Jasmine must be one of my all-time favorite flowers. I’ve been fascinated by the scent of this flower ever since I was little. My first memory of it dates back to when I used to live in Singapore, and specifically during the time of Indian festivities. There would be garlands, and garlands, and more garlands of jasmine. Not only did they look beautiful but they had such a heavenly scent. Some women also wore jasmine in their hair. I remember being gifted a garland and walked around with it all day around my neck. I couldn’t let go of this bewitching scent.
Fast forward 15 years later, and I’m in Galerie Lafayette splurging out on my first ever luxury perfume, which surprise, surprise, was jasmine based. Oh how I loved (and still love) this scent! Since that moment, I find myself drawn to white floral scents. I find them reassuring and they make me feel confident and most feminine.
To the complete delight of my nostrils, 2018 was a great year for white floral fragrances and specifically jasmine scents. My new found favorite jasmine scent is Jo Malone’s Jasmine Sambac & Marigold cologne intense. It celebrates the lighter, more delicate side of the flower and is beautifully balanced with marigold. There’s something so sophisticated and luminous about this scent. Compared to the other fragrances in Jo Malone’s cologne intense collection, I find it’s on the lighter side and very easy to wear. A true Jo Malone masterpiece.
Key Notes
Top: Marigold
Heart: Jasmine Sambac, ylang ylang
Base: Benzoin
Olfactive Classification: White Floral
What to Expect
Imagine picking up a handful of freshly collected jasmine flowers and putting your nose in between your palms. And inhaling slowly. Jasmine Sambac & Marigold precisely recreates that special moment of magic where time stops and your senses are flooded with the divine scent of a thousand jasmine petals. The fragrance highlights the fresh, dewy and transparent side of jasmine, rather than the flower’s heavier and animalistic facet. It’s luminous, pure and elegant. Like a streak of light glistening off water. As the perfume develops, this clean white floral note becomes laced with a subtle honey-like sweetness, which adds more depth to the fragrance. It also reveals a soft fruity side imparted by both the jasmine and ylang ylang, which brings a bright and solar dimension. You are now surrounded by delicate white flowers cascading down a pale yellow wall. The sun gently warms your skin. Jasmine Sambac & Marigold is a beautifully balanced perfume. A true ode to jasmine.
My Olfactive Journey
Jasmine Sambac & Marigold takes me on a journey across the globe all the way to India. Brightly coloured saris, jasmine and marigold garlands. A blend of colonial era and contemporary architecture. The perpetual car honking of a buzzing city. The scent of chai tea fills the air. I’ve landed in Mumbai.
Monday 7th January, 2019
Upon arrival at the hotel, I’m greeted with a beautiful bouquet of orchids and a ‘rajnigandha’ (tuberose) garland. A lovely surprise and a real feast for the eyes and nose! This trip is off to a very good start…
After a quick shower, a spritz of Jasmine Sambac & Marigold, I’m out the door. Today’s main activity is all about urban exploration. And what better way to begin discovering the city than with a bike ride around the neighbourhood. It’s the best way to discover some hidden gems and go really local.
Happily cycling away, I pass by a busy street filled with a mix of honking tuk tuks, shops displaying mounds of various spices, and merchants selling all sorts of tropical fruits. It’s a wonderful overwhelming display of colours, sounds and smells.
Taking a turn to the right, then another to the left, my attention is drawn to a series of colonial houses. Hidden away amongst the lush greenery, these vestiges of the past are so romantic and full of charm. I can’t help but wonder how it would have been like to live in India in the 19th century… I love the time-mellowed colours and gritty look of these houses. For it’s in imperfection that you find beauty…
Thursday 10th January, 2019
It’s a beautiful, hot and sunny day. The guide is waiting for me outside the hotel for a fully packed day of tourism. We drive to the Gateway of India, a colossal arch monument built in the 20th century. It’s right on the waterfront, and that’s where we take the ferry to see the great Elephanta Caves.
One hour later and two sprays of Jasmine Sambac & Marigold perfume, we arrive at Elephanta island. We’re greeted by a few cows and stray puppies, and take a toy train to reach the bottom of the caves. We climb 120 steps (oh yes, it’s quite the effort!) and finally get to the famous caves.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, these caves are sacred and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Dating as early back as the 5th century, they’re carved out of solid rock and depict various scenes of Hindu mythology. A truly specular expression of Hindu culture.
Friday 11th January, 2019
The excitement is at it’s peak. I’m running around for last minute dress alterations and picking out the last of the jewels. Today’s a very special day. One of my good friends is getting married, and in India no less! It’s true what is said about Indian weddings. They are magnificent, full of colour, and the festivities last for days.
Today’s function is mehendi. I’m beyond excited for this event! Henna is applied to the hands of women, and it’s a chance to spend some time with the bride and girlfriends. And of course, it involves delicious food and a lot of dancing!
Aren’t these designs beautiful? Henna is applied to the palms and back of hands. The darker the colour, the better!
Saturday 12th January, 2019
As I step out of the car, in front of me lies the most grandiose wall of flowers. What an entrance! Hundreds and hundreds of chrysanthemums, marigold and orchids form a colourful palette of whites, yellows and pinks. Curtains of jasmine and tuberose further decorate the entrance, and set the tone for a most lavish and extravagant wedding reception.
The venue is enormous. A red and gold carpet leads you on path to the centre stage, where the bride and groom greet their guests. Everybody is dressed to impress. Threads of gold, sequins, beads and intricate embroidery adorn the garments. There is no lack of beautiful jewellery and precious stones. And the buffet! I’ve never seen such a wide selection of dishes from different cultures and influences. It’s a celebration that is worthy of royalty!
Sunday 20th January, 2019
After having my senses tickled by jasmine and marigold throughout this trip, I can’t leave India without going to a local flower market. It’s imperative that I smell one last time the scent-sational Indian jasmine.
Once there, I get my hands on some marigold and two different varieties of jasmine, each more beautiful than the other.
An immediate rush of euphoria invades my body, one which will be forever tied to this unforgettable trip. A most precious memory of India.
Outfits & Accessories
Top: Club Monaco
Shirt & Vest: Zara
Trousers: Zara, Cottonworld
Dresses & Bags: Benzer
Jewellery: Zara, Benzer
Beauty
Face: Lumene Invisible Illumination Instant Glow Fresh Skin Tint in shade Universal Dark, Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in 01 Gold Dust, Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Concealer in 2C Light Medium, Lumene Invisible Illumination Nordic Glow Palette
Eyes: Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess 2016 Summer Glow Eyeshadow Palette, The Estée Edit Fluid Metal Eyeshadow in 03 Sparked, Benefit Roller Lash Mascara in Black, Estée Lauder Brow Now Brow Defining Pencil in 02 Light Brunette
Lips: Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Matte Sculpting Lipstick in Neon Azalea, Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick in Uninhibited
Nails: Kiko Milano Power Pro Nail Lacquer in 154
Disclaimer
Sample, images and views are my own.
Si je ne connaissais pas déjà ce parfum, je partirai en courant le découvrir tant la description merveilleuse que tu en fais est appétissante et fine dans son analyse. Je confirme : c’est un grand parfum qui sort des sentiers battus ! Et… qui a le mérite, grâce à ce nouveau voyage olfactif que nous offres, de nous transporter directement en Inde le temps d’un mariage. Dépaysement garanti !