When I first smelled Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt, I had just moved to the coast of France and was sitting by the sea drinking a crisp glass of rosé. Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but the image of that day has always stuck with me, and it keeps me coming back to wearing Jo Malone almost exclusively as a way to tap into that laid-back feeling, even when I’m just sitting around the house.
I’ve been using it for a while now, so here, I’ll share my experience with the scent, including what I like and don’t like about it.
Keep reading for my full review of Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt.
An Introduction To Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Debuted in 2014 as both a perfume and body care collection, Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt was immediately adored for its light effortless structure and its versatility as both a male and female fragrance.
Created by Christine Nagal, she desired to recreate the unique sense of the British seaside, with “sea air mixed with the mineral texture of sand and stones.” Considered to be an aromatic, marine fragrance, Nagal was able to bottle the perfect windswept day on the British shores.
While this fragrance is great on its own, a fun fact is Jo Malone actually encourages you to mix Wood Sage & Sea Salt with the rest of their fragrance line. Its light, versatile nature makes this perfume both a stand-alone star, as well as the perfect complement to other fragrances in their brand.
Smell Of Wood Sage & Sea Salt
The fragrance opens with sea salt and a splash of grapefruit that adds just a touch of sweet citrus to the opening. It then dries down into an earthiness of ambrette seed, red algae, and amber wood which to my nose brings the perfect mix of sweetness and aromatics. Sage mingles at the base of the fragrance, which ties the whole experience together with its earthiness, completing a perfect sensation of a coastal aromatic structure.
Performance Of Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Being a lighter, airy structure, the longevity of this fragrance leaves more to be desired. My personal experience: prepare to reapply midday or to layer with a heavier scent for a night out. The sillage is also more of an intimate experience, as it only leaves subtle traces behind.
I personally enjoy the fragrances’ discreet sort of quality as it feels more cozy, but if you are looking for a fragrance that will turn heads by its scent, this might not be the one for you.
Versatility Of Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Wood Sage & Sea Salt is probably the most versatile fragrance I have ever owned, and I don’t think I’m exaggerating. Made for both women and men, I can put this fragrance on one day, and the next day my boyfriend can wear it to work.
It is also suitable to be paired with other fragrances to enhance the structure. I personally like to wear it by itself on a day when I’m at home or lounging around the house, then apply a more demanding fragrance alongside it for a date night.
I originally discovered Wood Sage & Sea Salt from a friend who was wearing it, and I can honestly say its appeal is its refreshing structure and ability to just transport your emotions into a laid-back atmosphere.
Opinions on Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
The opinions about this fragrance are somewhat divided, most in terms of how airy this fragrance can come across. There is no denying this fragrance isn’t a “show stopper” in the sense that you can smell it from miles away.
Personally, this part of it appeals to me. I think the earthiness of the sage really shines through and the salt and ambrette wood are quite lovely to have as a signature fragrance for work or lounging around. I also really enjoy the versatility and that it isn’t a highly feminine fragrance. The way I look at it, it’s a nice hint of calm and relaxation that carries me through the day.
Understandably, this isn’t what everyone is looking for in their fragrances, and if you are needing something a bit bolder, this might not be the choice for you. But personally, I think it hits all the right notes to make my day just a little brighter.
Layering Perfumes With Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
You can layer Wood Sage & Sea Salt over other fragrances. It can go well with most of the Jo Malone brand, but my personal favorite is to pair it with Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin. It’s citrusy, a bit sweet, and has that salty earthy tone. A perfect scent for evening drinks at sunset.
The Presentation
In a simple glass cubic bottle with silver accents and a round cap, I find the presentation of the fragrance to be classy but understated. With other Jo Malone products, I think the bottles make a great display, but stacked with other fragrance lines, it might look a bit plain.
How Much Is Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
The three sizes available are 30ml, 50ml, and 100ml and prices typically remain generally in the same spectrum. For the 30ml, you can expect to pay around $75. 50ml typically stays around $100, and the 100ml at $145.
Where To Buy Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Of course, you can always buy from Jo Malone directly, but if you want to search for better deals or more accessible shops, you can try department stores like JCPenney, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and especially Sephora.
My personal two cents is to always shop online to get the best deals. Sites like perfume.com can sometimes have great deals, and you might even be able to find a bottle off second-hand sites like eBay and Amazon.
The Verdict
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt is as light and breezy as a fragrance can get. It’s the perfect scent for a soft spring or summer morning where you just want to relax and sip some tea out by the shore. While the breeziness might be a little too light for some, I think the fragrance is versatile enough to elevate when you want to have more, but just the perfect touch to bring a little calm ocean breeze into your daily life.
