Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.
The best summer fragrances manage to be refreshing as well as complex. When Marie-Hélène Rogeon’s line introduced Les Parfums de Rosine Un Zest de Rose in 2002, I immediately fell in love with its scent of white rose petals folded into lemon sorbet. Indeed, the top notes are very interesting reminding me of unopened rose buds due to the crisp and green accords of bergamot tempering the sweetness of roses.
The heart loses some of the citrusy effervescence, however it is still a gorgeous creamy white rose fragrance that remains fresh and sparkling. A touch of jasmine adds a dusky opulent note, whereas vetiver prevents the fragrance from being one-dimensional. The dry down of rose on the base of subtle sandalwood and vetiver touched by amber balanced subtle warmth and icy sting, not unlike caipirinha, a Brazilian drink made with ice, vodka, sugar and lime. Although the lasting power is average, Un Zest de Rose is such a perfect choice for the summer that I do not mind refreshing it.
Available at Aedes and First-in-Fragrance.
12 Comments
parislondres: Hi V! I like most Rosines because of their rather fresh twist as rose fragrances do and they tend to last on me.
I like this but adore Ecume as you know. 🙂
Hope all is well.
xoxo August 15, 2005 at 3:15am
Robin: I can no longer remember why I don’t like this one nearly as well as Yuzu Rouge. I didn’t dislike Un Zeste, but I’ve never felt the need to own it. Perhaps it was the “loses some of the citrusy effervescence” part… August 15, 2005 at 9:02am
Anjali: I love Un Zeste de Rose (how on *earth* do you properly spell “Zest(e)” btw? I’ve seen it both ways, and I thought with the ‘e’ was correct until I realized on my *box*, it says “Zest”…very, very confusing!) as well, although lately I have been wearing more of Hermes Rose Ikebana, which I find similar, but more summery and less harsh due to the rhubarb and lack of jasmine. Feel as though I must check out Yuzu Rouge now, which you have made sound perfectly delicious as well… August 15, 2005 at 11:38am
BoisdeJasmin: Dear N, they last fairly well on me, but the most appealing part are the diverse rose notes they tend to possess. My favourite is also Ecume as you know :), but Un Zeste is a close second.
xoxo August 15, 2005 at 9:35am
BoisdeJasmin: R, I have and wear both, and they are not that similar as to make owning both Un Zeste and Yuzu redundant. I wear Yuzu Rouge more in the summer, because it is such a perfectly refreshing fragrance. Very easy to wear. August 15, 2005 at 9:35am
mreenymo: Un Zest is great for summer and has very good lasting power, at least on me. I am so glad that I finally opened up to rose and started testing the Rosines. They are absolutely beautiful fragrances!
Hugs! August 15, 2005 at 1:42pm
Laura: Now, for example,I love Rose d’Ete. I’ll have to dig out my sample of Un Zeste, if i still have one. Though the Lord knows why I need to cotton onto one MORE scent. Honestly, some people are incorrigible. *glances quickly at person sitting to her left and realizes no one is there.* August 15, 2005 at 11:00am
BoisdeJasmin: LOL! Well, as they say, variety is a spice of life. That should be the motto on my coat of arms. Not that I have a coat of arms. August 15, 2005 at 11:26am
BoisdeJasmin: I keep seeing both as well, however if your box says “Zest,” I will change it to that. I do not even remember what my box said.
I think that you might like Yuzu Rouge. I brought a large decant for my travels and used it all up within a record short period of time. August 15, 2005 at 11:42am
BoisdeJasmin: Dear R, I also really enjoy the line, and I am glad that you found something that you like out of the range.
xoxo August 15, 2005 at 5:14pm
Atreau: This is one fragrance that I will without a doubt purchase a bottle of. It’s so beautiful yet still subtle. August 16, 2005 at 4:04am
Mandy D: I never fail to get compliments on Un Zest! I am a white flower girl but this one is so special. The “sparkle” remains on me for a long time! May 18, 2019 at 12:41pm