. As many reviewers have noticed, it can remind Lipstick Rose, having both many similarities, but Drole de Rose has been released on the market years before! p.s. 2 I believe that Fragonard's Emilie could be the 'non-expensive' but high quality alternative, especially the perfume that has got a great persistence more (obviously) than the same (always Emilie) E.d.T