Rosarine
Eau de Parfum, Dusita (2023)

A special occasion rose fragrance that is beautiful from every angle. Because it is neither strange nor pretty, it risks being overlooked by indie connoisseurs in the first case and by casual wearers in the second. Though the notes list seems to promise a lychee-rose in the spirit of Delina (Parfums de Marly) or Chloe, the first few minutes of this fragrance puts forth a massive, truffled red-black rose that tilts at black velvet. Underscored by a dry, grappa-like ambrette musk that adds some sparkle, this remains a rather serious, lush rose affair, one that is really quite vintage in style. It is not light-hearted or particularly girlish, despite the slight rosewater and raspberry jam notes flitting around. The drydown is earthy and slightly cocoa-ish, with plenty of leafy patchouli and benzoin opening up new pockets of darkness at the edge of the pulpy red rose. I imagine that anyone captivated by Eau Capitale (Diptyque) or Portrait of a Lady (Frederic Malle) but wishing for something more focused on the beauty of a lush rose as found in nature, would love Rosarine.