Imagine yourself in a field of roses at daybreak, where the morning dew gently glistens upon the petals of the fragrant flowers.  This was  the inspiration for Rosenlust by Natural Perfumer Tanja Bochnig, (the 2014 Art and Olfaction award winning perfumer from Germany). According to Ms. Bochnig, she created Rosenlust after a trip to Turkey where she gathered Rose Otto petals early one morning when the sun was still low on the horizon.  This is the time of day that is perfect for harvesting roses as it protects the women who pick the flowers as well the blooms from the intense heat.

 Tanja Bochnig in Turkey making friends (Photo Courtesy:Tanja Bochnig)

On her trip, she fell in love with the Turkish people, their purity, sweetness and their amazing hospitality. All Ms. Bochnig’s perfumes connect to a chakra, and Rosenlust opens the heart chakra in the way the Turkish people opened her own heart. A fascinating aspect to this April Aromatics perfume is it "macerates" in Herkimer diamond for several months; this process creates an aura of "protective" energy which makes the scent more potent and expansive.

 The Rose Harvest by Henry Siddons Mowbray (1858-1928)

Rosenlust is well named as it is a rose lover's fantasy. In addition to Rose Otto, Ms. Bochnig added rose absolue from Bulgaria.  It has a distinct aroma and is quite different than the scent of rose otto; it's more honeyed and peeks through at the base. The third rose comes from India and the fourth from England.  Using four different roses from both Eastern and Western locales, brings a diversity of energies and cultures that stand on their own yet blend seamlessly. Ms. Bochnig adds  precious seeds from a tropical hibiscus plant, and two more roses of other genuses, rose geranium and rosewood, to the composition. Rosenlust is not loud nor is it a dirty rose, rather it is subtle and soft, with slightly woody and citrus accords sweetened by tonka beans.

Time Lapse photo of roses blooming

The beauty of  a well crafted natural perfume is that its story is told over a period of time and that is difficult to achieve in a fragrance created with mostly synthetics.  Rosenlust is the scented equivalent of time lapse photography, where everything moves in slow motion. When I spritz on Rosenlust, it goes on slightly balmy, as if infused with mint from an English garden and there is a slightly fruity smell of  grapefruit freshly picked from a citrus grove. At first the roses are subdued, as if you are walking down a wooded path and see a field of roses in the distance, their delicate scent carries on a light breeze.   As the perfume develops, the rose becomes rounder and seems to fold over its petals layer by layer until hours later, Rosenlust takes on an ethereal glow and the scent of  sweet pollen at the center is revealed as the rose is now in full bloom.  Rosenlust warms my soul and Ms. Bochnig has created a rose perfume that is after my own heart.

 Notes:  100% natural extracts of Rose Otto/Turkey, Rose/Bulgaria, Rosewater Rosewood/Brasilien, Pink Grapefruit/USA, Ambrette Seed, Tonkabean, Orris Root

Disclaimer: Review based upon product provided for promotional consideration.

— Steven Lindquist, Contributor and Editor of The Scented Hound

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

Tanja Bochnig Stops and Smells the Roses (Photo:Courtesy of Tanja Bochnig)

Editor's Note:  CaFleureBon was the first US based perfume site to review the inaugral line of April Aromatics Perfumes on September 27, 2011; Rosenlust, Rose D'Orange, Liquid Dreams, Nectar of Love, Unter den Linden, Precious Dreams and Bohemian Woods.   Tanja was named CaFleureBon's Rising Star in 2011-Natural Perfumeryin our Best and Worst of 2011 perfumes . As our writing team has grown over the past three years, new editors and contributors discover Tanja Bochnig's perfumes and each have experienced an emotional connection.   I am happy that Steve chose Rosenlust as his first April Aromatics review, as it doesn't get the "love" it deserves from the fragrosphere. Tanja is a true Rennaisance woman; a natural perfumer, a model, a yoga practioner, a photographer and a loving mother.  April Aromatics is now available in the US at Luckyscent.-Michleyn Camen, Editor in Chief.

(Photo Courtesy: Tanja Bochnig) Tanja sitting on a bed of rose otto petals

Thanks to Tanja Bochnig of April Aromatics we have a worldwide draw for 7ml of Rosenlust pure perfume for two winners: one in the USA and one Anywhere Else in the World. To be eligible, please leave a comment with why you would like to win Rosenlust and if you have a favorite April Aromatics perfume and where you live. Draw ends June 30, 2014

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.