Rose is the note everyone thinks they know, and these bottles are proof it is not one thing. KAYALI Fleur Majesty Rose Royale | 31 is listed with pear, peach, rose, pink peony and purple musk, so it is juicy before it is floral. Lancôme Idôle is rose and jasmine over white musk and vanilla, and it comes in a very thin bottle that lies flat. PHLUR Rose Whip pairs rose with black currant and a leathery amber base, which the brand describes as a challenge to the traditional rose. TOM FORD Café Rose puts Turkish and Bulgarian rose next to coffee and spice. My Burberry Blush has pomegranate and lemon up top with rose and jasmine. Montale Roses Musk is described as a jammy, dew-kissed rose with musk, and LORE Lovely and a little twisted is rose milk with pistachio and patchouli. Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl goes red currant, rose and vanilla.

How to wear them: a rose with musk sits close to skin, so one spray at the neck is usually enough. The spicier ones can take two.

What I would skip: a dense, sweet rose like LORE or Very Good Girl on a hot, humid afternoon. Save those for cooler evenings.

Fresh florals are the ones I reach for when I do not want a perfume to announce me. Marc Jacobs Daisy Ever So Fresh Eau de Parfum is mango, rose water and cashmere woods, and the original Daisy Eau de Toilette has strawberry, violet leaves and jasmine. Yves Saint Laurent Libre Flowers & Flames Eau de Parfum is a palm tree flower and lily accord with vanilla underneath, so it is fresh on top and warm below. CHANEL CHANCE EAU TENDRE is a grapefruit and quince accord with jasmine and white musk. Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Parfum opens with Sicilian lemon and frangipani, and Dolce&Gabbana L'Imperatrice has a watermelon accord, kiwi and pink cyclamen. Miss Dior Rose N'Roses is Grasse rose brightened with bergamot, and GUERLAIN Aqua Allegoria Florabloom Forte is a floral unisex bouquet with tuberose, rose, violet and iris over sandalwood and moss.

Pairing tip: pair a fresh floral with unscented body lotion so the top notes stay clear all day.

What I would skip: a heavy vanilla layer on top of these. You will lose the lemon and watermelon that make them feel bright.

Start with the family you already like, not the name on the bottle. If you like a rose with a little spice, Romance is the natural Ralph Lauren starting point. If you want something cooler, the lemon and rose water bottles in the last group will suit you better. Smell on skin, not on paper, and live with one for a full day before you decide. A second visit an hour after the first spray tells you more than ten quick sniffs. Keep a small bottle for the bag and a bigger one for home, and let the rose and fresh florals take turns depending on the weather.