The concept of dharma is prominent in both Buddhism and Hinduism. Coming from the Sanskrit dhri, which means to “uphold” or “sustain”, dharma is about upholding and sustaining the natural, positive order of things in life and the universe. The Dharma Wheel symbolizes the cycle of birth and rebirth. Perfumer Ragna Rostad-Ruffner of Divine Life Perfume created her Dharma Rose fragrance “to assist you as you walk your path, speak your truth and live your dream …all from the deepest desires of your heart.” Dharma Rose is available in both perfume oil and eau de cologne. I tested both, and they are wonderful, with different personalities.
Dharma Rose Perfume Oil goes on bright and almost fruity, like you have just stuck your nose in a particularly fragrant rose. The balance of rose with the darker, woodier notes like patchouli and sandalwood veers more into the rose territory, and as a result the scent dissipates fairly quickly. It is wonderful while it lasts, and dries down to a soft buzz of rose. I could see this being a lovely scent for meditation or just lying around thinking about life. As part of my testing, I rubbed a few drops onto my face and that was a sublime experience, with the jojoba and fractionated coconut oil carriers providing softness and the aroma providing a calming influence. If you were facing a difficult day, this would be a nice way to start it.
The Dharma Rose Eau de Cologne is a work of art. In this version, although the notes are the same as the oil version, the dispersion created by the alcohol base brings the wonderful patchouli to stand proudly alongside the rose and creates a spiritually uplifting aura. The rose is the same fruity, spectacular rose as you get in the opening of the oil, but it is more jubilant and plays better with its companion notes. Rose is not always easy for me, and a stronger rose accord can often become vinegar on my skin, so this is really exciting. Ragna has chosen perfect notes to complement the rose; there is enough wood and citrus to keep the scent lifted and alive on the skin, and it never goes murky, as many natural fragrances can. Longevity and sillage are very good for an eau de cologne, and I will be adding this to my collection ASAP.
Notes: Bulgarian Rose, Moroccan Rose, Turkish Rose Otto, Patchouli Absolute, Indonesian Vetiver, Mysore Sandalwood, Jasmine Grandiflorim, Geranium Absolute, Spikenard, Red Mandarin, Yuzu, Bois de Rose.
Divine Life products are available online through their Etsy shop. Thanks to the generosity of Ragna of Divine Life Perfume (who provided my samples), we have a reader’s choice draw of either an 8 ml rollerball bottle of Dharma Rose Perfume Oil, or a 15 ml bottle of Dharma Rose Eau de Cologne. She will also include a 1-ounce sample of the Dharma Rose soap that is part of the line. Let us know your favorite rose fragrances and which one of the Dharma Rose fragrances you would like if you win. Draw ends on August 18, 2012.
We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.
–Tama Blough, Senior Editor