Velvet Rose

Bottom Line

Velvet Rose is a strong contender for those seeking the Rose D'Arabie vibe without the hefty price tag. It's not a 1:1 dupe, the differences are there, especially in the quality of ingredients. But for a tenth of the price, you get a very respectable, long-lasting rose-oud fragrance. If you crave the *absolute best* rose, and money is no object, go for the original. But if you want a great approximation that won’t break the bank? This is a winner.

The Scent Profile

Lattafa's Velvet Rose aims for Armani's Rose D'Arabie, and hits the mark, but with a budget. The opening saffron is there, a little sharper, a bit more synthetic than the original's smoother spice. The heart boasts that powerful damask rose, backed by patchouli and violet. This is where it's 92% of the way there. The rose is opulent, but lacks the depth and nuance of the Armani. The dry down is oud and vanilla. The oud is less refined, slightly medicinal. It's a good base, but not a seamless blend.

Wear time & Sillage

Expect solid performance . Velvet Rose projects for a good 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble. Longevity is impressive: 6-8 hours on skin, easily lasting longer on clothes. Not beast mode, but definitely performs better than some designer scents costing much more.