Description
The new Jo Malone scent comes out in September 2016 under the name Basil & Neroli. After Lime Basil & Mandarin from 1999, this is the first fragrance from the collection that contains basil as the main ingredient. As always, the fragrance can be used alone or combined with others from Jo Malone. The recommended combinations are with Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Red Roses and Blackberry & Bay.
The fragrance promises the sophisticated British vibe of London in this modern, youthful and fun edition. The fresh, playful and floral unisex composition is created by perfumer Anne Flipo, who described it as “a fresh, sophisticated, sensual floral with green facets—stunning in its simplicity.” It develops with green top notes of basil, which turn into a fresh floral heart of neroli, with a base of white musk and vetiver giving off earthy tones.
The collection consists of a 30 and 100 ml bottle Cologne, a 250 ml Body & Hand Wash, a 175 ml Body Crème and a 200 gr Home Candle.
Droxerz – :
Honestly, this may be one of my best blind buys to date. First off, I am really finicky about green fragrances, something about them almost make me slightly nauseous. However, I have really high expectations of Jo Malone, because MOST fragrances they make are at the very least never off putting to me. I also love the smell of raw herbs, so I was hopeful it would give me that. So, the smell to me, truly gives me a combination of a low end and high end fragrance. It may sound crazy but, this smells exactly like one spray of Men’s Burberry Weekend and Maison Lancome’s Jasmins Marzipans. However, that doesn’t entirely make sense according to these notes. I’m not sure, but I think its quite dreamy and wellll worth the 23 bucks I got it for on eBay.
Oh, and my husband took one whiff and said “is that for women? Oh its unisex? I’ll take that.” So I’m going to have to hide this one.
dr sabig – :
Does exactly what it says on the tin. Basil and neroli is what you get in a very authentic way. I wouldn’t choose this as a perfume, but would enjoy it more as a home fragrance.
shkavrov – :
My signature scent for years has been Grass by The Gap. The original version of that fragrance was soapy and clean and perfectly green on me. I can’t tell you how many times boyfriends would hug me and inhale my scent and whisper that I smelled so good. Now I am running low on the second version, which although smells very good on me, does not hold a candle to the original. I’ve been searching for a new signature scent for when my last few bottles run out (all I have are mini body mists now), I am ready.
This is my new signature scent. I’ve said MAYBE to quite a few other frags, but this one has won my heart. It is perfect for my chemistry: fresh, green, a tiny bit floral, and a tiny bit lemony. There is not a note in here that I don’t adore, which makes me chuckle sheepishly, because I normally despise neroli on me (candy corn anyone?). On first spray, I’m like an herb garden and soap, almost giving me that Gap Grass vibe. Drydown turns citrus, earthy, and softly floral, and the final result is an almost suntan lotion mixed with wildflowers and grass wisp of a fragrance. I still don’t get the complaints about longevity and sillage because I’m sitting here three hours after initial application and can still smell this all around me as I write. I’ve worn it for days now, and I still smell it at the end of a work day and even after sleeping sometimes. However, it’s never overpowering or sickening, it clings nicely to clothes, and it gives off a warm skin scent at its base. I feel light and pretty and fresh in this, and I’m actually willing to pay its price. I’m also going to mix the mimosa and cardamom, since I liked that one until I wore it for a day. Mixed with my new fave, I think I could breathe new life into it.
cav1505 – :
I have never enjoyed Jo Malone fragrances and always thought they were hugely over-rated. I had Pomegranate Noir and had to give it away. I think Lime, Basil and Mandarin smells synthetic and cheap. I just didn’t like them. Then I sprayed some of this while on a day out in Canterbury. This is, quite simply, a heavenly perfume. It is clean, green, fresh, natural and a summer’s day in a bottle. It is so beautiful. Several people turned their heads as I walked past them in Canterbury. One lady asked what perfume I was wearing, as she had to have it. Another in a shop said, “You smell gorgeous!” Many will be put off this perfume by the herbal green-ness of it, but it is just perfect, for me, for summer. Actually, I think this would work well in every season. Love it. Love it. Love it.
serjik230985 – :
I smelled a lot of Jo Malone scents at one of their boutiques in Toronto, and this one captivated me right from the beginning like no other from their line. It smells very similar to Bond No. 9’s Eau de New York but lacks some of the white florals like jasmine in the drydown, and is a bit darker than the Bond, and also more masculine in my opinion. Surprisingly, it has really amazing longevity for a Jo Malone cologne, projecting really well for over 4 hours and then remaining as a skin scent on me for many, many hours (in fact over 12 hours with 2 sprays for me). As for the scent itself, it is an absolutely amazing mix of neroli flowers (the blossom of an orange tree) and basil, making it smell very green and citric at the same time. It smells like you’re walking in a lush dewy meadow surrounded by orange trees. This is an absolute masterpiece by Jo Malone and one of my favourite fragrances ever.
5/5
ashot777 – :
Classic cologne but better, more full-bodied. This is a more modern, fresher take on the musty and muddled Lime Basil & Mandarin. Crisp, clear, and joyful!
coke2 – :
For me, this is how you want to feel on a hot summer day. It’s 95 today in Boston, and this is just the ticket. Mint, neroli and vetiver all you need is a cold iced tea. Very crisp, refreshing and clean. I confess, I only wear this when temperatures are over 80 degrees; but that is when this Jo Malone sparkles. Perfect on anyone of any age, either gender, simply a summer breeze scent that makes you “feel fine”.
wrg679Diobtetty – :
At first I dismissed this, on its own it felt a bit too simple. However layered with Amber & Lavender this turns into something magical! Fresh, bright, aromatic and long lasting. Try it combined and you’ll see what I mean!
inciongegr – :
I adore the greenness of this scent paired with the citrus!! Its perfect for summer. And for anyone who is turned off by that green burst when first sprayed, don’t worry, it softens down. This is my favorite from Joe Malone.
Sweevehem – :
I was not a fan of Basil & Neroli st first but before my small bottle ran out I was in love. It is such a simple and straightforward perfume it sometimes makes you want all of your perfumes to be this direct and straightforward. It layers nicely on its own and I feel it does need to be sweetened up with another perfume for some occasions. Because of its baser dark and mysterious vibe tonit, the projection is great. It gives off a sense of who is this person and what are they about kind of vibe. I love Basil & Neroli and I can’t imagine not having it in my arsenal of fragrances for as long as it’s available.
Profetest – :
At first I loved the green, earthiness of this scent, but unfortunately it can start to smell almost like mothballs the longer it sits on my skin. I’ve tried layering it with other JM scents but I can’t seem to shake that strange drydown smell that lingers.
Лана – :
Received a sample of this when I purchased Red Roses. I wasn’t interested in it at first, because when I tried it in store I didn’t like it. However they only had samples for several scents and I already have the other ones so I thought I’d give this a try, since I heard that this pairs well with English Pear & Freesia which is one of my favorite from Jo Malone.
It opens fresh and very green. But after a while it turns muddy and it smells like the vegetable section in supermarket. Imagine vegetable with root still covered in dirt, not something I’d want to smell like. Honestly I’m not a fan of basil to start with, and I don’t like greens. Which might explain why this doesn’t appeal to me.
I did also try it with English Pear & Freesia. This combination makes Basil & Neroli a lot more tolerable (to my nose) but there are other scents that smell much better in my opinion that I can pair with English Pear.
laluna2010 – :
I was gifted this recently and I’m so happy because I have loved this for a while now even though I previously dismissed it as being too masculine, to fresh for winter, too much like something my farther used to wear etc. However I’m really enjoying this now! I would describe it as a really positive, awakening, uplifting, invigorating scent. If you like me find Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino a bit overwhelming and masculine, then you might like this, it’s lighter and more elegant.
Thinking about it I remember my father used to wear 4711 in the seventies and eighties. JM Basil & Neroli reminds me of him wearing that. It’s so interesting how a scent can immediately bring back a memory just like that!
When I tried this in the store I straight away thought of him which is why I couldn’t bring myself to buy it. As his daughter I really don’t want to think of my dad when I put my own scent on! However I am passed all that now and I love this regardless and even it reminds me of him a little it’s not distracting anyone, it’s actually quite nice.
papadosoff – :
Gorgeous! Unlike many citrus fragrances, and Jo Malone scents in particular, this has great potency and staying power- it is reminiscent of Dior’s Escale a Portofino, but not as sharp and green. Also reminds me of Chloe Eau de Fleurs Neroli.
If citrus aromatics are your thing, you’re sure to be happy with this…
tienam – :
my s.o. is one of those unfortunate souls whose tastebuds register cilantro as metallic-y or soapy…… and unfortunately for me, I think my olfactory response to this scent combination works the same way!
LesterJY – :
I absolutely love this perfume! It’s so fresh and fun but not overly masculine. I’m pleasantly surprised by how long this lasts in comparison with other Jo Malone fragrances. While this is best in warm months, there’s nothing like it to brighten up a cold gloomy day. Layers well with countless other Jo perfumes like Orange Blossom and Wood Sage Sea Salt. I love putting on a hoody and smelling the faintness of this scent from the day before.
Smells similar to Tom Ford’s Neroli Portifino Acqua but lasts longer and costs less. Though I do love that NO bottle, LOL!
Booldmima – :
Basil and Neroli lasts a a day for me. Its fresh deep green of basil which love. I pair it with Myrrh and Tonka Cologne Intense and its wonderful. I do prefer to wear it alone as it all I need to feel fresh all day long.
The citrusy is not overwhelming and its mainly the Neroli which is the flower and ctirus at the same time.
stas_K-2 – :
From Jo Malone London’s citrus portfolio we have the brand’s signature scent Lime Basil and Mandarin, a citrus fragrance with a zesty, herbaceous scent that screams a summer vacation on the Caribbean. We have the uplifting and sunny Grapefruit laced with spices of rosemary, peppermint and pimento on a green mossy bed. Lastly, Earl Grey & Cucumber came into the mix with an added quirk of full-on Bergamot and the aquatic freshness of Cucumber resonant of that afternoon refinements of Earl Grey. Now last year, an addition to the citrus family was launched and it couldn’t have come at the most perfect time. Basil & Neroli is that crisp and lively offering from the brand’s growing array of astonishing and unexpected perfection. A citrus scent, this time with a twist of white florals with a white musk base. When this was launched last year, I rushed directly to my nearest boutique and got a hold of this scent that I’ve grown to love.
The scent opens with a green, herbaceous Basil Grand Vert unruffled with Basil Verbena and Cedar Needle reinforcing that green natural leafy accent. At the heart is Neroli, a green floral note, delightfully clean and fresh together with a Jo Malone London exclusive headspace note of Basil & Neroli that combines basil leaves and orange flowers together giving that vibrant freshness with a zest bite of Bitter Orange. At the base is that powdery and clean softness of White Musk. Vetiver and Mastic is thrown in the mix to give it a soft and deep base.
While I’m not a fan of florals, this scent was not love at first sniff but its subtlety and combination possibilities was perfect for my mood swings when I definitely need that energy boost. Surprising when summer hits, this was what I grabbed during that much needed vacation and oh boy was I utterly wrong. Its stunning simplicity probably was the stand-out, it’s perfect for that laid-back white shirt and morning walks. Summer in the Amalfi was perfect and now I associate Basil & Neroli with the perfection of that coast.
The sent is reminiscent of an adventurous walk, discoveries and summer getaway and has a surprising longevity on me. The Basil & Neroli Body & Hand Wash is the favorite at home (I’ve heard it won an award) and the Body Creme was a stunner making the scent last longer on you.
I gave this as a gift to a friend and this layered so perfectly with English Pear & Freesia adding that mellow touch of white flowers and cool pear. Basil & Neroli is my constant combining staple for an added green contrast to Blackberry & Bay for a tart and mouthwatering goodness with a peppery coolness to it. This pretty much work so well with Mimosa & Cardamom for an added spicy warmth, so good that it’s been my constant summery combination. So even if you’re not a fan of citrus with something floral in it, do yourself a favor and try them out at your nearest store and spray it on your skin and some on your clothes you might just be blown away.
-Bertrand II
21vek – :
It opens up with a VERY interesting green, leafy vegetal smell, and then it slowly fades away remaining a quite generic, soft, light, cologne-like citrus concoction. I don’t get any basil at all, which is not surprisingly disappointing after reading reviews and before actually smelling the fragrance itself; I’m already expecting it to have no basil at all, and yes, it doesn’t have any basil nor a single dot of it. But I was surprised because I’m completely not expectin it to have a fresh, green, leafy vegetal smell at the opening.
9/10 for the opening,
6/10 for the rest,
7.5/10 overall
_serj_ – :
Basil and Neroli is a very good neroli scent of excellent quality, with surprising longevity. It’s essentially a stripped back Eau de Cologne in which the usual medley of citrus, floral and herbal notes have been substituted with just two notes – the eponymous basil (herbal) and neroli (citrus/floral).
On my skin, Basil and Neroli starts off sharp and almost masculine; several hours later, it is softer, powdery and sweeter. Longevity is good, while sillage is very close. I suspect both would be improved by using one of Jo Malone’s scented lotions.
I don’t get comparisons to Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino; the neroli here is closer to Atelier’s Grand Neroli, stripped of its vanillic base. The opening is also sharper and more bracing.
Overall, Basil and Neroli is a very competent offering in the crowded sea of neroli soliflores; neither the best nor worst.
tanechka – :
I was afraid that i’ll smell like a Italian dish, but it’s a lot more floral than aromatic, slightly green. It’s very easy to wear and versatile.
ideal85 – :
I have a full 100 ml bottle in box looking to swap as this scent is not for me. Pm me if interested
RostNadvirna – :
Green. White Floral. Cool. Fresh.
There is a genuine green freshness in the initial notes. It smells sort of like being around pine trees in the spring. At first, I was not sure if I really liked this then a quick moment later, the floral arrives! Then, the dry down softens to be more white floral, which I love. I think the balance between the green herbal smell then with white floral really makes this an interesting scent. I plan to wear it in the summer to balance the heat.
geleangel – :
Neroli is the big draw for this one. It’s close to that Tom Ford Neroli scent, and closer to the 4711 classic. This has decent stay power, which is almost unheard of with Malone. It’s a great year round wear. Really nice!
slavik-7 – :
For a “fresh” perfume, this is very strong and I mean that in a good way! It starts out predominantly green, with a sharp, aromatic blast of basil — then tart, juicy citrus — then the orangey powdery sweet neroli flower comes through. The longevity is great. The dry-down is a soft, smooth, musky neroli.
What I love about this is that the basil adds a much-needed sharpness and uniqueness to what could otherwise just be an everyday neroli scent. The staying power is great for a fresh scent. And the drydown into softness is absolutely beautiful.
tunover – :
Brylcreem, that’s what my husband thinks this smells of. Not what I was going for! I think it just doesn’t sit well on my skin, the citrus is lost & it just smells weird on me. I’ll stick with Lime, Basil & Mandarin I think!
israss – :
My first Jo Malone. I always heard complains about the longevity, so I just didn’t pay much attention to this perfumes. But now I got a sample of neroli & basil.
Neroli is obvious from the beginning, light citrus floral with that green slightly spicy undertone.
I’m not overwhelmed. It’s a fresh, clean fragrance. I should say a “correct” fragrance, it won’t offend and neither will cause major headlines.
It turns powdery, but very light. Frankly, it disappears too quickly.
For the price…Mmmh, I would think it twice. $140 for a perfume with the performance of a simple body spray? No.
batyran – :
Its a nice soft powdery flowery scent.
I love the blend fresh green scent with the white floral scent.
I am generally not a fan of flowery scents, but this one is good.
One of the few scents that I like the dry down better than the opening notes.
Its been 4 hours and I am still getting faint lingering smell.
I think I am going to be wearing it all spring!
Enroriecito – :
I obtained a sample of this from a JM booth and have worn it a couple times since.
This fragrance brings back childhood memories of my grandfather’s garden after a summer storm. Slight citrus hiding behind wet herbs with something like ozone in the top notes. This is a sent I can happily put on just to close my eyes and imagine myself back on his carport, counting the raindrops between each clap of thunder. Warm, fresh, and a little nostalgic, this is definitely on my wishlist.
matiz – :
One of my favourite new Jo Malone fragrances! I have gotten so many compliments on this gem. It smells fresh, floral, and citrusy at the same time. The neroli is prominent throughout, but it is greener than most neroli scents owing to the basil. It is utterly fabulous on my skin, and lasts 12 hours. Way to go Jo Malone!
1SANTEI – :
Basil & Neroli is absolutely delicious. Fresh summer green fragrance with neroli and basil. I wore it for the first time today and got many compliments. My second favorite Jo Malone. It lasts a long time on me. I will be wearing it a lot in the summer months.
obivan666 – :
Wow! I am impressed. How possible that Me- found of flowerly perfumes … just fell in love with herb on my chest? Thats funny, but i think this is really master peace. Last long time and i cant wish nothing more for this spring 🙂
Smell 7
Longevity 7
Unique: 9
Price x quality: yes worth it
gfirf – :
Fresh and not too green. The basil is there but it’s perfect. Neroli and vetiver compliment each other. It’s one of my favorites from Jo Malone in a long time.
andru_xa – :
The best neroli scent filled with spice and fun while maintaining an airy light feel. It reminds me of Diptyque eau des sense with a bit less spice. When I smell this sent I imagine a nice walk on the boardwalk or picnic in the park. The scen is simply wonderful!
Alexeyi4 – :
I LOVE this! It’s a burst of fresh, clean , springlike fragrance in the middle of a very dismal winter. I love Neroli, and this is just lovely. Definitely full bottle worthy. Highly recommended.
jemomoino – :
The basil really shines in this and I really love basil. So bright, well balanced, fresh and lovely, and for Jo Malone, pleasantly surprised that it is so long lasting. A real pick-me-up and definitely a keeper.
klik2536mail.ru – :
This is a new favorite from Jo Malone. I love neroli and the basil cuts the sweetness with a freshness. I find I reach for this in the mornings to brighten my mood. Smells good any time. Wonderful alone or layered with Orange Bitters this time of year.
raZOOM – :
Clean, green and sharp. It’s the type of fragrance that makes people smell like fresh out of shower on a sunny day. Great longevity and projection for a Jo Malone, and it combines perfectly with Orange Blossom, giving the mix that classical Eau de Cologne vibe (it’s much closer to TF NP then, but still pretty different).
Groodsincorok – :
love at first sniff!
i love basil, i love neroli, the two together is pure magic!
to combine with my lime blossom or red roses even bbb.
i tested this combo at shop it smells amazing.
this is another jo malone i can wear all year round!
stunning!
lSENIl – :
I am a neroli addict. If it contains neroli, then I will find it and smell it. I received a sample of this and instantly it reminded me of Neroli Cologne by Annick Goutal. They are almost identical to my nose, which is a great compliment to Neroli & Basil because Neroli Cologne is so pretty. They both combine the best of orange blossoms and musk with green herbal undertones. I personally prefer Annick Goutal’s because it performs better for me, but I would suggest ordering samples of both off eBay and deciding which you like best.
al31kv62 – :
I’m a fan of this fragrance, which is funny because usually I think neroli somehow ends up smelling like candy corn on me. The basil is sharply predominant in the beginning, giving the neroli a green kick that suits my chemistry much better. Also, enough basil sticks around to make this fragrance NOT just for floral lovers. Can I see spending so much for it when I’ve also just found Garden Gangster from Pinrose (also a lovely grassy green, although more citrus in nature)? Honestly, probably not, but if someone were to gift me a bottle, I’d wear it often.
I know many have said Jo Malone fragrances don’t last on them, but I’m a floating cloud of this fragrance and have been for hours. It’s by no means overwhelming or strong, but I definitely can catch a whiff if I minimally try. I’d recommend giving this at least a sample try. Very nice.
Илья2180 – :
Got a tester for this when I bought a bottle of Velvet Rose and Oud (which is criminally underrated). And oh man am I glad I did.
While on my skin it’s a fairly weak projection, the herbaceous and citrus peel symphony is worth the reapplication.
It gets a litte grassy in the drydown but in a good, Bleeker St by Bond No 9 kind of way.
I get an hour or so of close projection and sillage before it becomes a skin scent but it’s a beautiful skin scent that makes me smell like I had been hand tearing herbs to prepare a fine meal.
Bright, green, and just aromatic enough to stand out but not so pungent as to be offensive.
If you are a fan of neroli or herbals, you owe it to yourself to test this out. I’m normally a beast-mode heavy spice and gourmand lover and this might have just earned a place in the collection.
alexanders3 – :
Agree with previous reviewer – this does smell like being part of Herbs Garden collection that I personally loved. But I do not like this one that much. On paper tester it is very balanced with neroli as main accord and basil and vetiver in background adding depth and rounding the citrus – green and honeyed, a tiny bit powdery like a veil. On my skin, however, it is mainly sweetish neroli – citrus not floral, not much of anything else which is disappointing to say the least.
anjaon – :
I have a large sample of this one. Not loving it.. The basil note is actually nice, and then it turns to straight hay on me.. I really think that Jo Malone needs to break out of this green/herbal phase.. Something more gourmand (like ginger biscuit) would be perfect. These scents are well-done, but getting less and less wearable.
As I hear it, a new intense is also coming out. Orange bitters.. Hmmmm…. Just hoping it isn’t as “green”…