When it comes to Jo Malone, what comes to mind? Is it the artistic freshness or the whimsical British charm? In recent years, Jo Malone has gained widespread popularity, winning the hearts of many with its distinct style.
Jo Malone’s fragrances often evoke the image of a lively and spirited fairy, with a hint of youthful innocence amid the gentle breeze. Popular scents like Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne, Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey, and Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia all exude this characteristic vibe, showcasing the brand’s strong identity.
However, this everyday artistic princess also has her moments of donning evening attire and embodying royalty, which is reflected in Jo Malone’s other side: the mysterious Intense series. Featuring black bottles and silver labels, this collection stands apart with its deep, enigmatic, precious, rich, and long-lasting fragrances, a departure from the typical lightness of the brand’s regular line. This style undoubtedly challenges your preconceptions of Jo Malone.
What’s the difference between regular perfumes？
First and foremost, the Intense series boasts a rich and opulent scent profile, a departure from the lightness of the regular line. Additionally, it utilizes more luxurious ingredients, such as oud, a rare and precious material that takes thousands of years to naturally form, akin to the value of gold. The scarcity of these raw materials contributes to the elevated price point of the Intense series, positioning it as a high-end product line with a mysterious allure.
Of course, while the Intense series differs significantly from the regular line in style, it still embodies the essence of Jo Malone. Despite the transformation, the queen retains Jo Malone’s original charm. Here, you won’t find heavy or eccentric fragrances but rather well-balanced creations. While satisfying in wearability and fragrance, the Intense series also explores hardcore themes like oud and incense from an appropriate angle. Therefore, as an advanced option, the Intense series is a fantastic choice, effectively addressing any frustration you may encounter when exploring this genre of fragrances.
Compared to the regular line, the Intense series employs a more “dangerous” approach to perfumery, with fragrances that exude a sense of luxury and temptation, bordering on the edge of seduction. Perfumers state that the inspiration behind this series stems from traditional fragrance rituals. The highlight of the entire Intense series lies in the selection of fragrances, all of which feature rare and rich ingredients, making them perfect for autumn and winter wear. Each fragrance has a core ingredient sourced from around the world, renowned for its rarity and rich aroma. In the following reviews, we will delve into the stories behind these core ingredients.
Velvet Rose & Oud
Key Ingredient: Damask Rose.
Unlike the preceding oud and bergamot, here oud is used to enhance the rose. Don’t underestimate the rose; although it’s a common flower in our daily lives, even with a large bucket of fresh rose petals, you can only extract a drop of rose essential oil. Unlike ordinary rose perfumes, this fragrance selects the rich and full-bodied Damask rose, which needs to be harvested and purified at the peak of its scent in the early morning, and the entire process must be completed within a very short time.
Perfume Review:
Rose-based perfumes come in countless variations, ranging from dewy roses to fresh and sweet roses, and even dry roses. The highlight of this Velvet Rose lies in its texture, rich and silky, like hands passing through velvet, and the scent of roses blooms gorgeously in the nose. Then, as it blooms, the scent lands, with some fruity notes of vanilla and lychee coming in, along with a hint of nutty sweetness, making the originally sweet rose even more intense. Finally, the scent of rose is enveloped in layers of smoky oud, creating a magnificent and majestic atmosphere. With flowers and wood intertwining, rising and falling like the tides, fading away in the dark night.
Tuberose Angelica
Key Ingredient: Tuberose.
The enticing scent of tuberose, also known as the “queen of white flowers,” is exceptionally rare and delicate, requiring specific climatic conditions to bloom. Once in full bloom, it must be quickly harvested at dawn to preserve its natural fragrance as much as possible to prevent evaporation. Extracting oil from natural flower petals is an extremely luxurious endeavor.
Perfume Review:
Many are familiar with the scent of tuberose, often described as a very “sensual” floral fragrance. However, Angelica might be less familiar. In fact, Angelica is simply another name for Chinese angelica, a herb used in traditional medicine. This might seem like an unexpected twist, but the Angelica used here is fresh and imbued with a natural green aroma, unlike the dried form used in herbal medicine. In contrast, the tuberose here emits less of an alluring, seductive aura and more of an elegant demeanor, with a hint of fresh green leaves. The clever combination of these two ingredients is akin to a garden in spring, dewy and vibrant, brimming with natural vitality. As a tuberose-themed fragrance, it exudes an elegance not typically found in other tuberose perfumes, presenting a uniquely “fresh” take on tuberose.
Orris & Sandalwood
Key Ingredient: Orris Root.
The orris here is actually the root of the iris flower. Harvested from the peaks of Tuscany, the ethereal blue petals sway in the gentle breeze, blooming only in the spring and requiring three years of drying before the oil can be extracted for use in perfumes, making it extremely precious. The scent of orris is captivating, carrying natural earthiness and woody undertones of plant rhizomes, while also boasting the iconic powdery floral fragrance of the iris flower, embodying a duality of woody and floral notes.
Perfume Review:
Introduced in 2016, this new fragrance falls on the fresher side within the L’Artisan Parfumeur’s velvety series. In the opening, the scent of orris root gracefully emerges, like a gentle breeze wafting from a distant garden, exuding elegance, serenity, and a touch of brightness, devoid of any vulgarity. Following closely is the violet, also carrying a powdery essence, complementing the orris root and adding a delicate and airy touch. With the introduction of pine resin and amber, the fragrance transitions from floral to woody, introducing sandalwood as the second protagonist. The intertwining scents of orris and sandalwood persist into the dry-down, gradually fading into a serene woodland aroma.
Oud & Bergamot
Key Ingredient: Oud.
Oud, also known as agarwood, is something that high-end perfume enthusiasts are crazy about, and it’s a topic that can be discussed endlessly. However, despite the initial shock, those who take the time to appreciate oud are often captivated by its deep and mysterious aroma. Bitter yet sweet, with resinous notes and a hint of smokiness, oud even in its purest form, without any blending, can be used as a complex fragrance on its own.
The price of oud is comparable to gold, and its natural formation requires years of experience. Different ages of oud have different prices, with high-quality oud being more expensive than gold. Its rich and expensive qualities make it a favorite among Middle Eastern elites, who often douse themselves in oud fragrances to display their status.
Oud also holds a significant place in history as an important ingredient in Chinese incense culture. In incense ceremonies, oud is burned to release its fragrance.
Perfume Review:
While oud may not be suitable for beginners, Jo Malone’s approach to oud in this fragrance is mild, making oud less “toxic”. It is blended with bergamot, where the citrusy sweetness helps to neutralize the bitterness of oud, giving the otherwise heavy and robust oud a lightness. The inherent mysterious smokiness of oud brings warmth. In the middle and base notes, the long and profound aroma of oud gradually unfolds. The combination of traditional oud and fresh bergamot is not only creative but also very comforting.
Incense & Cedrat
Key Ingredient: Incense.
Incense is a conceptual scent, typically composed of one or more fragrant materials that are burned to release a smoky aroma. The main ingredient in this fragrance is frankincense, harvested from the Sultanate of Oman. Frankincense is a natural resin that oozes from the Boswellia tree and solidifies into milky-white granules. Its collection and production methods have a history of over 6,000 years, representing a craft passed down through generations. As the Boswellia tree is an endangered species, natural frankincense is even more precious.
Jo Malone Perfume Review:
In addition to the dominant frankincense, this fragrance also features elemi resin and myrrh. The scent is exceptionally unique, characterized by a pure bitterness without any sweetness, making it highly distinctive. If you’re seeking an unconventional fragrance, this one is an excellent choice. However, enjoying incense fragrances requires some expertise; the smoky bitterness may not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, Jo Malone has adopted an approachable method, making it accessible even to beginners, thanks to the addition of cedrat, a citrus fruit similar to lemon. The combination of cedrat and incense produces an intriguing tangy aroma reminiscent of dried tangerine peel snacks. Additionally, the cedrat imparts a softening effect on the incense and adds a citrusy acidity. Overall, this fragrance effectively captures the mysterious and profound essence of incense while remaining beginner-friendly, which is commendable.
Dark Amber & Ginger Lily
Key Ingredient: Kyara Wood Incense.
Unlike other fragrances where the core ingredient takes center stage, here, the Kyara wood incense plays a supporting role but adds the finishing touch to the overall scent profile. Kyara wood incense, originating from Japanese Koh-do ceremonies, holds a revered status in Japanese incense traditions. While Western incense evokes strong sensations of fiery combustion, Kyara wood incense offers a softer, more tranquil Zen-like experience. Thus, this type of incense imparts warmth rather than heat. In the fragrance formula, it enhances the floral notes, adding depth and elegance.
Jo Malone Perfume Review:
This fragrance boasts a unique combination, departing from the typical spicy and exotic oriental route to exude an ethereal quality. The top note of ginger introduces a spicy warmth, while incense and sandalwood create a sense of coziness. Amidst this ambiance, the “fairy” takes center stage. This ethereal figure, amidst a constellation of stars, is represented by white florals—lily, ginger lily, and jasmine. While white florals are inherently delicate, they can sometimes appear too linear or even synthetic. However, enveloped in the surrounding oriental spices, they undergo a subtle transformation, becoming rich and full-bodied. As the fragrance progresses, it becomes increasingly gentle, with the addition of black orchid releasing hints of powdery sweetness and creamy undertones. Despite its softness, the combination of dark amber and ginger lily exudes a sense of serene beauty rather than allure.
Conclusion:
The Jo Malone Perfume Intense series offers a captivating olfactory journey, diverging from the brand’s signature light and airy fragrances to deliver a rich and opulent experience. Each scent in this collection is meticulously crafted to exude depth, complexity, and longevity, catering to fragrance enthusiasts seeking intensity and sophistication. From the velvety allure of Velvet Rose & Oud to the seductive warmth of Dark Amber & Ginger Lily, these perfumes captivate the senses with their luxurious compositions. Whether you’re drawn to the smoky elegance of Incense & Cedrat or the sensual embrace of Tuberose Angelica, the Jo Malone Perfume Intense series promises to leave a lasting impression, enveloping you in a world of refined indulgence.