As I stood in the aisle of Duane Reade and reached for a tube of The Healing Garden’s Sensual Therapy Passion Rose All Day Moisture Body Crème, I reflected on the endurance of my obsession with rose fragrance. I have been wearing rose-based perfumes for much of my life, and I own a selection of favorites. Since I also like rose body products, to wear with the perfumes or on their own, I habitually scan the shelves of stores ranging from Takashimaya to Target for rose-scented body lotions, many of which I eventually buy and try. However, unlike the dozens of rose perfumes that have won my heart over the years, rose lotions typically disappoint me. Goldilocks-like, I find fault with product after product. The rose is always too sharp, has a cloying fruit-syrup note, or is barely detectable; the formula of the lotion may be too runny, too greasy, or have an underlying plasticy smell.
Once in a rare while, a rose body product does gain my devotion. For some time, I was enraptured by Lush Potion, a blend of rose and carnation absolutes in a buttery lotion; unfortunately, the company discontinued it a few years ago to make room for new products. More recently, L'Occitane’s Rose Velvet Crème granted all my wishes with its scent of freshly cut roses, its soufflé-like texture, and its vintage-inspired design. However, I have just noticed that it has ominously disappeared from the shelves at L'Occitane, only to be replaced by a similarly packaged product (Rose Pearlescent Body Cream) with a weaker, slightly bitter fragrance and a sprinkling of mica particles. (Shimmery body products are all but useless, in my book. I don’t reveal much of my body in public on a regular basis. I’d rather smell good than have unseen, glittery shoulders.)
So, my search continues, leading me to this impulse purchase during a lunchtime drugstore errand. Passion Rose is the latest scent to join The Healing Garden's Sensual Therapy line, and although the Body Crème does not quite meet my ideal, it’s still a worthwhile choice for an everyday lotion with a luxurious feel. It’s easy to find, for one thing, and it’s sold in a large tube priced under $7. I am a bit dubious about the lotion's "exclusive Herbal-Nutrient Complex", as well as its promise to "awaken [my] romantic spirit", but this product does fulfill my basic demands.
Although it takes a minute or two to absorb into the skin, it moisturizes well; I've also been using it as a hand cream. The Passion Rose fragrance, a blend of bergamot, rose, and vanilla notes, is lush and a touch "perfumey", with the vanilla making itself strongly felt around the red-rose center. (The description on the Healing Garden's website also mentions gardenia and orange blossom, but I haven’t noticed those florals at all.) The scent lingers close to the skin for an hour or two before it fades away. I have been wearing Passion Rose cream under my favorite rose-and-vanilla perfumes, such as Bond No. 9's West Side and Rochas Tocade, both of which it subtly complements without interference. Although its fragrance is much less complex, it shares their rich, overt femininity.
I will certainly keep looking for new rose lotions to love, but in the meantime, I’m using this product often. The Passion Rose line also includes body wash, bath soak, and body mist. If you have tried these, or if you have other rose lotions to recommend, please feel free to comment.
The Healing Garden is widely carried at drug & discount stores in the United States.
Two suggestions for you, as a fellow-rose lover: try Besame's Rose Balance Moisturizing Lotion … and Annick Goutal's rose Crème Splendide. I have only tried a touch of the AG and it was very pretty — but I've lavished on the Besame and it is gorgeous. hth. xoxo
Hello, Mireille! I did receive a sample of the Creme Spendide from the Goutal counter at one point. I used it up quickly! It has such a pretty, clean, tea-rosey scent. I may have to splurge on a full jar at some point.
I haven't tried Besame's lotion yet, but I do love their lipsticks. Another visit to the Besame counter might be in order!
Hi Jessica,
Well you have nudged me enough to give this a try. Although it may be too strong for me. I love rose, but for me it must be soft and delicate a whisper on the skin. For that I love Heart by Garden Botanika, do you know it?
:O)
Victoria O
Hi Victoria! Well, I would say that this lotion is on the strong side, but the shower gel might be a good choice for someone who doesn't want the scent to linger too intensely. I used to shop at Garden Botanika a few years ago, when I lived near a mall that had a GB shop; I should check out their website and reacquaint myself with the line!
Dear Jessica,
Hi ! A rose is a rose is a rose … or is it ?
I , too share your prefernce for rose scented body products. May I offer a few of mine ?
Aubrey's Rosa Mosqueta – Body lotion- very emollient, smooth and softly scented. Lovr this one – get it at whole Foods etc.
Crabtree & Evelyn's Rosewater and Glycerin line ! Love this onw. Wearing it for 30 years . ( Oh my ! ).
Love the shower gel, soap and body lotion and creme
Thr rose scent is pure , unadulterated – a pleasure to use. The creme is obviously thicker than the lotion – but the whole line is superb !
Also in the Crab & Eve line: Damask Rose is another lovely choice. It is a stronger spicier rose scent 9almosy like a white linen estee Lauder – relation. it is delicious , too !
I have enjoyed the Healing Garden's various and sundry products especially the Lavender line . I adore the Lavender pillow and room spray. the candle and of course, the body lotion/ shower gel 1 It is relatively inexpensive- bur has a unique bur distinctive scent. decent quality – overall 1
i will check out this Rose – line soon – during a run to Target or CVS 1
Best Regards-
Madelyn E
Madelyn, Thank you for mentioning Crabtree & Evelyn! I used to love wearing their Evelyn (now called Evelyn Rose?) eau de parfum. Plus, they've always had beautiful packaging that appeals to the vintage-loving side of me. And I just received some wonderful C & E jellies and jams as Christmas presents, which also reminds me that I should revisit this company. The Aubrey Rosa Mosqueta sounds interesting, too. Thanks!
What a lovely review, Jessica! I discovered these Healing Garden products recently too. I was amazed at how well-blended and balanced they were, for drugstore items.
I am looking forward to reading more of your reviews!
Patti
Thank you, my dear! You know what a rose-lover I am… I have to restrain myself from writing *all* my reviews about rose-scented products!
A little late to the game…but I have also enjoyed Healing Garden Lavender–happily surprised at the quality for the price. Will check out the rose.
Btw, is it just me, or at St. Ives products also pretty great for the money? I just bought their citrus shower cleanser, and their vanilla cleanser ($3-4 each?) and was duly impressed, they actually smell great imho! Does anyone have the scoop on them? They list lots of flower extracts, but not essential oils. Are they using natural perfumes? It almost smells….real.