A Delightfully Addictive Fragrance Duo

As I have previously mentioned, I have a strong sense of smell and am always on the hunt for unique and inspiring fragrances that shape my mood and experiences. I am definitely not a floral girl; I don’t like overly sweet cloying scents nor do I like to smell like everyone else in the room; I tend to like fresh, citrus, clean, sexy, woodsy, musk based scents–I want to stand out in a crowd and I want to wear fragrances that people stop me and say, “You smell so good, what are you wearing?”

Well, I think I have found my new favorite duo of layering fragrances that pass my fincky olfactory tastes: Lotus Blossom & Water Lily Cologne and Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Cologne by Jo Malone. These two fragrances comprise Jo Malone’s Limited Edition Kohdo Wood Collection because they are a modern interpretation of Kohdo, the ancient Japanese art of incense appreciation. I am loving these fragrances worn either individually or together because they are sultry, clean, smoky, moody and calming all at the same time. The incense notes make it a very unique and distinctive duo of fragrances that certainly stand out in a crowd.

Lotus Blossom & Water Lily Cologne

This is the lighter, brighter, day time incarnation of this duo. It contains a blend of mandarin, sacred lotus blossom, bamboo and aloeswood which are supposed to inspire confidence and focus the mind (gotta love that!) I find this cologne fresh and clean, yet at the same time complex and sultry. I think the citrus top notes and musk base notes are creating the dichotomy, and I am really enjoying this refreshing sensory experience.

Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Cologne

This is the smokier, spicier, sexier nocturnal fragrance of the two. This cologne reminds me more of burning incense and puts me in more of a sensual meditative mood—it’s a perfect date night scent. It contains a combination of cardamom, orchid, and kyara wood which are supposed to cleanse the senses and encourage relaxation. I find this fragrance more moody, lusty and earthy, like something I would wear in a smoky nightclub.

I love the way it blends with the Lotus Blossom fragrance–it anchors it and grounds it. Together this duo offers a moody complexity and an unusual combination fresh and smoky, light and dark, day and night. The contrast of these fragrance notes are perfectly suited to my ‘winter state of mind’. And Kudos to the ‘noses’ at Jo Malone, what a memorable and distinctive pairing of complimentary fragrances you have created!

If you want to sample either of these inpsired Jo Malone fragrances, you can find Lotus Blossom HERE and Dark Amber HERE. And please post and tell me if you like this duo, or if you have another favorite Jo Malone combination you would like to share.