Tuberose Angelica Jo Malone 2014

Comparing this to my new favorite, Kiss My Name by Monegal, which I wore last night. They both have a beautiful tuberose but this Jo Malone can't compare to the splendidly and luxuriously indolic version in Kiss My Name, enhanced by jasmine, neroli, balsam and cedar, as it is. In fact, Kiss My Name has usurped Creed Jasmin Impératrice Eugenie, my long-time favorite perfume. Tuberose Angelica doesn't speak the same language as these two greats. At best it speaks a dialect. Yet, it does appeal because the notes are so well done. Angelica does for this hypnotic perfume what lily-of-the-valley, narcissus or hyacinth have done for many a brilliant floral composition: sophisticated the sweetness until queens could wear it.

I haven't explored Jo Malone scents much so far and don't own one, so I looked them up. They're a British perfumer, founded in 1994, and their website says the scents are designed to be layered or worn alone--a step up from Demeter? This no doubt accounts for the successful simplicity here. Tuberose Angelica lacks the projection of Kiss My Name, but it's no skin scent either. It's a quite good perfume, overall, not for a queen but it would suit the crown princess just fine. Guess I'll go out and get myself a bottle.

A little slice of heaven. She’s bright like the sun coming up over the flower garden and the dew is still chilled. I’m reminded of creamy wisteria with this fragrance at the beginning. The dry down is green with a touch of spice. She’s natural and aquatic. I love everything about this scent though the longevity for the price is stark.

I’m not getting Jo Malone (I so regret I did) anymore. Their scents are so cheap and linear. I was like a Virgin because it was the first niche, or I should say first fragrance brand that I exposed to. I didn’t like any fragrances before it. I first tried it and got this one. It smelled good at first because I was looking for something unique and bold. I didn’t know anything about fragrances. Their performance is bad too. Last only 2-3 hours and very weak projection. It also smells so mature. Once I found Kilian, Initio, Frederick Malle, Roja, MFK and Nishane then I realized how bad the quality of Jo Malone is. They are not cheap too. I rather spend a little more for these brands to get more unique complex scents and easily last double the time of Jo Malone.

When my father-in-law passed away, the sun was shining and the mirabelle tree in our yard was blooming in full splendor. He often got annoyed with this tree because it dropped tiny fruits in large quantities in the fall, which had to be picked up individually from the ground - but he always collected them before I could. Looking at the blooming tree, it becomes clear to me that I will never hear him on the yard again, even though that sound is so familiar to me. He no longer sees this beautiful, blooming tree, and perhaps it is only now that I realize that I have truly lost him.
Today we lay him to rest, and we have two hours until the funeral to say goodbye. As superficial as it may sound: I thought about which fragrance I would wear after showering. For me, this consideration holds significance, as I know I will always remember my father-in-law when I wear the fragrance I choose today. I thought about Panthéa, because the scent is so clean and distant, radiating so much purity. In the end, however, I decided on one of my tuberose fragrances. I have a matching body cream for Tuberose Angelica, and I only envelop myself in this treasure on special days. Tuberose Angelica and her little sister, the cream, are as cloaked in black as I am, so simple, so serious. And above all: Of all my tuberose fragrances - and they hold, as some know, my perfumed heart - Tuberose Angelica is by far the most serious scent.
Only it manages to bridge the elegance of the festive tuberose and the seriousness of the angelica. The green, herbal freshness merges with the tuberose from the very first seconds. I don't know what else should be in the pyramid, but I perceive the two notes in perfect balance. Thus, the opulent sweetness of the tuberose is drastically softened; there are indeed emotional worlds between something like "Love Tuberose" or "Heartless Helen" and the Jo Malone scent. It comes across as absolutely elegant, without being sweet, dreamy, or childish. It is an adult, serious tuberose and an elegant, fine angelica that come together here, powdery notes slightly resonate, cushioned by a fine, woody, restrained tone that radiates warmth. And it is, if I'm not mistaken, a Cologne, light. I believe I couldn't have chosen a more beautiful scent for this day, and I know that when I wear it next time, I will gladly experience the memory, for the choice is right.
I didn't spend long on this comment, as it would have seemed disrespectful to me. But I felt the need to write down my thoughts about this fragrance that will accompany me today.
My father-in-law, who was a father substitute for me during my marriage, since my own father passed away a long time ago, often spoiled me greatly. He liked it when his wife or I, the wife of his only child, were elegant. He would have been pleased with this fragrance. My husband gifted it to me along with the cream for Christmas. That would have particularly delighted him.

For days, it has been my faithful companion, day in and day out, unobtrusive yet present. I am so taken with its green-herbaceous playful tuberose sweetness, floral yet not at all opulent (even though I like that). Anyone who enjoys tuberose and angelica will find this to be a delight. It is by no means gourmand, not woody or earthy, nor sugary. Instead, it shines brightly, a picture of a green clearing where little elves dance, that comes to my mind. This fragrance makes (me) happy and invites dreaming. An ideal companion through stressful days, as it conveys lightness and joy. Such a beautiful clear, almost linear scent.

The sillage is close to the body, present for many hours. For me, a spritz in the morning is enough on the skin, and I still catch a whiff of it 10 hours later - probably no one else does, as it is so close to the body, but if sprayed on clothing or hair, it lasts even longer, up to 18 hours, and still remains unobtrusive.

I received a surprise decant from the lovely QueeN after this fragrance had been on my wish list since I first sniffed it last year in Munich at Beck. I think it will stay on my wish list and will eventually find a permanent home with me, as the decant is unfortunately almost used up.