I've walked by Jo Malone counters in higher-end department stores for years, but never felt worthy enough to stop and take a look. I always assumed that the price point was out of my range, and the sales girls looked intimidating to me. But now that I'm older, a bit more confident, and a self-proclaimed beauty enthusiast, I decided to let go of my misgivings and pop into Bloomingdales. I made a beeline for Jo Malone, and to my surprise, the SA was not only extremely kind and helpful but she also allowed me to test, spray, and basically annoy her with my questions and requests.
When I was in high school and even into my twenties, I gravitated towards sweet and fruity fragrances. You know, the kind that all your friends wore and that could be easily found at any department store counter. Usually it was celebrity endorsed (I'm talking Jessica Simpson and J Lo). I don't regret my choices back then because I didn't know what I was doing and I just bought what smelled good on other people. Needless to say, I cannot stand those scents now! Too sickly sweet and artificial smelling. I'm not a perfume snob, but I went into this purchase with the intention of smelling REAL. A scent that can be found in nature and not in a chemist's lab.
Wood Sage and Sea Salt was love at first whiff. And trust me, I smelled them all, coffee beans firmly against my nostrils after each test. This will come as a shock to no one who regularly reads here, but I LOVE the ocean and anything that reminds me of a day (or night) at the beach will instantly draw me in. The notes are fresh, light, but with a little musk. As quoted directly from the Jo Malone website, I feel this is the perfect description: "Escape the everyday along the windswept shore. Waves breaking white, the air fresh with sea salt and spray. Alive with the mineral scent of the rugged cliffs. Mingling with the woody earthiness of sage. Lively, spirited, and totally joyful." Damn. Well I couldn't have written it better myself, so there it is. This cologne in all its glory.
Notes: Sea salt, Ambrette seeds (whatever those are), sage, red algae, and grapefruit.
Price Point: 1 oz. for $65 dollars. A little steep yes, but worth it in my opinion especially considering the price of perfume in general these days. The larger bottles are $130. Yikes.
Lasting Power: I wouldn't say that it lasts a full day, but my trick is to spray my pulse points as well as my actual clothing so that you get the true scent. It fades rather nicely and settles very clean on my skin. Of course this will be different on everyone according to your body chemistry. Another thing I didn't realize when I was younger. However, I highly recommend this and will definitely be trying others from the line in the future. I'm hooked.
