My Jo Malone Fragrance Collection

I think I stumbled across Jo Malone about three years ago in John Lewis and I really wanted to purchase one but the price was just way too expensive. I knew I would revisit it soon but not at that time when I had other priorities. You can imagine my delight when my friend and flatmate gave me my first Jo Malone Perfume- Pomegranate Noir which I reviewed here. I believe it is still one of Jo Malone's best selling fragrance and it is so unique. I still have it with me and I don't really want it to get finished. Since then, I have become slightly obsessed with Jo Malone fragrances and every other product they make.



 I started a little collection of these Jo Malone fragrances and it is indeed not an easy feat because they are quite pricey. I have to mention that I am very lucky that I only ever purchased one of the Jo Malone fragrances in this picture - The limited edition Lily of the Valley which was from the Rock of Ages Collection. All the others were given to me by my loved ones which I am very grateful for. I realise that I love fragrances that have some kind of musky, floral scent to them with a light hint of a fruity zest. I definitely gravitate towards these kind of scents when I pick out my fragrances although I love fruity scents during Spring/Summer. So, let's get into my collection. Majority of them already have their own reviews so I would link them where relevant. I am not going to describe these scents, their notes and all that malarkey in this post rather I would attempt to describe how these scents make me feel.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne//Review//Link
As mentioned earlier, this was my first Jo Malone Perfume or Cologne as they are called and I fell in love with it immdiately. I always reach for this during Autumn/Winter although I am pretty sure it can be worn all year round. I just prefer to wear it during these seasons. I also grab this when I am going for a work meeting or conference when I want to feel all so sophisticated. It really makes me feel really classy and all grown up like I am calling the shots especially when I pair it with some nice outfits. I also grab this when I am going for formal drinks or outings in the evening because I think it is well suited for these kind of events.



Jo Malone Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense//Review//Link
I think this fragrance will forever have a special place in my heart because the Bae (he would roll his eyes at me calling him this but hey!!) got this for me for my birthday. I originally wanted to get the Peony and Blush Suede but we were told they were sold out in 100 ml. However, when I was looking around for something to try, the sales lady recommended this one. It was love at first sniff/whiff and I knew it was the beginning of a long love affair. I feel this fragrance embodies femininity, class and elegance all rolled into one. I cannot even describe how this fragrance makes me feel in one word. It's just one of those fragrances you can wear all year round and it would still suit every season. I reserve this for weddings, church events, parties, dinners and it always hits the right notes every time. Each time I wear this fragrance, I always get asked what I am wearing and how lovely it smells. It's just incredible and I love the final notes it fades into at the end of the day.



Jo Malone Lily of the Valley (Rock of Ages)//Review//Limied Edition-Sold Out
This is the first Jo Malone fragrance I purchased with my money and it was part of the Rock of Ages Collection.  I actually was determined to purchase the Tudor Rose Cologne but I go derailed when I tried this out in store. It's the perfect Spring fragrance as it fells so fresh and clean. I love everything about it and if it were sold in 100 ml, I would have purchased it in a heart beat. I am  using it rather sparingly because I don't want it to get finished at all as it is limited edition. I love to wear this for lunch dates and just casual events and it's the kind of fragrance any young lady will appreciate. I feel it embodies youth but with some sort of class that's rare with youthful fragrances. It's not as long lasting as the Cologne Intense range but you can still catch a whiff of it at the end of the day. It's also one I love to layer because it makes it even more unique than it already is.



Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede//Review//Link
My friend definitely spoils me to bits with Jo Malone fragrances and I really cherish this particular fragrance. It was such a thoughtful gift because she knew how much I wanted Peony and Blush Suede. I cannot even count how many times I passed by this perfume and sniffed it. It always happened when I was in a hurry and very indecisive on parting with £40 for a mere 30 ml. However, my lovely friend surprised me with this fragrance as a birthday present. I was seriously over the moon and I am pretty sure I let out a scary little squeal. It had been on my wish list for so long and now it was mine. This fragrance is perfect for Spring because it smells of peonies as the name implies. It reminds of the fresh bloom and I love it so much. It is also a perfect feminine and youthful fragrance and I use this daily.




A little Extra
The one thing I love about Jo Malone is the Hand and Arm Massages they offer when you purchase a product. I am pretty sure you can get one even if you don't purchase anything although I can imagine it may be a little awkward. Anyway, I got several little invites for these massages which I have used really well. I also signed up to my local branch's newsletter so I get invited to new launches complete with lovely treats, champagne and samples such as these lovely deluxe ones in this picture. Their samples are super generous and the packaging is amazing. I received this lovely 10 ml Pomegranate Noir Deluxe sample with the matching Body Cream. They are so cute that I have not even used them yet; it seems like a crime!! I also have several little 1-2ml samples which are always handy for my makeup bag and they have helped me decide what fragrance I want next.


How I layer them
I don't think there are any rules for layering perfume although Jo Malone carefully selects fragrances within their collection which go best with each other. I have layered all the fragrances within my little collection at various points. However, my favourite combination has to be the "Queen-Tuberose Angelica" and the "Princess -Peony and Blush Suede" and No,  I did not make these names up. That's exactly how the Jo Malone sales lady described them. She also told me how amazing they are when layered together so that's how I became addicted to the mixture. I can't even begin to describe how amazing it smells and they just work so well together. No one ever knows what I am wearing when I tell them to guess. I have also layered the Pomegranate Noir with the Lily of the Valley and it is the most sensual decadent fragrance mixture I have ever smelt. They are just so perfect together. I tried layering the Tuberose Angelica with Pomegranate Noir but I felt they were too strong for each other. The Peony and Blush Suede  layered with Lily of the Valley is equally amazing!!


Overall Thoughts
I am sure I don't need to point out that I am obsessed with Jo Malone fragrances. I just love everything about the brand. I am keen to branch out and try out their candles. They are super expensive but I know they would be well worth it. I am also looking to add two more fragrances to my collection (I know!!). The thing is once you try Jo Malone Fragrances, it seems like there is no going back. The two fragrances on my list right now are the Jo Malone Plum Blossom Cologne (it smells too incredible for words) and Jo Malone Red Roses but I would get them from Duty Free because Jo Malone never does discounts. Everyone seems to be talking about Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay so I need to catch a whiff of it next time. The Jo Malone Wood Sage and Salt was very hyped but it is not really my kind of fragrance so I always suggest you try and sniff these fragrances before you commit to purchasing them. That's pretty much all for today? Have you tried anythign from Jo Malone?
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Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede Cologne Review

The first ever Jo Malone Fragrance I tried out or sniffed a sample was the Peony and Blush Suede Cologne and I was obsessed with it. I really wanted to try it but there is no denying that Jo Malone fragrances are very expensive so it’s not one I would purchase without giving it a lot of thought. I finally had the chance to choose one during my birthday as the BF was treating me to any 100ml Jo Malone Fragrance of my choice. I immediately decided to get the Peony and Blush Suede but it was sold out in 100 ml. If you are familiar with Jo Malone fragrances and many other fragrances, you would understand that it is always best to buy 100 ml because they are better value for money. The 30 ml costs £40 (*gasps*) while the 100 ml starts from £82 so you do the maths. I eventually settled for Tuberose Angelica Cologne (review here) which is my all time favourite and I am so glad I chose it. However, I still sniffed the Peony and Blush Suede whenever I had a chance. It also did not help that during my last Jo Malone Hand and Arm Massage, I had a chance to layer Tuberose Angelica and Peony and Blush Suede which smelled divine. Anyway, I was surprised by my lovely flatmate who got me this Peony and Blush Suede fragrance as a belated birthday present. I love to receive belated birthday presents because they are always so unexpected. I was seriously elated and I may have let out a little squeal of joy.

Packaging

You know the drill already! Jo Malone Fragrances are packaged in the most luxurious way I have ever seen complete with a nice box and bow. I just love the care they take in ensuring that your gift is more than a gift to you. They even spray the black wrapping tissue so your nostrils are tantalized as you unwrap your gift. Genius idea!! I always keep all my Jo Malone packaging because they are special and can be used to store other precious little things. The boxes are made with good quality paper/cardboard and they hold up really well.

What Jo Malone says about Peony and Blush Suede

The essence of charm wrapped in Peonies with voluptuous blooms which are exquisitely fragile. The Peony and Blush Suede Fragrance is flirtatious with the juicy bite of red apple and the opulence of jasmine, rose and gilly flower. This exquisite mingling with the sensuality of soft, blush suede gives birth to a luxurious and seductive fragrance or cologne in this case. What a description but I cannot even think of a better way to describe this scent as it captures it all. I would definitely describe this fragrance as one that captures Floral and Fruity notes however it leans more as a floral fragrance. If you love floral notes in your fragrance, this is definitely one to check out.

Notes

Jo Malone's Peony and Blush Suede was launched in 2013 and was created by Christine Nagel. You all know me by now; I have never been a pro at describing scents so I am going off what the website says the notes are. The notes in this fragrance include:

Top Note-Red Apple: A crisp note that captures the mouth-watering juiciness of apple, opening the fragrance with an innocent, fruity twist.

Heart/Middle Note-Peony (as well as Jasmine, Carnation and Rose): An exquisite floral with delicate rose and honey accents and a subtle, green freshness. It fills the fragrance with the scent of peonies, just as they unfold.

Base Note-Suede: A supple textural note, complementing the floral opulence of peony and bringing enticing sensuality to the fragrance

Who is the Fragrance for?

I am very much inclined to say this fragrance is suitable for anyone depending on what your personality is. I get a youthful, feminine, demure and fresh vibe from this fragrance and it is one I would definitely buy for my daughter if I had one (ooooh where did that come from?). If you are in your early twenties or older, this would be suitable for you especially if you love a light fresh fragrance. If you are older or a matured lady, I am pretty sure you would like this fragrance for Spring/Summer or if you want to capture the essence of your youth. I think it is a perfect all rounder fragrance and that’s one of the reasons why it is one of the best sellers from Jo Malone fragrance.

When can you wear it?

Again, I would say it is more of a Spring/Summer fresh fragrance and it is one of my most worn fragrances for Spring. I have layered it with a few of my other Jo Malone fragrances but the best combinations seem to be with Tuberose Angelica and Lily of the Valley from the Rock of Ages Collection (review here). They are just exquisite together and I love them.

Longevity

I was really surprised at how long this fragrance lasted on me given that it is not from the Cologne Intense collection. It goes on my skin with a crisp fruity note (probably from the Red Apple) but it quickly settles into the Peony and Suede floral scent. I can still smell it on my after a day’s work although not strongly but in a very feminine demure way.

Cost

The 30 ml bottle retails for £40 and 100 ml retails for £82. As I said, it is an expensive fragrance but it is very unique and one that I love so much. I really dread when it finishes because I know I will definitely have to repurchase it because it is so pretty. You can buy it here. There are also other products from the range including this lovely Gift Set (very pricey though), Shower Gels, Body Lotions and Candles.

Overall Thoughts

I really love this fragrance and I am so grateful to my lovely flat mate for getting this for me. I really appreciate it because it is the thought behind it that makes it really special. She knew how much I was longing/lusting after this fragrance and she went out of her way to surprise me with it. So, if you are reading (you know yourself), Thank you ever so much!! That’s it folks!! Have you tried the Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede Fragrance?

*Affiliate links used above, read my full disclaimer here

Jo Malone Rock the Ages Collection

I recently wrote about one of my favourite perfumes from Jo Malone- Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense (review here) which was a birthday gift from the boyfriend. Ever since I had such an amazing experience at the Jo Malone Store topped off with an arm and hand massage, I knew I wanted to return soon. During the Hand and Arm Massage, the sales lady told me about the Rock of Ages launch and gave me an invite to experience it once it arrived in store. I saved the date and found my way to the store last month. I had already checked out the collection online and decided I would pick up the Tudor Rose and Amber. However, it was the Lily of the Valley and Ivy that stole my heart once I tested it.

Jo Malone Rock the Ages Collection

Jo Malone London recently launched the Rock the Ages collection which is a limited one. It was designed to depict several periods of the British Era/History. The collection has five fragrances and most of them are limited edition except the Pomegranate Noir which is part of the permanent collection and one of their best sellers (I heard!!). The fragrances in the collection include:

Tudor Rose and Amber (1485-1830) - Inspired by the heraldic Tudor Rose which is still used today as a royal symbol

Lily of the Valley and Ivy (1714-1830) - Inspired by the Georgian Era which is associated with fresh greenery and landscapes

Pomegranate Noir (1837-1901) - Inspired by the Victorian era (golden age) which embraced English Drama

Geranium and Verbana (1901-1919) - Inspired by the cool elegance of the Edwardian Summers

Birch and Black Pepper (2015) - Inspired by Modern Britain which is our current era

Lily of the Valley and Ivy

As mentioned, I was so sure I would pick up the Tudor Rose and Amber but I think there must have been something in the fragrance that did not go well with my body chemistry. I just fell in love with the Lily of the Valley and it stood out for me. According to Jo Malone London, Lily of the Valley and Ivy is reminiscent of the pastel gentility of Georgian London. The Georgian era was associated with pastel tenderness, beautiful landscapes, gardens and greenery. It’s such a fresh scent and I think it is perfect for spring.

Packaging

I won't write too much about Jo Malone packaging because I have spoken about it already. They really know their stuff when it comes to creating impeccable packaging . It feels so luxurious and rightly so as Jo Malone products are not cheap at all. I love the limited edition packaging of all the Rock the Ages Collection and it's truly a collector's item. If I had my way, I would pick them all up but that would be absolutely foolhardy (it would make an amazing gift anyway-complete collection retails for £210). The bottle in itself is the regular 30 ml size but with a little twist. Its lid is lined with a silk-like floral green material which makes it look really pretty especially on my dresser. I know this will also be a lovely blog prop when it is finished because it looks so cute.

 

Notes

You know the drill; I am completely rubbish at describing any scent at all so I would go off Jo Malone London’s description. The Top notes include Sparkling Cassis and Green Ivy which sets the stage and opens up the fragrance. The heart/middle notes are a mixture of the dewy delicacy of the Lily of the Valley and Decadent Narcissus. It finally settles with notes of Amberwood and Musk. I like the way all the notes within the fragrance interact with each other to make an amazing scent

Longevity

Compared to my Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense and Pomegranate Noir, I would say the Lily of the Valley and Ivy has an average staying power. It is a cologne (not intense) and I would describe it is a fresh and light fragrance. I did not expect it to last as long as the above two. However, I really like it and the final scent that it settles to is really lovely and I can still catch a whiff of it at the end of the day. I have been wearing it to work on its own and layered with Pomegranate Noir and it just smells really beautiful.

Who is it for?

I think this fragrance can be worn by anyone who is after a light, fresh fragrance that will usher in Spring. I personally feel it is a fresh scent that younger women will want to wear although there is nothing stopping older/matured ladies form wearing it. I love it mainly because it is a good mixture of floral and fruity scents with a dash of musk. Everything is really balanced and I have to the nose behind this fragrance (Christine Nagel) has done an amazing job. I really wish this can be a permanent collection as I would definitely save towards purchasing a 100 ml bottle.

Cost

It is slightly more expensive than the regular 30 ml which retails for £40. All the fragrances in the Rock the Ages Collection retail for £42 which is really expensive but I decided this will be my treat to myself for payday. I was also given some lovely samples as well. Can we just take a moment to admire these dainty samples (Pomegranate Noir- 9 ml and Pomegranate Noir Cream -15ml)? I have to give it to Jo Malone for making one of the most luxurious samples I have seen. I almost don’t want to use them...just kidding! I already have the full size of the Pomegranate Noir (read the review here) so having a dinky (and very generous) handbag version almost makes me forgive the extortionate amount I paid for this fragrance.

Overall Thoughts

What can I say? I am really pleased I got one of these limited edition Jo Malone fragrances. I am not one to buy into limited edition products but I knew I wanted to try one of these immediately the sales lady showed me a preview. I won’t say you should rush out and buy it because it is quite pricey but it is an amazing treat. I also think it will make a beautiful gift for Mother’s Day. If not, you can still make your Mum an amazing personalised card here. I hope you enjoyed this post and I will see you on my next post...xx
*Affiliate links may have been used above, Read my Full Disclaimer here.

Jo Malone Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense Review

My birthday was as a little while ago and I was treated to this lovely bottle of Jo Malone Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense. I actually wanted the Peony and Blush Suede Cologne but it was sold out in the 100 ml (and the bf wanted to completely spoil me and get a large bottle instead of the mini 30 ml).  The sales ladies convinced us to get the Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense instead and I am super glad we listened because on first whiff, it was love all the way. P.S. I tried to stop taking a lot of photos but it just wasn't happening; it was too pretty to ignore :-((

Packaging

Can we just take a breather to admire the impeccable packaging of Jo Malone Fragrances? It is just the epitome of sophistication and class and I cannot imagine any lady who would not appreciate it. Since it was a gift, they took extra care in wrapping it so beautifully well that I honestly did not want to remove the packaging. I just wanted to stare and stare at it all day, every day...I jest!! Inside the box, I got the Jo Malone Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense (100ml), a small sample of English Pear and Freesia and an invitation to a complimentary arm and hand massage. The bottle in itself is beautiful and I love that it is black although it is a little transparent so you can see how much product you have left (which is very handy). I love the other transparent/white bottle but there is something so sensual and mysterious about this black bottle that makes me want to reach for it over the other one.

Jo Malone’s Description

The Tuberose Angelica was launched sometime in 2014 and it was created by Marie Salamagne. I would spare you all my rather weak description of scents and use the description on the Jo Malone website as it perfectly captures the very essence of this fragrance. They describe the Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense as the Queen of White florals and indeed it is. It is a sensual fragrance mixed with the green spices of angelica and sumptuous on the warmth of amber wood. It is indeed an intoxicating and desirable scent.

Notes

I can only describe this fragrance as the most elegant, classic and grown up scent I have ever used/tried. The Jo Malone sales ladies (once again when I went in-store) described this scent as "The Queen" and I absolutely understand why they would christen it this name. I just feel like I don’t need any more scents after this as it is just everything although I know I love perfumes way too much to stick to just one but you get my drift. The Top note is Angelica which is described as earthly and aromatic with a herbaceous peppery edge which lends a sophisticated accent to the scent. The Heart Note is Tuberose which is described as an intoxicating white floral renowned for its sumptuous sensual scent that leaves a captivating trail. Finally, the Base note is Amber wood which is a woody note with an amber-like scent that brings an addictive warmth to the fragrance. How can anyone not be enthralled with the beautiful description of these notes from the Jo Malone website?I don't think it's even possible!!

Who is this scent for?

I would like to say this fragrance is for everyone but I honestly think it is geared towards ladies as opposed to young girls or people in their teens. It’s a very sophisticated but sensual scent which I would imagine would be more suited for a lady or someone matured. The mix of florals and amber is one that is very decadent and I absolutely love it. It is also a scent that can be worn all year round which is why it definitely made its way to become one of my favourite scents. It’s perfect for day and night and for all seasons in my opinion.

Longevity/Lasting Power

I know this is marketed as a Cologne Intense (which implies it has a longer lasting power) but I don’t think it is longer lasting than some of the other Jo Malone scents. In fact, I dare say the Pomegranate Noir lasts a little bit longer than this. Don’t get me wrong; I use a few spritz in the morning and it lasts all day till I get home. I am just trying to point out that even though it says Cologne Intense, it may not necessarily be longer lasting than the others. I tried the Peony and Blush Suede Cologne and I think it is a really light fragrance (also nicknamed the Princess by the sales ladies) which also does not last as long as the others.

Layering Fragrances/Complimentary Hand Massage

I have tried layering some of my fragrances and I love the results. I am pretty sure many people layer some of their scents already but I never tried layering any Jo Malone one mainly because I only had one (The Pomegranate Noir). However, all this changed when I went in for my complimentary arm and hand massage last week in the Jo Malone store (it’s a free service although I think you need to make a purchase-not sure). It was also to celebrate the launch of their new Charlotte Stockdale range and I was treated to champagne and some sweet treats all inspired by the new products. The lady gave me the most amazing massage ever starting with lathering my hands with the Peony and Blush Suede Hand/Body Wash (She whisked it in a small cup until it was as frothy as frothed milk for cappuccino). Next, she went in with the English Pear and Freesia Body Cream which was the most luxurious cream I have ever tried and she gave my arms a nice little massage to absorb the entire product. She finished off with layering the Peony and Blush Suede Cologne and Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense and honestly, my hands felt and smelt so amazing all day long. I had an amazing experience mainly because the sales lady was very engaging and knowledgeable about the brand and she even sent me home with a couple of samples and another invitation for an event in February.  She taught me how to layer scents to find the right balance and combination that works well. I promptly got home and layered my Pomegranate Noir and Tuberose Angelica and seriously, it was pleasantly intoxicating!!

Cost

The only downside is the cost. It retails for £100 for 100 ml so it literally means that you are paying £1 for every ml and that is pretty insane. The Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense is slightly more expensive than the other Jo Malone Colognes which retail for £82 for 100 ml. Even if you were to buy the 30 ml at £40, it is still a small fortune to pay. The good thing is you don’t need a lot. A little goes a long way and I can see this lasting me all year (it had better!) so in a way it is a good investment if you are looking to treat yourself or a perfect gift to pop into your wish list.

Final Thoughts

What can I say? I am completely obsessed with this fragrance and it is one I highly recommend if you love floral scents with a hint of amber. I have dispensed some of it in my Travalo layered with the Pomegranate Noir and it is intensely beautiful. I keep getting endless compliments and questions about what I am wearing. That's all folks. Sorry for the super long post but I thought it was worth a nice write up. Have you tried any Jo Malone fragrance? See you in my next post....xx