Jo Malone Basil and Neroli Cologne Review

Mark my words, the Jo Malone fragrance of 2016 will be forever remembered as the year we all fell hard for the subtle green tones of Basil one again. Yes it may have been 20 years since Jo Malone last unearthed Basil as the lead note within any of their fragrances (the last encounter was of course the now cult classic, that is Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin) but the wait was worth it, and then some, for the unveiling of Jo Malone Basil and Neroli Cologne.

Jo Malone Basil and Neroli Cologne Review

It goes without saying, that it is a rare occurrence that a new - or existing for that matter - Jo Malone scent addition doesn't leave me a little smitten and weak at the knees; each blend has a magical olfactory grip but much like Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt, the charm of Jo Malone Basil and Neroli Cologne is unparalleled and entirely original.

Due to some weird science - or y'know my natural pH levels coming into play -, citrus based fragrances do not wear well on my skin at all. Before such concoction can fully dry on my body, they all but spoil and turn sickly sweet. I'm told it is due to the high concentration of sebum present within my pores - a lovely image, I'm sure you'll agree. As such, I do tend to stay away from anything overtly loaded with top notes of orange, lemon and sadly lime (man do I love limes), Jo Malone Basil and Neroli Cologne is the exception.

Jo Malone Basil and Neroli Cologne Review

Yes, Jo Malone Basil and Neroli Cologne does contain a form of citrus due to Neroli (from the bitter orange tree) but as it so well balanced and mellowed out with the earthen, top note of Basil and a small hint of white musk within the base of the scent pyramid, it is surprisingly easy to wear, and one of the few Jo Malone launches I consider to be completely aimed at the unisex market. That's not to say you can not and should not wear what you want - because you absolutely should - but admittedly Jo Malone is a fragrance and body brand, I (and most likely many others) associate as being predominately aimed at female consumers.

Best described, Jo Malone Basil and Neroli Cologne is the very definition of care-free fine fragrancing. As you can imagine, this slots nicely into the "green-come-herbal" scent category but does so without being overly obvious. On first application, this is a sharp, shot of orange based citrus that quickly dries down to a fresh, clean and not at all floral (nor musty for that matter) invigorating blend. It is unique, it is soft and it may just remind you of Spring in the countryside, and most importantly it smells great on just about everyone.

Sadly, Jo Malone Basil and Neroli Cologne won't be launching online, nor on counters until September (prices start at £42 for 30ml) but make sure you do pop in-store and try it out for yourself, as I do firmly believe that is a Jo Malone classic in the making.

If you can't quite hold off for another month and need a Jo Malone fragrance hit, like yesterday may I suggest you read this post that details Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom Cologne.