Isn’t it funny how just a wee little taste of spring can bring out our cravings for like-minded scents? We’ve had several sweet days here in the Deep South, and so I went trolling for something to match. When I surfaced, I had in hand my sample of Jo Malone’s Star Magnolia.
This limited edition scent, still available at Surrender to Chance, is definitely a winner in the early spring sweepstakes. Its a fresh, yet softly beguiling scent, not a wallop of anything overpowering. And it dries down nicely to a barely there warm, woody amber. Star Magnolia notes include lemon, ginger and shiso; middle notes of star magnolia and neroli; and base notes of sandalwood and amber.
I’m always eager to try anything from Jo Malone; even if I’m not crazy about it, I know it’ll be a fairly well done and classy scent. And Star Magnolia doesn’t disappoint. It’s so pretty without being in your face, and would make a lovely wedding scent for someone who appreciates beautiful subtlety. The only drawback: it’s got a pretty short wear time, so frequent reapplications might be in order. But I generally dab, so a decent spritz or two would probably get you through an afternoon or evening pretty well. As always, YMMV.
I’m thinking this would be just perfect for a spring break trip or an early summer vacation, so I’ll make sure to pack this one when I travel.
What do you reach for when Mother Nature teases you with a hint of spring?
Hmmm…interesting fragrance and name..Magnolia is great though!
We’re having upsies/downsies here, with 50s tumbling to 30s and back up again. But it’s that time of year for the briny, rooty scents, like Ambre Grisea and Delrae’s Mythique (as well as the Serge rooty iris – sorry, my brain is foggy today). I love this time of year, where you can break out those scents without fear of the heat working with them to bring up your lunch. xoxoxo
What a coincidence – I bought my first Jo Malone just last week, Blackberry and Bay. I think it will be perfect for springtime. Usually my spring scent for the first warm evenings in the city is Clinique Wrappings ever since my college days. It’s a kind of signature scent for me.
Warm Spring days mixed with wet heavy snow here in Colorado. 8 inched last night!
On the warmer days I’ve been wearing vintage Chanel No 5, Chanel 18 Poudre, Chanel No 18, and Prada Iris d’infusion.
Hey there Ann,
You all must be so glad in the north to be coming into spring. We thought it was autumn here but we’ve struck and Indian Summer in Sydney. 42C where I was working in Austral yesterday. HOT!
Spring means Chypres like Niki de Saint Phalle , Silences and No 19. Ostara, Tokyo Bloom and Truth or Dare.
Enjoy the warmth.
Portia xx
I’m looking forward to my Scherrer and A.E. I will also revisit Silences and EL Private Collection to see if our relationship has improved lol!
The Aedes de Venustas scent with the rhubarb note is perfect for walks in early spring. Sadly that one is not yet in my collection. Other than that, both Ostara and Chamade are typical spring choices here. We are talking temperatures around + 10 C, during midday, when the last snow drifts melt and such. No real spring yet, even if mornings are visibly brighter day by day.
I love this scent! I’m lucky to have snagged a big bottle last Spring, and I’ll have to put it back in the rotation!
Right now Bruno Fazzolari’s Au Delà is smelling really good.
I switch to greens and violets when spring begins. The ambers, vanillas, heavy woods get put aside!
This sounds lovely! I’ll have to see if they have it at my Nordstrom’s. The Great Meltening has begun in the Upper Midwest, so I’ve been reaching for all my GREEN perfumes — galbanum overload, baby! Vent Vert, Chanel No 19, Silences, Bandit, Jolie Madame, Scherrer No 1 — as if I can will the color green back into the landscape!