I first became aware of the power of perfume when I was at school. I can’t remember what happened but whatever it was, I didn’t want to go. In desperation and in order to get me to go, my mum bribed me by giving me a spray of her perfume on my arm. I instantly felt so much better. During the day in weak moments, I would nuzzle my nose into my arm and breath in the warm scent which instantly made me think of my mum and the safety of home.
I still do that now. I often find myself at difficult times, just sitting down breathing in my perfume and just taking a minute to calm down.
Fragrance is still so important to me. I have quite a collection now and change up daily to avoid going ‘nose blind’. All my fragrances have a special place, but I don’t save them for evening or special events, I just wear the one that I feel like at the time. Yes, I want people to smell my perfume but it is mainly for me. I do, however, wear more floral citrus ones in Summer and the heady woody scents in Winter. I believe the perfume someone wears can say so much more about them than their clothes ever can.
This one, Jo Malone Oud and Bergamot Cologne Intense is my current favourite. It is undoubtedly a grown-up scent and quite powerful. I first smelt it on a friend, she wafted into the room wearing this and instantly I felt I had to have it. Don’t be put off by the Oud, it is not overpowering at all, it just gives enough depth to the Bergamot to make it more interesting and provide the base. It seems to sit in both camps – both citrusy and woody. Love it.
Jo Malone describes it as Top note – Bergamot brightens with sparkling citrus freshness. Base notes – Cedarwood, dry and intense woody. It creates brambly aspect in base of the scent. Base note – Oud wood, rich resinous and dark with animalistic accents. It mingles with textural gourmand qualities of praline in the base bringing intensity and depth
All of Jo Malone’s fragrances are special. They come beautifully packed in their own cream box, nestling in black tissue paper. Even the ritual of buying them alone is an occasion in itself, the selection, the packaging and the wrapping. You can’t help coming away from the shop with a big smile on your face even if it is a gift for someone else as you can imagine the pleasure the recipient will get when they receive it.
You can buy it here