Why this Paddington Bear-Inspired Cologne Is My New Favourite Scent
Main image – Jo Malone
When I heard Jo Malone’s collaboration was with, erm, Paddington Bear, my instant thought was, “Aw, that’s nice that they’re doing a collection for kids. Expensive. But kind of cute.”
Then I was kindly gifted the product, and I realised this collab definitely passes as one for the grown-ups (and would be rather wasted on kids). Now, I love Paddington just as much as the next nostalgic person but never in my lifetime did I think I would be lusting after his fragrance. Or feeling completely heartbroken that it’s only available to buy for a limited time.
Keep scrolling to find out all about the new Jo Malone Orange Marmalade Cologne (£124 for 100ml on the Jo Malone UK website/£58 for 30ml on the Jo Malone UK website) and why I’m tempted to splurge on a second bottle before they run out of stock.
The product details
The Jo Malone/Paddington collab consists of a new cologne that comes in two sizes – 100ml and 30ml. But whilst you can buy the cologne separately (from jomalone.co.uk or in any UK store), it is also available as part of a series of gifts where you can purchase it packaged up with other Jo Malone products, “just because gifting gives us the warm and fuzzies,” says the website. I love it.
The fragrance, it continues, “celebrates Paddington’s favourite snack”. I know what you’re thinking – who wants to spritz a squashed marmalade sandwich onto their pulses? But, thankfully, with notes of zesty orange peel, fresh orange bigarade and warm cashmere wood it doesn’t exactly scream stale packed lunch.
Image – Courtesy of writer
First impressions
My 100ml bottle of cologne came in the usual Jo Malone box only instead of the standard yellow and black branding, it was red and white gingham with a navy-blue trim. The piece de resistance though was its Paddington Bear ribbon which I now want to keep forever.
I opened the box and saw the cologne on one side (with a cute little Paddington tag tied around the lid) and a Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay scented candle on the other. Delicious.
Intrigued, I pulled off the lid of the cologne and inhaled the fragrance. Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever smelt anything like it before, and I’ve had the pleasurable (and sometimes not so-pleasurable) experience of smelling a lot of fragrances during my time as a beauty editor.
Some give you an instant boost, others an instant headache. This one just gave me an immediate urge to douse my whole body in it. I didn’t. But I did raise my usual spritz count from 2 to around 8.
I can’t really describe what I smelt at first. I’ve never really understood the top note, heart note, and base note thing. I understand what perfumers mean when they talk about them, but I don’t want to smell a note on its own, I want to enjoy the whole thing. So let’s just say the whole of this ‘thing’ was absolutely beautiful at first whiff.
It’s definitely zesty and gorgeously fresh but the freshness and zestiness are mixed with a heady, woody, warm, cosy sort of smell that makes me want to wrap myself up in it.
It settles into quite a sensual and comfortable scent. And by comfortable, I mean it’s not one of those ‘fresh’ fragrances that lives in the back of your throat for the rest of the day. You know this one’s there but it’s not overbearing, and you may even need a little re-spritz after lunch.
It’s sexy too. It could be worn by any human (or bear), male or female, wanting to waft something a little different into other people’s senses as they walk past. I like the idea of people saying, “Ooh you smell nice” and then me replying, “Thank you, it’s Paddington Bear.”
I mean, I knew he was cute but I didn’t realise he smelt this good too.
Image – Courtesy of writer
My game-changing results
My husband bought me a brand-new fragrance for my birthday in April – Diptique L’Eau Papier – which I researched and researched (and researched again). I knew exactly the kind of thing I was looking for – something a bit more grown up than my usual Stella McCartney and Chloe fragrances, with a perfect mix between being woody and fresh. L’Eau Papier is just that – a mix of mimosa, musk and woody tones, and it took me ages to find the right one.
However, I have to be honest. If Jo Malone Orange Marmalade had been available a few months earlier, perhaps the research for my birthday fragrance wouldn’t have taken so long. Whilst my Diptique is beautiful and I still wear it often, since Orange Marmalade came along, it has really taken me by surprise and L’Eau Papier has faced some serious competition. The two of them can share me, of course, but I must admit, Orange Marmalade has stolen a slightly larger portion of my heart.
Who knew Paddington Bear could throw such a curve ball?
Image – Courtesy of writer
What other users are saying
One thing’s for sure, not everyone is going to agree on the same perfume. Fragrance is such a personal choice, and some users might really dislike Jo Malone’s Orange Marmalade.
But I struggled to find any negative reviews (although it only came out earlier this month) and it seems Janice (jomalone.co.uk) was just as surprised by the fragrance’s beauty as I was. “Better than expected,” she says. “Wasn’t sure how it would smell. Absolutely beautiful.”
And TracyCN wasn’t disappointed either, thankfully. “I’m a massive Paddington fan, so I was buying this regardless of whether it had a nice fragrance. So it’s a massive bonus that it smells amazing!”
Gracie Web says, “absolutely gorgeous fragrance. Reminds me of marmalade but in a mature and elegant way. I would absolutely purchase again. I would love this to be made into the handwash too.” Ooh yes please Jo Malone, now there’s an idea.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Overall value for money
Right, let’s get down to it. For the cologne separately, it’s £124 for 100ml, £58 for 30ml. And the gift sets range from £174 to £396 too. Yup, it’s a lot. Fragrance generally is, but I grant you, £124 for a single fragrance is a lot more than the average.
Think about what you’re getting, though. Jo Malone is a high-quality, luxury brand, one that never fails to trigger a ‘wow’ reaction when given as a gift or when treating yourself. And their limited edition products are always priced around this level.
This collection will be super popular amongst those who collect either Jo Malone fragrances and those who are Paddington Bear fanatics. It’s a one-off. Oh, and the fragrance just so happens to be really, really beautiful too. So this price doesn’t surprise me one bit and, whilst I don’t think many people would be able to stretch to buying regular top-ups, it’s absolutely one for the birthday list or to save up for.
The takeaway
Fragrance is so personal. One person’s perfect scent could be another’s worst nightmare. And this one really needs to be smelled to be believed. I can’t imagine anyone going online and spontaneously forking out £124 for a fragrance inspired by a fictional bear.
But remember it is, regrettably, a limited edition (pray for me). That’s not to say you have to buy it just because it won’t be around forever. But it’s definitely a one-off.
So, if you’re someone who loves a collectable, wants to buy someone a really special gift, you’re in the market for something new or you’re just a huge marmalade sandwich fan, pop into Jo Malone and give it a test. You may just walk out clutching onto your very own red gingham box.
Get Glowing!
