Bottle of Rouge Hermès

Hermès · 2000

Rouge

Saffron, aldehydes and powdery rose: an antique lipstick uncapped in a boudoir.

House
Hermès
Launched
2000
Concentration
Eau de Toilette

Fragrance pyramid

Rouge notes

Top notes

The first minutes

Heart notes

The character, for hours

Base notes

The lingering trail

Our take

What does Rouge smell like?

Rouge sits within Hermès' tradition of French ambery florals, richer in construction than the transparent compositions the house would later favour. The opening is warm and sparkling at once: a leathery, almost metallic saffron meets fizzing aldehydes and a bergamot that lights up the whole. In the heart, rose, iris and jasmine melt into a powdery bouquet that suggests rouge, face powder and the red velvet of a theatre box. The base of amber and musk, shaded by a darker woody touch, brings enveloping resinous warmth. It is a perfume of character, more retro than modern, that needs to be worn with confidence.

When to wear it

Cool evenings and dressy occasions; it appeals to lovers of classic, powdery and slightly dramatic ambery florals.

VerdictA rich, warm ambery floral whose very classical powdery style won't win everyone over.

It belongs to the Floral, Oriental / Amber family. Rouge is one of 6 creations by Hermès in our encyclopedia.

Rouge: FAQ

What are the notes of Rouge?

Rouge by Hermès opens with Saffron, Aldehydes and Bergamot. Its heart combines Rose, Iris and Jasmine, over a base of Amber and Musk.

Is Rouge for men or women?

Hermès presents Rouge as a Feminine fragrance. Nothing stops anyone from wearing it: modern perfumery happily blurs these lines.

When was Rouge released?

Rouge was launched in 2000 by Hermès. It comes as an Eau de Toilette.

When should you wear Rouge?

Ideally in autumn and winter. Cool evenings and dressy occasions; it appeals to lovers of classic, powdery and slightly dramatic ambery florals.

Which perfumes smell like Rouge?

Based on shared notes, the closest are White Diamonds (Elizabeth Taylor), Decadence (Marc Jacobs), N°5 (Chanel).