Rose Prick by Tom Ford

unique thing about Rose Prick is that it doesn’t use just one rose, but three distinct varieties. Upon first spray, it’s spicy and intense, like a hit of pepper that gives it an earthy, dry, and slightly bitter character. In the heart, as the spices settle, a bouquet of opulent roses emerges: not fresh dewy blooms, but deep, dark, and velvety. Strong patchouli and tonka close it out with a warm, sweet, and highly sophisticated dry down. It lasts 8 to 10 hours with a medium-to-high sillage. It’s a fragrance that demands attention; as you walk, you leave behind an elegant and distinctive trail.

Rose, rose… but it’s not particularly appealing to me. I find it heavy, too aggressive, and cloying. Plus, it has a retro scent profile that doesn’t work for me. The longevity and sillage are average.

Roses with patchouli, reminds me of Angel.

It has everything needed to captivate: it’s spicy, effervescent, and bold. If you’re looking for classic rose notes that are staples in perfumery, you’ll probably be disappointed because it’s not that. The fact that it has rose notes doesn’t limit it to being floral; instead, it maintains a creative complexity not for everyone. It’s a charm for seducing with great elegance. I wear it for evening occasions, and it adds so much when the scent is enveloping and sexy. Another great design piece from Flavigny, with which it surprises and challenges again.

I hated it. I tried it yesterday and it smells overwhelmingly masculine; the roses aren’t noticeable at all, it’s more spicy than anything else. A resounding NO. I’ve tried several from this house that I didn’t even bother reviewing because they’re bad, but I’m reviewing this one because I was about to buy the Maison Alhambra one, which was all roses, and now I’m in doubt. I’m afraid it might be similar to this one.

This fragrance gave me mixed feelings at first. I found it heavy; the pepper comes out loud and clear saying ‘HERE I AM,’ there’s no way you can miss its presence, and the roses are overwhelming, all a bit vintage. But after a few minutes, when the scent ‘calms down’ (in quotes, because it never truly settles but it doesn’t assault you anymore, haha), it becomes an ultra-feminine and sophisticated perfume. I couldn’t stop smelling my wrist. Months later, I tried it again to be sure, and I like it much more than the first time. It’s not a fragrance to buy blindly because it has a lot of character and an impressive personality. I wear it to make a statement, for cold nights, or moments where you want to draw attention. Whether you like it or not, this fragrance leaves a mark. I still have it on my wishlist and hope to buy it, even if just the 50ml bottle. Having it here in Argentina at this price is unlikely but not impossible, and you’ll be mine, beloved TF!

One of the most overlooked in Tom Ford’s Private Blend collection. It’s a creamy, sweet, and well-balanced rose. Maybe it’s not a projection bomb, but it has a sweetness that traps you; it’s not for those who don’t love florals. Its price, like in the whole brand, is very inflated, but I think it might be worth it with almost moderate performance.

Smell: 10 Originality: 10 Versatility: 10 (nighttime) Season: Fall and Winter Occasions: Black-tie events Age: 60/80 Quality: 10 Price: Extremely expensive Sillage: 10 Longevity: 10 Bottle Design: 8 Overall Rating: 10

If you want to learn how to truly smell, try it gradually. Tom Ford has incredible purity in understanding nuances: roses aren’t all the same; there are juicy, herbal, Arabian ones… This is a spicy, curious, and special rose. If you’re looking for a classic rose scent, this isn’t for you, but for spice lovers, it’s a hit.

I expected a special rose, but it smells too much of strong, sweet patchouli against a bitter and spiced rose. I think it was a good idea, but in the end, it leaves much to be desired. I expected something spectacular, but they mixed Mugler’s sweet patchouli with spiced rose, and boom! Rose Prick.

Well, I bought it because it was love at first sniff. This scent has a ‘something’ that I absolutely love. The combination of the three roses creates a cocktail with the patchouli that is simply addictive. It seems totally unisex, nothing feminine. I wouldn’t count it among traditional rose perfumes. I insist, it has that ‘something’ that people love so much. The pepper balances with the turmeric, and the tonka bean gives a creamy, exquisite effect. I know Tom Ford is expensive, but I think it was worth it. It lasts a long time on clothes, days, maybe weeks; it doesn’t project more than average, but people will ask what you’re wearing. Smell: 9 Projection: 6 Sillage: 6 Longevity: 7 Originality: 8 Price: 4 (it’s very expensive; maybe there are better proposals in this category, but if you like Tom Ford and have the money, go ahead) Versatility: 9

The new Tom Ford perfume reminds me a bit of Amouage’s Lyric, but with a creamier touch. It’s also softer, with a much more velvety rose, and with performance, as is typical with Tom Ford’s latest creations, very moderate. When I wear it, I get the sensation more of wearing a rose body milk than a perfume itself. Still, the scent is very rich, almost addictive. The patchouli is quite noticeable, but despite its combination with a spice like turmeric, Rose Prick has nothing to do with Noir de Noir. I think it’s a unisex scent more for everyday wear than for special events. Smell: 9 Longevity: 6.5 Sillage: 5.5 Value/Price: 4 (seems like an exaggerated price for what it offers, superior to most Private Blends just to capitalize on the launch marketing) Versatility: 8.5 Originality: 7 Overall: 7.5