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Original poster

Joe Malone

30 replies

bristolcities · 30/04/2011 18:00

Am I missing something or is it all horrible and tres expensive. After hearing rave revues have just bought 5 bottles and it's all horrible.

OP posts:
polyhymnia · 30/04/2011 18:03

I don't think you're missing anything - is greatly over-rated. Don't like any of the perfumes much and wouldn't wear them.

Original poster
bristolcities · 30/04/2011 18:25

It smells like room spray, 70 quid room spray. Horrible. Would like to add I didn't buy it full price, thank god.

OP posts:
apple99 · 30/04/2011 18:26

I do like a few of the scents particularly the english pear and freesia, some of them can be very overpowering though . Did you not test them before buying?

polyhymnia · 30/04/2011 18:26

Good thinking.

Original poster
bristolcities · 30/04/2011 18:28

No they were very, very reduced. So just bought them. I can't resist a bargain. But in this case I should have.

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WannabeNigella · 30/04/2011 18:28

I think some of the Jo Malone range is gorgeous but I only really buy the candles or perfume. My favourite fragrance is Vintage Gardenia. It's gorgeous, if you've only smelt one or two of the fragrances I can understand you're thinking though, I really, really dislike some.

LynetteScavo · 30/04/2011 18:29

I'm very Confused by Jo Malone. I feel I'm supposed to want it all, but don't.

Original poster
bristolcities · 30/04/2011 18:29

The lime basil and mandarin is hideous.

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BigSooz · 30/04/2011 18:30

Definitely a niche taste. I find them overpowering and hideous. Smell like men's aftershave mixed with air freshener. But each to their own!

BecauseImWorthIt · 30/04/2011 18:33

Fragrance is a hugely personal thing - and perfumes smell different on different people.

I love the lime, basil and mandarin, although it is a very definite scent. I find I have to be in the right mood to wear it!

dexter73 · 30/04/2011 18:36

BigSooz - you're right they do smell like mens aftershave. The other day I was with a friend of mine and kept getting whiffs of what I thought was dh's shaving gel. I thought I must have got some on me in the bathroom. After a bit my friend asked me if I liked her new JM perfume and it was the smell of shaving gel! Of course I said it was very nice Confused!!

polyhymnia · 30/04/2011 18:36

It smells horrible on me too, yet some people love it. Of course, perfumes do smell different on different people.

I think JM was originally (ie, 10 - 15 years ago) a bit like the emperor's new clothes - very 'stylish' new brand so everyone raved about it. But the brand is now becoming very tired, and people are realising that the perfumes themselves are not all great (or not any of them great, IMO).

CointreauVersial · 30/04/2011 18:50

I have one JM perfume - I think it's Lime Blossom Cologne - bought for me by my sister, and it's bogging, like loo cleaner. I am not seduced by branding at all.

smartyparts · 30/04/2011 20:48

I love the Lime Basil Mandarin bath/body/shower stuff - DH buys it for me - a lot!

However, he bought me the perfume and I can't wear it - it's too strong.

The candles are just gorgeous.

LaurieFairyCake · 30/04/2011 20:55

Are you sure it's the real thing? Have never seen any 'greatly reduced'.

I do know if eBay sellers who buy the m&s rip offs and pass them off as the real thing.

I love a couple of the scents, 154 and Amber and lavender.

Original poster
bristolcities · 30/04/2011 20:55

I can imagine that the candles are lovely because it smells like a room fragrance. It's kind of musky and not as fresh as it sounds it should be. Actually I'm being polite its horrible. One of them smells of The Body Shop Fuzzy Peach which is lovely but a tenth of the price.

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Swedes2 · 30/04/2011 20:57

I don't think it's as nice as it used to be: so either my keynotes have changed or being bought up by L'Oreal had meant an altered recipe. I'm suspicious it's the latter.

I love Amber and Lavender but not as much as I used to which is a shame.

wasabipeanut · 30/04/2011 21:06

If it says "Joe Malone" on the label as opposed to "Jo" then you've definitely bought a cheap copy!

Original poster
bristolcities · 30/04/2011 21:27

Was hoping that was the problem wasabi but have just checked and sadly it is ''Jo''. Maybe I'm just not sophisticated enough or maybe it's just mank.

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Original poster
bristolcities · 30/04/2011 21:31

I bought them from a friend who is a shopaholic and living well beyond her means. Hence having to sell 5 bottles for £20 to clear some credit cards sharpish. All new as well. Bit of a hoarder she is. But she used to work at Harrods so maybe she got an amazing staff discount.

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Preggersplayspop · 30/04/2011 21:32

Jo Malone was bought by estee lauder I think. Probably gone downhill since then! Never seen it discounted though, where did you get it from?

polyhymnia · 30/04/2011 21:34

Thought amber and lavender might be OK at first but now find it utterly nauseating.

Missred · 30/04/2011 21:36

Not keen on their perfume, but like the skin care range, esp orange and geranium night cream - v good

Original poster
bristolcities · 30/04/2011 21:41

I've got Grapefruit, lime basil and mandarin, pomegranate noir, nectarine blossom and honey and Amber and lavender and they all smell so predictable. Maybe I have smelt them all in too quick a succession. Will sniff some coffee beans and try again. I really want to like them.

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Ishani · 30/04/2011 21:41

Why would you buy 5 bottles if you don't like it ?