[samples] Given that I’ve been a fan of this fragrance creator for just about ever, I couldn’t be happier that Jo Malone’s creations are now available in every high street with a Zara and even happier that they’re affordable. Are they dupes for existing Jo Loves or even Jo Malone fragrances? No, absolutely not, but there is a familiar thread there.
Bearing in mind that the smallest size, 10ml, is £5.95, rising to £29.95 for 90ml, they’re on budget for many of us. What’s interesting is that prices for niche fragrances are rising and rising – sometimes I have to really gulp before posting about £100 plus scents – and these are clearly made to emulate that trend but without the price tag. From the pared down packaging to the font – all very modern and very ‘niche’.
In my head, I’d already settled upon Fleur D’Oranger as being my favourite but in fact, it’s Vetiver Pamplemousse. It’s a sharp and citrussy blend that is refreshing and zesty with a little kick of sweetness. Fleur D’Oranger reminds me of holidays with a bit of a sun-screen scent and some green behind that. I also liked Waterlily Tea Dress with a mildly minty edge but mostly bergamot and musk. The one that lasted the longest on me is Bohemian Bluebells with lavender, sandalwood, musk and vanilla. It’s the ‘biggest’ fragrance of what I’ve tested so far and I rather like it.
The last isn’t great – I suppose that there has to be sacrifice somewhere and I’m ambivalent about last because I really don’t mind topping up on a great scent and having that first blast all over again, but then again, you should be able to rely on a degree of it. I’d be tempted to buy a mid or full size and keep the 10ml for top ups in your bag. There are four other fragrances that I haven’t yet tried – I picked the ones I thought I would like best first. They’re Ebony Wood, Amalfi Sunray, Tuberose Noir and Fleur de Patchouli. I think this pairing brings credibility to high street fashion fragrances – I wonder who is to follow next because surely it’s the start of a trend?
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10 comments
Oooh, love the bottles! Like you, I immediately zoomed into the Orange Blossom, but the vetiver/grapefruit sounds much more interesting. Fabulous: I’ll give my local Zara a week and then pounce on this. Thank you for the heads up and valuable assessments.
Lavender just isn’t used in enough fragrances! I love it as a note. Can’t wait to try this one!
Interesting! I have lost my favourite fragrance at Jo Malone as they have discontinued it – Orris and Sandalwood, I loved you well. So annoying though!
I am also frankly sick of paying so much for scent, although I do prefer to purchase a quality fragrance. Zara might get a visit. In fact, what’s happened everywhere? In the last few years everything has hiked prices to a point that is frankly unjustified. I well may go back to blending my own.
I don’t think they’re going to replace the real deal by any means but you should definitely give them a try in case one resonates with you. I agree.. I find it hard to justify the prices asked.
I went into Zara to have a smell and I didn’t like any of them, there was something/maybe a fragrance note in each of them that just didn’t sit right for me, a shame because I too am a huge JM fan x
The one that resonated most is the Vetiver Pamplemousse – it’s the most ‘Jo’ I think although I have an other four to try.
They didn’t have testers in my local Zara shop but I was able to order a sampling set of all 8 perfumes in 4ml sizes. I really love when perfume brands do this!
oh that’s perfect.
Thanks for the heads up on these otherwise I would have just walked past them. I’ve tried a couple of the extremely handy 10ml sizes the fleur d’oranger (which is the closest I’ve ever found to my favourite but discontinued Lanvin Orange Ambre – if you know of any places I could track it down…!?? I can find loads of body lotions but not the fragrance) which I love and the Vetiver pamplemouse which reminds me of another favourite fragrance by Hermes. It’s great to be able to have a few different fragrances on the go without worrying about the cost and them going off. The one that has been consistently sold out in my Glasgow branch is the wood one.
I had a quick look and don’t see anywhere obvious where you could get some… sorry, it’s so annoying when a favourite disappears.