Jo Malone fragrances are not for everyone – but they are for me, and I still remember how much I loved my first purchase, Pomegranate Noir. If I had to describe that scent, I would have to say that it does sometimes smell like slightly rotten fruit. Can you see why it’s not for everyone?
As it turns out, Jo Malone’s launch, Vanilla and Anise has a much more universally pleasing scent. Although the scent dossier says that it’s a modern vanilla, to me this is totally old school. The Vanilla and Anise Scent remind me of a spiced tea cake or cookies that have hints of cardamom in them. However, it does all this without being overly sweet or even the slightest bit gourmand. Like all Jo Malone scents, her skill lies in the subtlety of creating unique fragrances.
I found that this wore better than most Jo Malone Colognes and layered especially well with Grapefruit, which is a citrus with a spicy base.
$186 for 1o0mL.
I love anything Vanilla scented. It sound interesting with the anise. It remember me of an Italian waffle cookie I like to eat.
Amy, I know about the Italian cookies you’re talking about! I had totally forgotten about it – the pizelle! So yummy. But actually, this scent does not smell like that. Though it has vanilla and anise it’s not sweet so you won’t get that sugary top note.
I was a big fan of her Gardenia scent reminded of a secret garden smell. i find that you have to very lightly apply a Jo Malone. Well my gardenia is running out maybe it’s time for a new one?
I bought this about 3 weeks ago and have been wearing it every day! I layer it with my Orange Blossom some days, and sometimes with the Blue Agave Cacao. It does layer really well. I’ll have to try it with the Grapefruit-I think I have a sample of that one.
Janet, I’ve actually found (and heard complaints of) the opposite! People say that it doesn’t last long enough and fades quickly. Kind of makes sense because it’s a cologne… however, I haven’t tried the Gardenia scent so I can’t comment on that. The Vanilla one is quite good though in terms of how strong it is and how long it lasts on the skin.. vanilla does tend to stick better to the skin.