I blind-bought it on online sale from one of department stores without properly testing it, and it turned out to be not for me. Rose Rouge sounded hoarse and rough, and when I rushed to the sink to wash it off, she covered me with cotton candy. Getting rid of Rose Rouge was not easy. Actually, it didn't work at all. She turned out to be stronger. I managed to drown it out, but for a long time, it tormented me with its cloying sweetness. The idea behind this creation is about much more than crafting the scent of a rose it is about the uniqueness of a new rose... Like a botanist I sought to recreate a rose with the imagination of the Maison.” For me, this is a sexy feminine, nighttime fragrance. Suitable for a date night or a night out when the evening is a bit cooler. I find Rose Rouge never feels heavy or cloying and have worn it on a mild summer night and it was never suffocating. At first it's berry-tart and roses. Very girly and pink. Some time later the earthy patch, chocolate and vanilla come out and the scent deepens and softens a little. It's a tart fruity, musky rose with mild depth that doesn't feel dense or too sweet.

Usually, I go on a date with afragrance I like several times, but for some reason, that didn't happen with Rose Rouge, and I met her again after many months.The bright sun was shining; I was wearing a light dress; I opened the white box of Van Cleef And Arpels's Collection Extraordinaire Miniature Set, took out Rose Rouge, sprayed, expecting that strawberry-chocolate-pink joy, and… I was negatively disposed toward Rose Rouge before I tested it: I read that this one replaced Rouge Velours, which I recently tested and liked very much, and which in my opinion didn't need replacing. But having tested this one, I have to say it's even better, and although it's still a shame about Rose Velours, this is the one I would have kept in my collection if I had to choose only one as well. Side note - Rose Rouge layered over Flower L'Elixir is DREAMY. RR accents the rose and makes the raspberry more tart in FL'E, and FL'E gives something more to the drydown of RR.This reminds me a little bit of Lancôme Rôses Berberanza, but it's not exactly the same, Rose Rouge is much softer and less opulent, like a light and fluffy, more versatile version of this scent profile. In this case the rich and loud version works better for me though. Update: This one really improves on the drydown. The cocoa notes are coming through for me, at long last, and I'm getting a vanillic creaminess that wasn't here before. It reminds me a bit of a Montale, only with all the incensey, oudlike notes removed and somewhat more demure musks. The only danger with this one is that I become slightly anosmic to it and might overspray. The cocoa-rose-liqueur effect is enchanting! In fact, I think I'm going to upgrade this one to a love. I'm glad I chose it for my monthly subscription purse spray; this seems like one I will get a lot of wear from this autumn and winter. I picture armloads of red roses surrounded by open boxes of Valentine's truffles. Not getting the drunken-Halloween-rose that Elena described so memorably, but there's still time, I guess. If such unruliness does develop, I think I might let this rose get me soused and make out with me--why not? I'm not going anywhere. Once upon a time, there was a Rose... For its Collection Extraordinaire, the Maison Van Cleef & Arpels has drawn its focus to an exceptional flower, the Rose... The bloom that is also known as the "Queen of Flowers" has been the centre of attention for centuries, and an endless source of inspiration for poets and writers, painters and perfumers. The Maison approached its new creation just like those botanists, crafting a Rose from scratch: the Van Cleef & Arpels Rose... "The idea behind this creation is about much more than crafting the scent of a Rose, it is about the uniqueness of a new Rose... Like a botanist, I sought to recreate a Rose with the imagination of the Maison. Its sensual floral heart is composed of Turkish Rose Essence and a unique Rose that perfectly expresses the botanical sensations of the Rose plant. In the base notes, an unexpected gourmand influence (Cocoa Absolute) mingles with the refined notes of a modern chypre composed of precious woods, Patchouli and Vetiver. Edit: If Rose Rouge smells like the pictures of rose wine, dark red roses and the dark fancy chocolates I will be in heaven and so will my husband. If it is that good, it will go on my full bottle wish list. Rose Rouge is charming and frightfulat the same time.She can suffocate in her sugary embrace, sealing her mouth with a chocolate-raspberry kiss to ensure the victim doesn't leave alive.And she knows how to caress the velvet petals, seduce with berry wine and ripe strawberries, and a chocolate-raspberry kiss can be a welcome reward...

I love and enjoy wearing Van Cleef & Arpels classics: Gem, Van Cleef, First, and Birmane. Especially the bitter autumn scent Gem… Its sensual floral heart is composed of Turkish Rose Essence and a unique rose that perfectly expresses the botanical sensations of the rose plant. In the base notes an unexpected gourmand influence (cocoa absolute) mingles with the refined notes of a modern chypre composed of precious woods patchouli and vetiver. EDIT 2: l think a man could definitely pull it off as well. Especially the opening. The scent is warm spicy, but not in a very feminine, sweet way. Hard to describe , this Rose is a mature Rose, red for sure, and in full bloom. Opulent, rich smelling and sensual, I think it's meant to seduce... Not that men are prone to love roses, but it has a gourmand tint, a fleshy reference to the very nature of femininity . The lasting power is good on me, with above average silage.... Yet it's not strong, there is a transparency here which clashes with the voluptuous nature of this Rose, giving it contrast and mystery . The honey note morphs into a woody note towards the end of the development, making this scent even more intriguing,As a side note, I can't smell anything ozonic or aquatic here, nor spices. This is a honeyed powdery ambery rose , should you wish to simplify matters . I also appreciate the Collection Extraordinaire editions; they are all well made. I can't call any of them unsuccessful or even passable. Thetender chocolate vanilla in Orchidee Vanille and the melancholic tuberose in autumn leaves of Precious Oud have both taken root in my collection: I love them. And I havethe Halloween-evoking Rose Rouge, although I have a very difficult relationship with her. Rose Rouge was charming.But I didn't trust her anymore.I could answer her with words from the same song, " Et je n'y croirais jamais plus."I can't trust her anymore...