I've never found a fragrance brand that puts me in my feelings quite like The Roster. Aptly named, the brand was inspired by the dating stories of women everywhere—from meeting the person of your dreams to the nightmare first Hinge date. It’s relatable, to say the least, but I love how the brand’s founder, Emma Gonsalves, managed to take these experiences (even the not-so-great ones) and turn them into the most magical-smelling concoctions a girl could ever ask for.
It's rare that I love every single fragrance from any one collection, but this one managed to capture my heart in a big way. Aside from the fact that they each felt like their very own Taylor Swift song, they gave me the coziest vibes—my favorite being The Dream Husband. I fell in love instantly with the rich, smoky, and sweet scent. I have so many good things to say about it, but I’ll start with the fact that it’s $86—a nice reprieve from the usual $100-plus bottles out there that smell amazing but aren’t always great for the wallet. For my love letter to this fragrance, along with what I loved about all five of the brand’s other offerings, keep scrolling. I'm sharing my thoughts ahead.
The Roster
The Dream Husband
Key notes: vanilla, tonka bean
Part of the My Favorite Ex Collection, this one hit the nail on the head for me in terms of notes. If you love the smell of morning coffee mixed with a splash of smokiness, this one’s for you. I’m a huge fan of tonka bean in fragrances because it’s both sweet and musky. It really stands out in this particular fragrance, and the staying power is next-level. I could still smell it after seven hours of wear time.
The Roster
The Perfect Gentleman
Key notes: rose, honey, magnolia
For fans of floral scents, this one is perfect. It’s soft and light with a hint of sweetness. It’s definitely not as strong as The Dream Husband, but if you like an airy scent that leaves the subtlest trail in your wake, you’ll love this. Another thing I appreciate about these scents is how layerable they are. I love layering this one with Dream Husband if I want to add some extra depth.
The Roster
The Boy Next Door
Key notes: linen, lavender, white musk
This one is crisp, fresh, and smells like fresh laundry. It’s meant to conjure up feelings of a significant other’s hoodie and, boy, does it do the job. If you're a fan of Byredo's Blanche Eau de Parfum ($225), you'll definitely love this one too.
The Roster
The Gaslighter
Key notes: sea salt, lime
This fragrance is part of the Regrets Collection, highlighting all the dates you wish you never had (in the best way possible, of course). It’s slightly tart, crisp, and a tad woody, but it’s never overpowering. It also pairs really well with The Narcissist, which I’ll get to in a second.
The Roster
The Narcissist
Key notes: oak, bourbon, pepper
The Narcissist is a close second for my favorite of the bunch. Like I mentioned above, it pairs really well with The Gaslighter, but my absolute favorite combo is to layer this with The Dream Husband. The woodier, smoky notes work so well together in both and are balanced out by the sweetness of tonka bean. It makes for a unique combo, and I always get compliments whenever I wear the two together.
Key notes: leather, cedarwood, tobacco
For those who like a rich, leathery scent with absolutely no florals, this is the one. It almost smells peppery to me, but it’s another one that pairs really well with The Dream Husband if you like creating a smoky-sweet type of scent.
More Fragrances I'm Loving Right Now
KAYALI
Vanilla | 28 Eau De Parfum
Key notes: vanilla orchids, tonka absolute, amber woods
There isn't a single Kayali fragrance I've tried that I don't like. This one is super special, though. It contains warm and sweet notes of vanilla orchid, tonka, and amber.
FORVR Mood
Hard to Get Eau de Parfum
Key notes: citron zest, sheer jasmine, whipped vanilla
This fragrance is juicy, floral, and sweet all at the same time.
Key notes: plum, cinnamon, leather accord, violet, birch woods, patchouli, vanilla
I've always loved this fragrance, but I loved it even more once I found out resident brat Charli XCX also considers it an essential.
D.S. & DURGA
Black Magenta Eau de Parfum
Key notes: pink pineapple, galbanum, black pepper, orris concrete, magenta dianthus, orange flower, black amber, balkan tobacco, sandalwood
This scent is unique—both sweet and woody but never overpowering.
English (US) ·