Ralph Lauren Romance, Eau de Parfum is definitely one of my favourite perfumes. I think it's a wonderful fragrance that really gets it right, and simply just ticks all the boxes.

I first tried this a few years ago whilst in an airport duty free shop. On sampling I found that I immediately liked the smell, and so thought I'd hint a little to my husband by letting him smell it. He did agree that it was very nice. The hint worked, but not until a few months later. I seem to remember it being a very welcome Christmas gift.

THE SCENT

I would best describe this as very feminine and subtle. It's a really pretty scent, mainly floral, I would say.

This is a quote taken from the Ralph Lauren website, http://www.ralphlauren.com:

'The women's fragrance that evokes the timeless essence of falling in love. Discover the sensual essence of velvety woods, extravagant florals and seductive musk.'

The notes are of velvety woods, florals and seductive musk. The feminine notes include Sungoddess Rose, Marigold, Ginger, Chamomile Oil, Yellow Freesia, White Violet, Lotus Flower and Day Lily, while the sensual base contains warm notes of Patchouli, Oakmoss and Musk.

I don't think I could identify the individual ingredients that make up this perfume but there is a faint essence, I think, of rose and freesia. I wouldn't be able to pick out the more exotic blends included in this, although I appreciate that it does have an interesting scent, making one wonder just what it is.

I was recently sampling some perfumes in Debenhams and also had a look to see how much this was selling for. A lady customer started speaking to me, telling me that Ralph Lauren Romance was a lovely perfume. I agreed, telling her it was one of my favourites. She went on to say that she seemed to get more compliments when wearing this fragrance than with any others in her collection, which are mostly more expensive brands then Ralph Lauren. I could only comment that it was one of my best fragrances, but as I don't own anything which I consider expensive, I wouldn't know whether it compares favourably or not. But I do know that I love the smell of it.

STAYING POWER

I am quite pleased with the lasting power of this perfume. I find it lasts well-definitely for a few hours, and then will still linger. It isn't the most powerful perfume I have tried but I would definitely class it as good in terms of longevity of the aroma.

I usually wear this of an evening. I will often take the bottle out with me to re apply. I haven't particularly noticed that it needs replenishing, but just in case...

SUITABILITY

This does in fact suit most ages but will probably be BEST suited as a fragrance for the adult woman being that it is a quite sophisticated smell rather than a fun 'girly' smell. I think this perfume is more designed for evening or special occasion wear than as an everyday scent. I really think it's too special for an 'any time' fragrance.

PACKAGING

The packaging is pretty and subtle. The square simple lines of the bottle with its silver lid make it current, and yet the pink box with silver lettering brings in the pretty feminine aspect. The packaging is attractive enough to make a welcome gift for most ladies who are 'romantically' inclined!

AVAILABILITY AND PRICES

This perfume is available from many high street perfume retailers and department stores. It is also available to purchase from on-line stockists. Prices with perfumes vary a lot but here are some examples which may help:

Boots the Chemist-

EdP Spray 50ml= £45.00

100ml=£64.50

Debenhams-

Edp Spray 50 ml=£45.00

EdT Spray 30 ml= £32.00

The Perfume Shop-

Edp Spray 30 ml=£31.50