Fragrance
Feb 14, 2023

The Luxe, Natural Fragrance Brand You Don't Know About (Yet)

by Maya Thomas

If you're looking for a new, Earth-conscious line of fragrances to add to your roster, St. Rose is definitely one that deserves your undivided attention. Describing itself as a "modern fragrance house rooted in the art of nature," St. Rose strives to create essential oils that are overdosed for long-wearing, highly concentrated, and complex fragrances from high-performing botanicals. Headed by founder Belinda Smith and chief perfumer Linda Song, this clean, luxury brand is named after the patron saint of gardeners and is dedicated to products based in nature. With this in mind, St. Rose uses eco-responsible materials and ethically harvested and vegan ingredients to ensure a minimal environmental impact. Keep scrolling to discover which of the brand's fine fragrances have Who What Wear's editors talking (and shopping).

I discovered this fragrance recently while on the hunt for a perfume that was equal parts unique, fresh, and memorable. I've always gravitated toward fragrances with a touch of nostalgia; ones that, with one quick spritz, give me an entirely new personality. It's also effortlessly cool, with notes of zesty Italian lemon, ozonic accord, bergamot, and a blend of bright florals and comforting woods. If I could describe the fragrance in two words (which, believe me, is beyond difficult since there's so many it invokes), I would say it's familiar and fun.

"I think St. Rose is the only fragrance line to exist that I would honestly and truly wear every single one of its eight scents. That said, Juliet in White is so beyond and special that it almost feels wasted on any ol' normal day. If you love both floral and woodsy perfumes, this one combines the best of both worlds—white tea, pepper, and tangerine on top for just a little bit of fizz; sambac, jasmine, rose, and bergamot at the heart for that floral component; and sandalwood and ambrette at the base to keep it nice and grounded. I've had it in my arsenal for years, and it's still the one I'm reserving for my one-day wedding."

"Desert Nomad is one of my go-to day-to-day fragrances. Think dry, smoky, and woodsy (it's often described as a total smokeshow bottled, according to the brand) thanks to the blend of ginger, bergamot, neroli, pepper, iris, clary sage, sandalwood, palo santo, and vetiver. It's a composition of notes that I wouldn't think I'd like if I hadn't smelled this perfume, but the way it plays out once it's on your skin is really special. Lots of woodsy scents translate really heavy and cloying to me—this one doesn't. It's subtle but addicting!"

"Honestly, this scent is hard to describe, but the best way I can put it is that it's earthy, warm, and a little bit spicy. It's been in my favorites rotation for a while now because it's so unique. What I also love about each of St. Rose's fragrances is their ability to transport you somewhere else. As the name would kind of have it, this one truly evokes the feeling of a desert oasis in the best way possible. The woodier base notes also give it a deliciously smoky scent that dries down so beautifully."

"I first encountered Gypsy Cowboy a few years ago when I met up with one of my most stylish fashion friends and was enveloped in the most alluring and intriguing scent as I went in for a hug. As soon as I caught a whiff of it, I knew it was something special. The fact that only the most in-the-know people in my circle are wearing it is that much more validating. As for what it smells like, I would describe it as warm and inviting but with just the right amount of muskiness so that it lives up to the mysterious, rough-around-the-edges vibe conjured by a name like Gypsy Cowboy."