Is this what heaven smells like?
It’s a crying shame that Narciso Rouge, a fragrance debuted by the Narciso Rodriguez house in 2018, is so underrated. It’s an absolute monster of a fragrance — a stunning ode to divine femininity.
This is a “bad bitch” fragrance in every sense of the word. The sheer enormity of that first blast is like a powder keg of, well, powder. It smells like old Revlon lipsticks, powdered skin, and fancy “old lady” soap. It smells like an Old Hollywood film.
We’re convinced that Marilyn would have had a bottle of Rouge on her vanity.
The powdery soap smell definitely gives it that “old lady” fragrance, but with an invigorating youthful twist. While powdery predecessors like Chanel No 5 can be heavy and over-bearing, Rouge feels updated and modern.
The top notes are bright, sparkly iris and rose, while the dry-down is a sort of woodsy vanilla. Mixed in there is the aforementioned makeup powder and lipstick.
It takes a certain type of woman to pull this off. You can’t be meek and walk into a room smelling like Rouge. If you decide to pick up a bottle, you have to be committed and OWN IT.
Best time to wear Rouge?
Winter, night time.
Alina Schelkanova
Rouge is heavy yet serene, like freshly fallen snow. This perfume is also just a touch too heavy for daytime wear. The sillage and projection is intense, it would be too much for an office.
Buy or pass?
BUY. If you dare.