Renowned perfumer Jo Malone shares her expert advice on how to choose a scent that is truly right for you. Selecting a fragrance is more than just a beauty ritual, it’s a personal statement that reflects your individuality, mood, and lifestyle. Whether you’re a fragrance novice or a seasoned collector, her practical tips offer a fresh perspective on making your next perfume purchase a memorable one.
1. Test Fragrance on Skin, Not Paper
One of the most common mistakes shoppers make is testing perfume on a paper blotter. Jo Malone is clear: “Never buy a fragrance from a paper or blotter.” The reason is simple, paper lacks the natural oils and chemistry of human skin. Fragrances interact with your own body’s warmth and oils, evolving in unique ways that paper simply cannot replicate. When shopping for perfume, always apply the scent directly to your skin. Allow it to dry naturally, and resist the urge to rub your wrists together, as this can break down the fragrance molecules and alter the scent profile.
2. Let Your Personality Guide Your Choice
Fragrance is deeply personal, and Jo Malone encourages everyone to consider how they want to feel when wearing a scent. “If you are sporty and very athletic, citrus always works,” she suggests. Fresh, invigorating citrus notes are perfect for those with an active lifestyle, providing a clean and uplifting aroma. For more formal occasions, such as a black-tie event, Malone recommends elegant floral notes like gardenia or tuberose, which offer a sophisticated, single-note presence. The key takeaway is to let your character and lifestyle guide your fragrance selection. Think about your daily activities, your wardrobe, and the impression you wish to leave, fragrance is a great way to express your identity.
3. Make Fragrance Part of Your Daily Ritual
Jo Malone’s third tip is a game-changer for anyone looking to make their scent last throughout the day. After your morning shower or bath, she recommends taking some cologne into your hands and gently patting it all over your body. This technique allows the fragrance to meld with your skin and creates a subtle, long-lasting scent that lingers as you move. By incorporating perfume into your daily routine, your scent becomes an integral part of your presence, an invisible accessory that enhances your overall style.
Why These Tips Matter
The world of fragrance can be overwhelming, with countless options and ever-evolving trends. Jo Malone’s advice cuts through the noise with practical steps that prioritize personal experience and authenticity. By testing perfumes on your skin, you ensure the scent develops naturally and complements your unique chemistry. Letting your personality lead the way means your fragrance will always feel true to you, rather than a fleeting trend. Finally, making scent application a part of your daily ritual guarantees you get the most out of your chosen perfume, both in longevity and enjoyment.
The Science of Scent and Skin
It’s important to remember that fragrance is a living art – what smells beautiful on one person may not work on another. This is due to differences in skin type, pH levels, and even diet. For this reason, always take your time when selecting a new perfume. Wear it for a day before making a decision, and notice how it evolves from the first spritz to the lingering dry-down hours later.
Jo Malone, the celebrated British perfumer, is no longer involved with the “Jo Malone London” brand. She sold her namesake company to Estée Lauder in 1999 and has had no affiliation with the brand since 2006. After leaving Jo Malone London, she launched a new fragrance venture called Jo Loves, where she continues to innovate in the world of perfumery.
In recent years, Jo Malone has also partnered with ZARA to create a series of acclaimed fragrance collections. This collaboration has brought her signature approach to scent to a broader audience, merging luxury with accessibility. Some standout fragrances from the ZARA x Jo Malone collaborations include:
- Ebony Wood: Deep, rich, and laced with coffee and cloves
- Vetiver Pamplemousse: Clean, citrusy, with fresh linen notes
- Waterlily Tea Dress: Light, floral, and elegant
- Fleur de Oranger: A bright, orange blossom scent
- Tuberose Noir: Musky, strong, and sophisticated
- Fashionably London: Bergamot, rose, and a subtle musk
- Energetically New York: Vibrant, modern, and dynamic
- Elegantly Tokyo: A unisex oriental floral blend
These fragrances are part of the “ZARA Emotions” and “Vibrant Cities” collections, curated by Jo Malone to reflect different moods, cities, and personalities. Her partnership with ZARA has been widely praised for making high-quality scent experiences accessible to a global audience.
Finally, Jo Malone’s 3 top tips offer a thoughtful approach to fragrance selection, emphasizing individuality, ritual, and authentic self-expression. Whether you’re drawn to zesty citrus, lush florals, or something entirely your own, the perfect scent is out there, waiting to become part of your signature style.
