If you are shopping for a versatile and unisex cologne with fruity, herby and woody scents, we highly recommend the Jo Malone London Blackberry & Bay cologne. What we like most about it is its versatility.
Not only does it carry well across all genders, it’s also great for any occasion and time of the day. It is mild enough to wear to the office yet casual enough for a date night. Read on for our full review.
Jo Malone London Blackberry & Bay Cologne Review
What Are You Buying?
1. Fruity, Herby and Woody Perfume
The top note of the Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay cologne is blackberry. It actually smells like blackberries and not some poor imitation. So the initial burst of the cologne is quite fruity and citrusy.
As the top note fades away, the herbal scent of bay becomes more apparent, eventually giving way to the woody/earthy base note of cedar.
2. Soft Intensity With Moderate Longevity
The Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay cologne is a soft perfume. It’s not the kind of cologne you wear if you want to feel sensual, daring or masculine. It’s more of a safe and gentle scent that is suited to the office, at home, dinner parties and other formal and casual occasions.
Its soft scent also makes the Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay cologne a great pick for beginners making their first foray into premium perfumes.
As for staying power (longevity), the Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay cologne performs moderately. Jo Malone perfumes are not exactly known for their longevity, but many users say the Blackberry & Bay one lasts longer than other JM products.
The blackberry top note lasts about an hour, which might be too short if you are looking for a long lasting fruity scent. The herbal and woody scents stick around for hours and you can catch a whiff of them even in day old laundry.
3. Versatile Unisex Cologne
The combination of citrus, herbal and woody notes, plus the soft intensity makes the Blackberry and Bay cologne especially versatile. It is neither too feminine or masculine, so it’s a great pick if you want a unisex perfume.
It also goes well with just about any occasion, especially those where you don’t want to feel too conscious about your perfume. As I said, it is a safe cologne, which is why it works well for most people and occasions.
4. Perfect for Spring and Summer
The versatility of the Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay extends to all seasons. It’s a great all-year-round cologne. However, it is best as a spring and summer cologne.
The blackberry, bay and cedar notes are reminiscent of earth, freshness and sunlight. For the colder months we recommend perfumes with heavier woody and spicy notes.
5. Two Size Options
If you are not sure whether the Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay cologne will wear well on you, there is a 30ml bottle size. That way, you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money on a perfume you don’t like.
If you are sure about it, get the 100ml bottle.
How Good Does the Jo Malone London Blackberry & Bay Cologne Smell?
The verdict from a majority of users is that the Blackberry & Bay cologne is one of the best perfumes from Jo Malone. The blackberry scent is so clear and authentic that for most people it triggers nostalgic memories of their childhood.
While the Blackberry note doesn’t last long, the herbal heart note and woody base note are still pretty good. So you’ll smell nice all day.
That said, it may not work for everyone. Some people find it too earthy while in others it can smell like celery or grass, probably because of differences in body chemistry. If you are worried you won’t like it, get the 30ml bottle and try it out.
What Accessories Are Included?
The Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay cologne doesn’t come with any accessories.
Pros
- Soft and mild cologne.
- Unisex.
- Versatile.
- Smaller 30ml option if you want to try it out first.
Cons
- Blackberry notes don’t last long.
- Not ideal for those looking for a strong cologne.
Anything Else You Should Know?
If you find the Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay perfume too light and soft for you, you can layer it with other perfumes. Start with a heavier fragrance and top it with the lighter one. Layering can create a more interesting scent that lasts longer.
Conclusion
While not the strongest nor the longest lasting perfume, the Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay cologne is a great pick if you want a safe perfume that you can wear anywhere and anytime. It’s particularly suitable if you are shopping for a citrus and herbal spring/summer cologne.
Where to buy?
- John Lewis: >> Click to see today’s price
