• About
  • Login to comment
    • Facebook
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Now Smell This

a blog about perfume

Menu ▼
  • Perfume Reviews
  • New Perfumes
  • Perfumers
  • Perfume Houses
  • Shop for perfume
  • Resources

The Healing Garden Passion Rose All Day Moisture Body Creme

Posted by Jessica on 14 January 2007 9 Comments

The Healing Garden Passion Rose scented body productsAs 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.

Filed Under: scented body products
Tagged With: cheap thrills, cream or lotion, healing garden, rose

Advertisement


9 Comments

Leave a comment, or read more about commenting at Now Smell This. Here's our privacy policy, and a handy emoticon chart.

  1. Anonymous says:
    14 January 2007 at 11:22 am

    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

    Log in to Reply
  2. Anonymous says:
    14 January 2007 at 9:44 pm

    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!

    Log in to Reply
  3. Anonymous says:
    14 January 2007 at 10:25 pm

    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

    Log in to Reply
  4. Anonymous says:
    14 January 2007 at 11:34 pm

    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! :)

    Log in to Reply
  5. Anonymous says:
    15 January 2007 at 3:38 am

    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

    Log in to Reply
  6. Anonymous says:
    15 January 2007 at 10:53 am

    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!

    Log in to Reply
  7. Anonymous says:
    17 January 2007 at 8:17 am

    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

    Log in to Reply
  8. Anonymous says:
    17 January 2007 at 7:27 pm

    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! ;)

    Log in to Reply
  9. Anonymous says:
    23 January 2007 at 10:30 pm

    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. :)

    Log in to Reply

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Advertisement

Search

From NST at Twitter

    Browse by...

    Topic

    Perfume talk New fragrances
    Shopping Books :: News
    Body products Home fragrance
    Polls Another subject

    Date

    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023

    Prior months

    Author

    Robin Jessica
    Angela Kevin
    Erin Guest Author

    Tag

    Celebrity perfumes
    Cheap thrills
    Collector bottles
    Perfumista tip series
    Video
    The complete tag index

    Recent reviews

    Atelier Cologne Love Osmanthus
    Moschino Toy Boy
    Arquiste Misfit
    Diptyque Eau Capitale
    Zoologist Bee
    Parfum d’Empire Immortelle Corse
    Comme des Garcons Series 10 Clash
    Frédéric Malle Rose & Cuir
    L’Artisan Parfumeur Le Chant de Camargue
    Yves Saint Laurent Grain de Poudre
    Régime des Fleurs Chloë Sevigny Little Flower
    Chanel 1957
    Gallivant Los Angeles
    Amouage Portrayal Woman

    Blogroll

    Bois de Jasmin
    Grain de Musc
    Perfume Posse
    The Non-Blonde
    More blogs...

    Perfumista lists

    100 fragrances every perfumista should try
    And 25 more fragrances every perfumista should smell
    50 masculine fragrances every perfumista should try
    26 vintage fragrances every perfumista should try
    25 rose fragrances every perfumista should try
    11 Cheap Perfumes Beauty Outsiders Love

    Favorite posts

    The Great Perfume Reduction Plan
    Why I Love Old School Chypres
    New to perfume and want to learn more?
    How to make fragrance last through the day
    Fragrance concentrations: sorting it all out
    On reformulations, or why your favorite perfume doesn’t smell like it used to
    How to get fragrance samples
    Perfume for Life: How Long Will Your Fragrance Collection Last?

    Upcoming

    List of upcoming Friday projects

    8 July ~ summer reading poll

    Back to Top

    Home
    About Now Smell This :: Privacy Policy

    Shop for Perfume Online
    Perfume Shopping in New York
    Perfume Shopping in London
    Perfume Reviews
    New Perfumes
    General Perfume Articles
    The Monday Mail

    Glossary of Perfume Terms
    Perfume FAQ
    Perfume Links
    Perfume Books
    Fragrance Awards

    Noses ~ Perfumers A-E :: F-K :: L-S :: T-Z

    Perfume Houses A-B :: C :: D-E :: F-G
    H-J :: K-L :: M :: N-O :: P :: Q-R :: S
    T :: U-Z

    Copyright © 2005-2023 Now Smell This. All rights reserved.