Aqua Allegoria Rosa Magnifica (1999)
by Guerlain

A perfectly simple, pleasant linear rose fragrance with a light, 'green' background. Longevity and sillage are as expected (reasonable, not outrageous). If I come across an inexpensive bottle or swap I'd seriously consider a purchase. Being on a rose kick lately, I would compare this to another simple rose, Czech & Speake Rose. The C&S is stronger with nearly double the longevity, but it's also close to triple the price. Both present a high-quality yet simple rose that showcases the note without hitting you over the head with it.

Soapy rose. Rosewater, with a slight tea-like character. If you like roses, it's okay.

Totally new here and new to fragrances, so please be gentle with me and my beginner's nose/vocabulary! As for this Guerlain fragrance that I received from TPC, along with 4 other Guerlains, this is the only one that agrees with my skin and, I believe, smells as it is supposed to. Although not my favorite scent, the rose here is definitely a lovel singular floral, and more modern than others I have tried. The name is absolutely perfect, as it does remind me of an "aquatic" rose garden...maybe a pond nearby or something. It did not have many "transitions" for me, so I guess that would be called "linear"? But, it was rich and absolutely pleasant smelling all day. I received numerous compliments from my hubby and people at work. Too bad it is discontinued, as I might have purchased. I still may order a small decant just to wear occasionally.

Has the lightness yet also the limited range of rosewater. Enjoyed this, and I feel it's an approachable rose for non-rose-lovers (of which I'm one), but it's not very interesting.

Rosa Magnifica is one of the better releases from the Aqua Allegoria line. It's a very true-to-life depiction of roses with subtle green, spicy and tea accords playing the supporting role. If this had been released a few years earlier, it would have created more waves as there are now plenty of equally good (and better) rose scents available. However, it does smell modern enough not to make you smell like your grandmother.

This is fine, but less than I would have expected from Guerlain.