The blossoms are blooming and the wisteria hysteria is just beginning – it can only mean one thing…summer is right around the corner! It’s the perfect time to discover a new summer scent with my absolute favourite fragrance boutique Jo Malone London.
I don’t know about you but I just love changing my perfume with the seasons – moving from the more sensual, oud-filled aromas of winter into the lighter, fresher, more floral scents of spring and summer. There’s nothing quite like packing away the jumpers and scarves and spritzing a little hint of the first blooms of spring to really get you in the mood for the up-coming sunshine!
When I heard that Jo Malone London were releasing a new limited edition Blossoms collection (featuring an ever-popular returning favourite) I couldn’t wait to pop into the Bath boutique to experience the fragrances for myself. I signed up for a glass-tinting workshop (a new one for me!) with the lovely Esther who promised to guide me through the most recent additions to the Jo Malone London family.
After carefully pouring my choice of coloured paint into an empty candle jar and ensuring that all sides of the glass were covered I left it to settle for a while before being given instructions that it would need to be baked in the oven once I got home. Whilst waiting for the paint to dry Esther introduced me to the new limited edition fragrances – which I have to point out are in the most beautiful pastel packaging!
The new Blossoms collection includes Silk Blossom, the fan-favourite Star Magnolia, Orange Blossom and Frangipani Flower. During my appointment I had to chance to explore each of the fragrances in detail (except sadly Silk Blossom – it has been so popular that it was already out of stock! I’ll have to seek it out elsewhere!) and find out a little about their top notes, heart notes and base notes that come together to create the scent.
Orange Blossom
Orange blossom honestly surprised me – the clementine flower top note is really not as strong as I expected (I was thinking more along the lines of the winter fragrance Orange Bitters). With delicate hints of white lilac and a base note of sandalwood I can only describe it as a fresh and fruity with a very subtle hint of spice. Gorgeous!
Star Magnolia
Bursting with a juicy hint of lemon citrus as the top note, accompanied by floral star magnolia this is a really refreshing fragrance and I can see why it has become a firm-favourite over the years. There’s event the slightest pinch of ginger which helps to give depth and warm to this beautiful summery scent.
Silk Blossom
As I mentioned this gorgeous scent had already sold out at my local boutique! With a combination of soft white pepper, a peachy heart note of silk blossom and an earthy hint of moss it sounds simply delicious! I’ll be tracking this one down for a spritz for sure!
Frangipani Flower
I’ve left my favourite fragrance until last! With an exotic, floral fragrance that entices you straight away created by the mixture of jasmine petals and frangipani I think I was drawn to this scent as it reminded me of our honeymoon last year where I would often find frangipani flowers scattered along the shores of our island in The Maldives. It’s such a feminine, delicate fragrance with a base note of sandalwood bringing a creamy, warm depth to the scent.
As always all of these fragrances are combinable. Esther explained to me that Jo Malone London is unique in the fact that any two fragrances can be layered together on your skin to create a completely new scent (by using the colognes or the moisturisers). This is because each of the perfumes contain a limited number of base and top notes when compared to other colognes on the high-street.
Of course there are recommended combinations (you can even find advice for how to make your fragrance warmer or fresher on the Jo Malone website) but you’re free to put any two scents together to create a perfume that is individual to you (which I LOVE!). Some of my personal favourites are Peony & Blush Suede layered with Blackberry & Bay along with Wild Bluebell paired with Velvet Rose & Oud. Let me know any other suggestions in the comments too!
After spending a little time finding my perfect Blossoms scent I was treated to a hand and arm massage by Esther complete with scent layering using Jo Malone London’s luxurious moisturising lotions. I couldn’t decide between Mimosa & Cardamom or Tuberose Angelica so we opted for one on each arm, accompanied by Frangipani Flower – I smelt heavenly as you can imagine!
Before too long my candle jar was ready to take home and I felt thoroughly pampered (and also had a new wish-list of products!). The whole team at Jo Malone Bath were so welcoming (I was greeted with a glass of pink bubbly!) and also so knowledgeable in all the fragrances and their combinations that I’ll definitely be heading back soon for another mini pamper (they’re complimentary – just ring ahead or pop in to book!).
Do you have a favourite Jo Malone London fragrance or a combination that you would recommend? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
The Blonde x