Close up of a single red rose on a black wooden table surrounded by spices

For the bold, mysterious, and unforgettable.

Why Spicy Roses?

Rose is often seen as soft, delicate, and romantic. A ‘girly’ scent. Or, it’s seen as antiquated, reminds you of an old aunt’s perfume. But rose, as a note, is so much more versatile than that. Add some incense, a pinch of pepper, or warm amber, and suddenly you get something dangerous, sensual, and unforgettable. Spicy rose perfumes are perfect for nights out, chilly weather, or when you want to feel powerful and magnetic.

If you are love spicy rose perfumes or would like to give it a try, here are 10 spicy rose fragrances — from smoky and exotic to deep and resinous.

1. Amouage, Lyric Woman

Credit: Amouage

Notes: Rose, cardamom, cinnamon, incense, sandalwood

What it smells like: A luxurious, dramatic rose wrapped in incense smoke. It’s elegant and mysterious, like a red velvet opera curtain. If rose were a queen, this would be her scent. It’s feels regal, dramatic, mysterious

Sillage/Longevity: The sillage is quite strong. Expect quite powerful longevity as the scent can linger for 8–10 hours

Best for: Winter nights, romantic evenings, statement-makers. You will definitely get noticed

2. Maison Francis Kurkdjian, L’Homme À la Rose

Credit: Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Notes: Damascena rose, centifolia rose, grapefruit, sage, amber woods

What it smells like: A fresh rose with peppery citrus and warm woods. It’s spicy but clean and modern. Although sold as a man’s fragrance, it’s quite unisex

Sillage/Longevity: Moderate sillage but in terms of longevity, it last around 6–8 hours

Best for: Year-round, office-to-dinner transitions

3. Tauer Perfumes Incense Rosé

Credit: Tauer Perfumes
  • Notes: Rose, frankincense, myrrh, ambergris, labdanum
  • What it smells like: A mystical and resinous rose. Think of a rose cloaked in church incense and ancient secrets. It’s smoky, enigmatic
  • Sillage/Longevity: Very strong sillage/ Longevity goes up to 10+ hours
  • Best for: Cold nights, lovers of niche fragrance

4. Tom Ford Rose Prick

Credit: Tom Ford
  • Notes: Bulgarian rose, Sichuan pepper, turmeric, patchouli
  • What it smells like: Spicy and thorny with a sensual dry down. A daring take on rose with real bite. It’s edgy, provocative and confident.
  • Sillage/Longevity: Strong / 8 hours
  • Best for: Parties, date nights, fashionable risk-takers

5. Armani Privé Rose d’Arabie

Credit: Armani
  • Notes: Rose, oud, saffron, patchouli
  • What it smells like: Intense, Middle Eastern-style rose with golden saffron and rich woods. An opulent, sensual and exotic rose perfume
  • Sillage/Longevity: Intense sillage/ 10+ hours of longevity
  • Best for: Evening wear, special occasions

6. Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin

Credit: Serge Lutens
  • Notes: Rose, pepper, violet, musk
  • What it smells like: A dark, slightly metallic rose that opens with heat and dries down to softness. It’s melancholic, poetic but also rebellious.
  • Sillage/Longevity: Moderate sillage / 7–9 hours
  • Best for: Transitional seasons, creative types

7. Jul et Mad Stilettos on Lex

Credit: Jul et Mad
  • Notes: Rose, saffron, leather, patchouli
  • What it smells like: A seductive rose dressed in red leather and high heels. Sexy and commanding. It’s glamorous, powerful. For a modern femme fatale.
  • Sillage/Longevity: Moderate to strong sillage/ 6–8 hours of longevity
  • Best for: Nights out, upscale dinners

8. Maison Crivelli Rose Saltifolia

  • Notes: Rose, pepper, sea air, ambergris
  • What it smells like: Rose petals whipped by salty ocean wind and cracked pink pepper. An unconventional rose perfume, with a breezy, fresh twist
  • Sillage/Longevity: Light to moderate sillage/ 5–6 hours of longevity
  • Best for: Daytime, coastal escapes
Credit: Maison Crivelli

9. Memo Paris Argentina

Credit: Memo Paris
  • Notes: Rose, oud, pink pepper, ambrette
  • What it smells like: An elegant blend of rose and spices — floral, woody, and musky. It’s sultry and balanced.
  • Sillage/Longevity: Strong sillage / 8–10 hours of longevity
  • Best for: Seductive evenings, confident personalities

10. Montale Intense Café

Credit: Montale Paris
  • Notes: Rose, coffee, vanilla, amber
  • What it smells like: A comforting mix of rose and dark roast coffee with a spicy amber trail. It’s rich and addictive.
  • Sillage/Longevity: Really strong sillage / 10+ hours of longevity
  • Best for: Fall/winter, cozy but bold wear

Spicy Rose Edition

Spicy rose perfumes prove that rose isn’t just soft or romantic. It can it can be daring, opulent, and even dark. These scents are perfect for those who want a rose with a personality. Think sharp heels, red lips, smoky eyes. Or just and air of mystery…

Next up:

Perfumes That Smell Like Roses – Fresh Floral Garden Edition


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