Jo Malone Rose Water & Vanilla Cologne

So here is the story:

I have followed Jo Malone for about a decade - pre-Lauder buyout. I would describe myself as interested by the concept of her brand but never tempted enough by any of the scents.

Last week whilst killing time in Gatwick North I popped into the shop. I am a HUGE fan of the Sweet Amber and Orange candle so sniffed that...and then spied three new additions to the Malone collection towards the back of the store.

Housed in black glass they immediately hinted at a deeper and more sensual offering - and that's exactly what they are.

Called the Cologne Intense range, I am told that they were originally aimed at the lucrative Middle Eastern market - but due to popularity have extended everywhere else and have now become a permanent fixture in store.

I am well out of the loop - they were launched in 2010.

There are 4 different scents in total - although Oud Bergamot (which I am EXTREMELY KEEN to try as a huge fan of both Oud and Bergamot and is meant to be quite similar to Tom Ford's Azure Lime) was completely sold out did not even have a tester on show - and they all seem lovely.

What I loved about all of them was the juxtaposition. There is a hint of freshness in the likes of Irish and White Musk but it also comes with a deliciously long-lasting base that brings you to a more exotic place - well more exotic than Gatwick, that's for sure :)

However, it was the Rose Water and Vanilla that blew me away.

I read the description and honestly thought - meh: notes I already have - this would be one of Malone's weak and slightly generic scents. But no. I absolutely frigging love it. I want to buy candles, body lotions, bath oils....I want to enveloped in this scent. I am 100% out of control.

It's creamy (thanks to the vanilla), with a sweetness of the rose that comes through immediately upon application...but what elevates it, and makes it unique is the warmth....it's just so comforting and even Malone's site describes it as "addictive". Plus, in its favour, it lasts ALL DAY...of course it evolves over time but I can still detect it's notes on the day's clothes far into the evening.

I have tried something like this before - Isabey's Fleur Nocturne - and was similarly bewitched by that one but it's super pricey and a little more pure floral than Malone's which manages to have a nice balance with slightly deeper notes.

I paid about £60ish for 100ml - they are normally £80. I know that's a lot for perfume but I URGE you to head to a shop and try them for yourself. This is important because:

a) I want to know what you think about the range; and
b) They smell TOTALLY different on different people. I have obviously been boring those near me with this perfume and sprayed on two friends - male and female - the notes came out totally different. In fact on the man friend it was deep incense and pretty sexy.

Here's the link if you want to find out more:

Link!

Okay, I will shut up now :)