Rose Exposed

Rose Exposed is basically a re-issue of Rose De Russie, which was quickly discontinued because of the invasion of Ukraine (the naming was unfortunate in hindsight), from the previous Rose line that also included Rose De Chine (has since been officially chopped) and Rose D’Amalfi (being shelved for potential limited release or distribution soon, if not discontinuation according to my agent). Exposed is formulated in the similar vein to De Russie, so much so that those who never had the chance to try De Russie could try this and have an idea on what its predecessor was all about. It’s a spicy, pepper-forward leather tinted with rose water that never really recedes despite the obtuseness of the Cuir note. It dries down with a powdery sweetness, almost creamy along the fringes, never truly usurping the biting leather but gives the illusion of tender fraying along the edges. For those who had smelled De Russie or enjoyed it more, the major difference is that subtle creamy note probably from the sandalwood and musk. De Russie on me has some sweetness but it’s an almost tart, fruity nuance than the smooth one in Exposed. I get why that could be a dealbreaker for those who liked the way the leather sears in the air. I kinda see how Exposed was softened in a similar way as Cafe Rose 2023 had been watered down with a floral sheerness that stood in contrast to the 2012 original’s dried, paste-like floral core. The difference is, Cafe seems to be going strong sales-wise moving away from cardamom-coffee-incense, while sweetening Exposed seemed to have been to its own detriment. I like Exposed enough to buy a bottle, maybe even stock up an additional one since I’m sure this one is getting discontinued before the year ends. Sales and buzz are low, it hasn’t been upgraded to 100mL, so there’s hardly any reason for it to persist. I wonder if they turned up the rose some more and dialed down the leather or even the reverse would’ve been pleasing enough for the mass market to generate sales despite the reviews. It’s a little sad honestly. When De Russie was axed, everyone was pissed and had so much to say, even if it was divisive out of the gate. They rerelease it and it’s attacked by original fans and hated by those who wanted some sort of floral bomb, sweet suede crowd-pleaser. The formula can’t win, so maybe it’s right to let it wilt away as another TF failure of the 20s. That being said, a little disappointed that not one rose from the rose trio is here to stick around any longer. I wouldn’t have thought that Rose De Chine, let alone the crowd-pleasing Rose D’Amalfi would eventually meet their end (My agent got word that they weren’t getting new shipments of either). They always seemed very likable and approachable. To think that the Cherry Trio still stands unscathed feels so weird. The Rose Trio was distinct and really tried to be something else, every rose was as different as their tandem notes were, while the Cherries smelled so redundant in their principal note. The collection was experimental enough for what they were and I’m glad I still have them all. Saving up for bigger bottles on the secondary market for sure.

Long time lurker, first time review. I've taken so much from everyone here, I now feel obligated to start feeding the beast instead of just taking...and this fragrance inspired me to do just that. Doing some Christmas shopping at a luxury department store in my area (more window shopping than anything as I only went for the fragrance floor) and did my obligatory stop at the Tom Ford counter. Was chatting away, having my horizons for what a man can pull off by one of the fragrance experts; things like Lost Cherry, which I would have never entertained trying based on name and bottle colour. Was encouraged to try Rose Exposed. On the card, I was surprised as just how masculine it leaned. Not in your typical ways, but clearly something a well dressed man could totally pull off. Asked to try on my skin and gave myself a couple sprays (purposely went fragrance free for just this purpose) and went about my day. I was stopped several times, sometimes a store.employee helping me, one another man that actually followed me for a bit just to ask, and another woman while I sat and waited for my wife to try on jeans. Clearly it was working for my chemistry and also decent projection and sillage. As for my thoughts, I kept coming back to sniffing it on my wrist and liked more with every sniff. The dry down is gorgeous and both my wife and daughter came around, not liking the opening but commenting later it the car it was working for me. As a further endorsement, and against my better judgement, I ordered a bottle. Pricey to be sure. However, this fragrance has been pretty much lambasted here, and even the Tom Ford employee acknowledged that it wasn't moving as expected. This one is ripe for a cancellation if it's fortunes do not turn around, and I wanted to ensure I had a bottle before it's cancelled and becomes yet another TF fragrance only truly appreciated after it's no longer available. As for notes: despite the name and notes listed above, rose is not the dominant scent. It's definitely there, but leather is the most prominent with the rose being complimentary.

I recently went to Sephora to try out Tom Ford perfumes and found this iconic gem. The moment I sprayed it on paper I instantly fell in love and bought it! Now that I wear it on clothes under arms I can say that this perfume is certainly a beast! I usually do 4 sprays with any perfume and with this, the perfume not only radiates to fill the room but it also lingers for 12+ hours. It is most noticeable when you move your body! The notes are a gorgeous rose-spices-woods together. In the dry drown I sometimes smell Olibanum clearly. It is great value for money compared to all other Tom Ford perfumes and is one of the best ones for sure!! As a man I have noticed women coming close to check which perfume this is as well as give me compliments.. This perfume has a strongly middle eastern vibe to it so as I pass through, I also see really pleasured faces from those that are middle eastern looking too! Tom Ford, you really put in a great perfume that is not only entrancing but also sophisticated and value for money! I feel spell bound every time I spray Rose Exposed!!! I greatly wish they do amazing in sales and that they at least release a 100 ml version of this fragrance too.. Price-Value 10/10 Fragrance 10/10 Performance 10/10

Before I start, I have to clarify that one of my most loved perfumes is Dark Lord by Kilian. After Dark Lord and Kingdom by the late McQueen nothing can scare me!😆 Because of the negative reviews I was one thought closer to give it away without even trying it but my curiosity won and I am so happy I did keep it! To me, personally, this one belongs to the younger vampire who wants to steal his master’ vial of seductive scent but wasn’t brave enough and picked up what is left in the grand closet. It’s a masterpiece. I don’t own anything like it and honestly I am happy it’s hated because I’ll have more of it lol Try it with open mind, not in the store, not on a piece of paper. Find a sample and try it at night when all is quiet and calm. The soft leather, a rose after the rain, I have no words to describe this beauty. I can only say that I am in love ☺️

Growing up in the 80's, us kids used to sit downstairs in my Grandmother's apartment and watch her and my Uncle chainsmoke, drink tequila and play poker until bed time. They were both total badasses and (for better or worse) shaped my formative years. My first cigarette was at age 10, my first real drink at 12. Rose Exposed has immediately brought me back to this time, so much so that I'm almost in tears. At first, the sweet leather ashtray hits, then you start to smell the rose around the edges, and finally at the dry-down, this beautiful rose emerges. It is a classic rose but I do get a tinge of "a freshly bloomed rose in the morning dew" which then morphed into a spicy treat. I love this, and if you also have memories of growing up during this time-I guarantee you it will immediately transport you.