[unpaid/sample] My olfactory association with Jo Loves is all citrus so Golden Gardenia is something of a surprise because it’s a full on floral with a twist of wood.
There’s something in the mix that is pinging my memory and taking me back to Estee Lauder Private Collection – maybe it’s the sweet floral that has a nuance of soap behind it. Gardenia is a very fulsome note – it’s heady, rich and strong – but thankfully it’s not undermined by the other notes. It’s just allowed to be exactly what it is and that might prove a bit too enthusiastic for some whereas for others, absolute catnip!
The addition of cardamom is noticeable – a kind of sweet spice accent to the flowers, while Elemi gives the blend a pinch of freshness. The other main note is ‘grey woods’ and I don’t know what they are but I think I can get some smokiness and mineral down notes. Golden Gardenia is something like Chelsea Flower Show Meets Morocco – a kind of souk and bloom blend for the senses. It’s a very intriguing mix. Over time it loses its power and becomes a skin-like scent which is what I rather like about it – big intro, interesting middle, quiet finale. You can find Jo Loves Golden Gardenia at SpaceNK HERE. It’s £75.
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8 comments
Would you say this fragrance leans more masculine or feminine?
Currently own and enjoy Pomelo, Jo, Rose Petal 25 and The FlowerShop
Feminine – from what you currently have, this sits in a very different place .. I’d advise trying before you buy 🙂
I also own and love these non-Jo Loves fragrances. Santal Carmin by Atelier, Oud and Bergamot from Jo Malone London, and Black Orchid by TF.. still think it is a try before I buy? I am in the US, so sadly I cannot pop into a store to try for myself and I do not need anything else from Jo Loves to add on a Golden Gardenia sample. The problem I have with the Santal Camin and Oud and Bergamot as to me they seem more masculine… the older I get the more feminine I like my perfumes to be it seems. Thank you 🙂
It’s too hard to call – it’s very sweet but I suppose I feel it lacks the Jo-ness’ of the others – i think if you like decadent, sweet florals – I’m thinking McQueen maybe – it’s almost night bloomish in intensity to start with but it does dry down nicely to something more gentle and fresh.
Thank you very much – that helps greatly! I will wait until my next order and will then add on a sample. 🙂
Good plan 🙂
Hi again. Just wanted to let you know that I ended up buying the signed bottle as a treat for myself and so happy I did. On one hand you were right as on its own it is not a fragrance I am normally drawn to even though it is very beautiful. However, I layered it with Jo by Jo Loves and that combination is my most favorite in my extensive perfume collection. Another beautiful combination is with Orange Butterflies. In fact, it would be a wonderful gift to offer the 3 together in the 15ml size! Those three layer beautifully with one another. So happy I took the plunge. Jo Loves appears to be one I can blind buy.
Oh fabulous! I’m so pleased you like it and actually I didn’t think of how it would layer so that is great to know.