Perfume is incredibly personal - perhaps the most personal of all beauty categories - so recommending a single best Jo Malone perfume that appeals to all would be close to impossible. That said, our beauty team is very well-acquainted with the range and thus, have shared a comprehensive guide to the chicest and best-selling scents...
When it comes to selecting a scent from the list of best long-lasting perfumes, Jo Malone's lineup of premium and minimalistic blends is often the first to be recommended by fragrance enthusiasts. Whether they'll confide in you the exact one they wear, however, is a different story. Indeed, despite housing some of the best perfumes for women, “Jo Malone London is interestingly one of the only brands that when I ask someone, 'What perfume do you wear?' and they answer: "Jo Malone", they don’t specify which one,” says Jo Fairley, perfume expert and editor of digital fragrance magazine The Scented Letter.
But even if your friends won’t share the precise notes of their signature JML scent, we have all the intel you need to find your favourite. Interspersing our own, personal picks with the brand's most popular blends, consider this your definitive guide to the best Jo Malone fragrances...
The 12 best Jo Malone perfumes to add to your collection
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Top note: King William pear | Heart note: Freesia | Base note: Patchouli
Jo Malone London's most popular scent, English Pear & Freesia, is a light and fresh scent that combines the aforementioned notes on a base of patchouli. At the risk of stating the obvious, it really does smell how a freshly cut pear should – crisp, fresh, and uplifting.
This fruity perfume sums up everything we love about Jo Malone London as a brand, who are masters of creating modern and surprising blends out of quintessentially English ingredients. It's not the longest-lasting but it's a true classic.
Top note: Lavender | Middle note: Omumbiri myrrh | Base note: Tonka bean
Due to its warming nature, we would traditionally think of this as one of the best Jo Malone fragrances for winter (though it could definitely be worn year-round as a signature if these kind of scents are your preference). Jo Malone's Myrrh & Tonka is one of the brand's Cologne Intense offerings – richer, deeper perfumes created using precious ingredients. Due to that intensity, they also last longer on the skin and need topping up less.
Myrrh & Tonka may not have the household recognition of some of the other most popular Jo Malone London scents, but we love the rich, velvety and ever-so-slightly sweet elements, with warming notes of vanilla, almond and lavender.
Top note: Williams pear | Heart note: Sweet pea | Base note: White musk
This scent has a strikingly similar name to the best seller at the top of our list, the iconic English Pear & Freesia. This fragrance is a reimagining of that classic; the brand's Global Head of Fragrance Céline Roux wanted to put a fresh spin on the scent by pairing English Pear with a different bloom. The result is a softer version of the original, as the sweet peas bring more outdoorsy notes, while the white musk is both powdery and clean at once.
Both fragrances now contain 100% natural pear fruit extract, sourced from within the food industry where pears are steamed for their juice. The result here is a sweet, sunny fragrance that’s crisp enough to almost bite into and practically fizzes with freshness. A modern classic that encapsulates the joys of summer.
Top note: Pomegranate | Heart note: Casablanca lily | Base note: Guaiacwood
With the possible exception of Peony & Blush Suede, if there's one Jo Malone scent that you've heard of through friends, family or co-workers, it's likely to be this fan favourite. With top notes of fruity pomegranate and plum paired with pink pepper and spicy woods, this warming classic still somehow has a balance of crisp freshness, too.
A truly iconic scent that most people who are interested in fragrance will have come across at some point, this classic option also comes in a cute solid duo (one of the best solid perfumes we've seen) that would make a lovely gift if you want a guaranteed success of a present for your loved one's special milestone.
Top Note: Mandarin | Heart note: Basil | Base note: Amberwood
Lime Basil & Mandarin is quite unique and unlike any other fragrance we've smelled (except the many copycats it has inspired over the years, which, in our opinion, don't hold a candle to the real deal). Fresh and calming, this smells like a summer holiday in a bottle.
Mouthwatering notes of zingy lime and herbaceous basil are the first thing you will smell upon spritzing this fragrance. Later, they dry down to a warm and woody base that lingers on the skin for hours. It is clean yet aromatic and loved by men and women alike, including famous faces like Sienna Miller and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Top Note: Red apple | Heart note: Peony | Base note: Suede
Instantly recognisable, Peony & Blush Suede is one of Jo Malone London's most iconic scents. The blooming heart of peony and unexpectedly soft, leathery suede base are topped off with red apple for a crisp and fresh finish.
Brides in particular love this mixture of femininity and modernity – but you don't have to be walking down the aisle to wear it. Peony & Blush Suede's inherent softness makes it a perfect daytime scent, offering a nice mood boost without overwhelming whoever sits next to you on the train.
Top note: Blackcurrant | Heart note: Poppy | Base note: Barley
If your perfume preference is something ultra-feminine and sugary sweet, then Poppy & Barley will get your vote. It's designed to conjure dancing across England’s meadows and it definitely evokes that kind of Enid Blyton childhood that, even if you didn’t experience it, you can definitely picture. Think hands sticky with juicy, ripe blackcurrants picked straight from the bush and frolicking in a field of poppies on the warmest months of the year. So far, so storybook.
The barley is the more unexpected element here, adding some woodiness and a hint of musk that stops it from feeling sickly. This is good news if, like us, you find those solely floral fragrances intoxicating and gorgeous at the start, only to feel like you’re enveloped in a too-sweet smog after five minutes. The perfect scent for summer, or one that reminds you of longer, warmer days when they’re shorter and colder.
Top note: Bergamot | Heart note: Cucumber | Base note: Beeswax, vanilla, musk
If we asked you to name two things that were quintessentially British, we’re pretty sure that a steaming cup of Earl Grey and afternoon tea-ready cucumber finger sandwiches would both feature pretty high on the list. These are two really interesting (and remarkably fresh) fragrance notes, which is maybe why they got the call-up over other national favourites. Scones & Jam or Pie & Mash don’t have quite the same elegance, allure or wearability, do they?
When you first smell Earl Grey & Cucumber, you’ll find it’s overwhelmingly citrusy (that’s thanks to the bergamot), the kind of lively fragrance that helps you start your day with a bit of a spring in your step. The greenness of the cucumber then comes through, drying down to something sweeter thanks to the beeswax at the base. If you’re looking for a unisex scent, don’t let the mention of more sugary notes put you off. Honey sits alongside a touch of tobacco for a smoky splash that will appeal to all.
Top note: Cardamom | Heart note: Mimosa | Base note: Tonka bean
If you’ve been lucky enough to try Jo Malone’s Mimosa & Cardamom Cologne, you’ll know it doesn’t necessarily make the best first impression. It’s a bit like a brash guest at a party, coming in all bullish with invasive questions and shouting too loudly over the music. Give it a minute to settle, though, and it dries down into a scent that’s still intense, but much softer.
The key fragrance notes within this perfume are cardamom, a spice with a hint of lemon, mimosa, which is warm, floral and honey-like, and tonka bean, which brings vanilla notes. The result is a scent that’s hard to put your finger on. It’s indulgent, spicy and slightly sweet all at once. The best thing we can liken it to is a chai latte, though it’s more honeyed and less sugary than that. It feels cosy and inviting and is guaranteed to have people asking what you’re wearing when they hug you – whether or not you share your scent secret is up to you.
Top note: Cypress | Heart notes: Cedarwood, vetiver, amber | Base note: Moss
Many scents designed to be worn in the evening go down the super-rich floral or "whack you around the chops with spice" route, but this is different. It's incredibly fresh, but not in a zesty way, reminding us more of a bracing walk through a Nordic forest. It's crisp and green and feels just right for that time of day when the sun is slowly sinking and the night still feels full of promise. This fragrance is, as the name suggests, intense, but it never feels too much.
As well as cosy, resinous amber, this has a great herbal hit of cypress at the top, and a musty, mossy botanical base – not unlike the best lavender perfumes. It's punchier than you might expect but really lasts, which is handy as it therefore works just as well for day as it does for night. The notes sound traditionally masculine, which will certainly appeal to men, but we strongly believe that fragrance has no gender and absolutely love wearing this.
Top Note: Ambrette seeds | Heart note: Sea salt | Base note: Sage
Picture the scene: This year you were organised enough to book a seafront cottage in that pretty coastal town that's an easy drive from home. You head out for an afternoon walk, the wind blowing up the dunes, pulling salty sea air into your lungs, and with it, a whoosh of green, herbaceousness into your nose. This, you think, is living. You Google house prices in the area, get a shock, put your phone away and keep walking and breathing.
Are you still reading? Good, because this is that. As in, that's the smell of this Jo Malone fragrance – fresh and breezy with a slightly mossy chypre hum. It doesn't smell like anything else; it's not fruity or floral, also making one of the best men's colognes. Wear this and other people will ask what you're wearing – of course, you may not want to tell them so they don't copy you, and we wouldn't blame you for that.
Top note: Clove | Heart notes: Damask rose | Base note: Oud
In contrast to Cypress & Grapevine, Velvet Rose & Oud is as rich and luscious as a scent can be. If you're familiar with any of the best oud perfumes, you'll know this precious ingredient is very, very distinctive. Fans can recognise it a mile off, which is a good thing because lovers of oud also know this stuff smells expensive. That's because it is an expensive ingredient, but also because it has an undeniable opulent energy.
Back to this specific oud perfume, though, as Jo Malone London has cleverly blended with lots of rose, which does great things for both ingredients. It tempers and feminises oud's smokiness and elevates the rose from prim and proper floral to something a bit naughtier for a match made in heaven. It would be fair to say it's more of an evening perfume due to its power and headiness – but if you want to smell rich and sexy during the day, too, then who are we to argue with that?
How we tested the best Jo Malone perfumes
A selection of our favorite Jo Malone scents and top five classics
To put together our list of the 12 best Jo Malone perfumes, we tested a selection of the brand's scents for a number of months and drew on our years of experience with these fragrances. Because those bottles can last a long time, you could say we're still testing! Our expert team of editors has also interviewed experts from the Jo Malone London team for more insights into what makes their scents so special, including some of their quotes below.
Our Beauty Editor Fiona McKim tested the perfumes you see above, while Acting Digital Beauty Editor Aleesha Badkar also sampled a range of the brand's top scents, meaning we could compare notes.
When testing, we looked for uniqueness and longevity that warranted that pretty high price tag. We also took note of how well the scent lasted on our skin. Some may prefer a perfume that sits subtly throughout the day, whereas others would prefer a more intense fragrance that turns heads and yields compliments.
FAQs on Jo Malone London
Now that we've rounded up all the best scents, as well as our personal Jo Malone perfume picks, we've also quizzed the fragrance experts and sought to answer all of your most burning questions about the British brand - from the overall longevity of its blends to their popularity and celebrity clientele...
Why is Jo Malone so popular?
Like many great fragrance brands, Jo Malone London is hugely popular not for one overarching reason, but a multitude of smaller ones. The first – and most obvious – is that its perfumes are just really lovely. As well as well-loved classics like Pomegranate Noir and Lime Basil & Mandarin, the brand consistently launches excellent new fragrances that align with its fundamental principles: gender-neutral, luxurious, ingredient-focused and quintessentially British. As for the rest, the high-quality notes and instantly recognisable packaging play a big role in the brand's success...
- The formulas: "I am lucky enough to know the inner workings of [Jo Malone London's] perfume teams and to see their creative journey is truly an honour," says fragrance expert and journalist Alice du Parcq. "The perfumers they work with are some of the best in the world – such as Anne Flipo, Yann Vasnier and Mathilde Bijaoui – and they work with the most beautiful, sustainable, raw natural ingredients blended with supreme high-tech synthetics and clever methods, such as headspace and CO₂ extraction.
- The fragrance names: "I also think the brand is so popular because they keep the names simple and literal, but with a romantic rhythm that lures you in," du Parcq continues. "They capture a perfect balance of sophisticated quiet elegance, with slightly bonkers English eccentricity – you can see that perfectly in the visual campaigns. They maintain this cool, fun and chic identity, and they transcend trends, so you always feel that your favourite Jo Malone London perfume will forever be relevant."
- The packaging: This aside, the branding is also incredibly strong – that recognisable, chic packaging makes these scents both desirable and giftable. As du Parcq puts it: “Who wouldn't want to be gifted a cream box with thick, black grosgrain ribbon?” Jo Malone London also maintains popularity by gradually releasing just the right amount of newness throughout the year – seasonal limited editions, artist collaborations and one of the most covetable holiday collections of the year, every year, keep customers coming back for more.
What is the most popular Jo Malone scent?
To answer this, we requested the top five most popular Jo Malone London scents from the brand itself. Though fragrance is incredibly subjective, the best-sellers can be a useful starting point for those new to the brand or who want an easy, crowd-pleasing gift...
- English Pear & Freesia: The top spot is claimed by Jo Malone's English Pear & Freesia. "When you smell [this fragrance], you’re instantly transported to an orchard where juicy fruit mingles with blooming flowers," says Celine Roux, the brand's Global Head of Fragrance. "There’s something unexpected about the combination of key ingredients and it’s got that freshness and elegance we’re known for."
- Myrrh & Tonka: In second place is the Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense: "[It] exudes the scent of sun-baked earth entwined with mesmerising myrrh and it is our rising star, both literally and figuratively. Created in 2016, it steadily climbed to join the top five scents, is popular irrespective of gender and paints a scene of the Omumbiri myrrh harvest under starry desert skies."
- Pomegranate Noir: South also cites Pomegranate Noir as another of the brand's all-time best-sellers. "This fragrance is really original as fruity scents tend to be sweet and gourmand, but Pomegranate Noir is woody, sensual, and dark," she says. "A lot of heady flowers and woods were used to create this enigmatic, sensual scent. The seasons certainly influence our tastes and, as the temperature drops, we reach for warmer layers of scent. Iconic Pomegranate Noir, a jewel-bright cocktail of ruby fruits, spice and incense, overtakes everything during the winter months and this is a trend we see year in, year out."
- Lime Basil & Mandarin: Another fresh and fruity scent – and the fourth best-selling cologne – is Lime Basil & Mandarin. "It has become synonymous with the Jo Malone London brand," says its Fragrance and Lifestyle Expert, Emma South. "It was one of the very first fragrances created over 30 years ago, which set the aesthetic template for everything that followed: highest quality ingredients in simple yet elegantly wrought formulas, always with an unexpected twist – in this case with the vibrant, peppery overdose of freshly torn basil. Its tantalising, zesty character has an enduring vitality and it is still one of our very top scents year-round."
Which Jo Malone fragrance is best for weddings?
Jo Malone stores famously offer fragrance scaping sessions to help with finding wedding perfumes, and its most popular scent for brides is also one of our favourite feminine offerings. "Peony and Blush Suede is the most popular wedding scent for brides," South confirms. "It bottles abundant, unfurling peony petals in every shade of pink accompanied by the flirtatious bite of juicy red apple."
Which celebrities wear Jo Malone?
Jo Malone London is a cult brand with a loyal following that includes many celebrities. "Sofia Richie Grainge recently went viral talking about her favourite Jo Malone London scent, Wood Sage & Sea Salt," says South. "It is already one of our universally loved scents, a fragrance for any mood and occasion, clear-headed with the mineral bright scent of a windswept shore. Previous Jo Malone London celebrity fans have included Poppy Delevingne, Karen Elson and even Kate Moss.” In 2024, Tom Hardy also joined the famous ambassador ranks for the brand's Cypress & Grapevine Cologne.
It's long been rumoured that the Princess of Wales, Catherine Middleton, is a fan of Jo Malone London Orange Blossom, reportedly burning the candles in Westminster Abbey on her wedding day, while Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex, has previously cited the Wild Bluebell and Wood Sage & Sea Salt Colognes as two of her favourite perfumes.
How long does Jo Malone scent last?
Jo Malone London scents come in two strengths, cologne and cologne intense, which have different lasting powers. Cologne (or eau de cologne) is one of the lightest concentrations of fragrance available, typically containing between 2-5% pure perfume oils and lasting a few hours before needing to be topped up.
Longevity can also vary depending on the perfume notes used in the cologne. For example, citrus dissipates quickly, while woods and musks tend to last longer on the skin. The Cologne Intense range ramps up the lasting power by using precious and heady ingredients in higher concentrations. You can therefore expect to get right through the day with a lingering fragrance when you select one of these scents.
Which Jo Malone perfume is the lightest?
Some of the lightest Jo Malone perfumes, in terms of how they actually smell, are Earl Grey & Cucumber, Basil & Neroli and Fig & Lotus Flower. If you are looking for a light and fresh Jo Malone perfume (or from any brand, truth be told) it's best to seek out either citrus, green or aquatic compositions. Typical citrus notes used in perfumery are fruits like lemon and lime, as well as zesty botanicals like neroli and or bergamot. Alternatively, seek out green herbal notes such as basil, cypress, and violet leaf, or splashy blends designed to replicate the ocean.
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