I popped into Jo Malone last week to check out their new Hot Blossoms range. I like to test the fragrance on my skin first, then go away, see how it dries down, and also get a feel of the longevity of the scent. I think it’s particularly important to do this, especially with higher end, complex fragrances such as Jo Malone – I ramble on about this so much on here, but they really do react with your own body chemistry – so it’s really important to give it a road test first, particularly as you’re spending so much money on it.
The Hot Blossoms collection had caught my eye, mainly due to the packacking, I won’t lie; and I was on the hunt for a perfume to take with me on my holiday this summer. I had a spritz and pretty much decided on Tropical Cherimoya, when on the way out I thought I’d just have a little spritz of the new cologne intense release – Jasmine Sambac. To be quite honest, I wasn’t all that interested when it launched, I knew by the name that it was predominantly a floral; and florals just aren’t really my thing in a perfume, therefore I just completely skipped the hype. Anyway, off I went giving my wrists a sniff at every opportunity – but what surprised me, was that I couldn’t tear my nose away from the floral – the Jasmine Sambac. I’d actually go as far as to say it blew me away.
Not at all your typical floral – no powdery notes whatsoever. Nope, this transported me to an oriental flower garden, jewelled with the brightest, prettiest colours, in the deep heat of summer. Now… not that I’ve ever actually been in an oriental flower garden “jewelled with the brightest, prettiest colours, in the deep heat of summer” but if I had, well this is how I imagine it would smell. Top marks for strength, projection and longevity on this one too – it has the perfect balance, strong enough to make a statement, but not ridiculously overpowering. It’s definitely a summer fragrance, which I love, but I’m also a little gutted about – only because I’m not sure how well it will go in the Winter and I would absolutely love to wear this as a new favourite all year round. I’m also aware that I tend to use the phrases “new favourite” and “will definitely purchase again” every time I review Jo Malone at the moment, but I really do love the brand that much, and they just keep wowing me right now.
The main notes to this one are Jasmine Sambac (obvs), Marigold and Benzoin – a balsamic-y vanilla addition, that really warms things up. I believe there’s also a hint of amber in there too. It’s won me over so much, that I’m actually now on the hunt for both Marigold and Jasmine additions to my garden… I seriously need as much of these scents as possible; and I’m kicking myself for not giving fragrances with these notes in a go sooner. Saying that, I think you’d struggle to find a Jasmine scent as special as this one.
Yet another huge, huge winner from Jo Malone for me. Another fragrance that made me feel super excited as soon as I tried it – my favourite fragrance brand has bloody well done it again.
