Whether it’s a scent, shade, or simply an ingredient, including products that feature rose in your beauty routine is an easy way to dip your toe (or nose!) into one of the hottest trends of the season. Blame it on Barbie, the celebration of National Rose Month in some parts of the world, or just the realisation of just how good it can be for your skin, but here are some of the most popular reasons why this iconic flower really is blooming when it comes to beauty.
Skin-based benefits of including rose in your beauty routine
Want your skin to come up roses? Don’t underestimate the benefits of incorporating rose-based lotions and potions into your skincare regime. routine.
According to Dr Anne-Laure Bulteau, Skin Biologist at Fresh skincare, the most common ways that rose features as an ingredient in beauty products is as rose water, rose essential oil or rose extract.
“Rose water is a byproduct of the distillation process used to extract essential oil from roses. Known for its mild astringent properties, which can help tighten pores, balance the skin’s pH, and reduce redness. It is often used in facial mists, toners, and makeup removers,” says Dr Bulteau.
Rose essential oil, on the other hand, is derived from the petals of roses through steam distillation. It is highly concentrated and possesses numerous skin benefits, which is why it is often used in face oils, serums, creams, and body lotions. “Rosehip oil is extracted from the seeds of rosehips, the fruit of the rose plant. It is a rich source of essential fatty acids and vitamins. It is often used in facial oils, serums, and moisturisers,” adds Dr Bulteau.
Finally, according to Dr Bultea, “rose extract is a concentrated form of the beneficial compounds found in roses. It can contain a combination of active components from different parts of the rose plant, including petals, buds, and even stems. It is used in a wide range of beauty products, including cleansers, masks, toners, and serums.”
While rose-based skincare can benefit various a range of concerns, certain skin types may see particularly pronounced improvements to their complexion based on its properties. And the good news is that rose doesn’t interfere with your current regime. In fact, according to Dr Bultea “it can even increase the efficacy of some ingredients by protecting them from oxidation.”.
For example, rose-based products, such as rose water or rosehip oil, are known for their hydrating properties. They can help replenish moisture and nourish dry or dehydrated skin, leaving it feeling more supple and moisturised. Similarly, because rose contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from environmental damage, combat free radicals and reduce the signs of aging, products containing rose essential oil or rosehip oil may help improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone, promoting a more youthful-looking complexion in mature skin.
Even sensitive skin can reap the benefits of a rose-based skincare regime. Rose has soothing and calming properties that can help reduce redness, inflammation, and irritation. Therefore it’s a great gentle option for sensitive skin, providing relief and promoting a more balanced complexion.
The best rose-based products to add to your skincare routine:
1. Rose Deep Hydration Balancing Emulsion, $69 by Fresh at Sephora
2. Soothing Hand Cream, $40 by Grown Alchemist
3. Miracle Glow Body Milk in Natural Jasmin and Rose, $28, by Nontre.co
4. Cleansing Volumizing Paste with Rose Extracts, $53, by Christophe Robin at Sephora
5. Rosehip Hydrate & Glow Face Oil, $30, by Frula Skin at Woolworths
6. Liquid Gold Rose, $74.95, by Alpha H
7. Apothecary Wild Rose Spotless Serum, $96 by Korres at Mecca
8. Rose Shower Gel, $35 by L’Occitane
Roses are red, violets are blue, but this shade will always look good on you!
From soft to striking, there are several benefits of relying on rose hues to add a splash of colour to your lips, cheeks, and even nails. Namely, their ability to complement a wide range of skin tones and complexions.
With pretty pale pink – and its various and versatile shades – often considered a neutral colour (sitting between warm and cool tones), it’s unsurprising that rosey-makeup is a universally flattering option for those looking to update their cosmetic collection.
Combine this with a natural brightening effect, and its psychological association with softness and it comes as little surprise that adding rose to your beauty routine continues to be a popular addition to the modern make-up bag.
The best rose-based products to add to your cosmetic case
- Glow-To Illuminating Blush, $44, by Ciate London at Mecca
- Nail Polish in Malala, $29 by PAX
- Nail Polish in Petra, $28 by Kester Black
- Stick Rose in Soft Blush, $50, by Anastasia Beverly Hills
- Glow Lip Balm in Rose, $14, by MCoBeauty at Woolworths
- Benetint Cheek and Lip Tint, $38, by Benefit at Sephora
- Neo Nude A-Blush in Shade #51, $72, by Giorgio Armani Beauty
- Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick in Shade #130, $65 by YSL Beauty
Stop and smell the rose-scented fragrance
Finally, the benefits of rose can be enjoyed through its addition to your fragrance wardrobe – with essential oils extracted from this floral believed to enhance mood and create a sense of wellbeing. Whether applied as a balm or a spray, rose-based perfumes can relieve stress, reduce anxiety, promote relaxation and calm, and comfort your body and soul.
The smell of rose fragrance has historically also been considered an aphrodisiac – with its sweet scent believed to positively impact feelings of love, romance and intimacy.
The best rose-based products to add to your fragrance collection:
- Rose Load, $157, by Boy Smells at Mecca
- Call me Venus EDP, $112, by Recreation Beauty
- Rose Coup De Foudre EDP $170, by L’Atelier Parfum at Sephora
- Midnight in Milan EDP, $130, by Glasshouse Fragrances
- Georgette EDP, $263 by Vyrao at Mecca
- Divine Skin: Rose 001 The Essence, $170, by Pat McGrath at Sephora
- Si Passione Eclat EDP, from $118, by Giorgio Armani Beauty
- Rose and Lychee Candle, $39.95, by Circa
