Three Things I Learned at the Jo Loves Fragrance Bar With Jo Malone CBE
Gerard may still be an Adore Beauty baby, but he’s a beauty veteran! As Adore’s self-appointed Luxury Correspondent, Gerard lives and breathes luxe beauty must haves – from foundation to haircare, he’s got an opinion! When he isn’t playing with product, you’ll find Gerard strolling through shops, complaining about his dating exploits and always with a cappuccino in hand.
In Partnership With Jo Loves.
When you think of icons of fragrance, you instantly go to specific scents or bottles, maybe even a favourite name.
More than this though, I think of some of the masters of the craft and none are more famous than Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves!
As someone who has been in the industry for many years, it’s always been a bit of a dream to meet Jo.
Finally - that day came in Sydney when Adore was lucky enough to spend the morning in Jo Loves’ new flagship store with the lady herself.
Our journey to Sydney was about more than meeting Jo. It was a chance to try the renowned Fragrance Tapas Bar experience.
Rather than simply spraying fragrance onto a card, the store envelopes customers in a gastronomic delight for the senses that bring scents to life.
At this point, you may think me slightly odd for comparing smell to taste but trust me - it’ll all make sense if you read on!
Why We’re Adding Jo Loves to Cart.
Jo founded Jo Loves in 2011, embarking on a new journey that was totally her.
From the red dot on all packaging symbolising her approval of a product, to the scents that are born from moments and memories from Jo’s life, this is a brand for fragrance lovers.
In my view, the brand is uncomplicated.
It wouldn’t be right to call it simple considering the remarkable combinations of individual notes, but there is a quiet refinement that only true luxury knows.
Maybe it’s the stunning rectangular bottles or clear candle vessels that make this a brand for those ‘in the know’.
Having the master of fragrance share her knowledge with you one to one is unreal.
It’s all very well to read the notes online but to hear the inspiration from Jo brings a newfound fondness and appreciation for my favourite in the collection, Pomelo.
Tapas of Fragrance?!
When you walk into any other store, trying a fragrance is usually with a spray on a card. Maybe in some really bougie places, there’s a ceramic stone or glass dome.
Of course, the Jo Loves flagships have this, but they take customers one step further to showcase their scents.
Here’s everything we learned from Tapas with Jo.
1. Don’t Just Spray!
Through a three-course experience, customers try different fragrances in a food-like style.
Standing at a bar, body lotions are whipped, bath cologne is warmed in a tagine and cleansers are shaken over ice.
These courses allow you to trial the scent within the setting they’ll actually be used such as a hot shower, creating something unique.
No longer are you smelling a lotion from within a bottle. You get to see how the room fills with scents of White Rose & Lemon Leaves Bath & Shower Gel from the shower steam.
More than just smelling nice, I found a feeling of calm. It really was like I was home in the bath with the aromas wafting.
In my ten years of working in beauty, I have never seen anything like this!
This inspires the art of fragrance layering.
For truly long-lasting scents, start with shower gels and body lotions that provide a base for fragrance. Then apply the EDT on top, creating a layered scent that will last the day.
For home, think about candles and diffusers for different parts of the home - deeper, headier scents for the lounge but cleaner, lighter scents for the kitchen or bathroom.
2. Paint Yourself in Fragrance.
We’re used to a quick dab or spritz of our signature scent. To be honest, we’ve been getting it wrong.
When Jo is creating new scents, she takes individual notes, painting them on her body.
As Jo shares though, it’s not limited to creating new scents - we should do this with all our fragrances to create our own blend. We may start with Pomelo across our decolletage but end with Jo by Jo Loves on our wrists.
Jo is a great believer in covering your body in fragrance not just to smell good, but to boost your mood, give confidence, and inspire a lover maybe.
Patented by Jo Loves, the Paintbrush is a world first allowing you to literally paint your body in gel fragrance. Not to mention, of course, this is the ideal travel companion - easily fitting in your carry-on.
3. Scent Isn’t Just About Smell.
Some people are lucky. They might have photographic memories, or be able to do complicated mathematics in their head.
Jo has synaesthesia meaning she doesn’t just smell different scents, but can experience smells visually as colours.
Jo creates different scents by creating a blend of notes as an artist would paint a picture - each colour is a different scent, feeling and moment.
While we often talk about memories with scent, the next time you’re trying your favourite fragrance, it’s worth closing your eyes and thinking about the colours.
For me, it now makes me think if the fragrance matches my outfit or if it matches my mood.
For Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar, I see midnight blue and dark leather - perfect for date night, inspiring confidence and sexiness!
Final Thoughts.
Meeting Jo Malone was a dream come true. Having spent a few hours with her in our Adore Beauty virtual masterclasses, she is a true artist.
Jo shows us that there is more to fragrance than a quick spritz. Each scent has an identity, combination of colours and stories that are bottled in a simple bottle.
What’s more, fragrance should fill our homes - from shower, to lounge, to body. It has the power to change our moods and remind us of wonderful memories.
If you’re wanting to find your next signature scent, the Fragrance Tapas Bar is certainly worth a stop. It gives new meaning to trial and experience.
So when you’re browsing Adore’s huge selection, stop by Jo Loves for a treat for the senses you are sure to love.
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