Jo Malone Basil & Neroli

Basil & Neroli is the latest perfume in the Jo Malone collection and boy is it an exciting one!

The first ever floral-citrus perfume at Jo Malone, created using headspace technology to combine the basil and neroli, capturing a more natural unique aroma.

The  inspiration behind this cologne is the lively, vibrant atmosphere of 60s London. In a decade known for its exciting and daring attitude, Basil & Neroli is the first perfume to use the rule-breaking ingredient basil since it was first used in the iconic Lime, Basil & Mandarin twenty years ago. This fresh and fashionable scent is what Fragrance Director Céline Roux and Master Perfumer, Anne Flipo hope to portray, with Basil & Neroli encapsulating the mix of botanical gardens and hidden natural spaces amongst the urban backdrop of London.

I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to celebrate the launch of Basil & Neroli at a Beauty Bazaar event in Liverpool, and I have to say I had a fantastic time. It really is the tiny details that make an evening like this so special, from the basil and neroli inspired cocktail that appeared the moment I sat down, to the retro penny sweets that we could help ourselves to by the bag full!

Once seated, our two Jo Malone experts began by explaining the concept and the tasting notes behind this latest fragrance. The top note is of course Basil, and it is the scent you are first hit with when you smell this perfume. After providing a bottle of pure basil essence for us to smell, it was surprising to find how different this was in comparison to the perfume swatch (nothing like basil you get with cooking!), and how combining the different notes creates an entirely new scent but still one in which you can identify each note. The heart of this perfume is neroli. Produced from the blossom of the bitter orange tree, this oil is sweet and honeyed with a slight spiciness, which you can really pick up in this fragrance. Last of the tasting notes, forming the base of this scent is white musk. Not too overpowering, the musk adds lasting depth to this fresh and floral perfume.

Of course it wouldn’t be Jo Malone without a bit of fragrance combining. Basil and Neroli works best with fruity or warm scents depending on what you prefer. Layer with English Pear & Freesia or one of my particular favourites Orange Blossom for a fresh scent. Alternatively, combine it with Black Cedarwood & Juniper Cologne for a heavier warming fragrance.

So as I sit here typing and enjoying my fifth mint humbug, what do I think of the latest addition to the Jo Malone Family?

The day Basil and Neroli was launched I popped into the store to have a sprits and a sniff and I thought no this isn’t what I am looking for. Shame on me for judging so quickly, after leaving it on my skin for a few moments longer, I could begin to identify the different layers and really appreciate the scent of this perfume. I strongly recommend spraying on your wrist, leaving the store and waiting a couple of minutes before smelling.

For me it doesn’t quite hit the same spot as Lime, Basil & Mandarin does, I am a fan of more fruity fragrances, but Basil and Neroli is definitely starting to win a place in my heart and is a top contender for a coveted spot in my extensive Jo Malone collection.

I think this is a fantastic unisex fragrance, something I believe Jo Malone are particularly good at, as I find most to be more on the masculine side. This however can be worn by anyone, alone for a really fresh scent or combined with your favourite Jo Malone perfume to mirror your personality and create a truly unique fragrance.

So next time you are wondering past the beautiful sea of cream and black , pop in and see what you think of Basil and Neroli!

P.S if you are wondering what was in my goodie bag, those lovely ladies at Jo Malone, Beauty Bazaar Liverpool gave us all a beautiful little pouch with their signature Lime, Basil & Mandarin Body and Hand wash, a Geranium & Walnut Body Scrub, and of course the star of the event Basil and Neroli Cologne!