Whenever a new Jo Malone scent lands on my desk, I know I'm either going to love it or hate it. There's not much middle ground when it comes to their innovations, the Jo Malone perfumers producing unique and boundary-pushing fragrances that really do linger on the nose hairs and evoke some serious emotion. I've adored their Wood Sage & Sea Salt, been a bit 'meh' about their Mimosa & Cardamom, spritzed Tudor Rose until the very last drop, and almost made myself sick with the sweetness of their Bitter Orange & Chocolate; their juices definitely don't blend into the background. This time it's the turn of Orris & Sandalwood, a surprisingly sweet take on a floral scent that reminds me of my childhood thanks to the inclusion of violet. Described as "woody and floral, powdery and deep, the scent of the Tuscan hillsides with irises in bloom," the intensity of the fragrance is somewhat mesmerising and addictive.
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If you haven't heard of Orris (and neither had I,) then it's the root of the iris plant that's been harvested in Tuscany for generations; it's a highly precious ingredient in perfumery, so it's about time the experts and industry leaders at Jo Malone added a little into one of their scents. Sandalwood needs no introduction, but the inclusion of a top note of violet gives this an evocative and nostalgic quality that settles down to leave a lingering fragrance that's both warming and sensual. It may start like a spritz of Palma Violets for grown ups, but when the top notes evaporate it leaves behind a woody and amber enriched floral scent. The intensity of this in comparison to the regular perfumes is reflected in the price point, but this is definitely one for those Jo Malone addicts that can't get enough of their modern twists on classic compositions. It may not be my usual cup of tea, but there's something a little bit moreish about this latest addition to the JM reportoire.
If you haven't heard of Orris (and neither had I,) then it's the root of the iris plant that's been harvested in Tuscany for generations; it's a highly precious ingredient in perfumery, so it's about time the experts and industry leaders at Jo Malone added a little into one of their scents. Sandalwood needs no introduction, but the inclusion of a top note of violet gives this an evocative and nostalgic quality that settles down to leave a lingering fragrance that's both warming and sensual. It may start like a spritz of Palma Violets for grown ups, but when the top notes evaporate it leaves behind a woody and amber enriched floral scent. The intensity of this in comparison to the regular perfumes is reflected in the price point, but this is definitely one for those Jo Malone addicts that can't get enough of their modern twists on classic compositions. It may not be my usual cup of tea, but there's something a little bit moreish about this latest addition to the JM reportoire.
The new Jo Malone Orris & Sandalwood Cologne Intense is available now, priced £105.00 for 100ml.
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