Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne review

Full review

Wood Sage & Sea Salt is a good example of the brand's light, easy style. Jo Malone lists just three notes: ambrette seeds (a plant-based musk), sea salt and sage, and describes it as fresh, woody and subtle enough for every day.

On skin it smells like a windy walk on a British beach: mineral, slightly salty and herbal, with a soft musky warmth underneath. It never shouts, which makes it ideal for offices, hot days and anyone sensitive to strong perfume.

The price of that subtlety is a light touch, as a cologne is the lightest strength, so plan to reapply or spray clothing. Jo Malone colognes are designed to be layered, and pairing it with a richer scent from the range is a common trick. As a gift, the beautifully boxed 30 ml or the 9 ml mini are easy wins for almost anyone.

For a gift, 9, 30, 50, 100 ml are the sizes the brand lists, and the same name often covers several versions (Matching body wash, lotion and candle; layer with other Jo Malone colognes), so check the label for the exact one before you buy. Try it on skin first if you can, since scent always smells a little different on each person.