Sandra‘s Closet

A Sardinian summer
Time slows on sunbathed shores. Waves wash over golden sands. As lazy days drift into breezy evenings, a Sardinian love story blossoms. Discover the new JO MALONE LONDON Blossoms collection with two limited edition scents encapsulating an Italian summer.

Inspired by a chance discovery along the coast, Sea Daffodil is a solar floral fragrance, radiant with ylang ylang and rooted in warm vanilla entwined with creamy sandalwood.

Bitter Mandarin captures the spirit of a Mediterranean summer evening: a carefree buzz in the air. Citrus trees line Italian streets and ice-filled glasses clink with a bitter citrus spritz. Vibrant mandarin is deepened with a warm amber note and a pinch of precious orris for an addictive zesty allure.

These scents are joined by Silk Blossom, returning in a cologne and diffuser to tempt the senses.

Completing the line-up is an Orange Blossom Hair Mist and a Nectarine Blossom & Honey Diffuser. The lightweight hair mist is formulated with natural argan oil and pro vitamin B5 to help give hair a healthy shine while the diffuser can be used to energise the air with a playful, fruity fragrance.

The collection includes
Sea Daffodil Cologne
Bitter Mandarin Cologne
Silk Blossom Cologne
Orange Blossom Hair Mist
Silk Blossom Diffuser
Nectarine Blossom & Honey Diffuser

Available online at jomalone.com and in Jo Malone London stores from March 2022.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jo Malone London 
@JoMaloneLondon #JoMaloneLondon #BrilliantBlossoms
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Let me introduce you to Jo Malone London‘s new collection of fun-filled summer scents. Those limited-edition colognes are inspired by nostalgic scenes and marmalade dreams.

Sun shines on the village fete where families gather. Brightly coloured bunting flutters gently in the breeze and jars of homemade jams and marmalades sit on gingham tabletops. The warm air is infused with scents of summer: elderflower, blackberry, and rose, and all the fun of the fete.

Tangy Rhubarb
The unmistakable tang of unruly rhubarb plucked from the overgrown garden. Its bright and striking stems fill the bustling kitchen. Rhubarb brings a characterful heart to this eccentric fragrance, complemented by zesty orange and an elegant note of cedarwood.

Rose Blush
Delicate rose petals suspended in a delectable jelly. The charm of these blushing pink petals inspires a prized preserve. Vibrant basil and a juicy note of lychee add a modern twist to this pretty floral scent, cocooned in the comforting embrace of white musk.

Orange Peel
Marmalade making, a most British of traditions. Orange peel simmers on the stove, its zesty aroma  and bitter bite tantalising the senses. Warm woods are blended with orange to create a refined, golden fragrance. Quirky natural rhubarb adds an enticing appeal to this fresh take on the classic marmalade.

Elderflower Cordial (MY FAVORITE!)
Capturing the scent of delicate elderflower buds harvested from the hedgerows on a cloudless morning. The soft, powdery appeal of these tiny white flowers inspire a very British recipe. Complemented by notes of hawthorn and tart, summer-green gooseberries.

All four pair perfectly with Jo Malone London’s popular fruity scent, Blackberry & Bay.

Blackberry & Bay
Childhood memories of blackberry picking. A burst of deep, tart blackberry juice, blending with a fresh note of just-gathered bay and brambly woods. Vibrant and verdant.New bottle designs have been created exclusively for this collection, inspired by the shape and detailing seen on vintage marmalade jars. All five scents are available now as 30ml Cologne.

LoL, Sandra

Photos:  @JoMaloneLondon #MarmaladeCollection
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. However I received the fragrances to try them.

A new addition to Jo Malone London’s Cologne Intense collection: the ravishing Scarlet Poppy. This new floral has been inspired by the extravagant and exotic great scarlet poppy from the wild steppes of Asia. Amplified by velvety iris, notes of barley and tonka bean add a double hit of sweet decadence while a succulent fig accord draws you into this opulent scent.

Jo Malone London’s Cologne Intense collection travels the world, collecting treasured ingredients to create unexpected fragrances. This latest Cologne Intense comes in a rich red bottle design, referencing the flower that inspired it.

«Scarlet Poppy is a grand, ravishing, deep floral, and the volume grows and grows as
you wear it. It’s a larger-than-life fragrance but still very sophisticated and refined.»
Celine Roux, Global Head of Fragrance

Jo Malone London recommends layering Scarlet Poppy with Poppy & Barley. The pairing of the two enhances the poppy note, creating an inviting floral scent.

Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense 100ml, CHF 171.-
Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense 50ml, CHF 120.-
Available at all Jo Malone London counters in Switzerland from January 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jo Malone London #CologneIntense

Jo Malone London presents a rip-roaring Christmas. It is time to enter the season of extravagance. Fizz flows frequently, and fragrant gifts fill every space. By the glow of candlelight, Bright Young Things kick up their heels, carrying the revelry long into the night. Discover indulgent presents for him and for her. From coveted Colognes to Bath & Body delights and luxurious gifts for the home.

I have a special surprise for my Swiss readers or everybody from abroad visiting Zurich. From today until November 30, 2020, you can pick up a small gift at the Jo Malone counter at Jelmoli Zurich when you present this post, my Instagram post or a screen shot of my story (1 x per person, while stocks last). No purchase needed.

Although if you buy something, when you visit the counter and show the post, photo or screenshot, you will receive an additional special gift with a purchase of CHF 100 or more (1 x per person, while stocks last). I hope that you will enjoy my little treat for you!

Here are some of my personal favorites:

ADVENT CALENDAR, CHF 490. – *
A magnificent countdown to Christmas, filled with 24 fragrant treats including
signature scents, travel-size Bath & Body treats and miniature Candles.

SCENTED BODY POWDER, CHF 86. – *
A pearlescent powder to scent your skin, infused with English Pear & Freesia. Perfect for party season, it’s encased in a sleek mirrored compact and presented in a pouch with a kabuki brush for touch-ups on-the-go.

COLOGNE COLLECTION, CHF 110. – *
Spoil them with five fragrant miniatures: Dewy Wild Bluebell. Mellow English Pear & Freesia. Spirited Wood Sage & Sea Salt. Happy Honeysuckle & Davana. Daring Pomegranate Noir.

MIDNIGHT MUSK & AMBER COLOGNE 100ML, CHF 142 . – *
A charismatic Bright Young Thing and my favorite. Revelling in the season of extravagance, sensual midnight musk dances with the glowing warmth of amber. This alluring scent leads the decadent celebrations through till dawn with its entrancing spirit.

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT, CHF 35.-*
Dress the tree with a decorative ornament, filled with a duo of treats:
a Wild Bluebell Cologne (9ml) and an English Pear & Freesia Body Crème (15ml).

CHRISTMAS CRACKER, CHF 42 . – *
Pull to reveal a fragrant trio of treats: a Peony & Blush Suede Cologne (9ml), Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body & Hand Wash (15ml) and a Wild Bluebell Body Crème (15ml).

The collection is available now. Don’t forget to pick up your gift at the Jo Malone Counter at Jelmoli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone London and David Biedert Photography
*Suggested Retail Price
@jomalonelondon, #SeasonOfScent

Jo Malone London introduces a new limited-edition collection, offering a fresh perspective on an iconic ingredient which you already know I adore: English lavender.

Journey to an enchanted world of violet visions, where English lavender meanders in purple pathways across the countryside. Discover a trio of takes on this timeless note, each offering a different presentation of natural lavender. One strikingly aromatic, the second fresh with a cool woodiness, and the third cascading with soft florals. Fall out of the ordinary and into a new lavender story.

The collection includes three limited-edition Colognes, each available in 30ml decorative bottles:

Wisteria & Lavender
Cascading wisteria frames a characterful house, creating a nostalgic purple picture. This soft floral presentation of English lavender is entwined with sweet wisteria and powdery heliotrope. A picturesque trio, cocooned in clean and delicate white musk.
Silver Birch & Lavender
Morning light across a rambling garden, framed by silver birch trees.
The air fresh with a crisp coolness that cuts through the iconic scent of English lavender. Refreshed with a squeeze of grapefruit, grounded by a woody, charismatic base of silver birch and a compelling note of roasted oak.
Lavender & Coriander
Aromatic English lavender nestled in a thriving and fragrant herb garden, bolstered by the striking note of coriander. Earthy sage deepens the lavender’s timeless scent, while creamy tonka bean adds an unexpected touch of warmth and sensual balance.

«In perfumery, we mainly use French lavender. It is such a familiar, popular scent, so we wanted to explore it in ways that you might not be used to. We’ve taken natural English lavender and gone in three different directions with the other ingredients, to give it that Jo Malone London twist.» – Celine Roux, Global Head of Fragrance

Each of these distinctive Colognes adds something unique when paired with another scent from the brand’s refined palette. Jo Malone London recommends pairing:
Wisteria & Lavender with Peony & Blush Suede for a sensual floral combination. Blooming peonies add opulence to dainty lavender and wisteria, with a soft trail of musk.
Silver Birch & Lavender with Wild Bluebell for an aromatic floral combination. The dewy delicacy of bluebell is wrapped in herbaceous notes of English lavender, warmed with amberwood.
Lavender & Coriander with Lime Basil & Mandarin for a zesty and aromatic combination. Spicy coriander and a kick of basil add herbaceous edge to sparkling citrus notes.

Two limited-edition home products complete the new collection, both infused with the scent of Lavender & Musk.

Scent the road to dreams with Jo Malone London’s limited-edition Pillow Mist. Aromatic English lavender mingles with a cocooning note of musk to create a soft and sensual scent that helps the user relax and unwind for a good night’s sleep.
Create a tranquil atmosphere with a Diffuser in the same fragrance. The perfect scent to place on a bedside table or dresser to encourage a relaxing mood.

TO SHOP THE JO MALONE LONDON LAVENDERLAND COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
.
Wisteria & Lavender 30ml Cologne – CHF 72.00
Silver Birch & Lavender 30ml Cologne – CHF 72.00
Lavender & Coriander 30ml Cologne – CHF 72.00
Lavender & Musk Pillow Mist 45ml – CHF 36.00
Lavender & Musk Diffuser 165ml – CHF 109.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © JoMaloneLondon #Lavenderland
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

There are advent calendars and then there those supersized, super-luxe advent calendars, full of the best in makeup, hair and skincare or even filled with surprises for intimate pleasures. It’s what self-gifting was made for…

Consider them the ultimate, carefully curated «best of» – and everything you need to take you through the holiday season. Click on the highlighted description to find out more… I personally love the small sized products as they are great for travelling.

LoL, Sandra

The Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar by Harrods
Housed in a beautiful navy blue coffret which will serve as a keepsake for years to come, it’s packed to the rafters with twenty five miniature and full size favourites from the famous Harrods Beauty Halls.

25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar by Net-à-Porter Beauty
Counting down 25 days, its drawers are packed with a slew of goodies picked especially by Net-à-Porter’s team of Beauty Buyers.

Glittering Galaxy of Makeup Magic Advent Calendar by Charlotte Tilbury
 Filled with hero products to get you through the party season and beyond.

10 Day Balmain Advent Calendar by Balmain Hair Couture
Balmain Paris Hair Couture brings back the joy of opening advent calendars with this grown-up version featuring 10 haircare products.

 12 Days of Red Carpet Advent Calendar by Rodial
This round-up of miniatures will ensure your skin is looking refreshed and radiant in time for the big day.

Beauty Advent Calendar by Acqua di Parma
Featuring a miniature version of the signature scent Colonia, it also includes Blu Mediterraneo, Le Nobili and Signature of the Sun miniatures.

12 Days of Glowing Renewal by La Mer (coming soon)
Featuring 12 mini La Mer products from the popular Renewal Oil and Treatment Lotion to two 15ml mini moisturisers in the Soft Cream and original Creme de la Mer Moisturising Cream.
In Switzerland available from October 21, 2019 for CHF 440.

Townhouse advent calendar by Jo Malone London (coming soon)
As always, the calendar is filled to the brim with sweet-smelling products, with 24 doors containing small vials of perfume (9ml), candles and body lotion.
In Switzerland available from October 28, 2019 for CHF 490.

Deluxe Advent Calendar by Amorana
In Switzerland available now for CHF 479.90 – for intimate pleasures.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

There is one thing I truly dislike about limited edition fragrances, if you end up loving it, you’re doomed to never have it again. But sometimes you get lucky as a brand hears what the customers wish for and brings back an in-demand product.

It’s happened with other fragrance houses before, and now, with Jo Malone London, it’s happening again. In 2018, the brand released the English Fields collection, for the previous post click here please, which had five limited edition colognes that used cereals and grains as the main focus. Part of the collection was Poppy & Barley, a soft, cheerful and inviting floral scent, that was the most well-received. It captures the scent of succulent cereal fields, where fresh flowers grow alongside golden harvest grains. Opening with vibrant poppies, this fragrance is topped with juicy blackcurrants and balanced with a hint of rose. It’s grounded with a woody barley base, evoking an English meadow.

By popular demand, Poppy & Barley will now be part of the brand’s permanent collection as both a cologne and a body and hand wash. And whether you’re already a fan of the fragrance or want to know what the fuss is about, it is available in Switzerland now at Jelmoli Zurich, Globus Zurich, Globus Glatt, Globus Bellevue, Globus Lucerne, Globus Geneva, Globus Lausanne und at Hyazinth in Basel.

30ml Cologne 30ml / CHF 72.00 – 100ml / CHF 135.- CHF 250ml
Body & Hand Wash 250ml / CHF 47.00

Fragrance Combining™
Poppy & Barley with Honeysuckle & Davana  – vivid and floral
Poppy & Barley with Wood Sage & Sea Salt – for a mineral freshness
Poppy & Barley with Myrrhe & Tonka – warm, gourmand and opulent (my favorite)

TO SHOP POPPY & BARLEY ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @JoMaloneLondon #PoppyAndBarley
(The fragrance was sent to me as a press sample).

Deep, intense ingredients born in the desert. Musk, amber and oud. Blended with quintessentially English florals. Captured in two mysterious scents.

Jo Malone’s Head of Global Product Development, Céline Roux, and Master Perfumer, Anne Flipo embarked on this journey to create something completely new for the brand.

Left: Anne Flipo – Right: Céline Roux

What inspired the concept of Absolu?

Céline: «It all began with my travels to the Middle East – I’ve visited a few times and have always been inspired by their passion for scent and ritual of layering fragrance. As you walk around all the markets and souks there, you’ll notice the air is infused with rich, deep, warm scents. So, I started to think about how we could interpret this, but with a Jo Malone London signature.»

Anne: «Together we identified the elements that are key in the Middle East – amber, oud and white musk. Not only are they in the air, but people also use them to scent their clothes and their hair. We then created a base around these three ingredients. The result is something truly unique and exclusive to Jo Malone London.»

Céline: «The thought of flowers came naturally after we’d worked on the base. We asked, ‘how could we combine the Middle Eastern air with an imaginary English garden?’ It felt like the perfect way to give each Absolu scent our signature freshness, and that Jo Malone London twist.»

Rose & White Musk Absolu
An English rose. Flowering in the heart of the Arabian desert. Unexpected. Mysterious. Enfolding with petal-fresh sweetness. Rich with oud and amber. Balanced on a powdery clean base of white musk. Soft and sensual. A mesmerising treasure. Brought to life in Jo Malone’s first Cologne Absolu. A bold new innovation in scent that dives straight into the heart note of the cologne, keeping our signature freshness, while leaving a beautiful, lingering trail of scent.

What makes Absolu different to other Jo Malone London Colognes?

Céline: «Absolu combines base and heart notes alone, to exude both warmth and freshness, woods and flowers, earth and air – creating captivating scents that evolve on contact with the skin and continue to inspire the senses after they are applied. We approach an Absolu in a very different way to our classic Colognes. Instead of starting with the top notes and the first olfactive impression, we work from the base up and emphasise one of the ingredients to complement each of the flowers we chose. So for Rose it was White Musk, and for this one we really pushed the amber to complement the elusive aroma of violet. We also eliminated the top notes entirely, so you go straight into the heart of the fragrance.»

Violet & Amber Absolu
In the Arabian night, an ethereal violet mysteriously blooms. Beloved of the British flower bed, its elusive scent of darkly purple petals and violet leaves wraps around oud and white musk, anchored by warm, sophisticated amber.

Why did you decide to work with violet?

Céline: «Violet is one of the most-loved flowers in the British flower garden! It was also a favourite among royals and poets. There are many quotes about violet in Shakespeare – one of my favourites is from Sonnet 99, “The forward violet thus did I chide. Sweet thief, whence didst thou steal thy sweet that smells, if not from my love’s breath?” So, it’s something of a classic.»

How would you layer and combine Violet & Amber Absolu?

Céline: «I recommend pairing it with Bronze Wood & Leather Cologne Intense – it brings even more depth and sensuality to the scent.»

Anne: «I combine it with Wood Sage & Sea Salt – it really amplifies the woody notes in the base and creates a very enthralling fragrance. It’s also intriguing to layer Violet & Amber with Rose & White Musk – the two Absolu scents together have such intensity and a really addictive quality.»

Both are available now ONLINE and in Switzerland at Jelmoli Zurich, Globus Zurich, Globus Glatt, Globus Bellevue, Globus Lucerne, Globus Geneva, Globus Lausanne and at Perfumery Hyazinth in Basel for CHF 280.00 (100ml) each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone London and © Sandra Bauknecht
@JoMaloneLondon #ScentAbsolu

A new limited edition collection to welcome spring by Jo Malone London. Five unexpected scents, inspired by the unruly weeds and wildly-wonderful plants and flowers that line the banks of a winding river.

Hemlock & Bergamot Cologne 30ml
Hemlock’s powdery petals, brightened with bergamot. A deadly, yet unexpectedly-delicate flower. Illuminated with golden mimosa and a floral flourish of heliotrope. Crisp and modern with a bite of cucumber.

Cade & Cedarwood Cologne 30ml
The smouldering embers of a wood-burning stove at nightfall. Basking in the warm and comforting glow of cade – its smoky scent mingled with cedarwood and complemented by a mouth-watering hint of sensual vanilla.

Lupin & Patchouli Cologne 30ml
Reminiscent of canal banks, awash with colour. A rainbow of lupin flowers, enriched by luxurious rose and deepened with rebellious patchouli. A surprising contrast with the fresh vibrancy of mandarin.

Willow & Amber Cologne 30ml
The expressive weeping willow, gently draping across the fresh morning water. Captured in the woody pairing of cashmere wood and smoky vetiver, enhanced by softly sensual amber.

Nettle & Wild Achillea Cologne 30ml
The tangy sting of nettle, peeking through pavement cracks and entwined with wild, white achillea flower. Sparkling with bright bergamot, the greenness softened by a soft base of white musk.

In stores now for CHF 72.00 each 30ml Cologne.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone London
#WildlyWonderful – #FragranceCombining

Happy 1st Advent! I love this time of the year when it is cold outside and you enjoy the coziness of your home. Decorating for Christmas is somethings I truly adore. In Zurich, I love passing by Globus to look for new baubles and gift ideas. Each year, they celebrate a new motto, now it is time to welcome the «Grand Hotel Globus»! Get inside the 5-star Christmas world…

Christmas world at Globus Bellevue in Zurich

My favorite: Lobster Bauble, CHF 24.90

So fun: Champagne Bucket Bauble, CHF 19.90

Great gift ideas…

THE HOTEL BAR.
N°01 Pineapple Mug / Shot Glass, CHF 29.90/12.90 / Shaker, CHF 54.90 / Bowl, CHF 6.90
N°02 Cigar Box with Cutter, CHF 299.00
N°03 Bottle Opener Anker, CHF 14.90
N°04 Whisky Glass, CHF 7.90
N°05 Le Tribute Gin with Tonic, CHF 119.00
N°06 Bar Spoon, CHF 15.90
N° 07 Backgammon, CHF 19.90
N°08 Tray, CHF 139.90
N°09 Strainer, CHF 22.90
N°10 Jigger, CHF 20.90
N°11 Cocktail Shaker, CHF 75.90

THE AFTERNOON-TEA.
N°01 Teapot, CHF 29.90
N°02 Bell Jar, CHF 39.90
N°03 Pastry Tong, CHF 29.90
N°04 Tea-Light Holder, CHF 12.90
N° 05 Champagne Bowl, CHF 19.90
N° 06 Champagne Truffes, CHF 6.60
N° 07 Seat of 4 Teaspoons, CHF 24.90
N° 08 Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut Limited Edition, CHF 99.90
N° 09 Grand Hotel Napkins, CHF 6.90
N° 10 Mules by Emanuela Caruso, CHF 299.00

From now on you can take the afternoon tea literally at Globus Bellevue‘s newly opened restaurant «tartar» on the first floor. Top chef Nenad Mlinarevic offers all sorts of culinary treats including the signature dish tartar in all sorts of interpretations.

«tartar» restaurant lead by top chef Nenad Mlinarevic

Moreover, besides Kiehl’s, Acqua di Parma, Aerin Lauder and Molton Brown, Globus Bellevue has expanded its product range. Tom Ford, Jo Malone London and Le Labo are now all available there. For the latter it is the first point of sale in Switzerland.

Have fun strolling through this beautiful Christmas world – for my foreign readers, I hope you could seek a little inspiration for your home as well.

Happy Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Globus and © Sandra Bauknecht