Perfume: Roja ‘Gardenia’

Roja 'Gardenia' perfume review

Roja ‘Gardenia’

Gardenia is one of the hardest of all scents to capture. I have been obsessed by its creamy, narcotic, and sensual beauty for most of my life. It felt impossible to create – but finally here it is in all its majesty.” – Roja Dove.

Notes

Top Notes:Bergamot

Heart Notes: Rose de Mai, Orange Blossom, Jasmin de Grasse, Heliotrope, Mimosa, Violet

Base Notes: Peach Leaves, Elemi, Clove, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Styrax, Musk

Roja 'Gardenia' perfume review

In Review…

Ordinarily, when it comes to fragrance, I like quite dark, Oriental scents which are filled rich notes of woods, leather, amber and red roses. Just as I think I have found my favourite notes and signature scents, I fall in love with a fragrance which is the polar opposite; fresh, floral and classically feminine. Maybe it’s my split personality, the change of season, or maybe I need a breath of fresh air in between all the heavy, rich Oriental fragrances I love so much. Who knows! But whatever the reason, I’ve fallen in love with Roja Gardenia.

True to name, at the heart of the fragrance is gardenia; in all it’s white floral, creamy, sensual glory. Whilst it might read like this perfume is bursting full of ingredients, the florals mimic the scent of gardenia and the woods and spices add depth and drama to the fragrance. But make no mistake, the dominant notes the fragrance is the namesake floral. Roja Gardenia opens with a burst of freshness, smoky citrus bergamot with a garden of fresh white florals and which are filled with sunshine; Orange Blossom, Jasmin de Grasse, Heliotrope, Mimosa, rose and violet. It has a base of Peach Leaves, Elemi, Clove, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Styrax and Musk, which is woodsy, powdery and a touch sweet. Roja Gardenia reminds me of fine teas being served in a country garden; Earl Grey, Jasmine, chamomile and rose infusions, sparkling in the sun and nibbling on delicate petit fours and surrounded by gardenia and garden florals. There is a hint of green in the fragrance, perhaps from the trees and a slight aquatic accord in the distance. It has powdery tones of vintage elegance and precious silks, with a hint of spice from the clove and elemi. Roja Gardenia smells like a perfect summers afternoon, classic, elegant, and oh-so-stylish. I’m utterly smitten with it!

Roja Gardenia is available from Selfridges, Harrods and from Roja online and in-store.

Roja 'Gardenia' perfume review

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10 Comments

  1. Megan McCoig
    June 27, 2017 / 9:52 am

    This sounds so gorgeous and light for summer. I adore the packaging of this one. Would be perfect for a dressing table xx

    • fashionforlunch
      June 27, 2017 / 9:53 am

      It’s soooo pretty! I think you would love it

    • fashionforlunch
      June 27, 2017 / 5:58 pm

      Thank you so so much! It’s so pretty

  2. Amie Cadwallader
    June 27, 2017 / 5:57 pm

    Oooh this scent sounds like my kind of one! It sounds amazing!

    Love, Amie ❤
    The Curvaceous Vegan | Instagram

    • fashionforlunch
      June 27, 2017 / 5:58 pm

      It’s so so pretty aime! It’s a real favourite of mine! X

  3. July 2, 2017 / 4:48 pm

    You’re so good at describing perfumes and this one sounds amazing!

    Rachel | Hey Rachieface

    • fashionforlunch
      July 2, 2017 / 7:00 pm

      Aw you are so kind! thank you so much!!!

  4. July 4, 2017 / 12:47 pm

    This looks like a Jo Malone perfume! So pretty!

    • fashionforlunch
      July 4, 2017 / 1:04 pm

      you really need to try this! it’s just stunning!!