Cliff Notes – NEW Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt

The Jo Malone Fragrance Arc just got bigger with the addition of Wood Sage & Sea Salt and while my bathroom probably shouldn’t, well… what are you gonna do? When my signature box tied with a piece of sailor’s rope (instead of the traditional black grosgrain ribbon) arrived, it was the first sign something new and different was about to go down. I don’t remember being this excited since White Jasmine & Mint debuted in 2007. Also, I officially forgive everyone responsible for discontinuing my favorite Sweet Lime & Cedar. #JOMG

Wood Sage & Sea Salt is inspired by the English coast, its rugged cliffs, the salty air, sea grass and driftwood. The unique concept unfolds a one of a kind sensory experience, of which I can’t get enough. Categorized as ‘woody’ within the arc, the scent is light and laid-back. It is airy, intriguing yet approachable, and so fresh, it is almost effervescent. Needless to say, I’ve been prancing around and spritzing everything in sight this entire week. #WOOT!

Ambrette Seed is the opening note of this new Jo Malone fragrance. New to me, this seed from a hibiscus species is known as the plant world’s substitute for musk. Not customarily a fan of traditional musk, this particular note has a sweet element to it, which makes it almost ascendingly breezy. Sea Salt is the heart note of this new launch and to me it’s a crispy whisp of salt mixed with the aroma of sweet grasses. The bottom note is Sage that with the hint of washed up driftwood makes the drydown anything but flat. Wood Sage & Sea Salt is a fierce blend of sweet, salty, airy, and earthy. #ICantEven

The nose behind Wood Sage & Sea Salt is master perfumer Christine Nagel, who was also behind last year’s Peony & Blush Suede (best smelling Home Candle thankyouverymuch), Wild Bluebell and English Pear & Freesia (yup, yup). Besides these Fragrance Arc staples, Ms Nagel has also created a number of limited edition scents and seasonal fragrance blends for Jo Malone. She is now an in-house perfumer at Hermès. #OfCourseSheIs

Effectively gender neutral, Wood Sage & Sea Salt is lively and joyful so it’s bound to play well with others. With its trademark Fragrance Combining approach, Jo Malone suggests layering its latest creation with Lime Basil & Mandarin to enhance the woody notes or with Nectarine Blossom & Honey for a more fruity effect. I sprayed outside the lines and am really enjoying it with Blackberry & Bay, especially during the day. #ImSoFruity

The official launch of Wood Sage & Sea Salt is September 1st and the 30ml ($60) and 100ml ($120) Cologne bottles will soon be joined by the ancillaries of Body Crème ($75), Body & Hand Wash ($40) and a Home Candle ($65). Available at neimanmarcus.com and nordstrom.com.