Lover

Lover is No.II of the twelve ARgENTUM archetype fragrances, a floral musk eau de parfum that puts rose in front. The brand pictures a lush garden after a summer downpour, and the scent plays that out: green, fresh and a little fruity before the petals open. The opening is crisp geranium and raspberry, with pink pepper adding a fine, peppery sparkle. The heart is a classic, slightly honeyed rose, fruity and powdery with a green tinge. The base is an airy, translucent musk, fluffy rather than heavy, with a hint of earthy angelica. As with the rest of the line there is no alcohol or solvent. It is a milky emulsion of water and natural oils that sprays as a fine mist and feels soft on skin and hair. Keep it off clothes because of the oils. It wears close to the skin and lasts an ordinary working day, which makes it a gentle everyday rose, easy at the office or at the weekend. Rose, raspberry and musk is a well-worn combination, so it is polished rather than innovative. If you want an uncomplicated fresh rose it does the job, even for those who usually avoid rose, and it sits close to the softer rose flankers of mainstream perfumery.