By Kilian Fragrance review
By Kilian Love by Kilian Rose and Oud 2019 Review
A limited-edition rose-oud-marshmallow trio that redefines gourmand luxury.

In this review
In the world of niche perfumery, By Kilian has always been synonymous with luxury, storytelling, and a touch of hedonism. The house's Love by Kilian line, originally launched with the iconic Love, Don't Be Shy, has seen various iterations. In 2019, By Kilian introduced a limited-edition Special Blend: Love by Kilian Rose and Oud. This three-note composition, created by master perfumer Calice Becker, is a bold yet sweet exploration of the classic rose-oud pairing. With only Bulgarian rose, marshmallow, and agarwood (oud) listed, it's a minimalist masterpiece that lets each ingredient shine.
As a trend analyst, I've watched the rose-oud combination dominate the Middle Eastern market and gradually infiltrate Western niche perfumery. But By Kilian's take is different: the addition of marshmallow adds a gourmand twist that softens the often austere oud, making it more approachable and undeniably addictive. This 2019 Special Blend is the first in a series of oud Special Blends from the house, and it remains a sought-after collector's item.
In this review, we'll dive deep into the scent profile, performance, and value of this limited edition. We'll also explore who it's for, how it compares to similar fragrances, and whether it's worth the splurge. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you decide if Love by Kilian Rose and Oud deserves a place in your collection.
Longevity
4.0
Projection
3.0
Sillage
3.0
$250-$400
Accords
Rose
Oud
Sweet
Powdery
Floral
Notes Pyramid
Top
Bulgarian Rose
Heart
Marshmallow
Base
Agarwood (Oud)
Scent Journey
1
Opening 0-30 min
A burst of Bulgarian rose, rich and jammy, with a hint of green freshness.
2
Heart 1-2 hrs
Marshmallow emerges, adding a sweet, powdery, almost gourmand heart that softens the rose.
3
Drydown 4+ hrs
Oud takes center stage, warm and woody, with a subtle smokiness, while the sweetness lingers.
Performance Dashboard
Longevity
4.0/5
8+ hours
Projection
3.0/5
moderate, sits close to skin after the opening
Sillage
3.0/5
moderate
When to Wear
SpringOK
SummerAvoid
FallBest
WinterBest
date nightevening wearspecial eventscold-weather daily wear
Pros & Cons
- Unique three-note composition
- High-quality ingredients
- Long-lasting
- Limited edition exclusivity
- Unisex appeal
- Expensive
- Limited availability
- Polarizing scent profile
- Moderate projection might disappoint some
Price & Value
$250-$400
Premium pricing typical of niche and limited editions; you pay for exclusivity and quality.
“Worth it for collectors and rose-oud aficionados, but sample first given the price.”
Reformulation History
Limited edition, so batch variations are minimal; however, vintage 2019 bottles may have slight differences due to aging.
Who It's For
Ideal For
- rose-oud lovers
- gourmand enthusiasts
- collectors of limited editions
- those who appreciate luxurious, long-lasting scents
Not Recommended For
- those who dislike rose or oud
- fans of fresh, citrusy fragrances
- those seeking massive projection
The Family
Explore More
Similar Fragrances
Love, Don't Be Shy
By Kilian
Rose Oud (discontinued)
By Kilian
Oud Satin Mood
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Rose Prick
Tom Ford
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Layering Ideas
- Layer with a vanilla-dominant fragrance like By Kilian Love, Don't Be Shy to enhance the sweetness.
- Layer with a woody oud like By Kilian Oud to amplify the base.
- Layer with a fresh citrus to cut through the sweetness for daytime wear.
Final Verdict
By Kilian Love by Kilian Rose and Oud 2019 Special Blend is a luxurious, limited-edition take on the classic rose-oud pairing, softened by a marshmallow heart. It's a must-try for collectors and gourmand lovers, but its high price and polarizing notes mean sampling is essential.
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