By Kilian Princess Rose de Mai Review: A Royal Upgrade?
Is this limited edition floral gourmand worth the premium price? We break down the scent, performance, and value of this coveted flanker.
In 2018, By Kilian launched its "My Kind of Love" collection, a line aimed at a younger, more playful audience than its main cellar-inspired series. The breakout star was undeniably "I Don't Need A Prince By My Side To Be A Princess," a clever gourmand centered on marshmallow, green tea, and ginger. It was an instant success, offering a unique, spicy-sweet profile that stood out in a crowded market. It became a go-to for those seeking a fun, yet sophisticated, sweet scent.
A year later, in 2019, the brand released a limited edition flanker: "Princess Rose de Mai." This wasn't a complete reinvention but an elevation. The concept was simple yet effective: take the beloved DNA of the original and infuse it with one of perfumery's most luxurious and expensive ingredients, Rose de Mai (May Rose) from Grasse, France. This positioned the fragrance as a more refined, romantic, and exclusive version of its predecessor.
The inspiration was to add a layer of classic floral elegance to the modern, quirky gourmand. It aimed to bridge the gap between playful sweetness and timeless romance. By adding a high-quality rose absolute, Kilian Hennessy sought to give the Princess her royal regalia, transforming her from a fun-loving court member into a true heir to the throne. The bottle design reflected this, retaining the original shape but with a delicate rose illustration.
Upon its release, "Princess Rose de Mai" was quickly embraced by the fragrance community. It was praised for successfully integrating the rose without overpowering the original's character. Collectors and fans of the original rushed to acquire it, knowing its limited status would make it a future rarity. Today, it remains a sought-after fragrance on reseller markets, a testament to its successful execution as a flanker that genuinely improved upon the original concept.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Master Perfumer Honorine Blanc. Known for creating iconic bestsellers like Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium and Tom Ford Orchid Soleil, her work often features a masterful balance of gourmand and floral notes.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A bright, energetic opening of spicy ginger and zesty lemon. It's sharp and refreshing, cutting through the anticipated sweetness and setting a modern tone.
The heart reveals a beautiful, dewy Rose de Mai. It blends with the matcha-like green tea and juicy fruit notes (apple, peach), while the marshmallow accord begins to rise, creating a perfect floral-gourmand balance.
The base is a soft, powdery cloud of marshmallow and vanilla. The rose lingers subtly in the background, preventing the scent from becoming purely confectionary. It settles into a warm, comforting, and elegant skin scent.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts a solid 7-9 hours on skin. Lingers on clothes for days.
Projects moderately for the first 2-3 hours, creating an arm's length scent bubble.
Leaves a noticeable but not overpowering trail. It's an inviting scent that draws people in.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Very high compliment factor. The blend of sweet, floral, and fresh notes is mass-appealing and frequently described as 'beautiful' and 'delicious'.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Beautifully balanced gourmand and floral profile
- ✅ More sophisticated and refined than the original
- ✅ Good longevity and moderate projection
- ✅ Versatile for various occasions
- ✅ High-quality Rose de Mai note
- ❌ Limited edition, making it difficult to find
- ❌ High price on the reseller market
- ❌ Can still be too sweet for some preferences
Price & Value
“Worth the investment for collectors and true fans of the scent profile. For others, the original offers a similar vibe for less.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Gourmand lovers seeking sophistication (ages 20-40)
- Fans of the original Princess
- Those who enjoy modern, sweet rose fragrances.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Individuals who dislike sweet or marshmallow-heavy scents
- Those seeking a classic, non-sweet rose perfume.
The Family
The original 2018 release on which this fragrance is based. Lacks the prominent rose note.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a modern rose and sweet base, but Delina is tarter and more fruit-forward.
A more direct and powerful rose and vanilla combination, though less complex.
Features a prominent rose note in a gourmand context, but with coffee instead of marshmallow.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Offers a similar sweet rose and vanilla vibe at a budget-friendly price point.
An inspiration of Kilian's Love, Don't Be Shy, it shares the core marshmallow DNA found in the Princess line.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Fans of sweet, powerful floral gourmands will appreciate its profile.
Shares a similar mass-appealing, sweet, and powerful DNA.
Another sophisticated gourmand centered on marshmallow and orange blossom.
More from by-kilian
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple vanilla fragrance to amplify the marshmallow base
- A clean, light musk to add a layer of freshness and soften the sweetness
🏆 Final Verdict
By Kilian's Princess Rose de Mai is a superior flanker. It successfully elevates the original's playful DNA with a dose of timeless, romantic elegance. The high-quality Rose de Mai is seamlessly integrated, creating a perfectly balanced floral gourmand that is both delicious and sophisticated.
This is a must-buy for fans of the original and for anyone seeking a standout modern rose scent. While its limited status makes it a collector's piece, the quality of the fragrance justifies the hunt. It is a versatile, compliment-getting perfume that proves a princess can be both fun and regal.