Wearing Jo Malone: A Guide To Cologne Application

There are many ways to wear Jo Malone cologne, and the brand itself encourages experimentation and creativity. Jo Malone, the founder of the brand, suggests that you can wear cologne on different parts of the body, and even in the hair. The key to layering is to pair complementary notes, such as a fresh citrus with a light floral, or a light floral with a slightly heavier oriental. Jo Malone London's Global Lifestyle Director, Debbie Wild, recommends the brand's Basil & Neroli Cologne for the workplace, as it is refreshing and not too intense. Wild also suggests layering scented products such as soap and body lotion with your chosen cologne to make the fragrance last longer.

Where to apply Jo Malone cologne to your body

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that there are no hard and fast rules – it's all about having fun and experimenting. That being said, there are certain areas of the body that are better than others when it comes to making the most of your scent.

Firstly, always apply cologne to your skin, rather than your clothes. While it is possible to spray cologne on your clothes, the ingredients may cause staining on certain fabrics. The collarbone and décolletage are good choices, as these areas emit more heat than others, helping to maximise the power of your fragrance. You could also spritz a little cologne behind your knees, which is perfect for the summer months.

Another way to make your cologne more noticeable is to apply a small amount to the backs of your hands. This will ensure that your scent is noticeable when you're on the move. You could also try applying cologne to your hair, but be careful: the alcohol in perfume can dry out your hair. Instead, mist the perfume onto a brush and gently pull it through your hair.

Finally, remember that fragrance lasts longer on hydrated skin, so moisturise before you apply cologne. Using an unscented moisturiser or jojoba oil will help your skin retain moisture without altering the scent of your cologne.

How to make Jo Malone cologne last longer

Jo Malone colognes are designed to be light and refreshing, which means they often have poor longevity. However, there are several ways to make your favourite scent last longer. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Jo Malone cologne:

Moisturise First

Perfume evaporates faster from dry skin. Applying an unscented moisturiser or jojoba oil before your cologne gives it something to hold on to, helping it last longer.

Apply Right After a Shower

Showering opens up your pores, making your skin more receptive to fragrance. The warm, damp environment also helps the perfume spread more evenly.

Spritz on Pulse Points

Pulse points are areas where blood flows close to the skin's surface, generating heat that helps release the scent. These include the wrists, inner elbows, collarbone, and behind the knees. Hold the bottle about six inches from your skin and dab the perfume on rather than rubbing it in, as this can break down the fragrance molecules.

Spray on Hair and Clothes

For a long-lasting scent, spray your cologne on your hair and clothes. Just be sure to avoid spraying it directly onto your roots, and keep it away from genuine silk fabric to avoid staining.

Reapply Throughout the Day

Carry your cologne with you to reapply as needed. You can also try layering your cologne with other scented products from the same line, such as soap, body lotion, or bath gel, to create a more long-lasting effect.

Choose a Different Fragrance Concentration

Colognes have a lower concentration of fragrance (2-4%) than other types of perfume, so they don't last as long. If longevity is important to you, consider choosing a Jo Malone fragrance from their Intense line, which has better performance.

Jo Malone cologne layering techniques

Jo Malone London is known for its "fragrance-combining" philosophy, which encourages customers to layer fragrances to create a personalised scent. According to Céline Roux, the Global Head of Fragrance, there are no rules when it comes to pairing scents. It is a matter of personal choice and experimentation. Here are some tips and tricks for layering Jo Malone colognes:

Number of Fragrances to Layer

Although there is no limit to the number of fragrances you can layer, Jo Malone London recommends starting with two scents. For example, you could apply a body product, such as a Body & Hand Wash or a Body Creme in one scent, and then spritz a Cologne in another.

Choosing Scents

When choosing fragrances to layer, consider complementary scents, or fragrances with similar notes. For instance, spicy and woody, fruity and floral, or floral and citrus scents can work well together. Jo Malone's Blackberry & Bay Cologne, which has fruity notes, pairs beautifully with the floral Peony & Blush Suede Body & Hand Wash. Alternatively, for a refreshing tone, pair the same cologne with the Lime Basil & Mandarin Exfoliating Shower Gel for a burst of zestiness.

One Dominant Scent

When layering scents, it is advisable to start with one dominant scent and build from there. Choose a fragrance you love and want to be the main focus of your scent combination.

Layering Techniques

To make your fragrance last longer, try layering scented products such as soap and body lotion from the same perfume line. Applying the lotion and perfume of the same scent together will result in a more long-lasting effect with diffused layers. You can also spritz your hair and clothes with the fragrance for a particularly long-lasting scent. However, avoid spraying the perfume directly onto your roots, as the alcohol content in the perfume can dry out your hair. Instead, mist it onto a brush and pull it through gently.

Other Tips

• Moisturise your skin before applying perfume. This helps create a smooth, even base for the fragrance and can make the cologne last longer.
• Apply perfume right after a shower. The warm, damp environment will help the perfume spread more evenly across your skin.
• Spritz the perfume on your pulse points, such as your wrists, inner elbows, collarbone, and behind the knees. These areas are ideal as the heat from your body will help release the scent.
• Remember, less is more. A few spritzes should be enough to leave a lasting impression.
• Do not apply perfume to broken or sensitive skin, as the alcohol in the fragrance can be irritating.
• Store your fragrance in a cool, dry, and dark place to preserve its scent and longevity.
• Avoid spraying perfume on jewellery, as the alcohol can potentially tarnish or discolour certain metals.

Jo Malone cologne application do's and don'ts

Jo Malone Cologne Application: Dos and Don'ts

When it comes to scent application, it's easy to go wrong. Here are some dos and don'ts to help you get the most out of your Jo Malone cologne:

Do update your fragrance with the seasons. Jo Malone's Wood Sage and Sea Salt cologne is a lighter, airier option for summer, while richer, woody and oriental notes are better suited to colder weather.

Don't forget to change your scent depending on the occasion. Opt for something bright and zesty to kickstart your day, and choose a woody or oriental fragrance for formal events, as these last longer and linger in the air.

Do apply your cologne to the right places. As well as your wrists, spritz your collarbone and décolletage, and the backs of your hands. The area behind the knees is perfect for summer. You can also spray a little into the air and walk through it.

Don't rub your perfume onto the skin. This damages the perfume molecules and changes the scent. Simply spritz onto your skin and gently pat dry.

Do be considerate when wearing cologne in the office. Opt for a refreshing, light fragrance that won't overpower your colleagues. Jo Malone's Basil & Neroli Cologne is a good choice, offering a blend of floral and herbal notes.

Don't reapply your cologne at your desk, especially before a lunch meeting—always be mindful of others and their allergies.

Do layer your fragrances to make them last longer. Jo Malone's products are designed with layering in mind. Start with a body product in one scent, then spritz a cologne in another. You can also layer a shower gel, moisturiser, and fragrance in the same scent.

Don't wear too much cologne on hot and humid days. Instead, use a travel-sized bottle and reapply every couple of hours.

Jo Malone cologne and allergies

When wearing Jo Malone cologne, it is important to be mindful of the dos and don'ts of applying fragrance. One key consideration is allergies, both your own and those of people around you.

Firstly, it is important to check the ingredients of the cologne to ensure that you are not allergic to any of them. Jo Malone London's colognes contain a variety of ingredients, including vitamin E, alpha-isomethyl ionone, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, and more. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to do a patch test before applying the cologne all over your body. This involves applying a small amount of the product to a small area of your skin, such as your wrist, and waiting 24 hours to see if any allergic reaction occurs.

In addition to checking for your own allergies, it is crucial to be considerate of others and their allergies. Refrain from applying too much cologne, especially in enclosed spaces such as offices, and avoid reapplying your perfume at your desk or before attending meetings. This will help ensure that your scent does not become overwhelming or distracting for those around you, especially those with scent sensitivities or allergies.

To further minimise the impact of your cologne on others, you can opt for lighter, fresher scents, such as Jo Malone's Wood Sage and Sea Salt, or zesty fragrances like Lime Basil & Mandarin. These scents are less likely to trigger allergies and are more suitable for everyday wear. Additionally, you can apply the cologne to specific areas of your body, such as your collarbone, décolletage, and the backs of your hands, rather than spraying it all over. This will help you achieve a pleasant aroma without overwhelming others.

Finally, if you are spending time outdoors in the sun, it is recommended to spray your cologne onto your clothes rather than directly onto your skin. This is because the psoralens in perfume, especially in citrus-based fragrances, can react with sunlight and cause permanent stains on your skin. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your Jo Malone cologne while being mindful of allergies and scent sensitivities in yourself and those around you.

Frequently asked questions