The allure of Jo Malone, and why we’re obsessed with it
Written By Jenny Wu on
I feel like I’m the last one on the planet to finally try Jo Malone fragrances but goodness they are divine.
“But a lot of perfumes smell good, and they don’t cost an arm and a leg!”
You’re right, Jo Malone fragrances are pricey (the priciest perfumes I currently own), so just smelling good isn’t enough, though in their case it’s pretty darn close. Seriously, they have some of the most amazing fragrances, and there are so many different ones to pick from!
Baby, you smell good*
I visited the store with a friend a few weeks ago to check out their new Bloomsbury Set, and while I did like the new limited edition fragrances, it was love at first sniff with these 2 classic scents:
- Myrrh & Tonka – Described as noble, sensuous, and intoxicating. Not really sure what noble smells like, but definitely yes for sensuous and intoxicating! I couldn’t stop sniffing this on my wrist while oo-ing and ah-ing in the store, which in hindsight might have looked ridiculous, but I don’t care. The vanilla + warm almond notes hits the mark on my preference for sweeter scents, yet this fragrance doesn’t feel overly sweet at all. It’s like an sensual, grown-up kind of sweet. It’s also a unisex fragrance, but hell will freeze over before I share this with my husband. ALL MINE.
- Peony & Blush Suede – Described as luxurious and seductive, with notes of red apple, peony, and suede. For me I think it smells like springtime – light, floral, with a hint of sweetness from the red apple. But it’s not like any other sweet floral scents I’ve smelled in the past – it feels more mature and elegant without being musky. Clearly I need to work on my scent description skills, but I can tell you that this has replaced Chanel Chance Eau Tendre and Burberry Brit Sheer as my new favorite scent.
And because I didn’t want to go broke that very day, I exerted self-control and didn’t buy the following, which I also loved:
- Nectarine Blossom & Honey – Smells exactly like how you’d imagine it, fruity with a hint of honey that’s just absolutely lovely. Again, it’s not overly sweet or saccharine, because Jo Malone is elegant af.
- Wood Sage & Sea Salt – So fresh, so zen, so goooood. Typically fresh scents have a citrus note to it, but not this one, which is a nice change. Plus it mixes well with Peony & Blush Suede!
- Tuberose Angelica – A very sexy and sensual scent. It’s a warm floral fragrance that doesn’t smell like your grandma, unless your grandma was an elegant 30-something Parisian woman. So hot.
- Velvet Rose & Oud – Why do I like all the more expensive scents?? From what I recall, this smells very similar to Tuberose Angelica, but I think it’s a bit sweeter because it has notes of praline? Either way it smells fantastic and it needs to be in my collection ASAP.
It ain’t magical until you mix it
So both Myrrh & Tonka and Peony & Blush Suede smell incredible alone, but I swear a unicorn is born somewhere when you combine these two together, because that’s how magical it is. You get the warmth and sensuality from the Myrrh & Tonka, plus the fresh floral notes from the Peony & Blush Suede and the synergy they create is just incredible. I wished my friend had taken a video of me in the Jo Malone store, because my borderline embarrassing display of awe and love for this is proof that it’s out-of-this-world amazing.
In addition to the unicorn-birth-inducing combination I described above, the SA also suggested the following combos:
- Whisky & Cedarwood + Mimosa & Cardamom
- Whisky & Cedarwood + Lime Basil & Mandarin
- Tobacco & Mandarin + Wood Sage & Sea Salt
- Garden Lilies + Myrrh & Tonka
Before you start scrunching your nose at the mention of whisky, tobacco, and sea salt, don’t, because I can tell you that they smell nothing like what you’d imagine. Trust me, I hate the scent of whisky and tobacco, but I actually liked those fragrances, and even more when they were mixed.
I could wear these all day for the rest of my life
As you can tell by my poor description attempts, Jo Malone’s fragrances, regardless of their scent profile, are always elegant and sophisticated. Do you know how difficult that is to do with fruity and sweet scents?
As I get older (less than 2 years before I hit 30!!), I find it more difficult to pull off some of my past favorite perfumes because they just smell too…young. But with Jo Malone, you could easily wear some of her lighter fragrances from your teens into your 60’s, and it would work. That’s how timeless they are, and reason #3 why they’re so incredible.
Let’s not forget the packaging
I won’t judge a book by its cover, but I sure as hell will judge a perfume by its bottle! And who can resist Jo Malone’s simple yet elegant bottle design? I think it’s an excellent reflection of her fragrances – understated, refined, and absolutely beautiful.
I’m not sure if I would appreciate her bottles and fragrances as much if I were younger, but that might be a good thing, as Jo Malone perfumes (and products in general) are expensive. Are they worth every penny? Absolutely. If you can, try to visit one of their boutiques to try out their fragrances yourself, or better yet, ask the SA to help you combine fragrances. It might be love at first sniff for you as well.
Have you guys tried Jo Malone fragrances before? I have a feeling the answer is yes, and if so, let me know what your favorite scents + combos are! Hope you have a lovely rest of the week!
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Keri
I have never actually smelled a Jo Malone perfume, but I always see it all over the web. Definitely want to try them out though!
Enclothed Cognition
Jenny Wu
They're definitely perfumes you want to smell in person, I don't think words do them justice :)
Jessica Riley
@Keri, Great article! I am new to the House of Jo Malone and recently purchased Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne and body cream. It’s absolutely amazing, and as mentioned, it has a zen vibe. I love it ! I also purchased the Orange Blossom body lotion. The scent profile and quality are superb; I just wish the House would consider an EDP concentrate so the fragrances would last longer and have better silage.
Cat L.
Jenny, this is my kind of post! I adore adore adore anything Jo Malone as she can do no wrong in my book. My favorite scent of all times is Peony and Blush Suede, which in fact i'm wearing today. It's THE perfect spring scent to me. I also love English Pear and Freesia. These scents and aromas are heavenly and such a delight when you start layering them. Great post, now I want to go shopping for some more Jo Malone!
~ Cat L.
www.CatsDailyLiving.com
Laura
I also love English Pear and Freesia!!
Jenny Wu
Aww, so glad to hear that Cat! I agree, now that I've experienced Jo Malone she really can do no wrong! I'm going back again this weekend and I'll make a note to check out English Pear and Freesia - thank you for the recommendation!
Shireen L. Platt
Okay, okay...you've convinced me that I really need to try at least a bottle of Jo Malone! Haha! I will need to head into a store and see what suits me best, fragrance is not something that I buy without testing beforehand. And two years before turning 30, sigh, I am a decade older than you so let me share my pearls of wisdom... LMAO! Oh gawd, I feel old. Haha!
Jenny Wu
Aw, don't feel old, you definitely don't look a decade older that's for sure #skincaregoals
Let me know if you do visit a Jo Malone store, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the fragrances and which one(s) is your favorite! :D
Ev
I've never bought them because they are so expensive! But I do love the smell of it! Great post Jenny! I enjoyed your blog and the pictures!!
www.petiteandpretty.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Ev! I wish the price was a little less expensive too, but once I smelled the scents I felt like they were worth it <3
Heather Noire
I always love the packaging! To me it is what makes a product stand out and makes us all curious :) Love your post so much.
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2017/03/the-colour-that-is-red-hot.html
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Heather! I agree, the packaging is so elegant. It's definitely the centerpiece of my vanity!
Blush Canvas
I got sucked into Jo Malone purely through blogging. To be honest, they aren't the most long lasting scents (except the Intense line) but the ones I've picked out, the fragrances are so unique! I haven't found anything that comes close to Wood Sage and Sea Salt, it's exceptional. Dark Amber and Ginger Lily is another favourite that I can't quite find anywhere else.
Advaita | Blush Canvas
Jenny Wu
Yeah, I find that my scents do last longer when I layer the Myrrh & Tonka (from the intense line) underneath, but overall they still last longer than my other perfumes. I looove Wood Sage & Sea Salt exactly because of its uniqueness, it's definitely very different! Will have to try out Dark Amber & Ginger Lily next time, thank you for the recommendation!
Amy
I ADORE Jo Malone. My favorite scent is blue agava + cacao - have you ever tried it? Loved this article, makes me wish I had a pretty bottle on my nightstand right now!
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you Amy!! I will definitely have to try out Blue Agava + Cacao next time, the name alone sounds lovely!
Laura
Jo Malone packaging is just the bomb. I love the brand, but we can't get in Finland - except at the airport tax free, which is just ridiculous. Fortunately I've been able to smell many of them - in a hurry, but enough to appreciate the variety, beautiful packaging and size variations available. I don't go through perfume very quickly, so I purchased the smaller size of English Pear and Freesia, which obviously is my favorite scent. You describe the perfumes so beautifully, now I'm bursting because I can't go smell more! I'm not sure about mixing the scents though.. Of course it's a nice addition if you already have two scents you love, but personally I find it unnecessary (or I just haven't smelled something good enough.. yet!) Have a happy Friday!
xx Laura / Laurantaina Beauty Blog
Jenny Wu
Thank you Laura!! That's a bummer that they're only sold at the airport, you'd think they have a local store too so it'd be easier for people to purchase. I will definitely have to check out English Pear & Freesia now, especially since it's gotten both you and Cat's vote!
With mixing it definitely helps to have a store associate help out, as not all combinations will smell as good together. And like you said, it won't make much sense to buy a perfume just to mix, you should really like it on its own as well :)
Camilla / Gracefulface.com
They do sound amazing! I'm not a huge perfume wearer but I want to be haha. I love those classic bottles too!
Jenny Wu
I definitely find myself wearing perfumes more frequently after I purchased these - they smell so good I can't help but want to have that scent on me everyday!
Emily
I honestly love everything about these. The scents sound so lovely, they packaging is on point, and I've heard the scent lasts forever. Everyone is definitely obsessing over them right now. I too feel like I'm the last on the train! Haha. I really need to go and check these out and smell them for myself. I would love to have one sitting on my vanity. :)
-Emily www.coatandcoffee.com
Jenny Wu
For me the scent lasts a pretty long time, though I've heard people say otherwise. They're definitely a worthy investment imo, especially when you find a scent (or combo) that you love :D
Marina Rosie
The Myrrh and Tonka one sounds right up my street Jenny; I love the smell of vanilla! x I actually hadn't heard of this brand before this post so it was really enlightening.
Lots of love,
Marina Rosie xx
http://marinawriteslife.blogspot.fr/
Jenny Wu
Glad to hear that Marina! Myrrh and Tonka takes the vanilla scent to an elevated level, it's definitely very different from all other vanilla type scents I've tried in the past!
Kasie Chelanne
I have been dying to find the right fragrance but haven't fullly explored Jo Malone. All of these sound absolutely delicious, I'm going to have to test them out!
Jenny Wu
They do have so many scents to pick from, so you'll definitely need plenty of time in the store to smell all of them!
Eleni
I love Jo Malone! I'm a massive fan of their fruity fragrances and Body lotions and I can't stop wearing the Nectaring Blossom and honey body butter. SO good! Living in London, I have a shop ten minutes away from me and it's always so tempting!
Jenny Wu
Oh lucky you!! I'd totally be tempted as well if I lived that close, haha. I have a small sample of their body butter and it definitely feels super luxurious on the skin, not to mention it smells amazing. Really makes me want to buy a full-sized body butter now!
Michelle Bio
I purchased my first Jo Malone fragrance a month ago and I got the Peony & Blush Suede! It smells way different and way more mature than my D&G 3 L'imperatrice that I still love, but I've gotten so many compliments since I started using Jo Malone!
Jenny Wu
That's what I love about Jo Malone - she can somehow take traditionally younger smelling scents (sweet florals and citruses) and somehow make them more mature without being grandma-like!
Demilade
I just found your blog and I must say, I'm in love. The design is so cute and I like how you write!
Jo Malone fragrances smell divine. I've never bought one before but I've tested them out in store. I hear their candles are really good too. Great review, I'll like to try the scents you mentioned. xx
Coco Bella Blog
Jenny Wu
Aww, thank you so much for your sweet comment Demilade, I'm so glad to hear that!
I honestly want the entire Jo Malone product line in my favorite scents - candles, body butters, you name it. Now if only they weren't so expensive!
Face to Curls
Well, you're not the last person on the planet to own a Jo Malone fragrance because I still do not own my first one as yet. I have a couple on my wish list and I am hoping to pick up at least one of them this spring. I have been to their boutique and I have literally smell all of them and they are divine but I narrowed it down to two that I really like. I just love their bottle designs. So classy.
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Jenny Wu
It's difficult narrowing down which scent to pick isn't it, they all smell so good! Their bottles are gorgeous too, I feel like I want them all now, haha
Naya // The Party Parrot Blog
Really enjoyed reading this wonderful and detailed review. My mom is actually using one of their home perfumes (believe it is called linen) in her car and it is such a life-saver! Beautiful photos Jenny!
Jenny Wu
So glad to hear that Naya, thank you for reading! I didn't know they had home perfumes, and linen sounds like such a lovely fresh scent! Will need to check it out the next time I'm there!
Lina Husemoen
I love Jo Malone! I have quite a few of her products. The Lime Basil & Mandarin shampoo and conditioner is brilliant. It leaves your hair smelling amazing for days. Atleast mine.
As Perfumes go:
Dark Amber & Ginger goes amazingly well with Woodsage & Sea Salt. Makes a really mellow, rich, warm smell
Woodsage & Sea Salt with English Oak & Redcurrant makes a really nice fresh scent.
Nectarine Blossom & Honey with Wild Bluebell is also very nice.
Jenny
Oh wow thank you for all these recommendations! <3 I didn't even know they made hair products but will definitely have to check them out next time, as well as try out all the combinations you mentioned!
Dawn
I absolutely love absolutely every product they make....