Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne

Okay, so I said I wanted to try Jo Malone’s Blackberry & Bay Cologne, hopefully as a Christmas gift, but I just couldn’t wait that long.  I realize I’m not setting the best example for my little boys, but it makes good fodder for my blog.  You know, as research.

I had a little spending money set aside, so I decided to take the plunge.  Locally, I can only buy Jo Malone’s products at Saks and Neiman Marcus, but even though I like the finer things in life, I don’t really like shopping at those stores.  Luckily, British-based Jo Malone now ships to the United States, and since my box was postmarked from Louisville (really, Kentucky?), that tells me that they have a supply warehouse here in the states.

My package arrived last week in Jo Malone’s signature black and cream wrapping.  Seriously, this was a gift to myself and the packaging made me feel like a million bucks.  Nothing is more elegant, and I have seen other companies begin to use this technique after Jo Malone first did.  The weight of the box’s paper, combined with the contrasting black trim, reminds me of engraved wedding invitations.  I once received one, and it was most definitely a thing of beauty.

(Jo Malone’s elegant packaging.)

And, of course, the bottle itself is lovely and simple, too.  I also received two separate samples that I was able to pick when I made my purchase online.  I chose Wild Bluebell Cologne and Vanilla & Anise Cologne.

(Jo Malone’s Blackberry & Bay Cologne, with samples.)

I must admit that I bought this cologne on a whim, after reading about it, but without smelling it in person first.  I’ve never done that before, but I love some of Jo Malone’s other products, and felt confident ordering from her company.  After wearing this for a week, I adore the scent, but I’m disappointed by its very brief stay on my skin.  It simply does not last.

I wrote recently about my love for perfume and how I enjoy smelling it throughout the day, and this cologne absolutely does not pass my daily sniff test.  I apply it after my shower in the morning, and by noon, it is a fading memory.  If I am leaving the house in the afternoon, I have to reapply it, and that goes against my normal perfume-wearing pattern.

But the scent is light and lovely, and definitely a cologne.  When I spray it on, I’m immediately reminded of berries, but in a gorgeous and refined way.  And there is also a slightly tart smell, as well, that I’m guessing comes from the bay.  I also love the unique combination of ingredients, which is Jo Malone’s signature style.  She truly has a gift for “Fragrance Combining” and even encourages it among her fragrances.

My thought is that the Blackberry & Bay Cologne is perfectly suited to this technique and would last much longer if I layered it with coordinating products like the Body Crème. But that will most definitely have to wait until Christmas.  I promise.