fragrance notes: ralph lauren romance

I've been a bit of a snob lately when it comes to perfumes. Maybe it's a case of celebrity fragrance fatigue, (where every week, it seems some C-list celeb launches their third fruity-smelling perfume), but I'm finding a lot more interesting scents are coming out of niche perfume houses. Once in a while, though, I'll come across a mainstream scent that I'd overlooked, and that's the case with Ralph Lauren Romance. The scent has been going strong ever since it launched in 1998: According to New York Times scent critic (yes, there is such a thing) Chandler Burr, in his book The Perfect Scent, Romance is one of the most consistently popular fragrances in the US, usually ranking in the top 5 in sales. And maybe that's why I was turned off at first, since I don't usually like to smell like everyone else, but I have to say that I like it, for the simple fact that even though it's a bit strong, Romance is an easy-wearing scent. It's described as a woody floral scent (with notes of sungoddess rose, lotus flower and daylily), but what really gets me every time I wear it is a soapy smell – the smell of clean. And who doesn't like to smell clean? The floral, muskiness emerges after awhile to reveal a very pretty scent. Just be sure not to overdo it - I'd recommend spraying it in the air and walking into it – as this stuff is a bit heady. Romance was recently redone in a limited edition frosted bottle with an accompanying silver locket, so it would make a nice little keepsake gift for lovers of this perfume.