Rodin Olio Lusso at Jo Malone London

Beauty

It’s here – the temporary collection of Rodin Olio Lusso at Jo Malone London (til next year, I think) although this may well be a test bed to see if it’s ready to be brought within the JM brand permanently. I love this idea of integrating a brand that otherwise had no place to go – Rodin skin care is beautiful, a face oil is missing from the Jo Malone line-up, as is a face cream although you can still buy the JM Vitamin E Gel for now but it looks as though that’s being phased out.

I’m trying to find a natural fit for this collection – like, who would be the natural customer for this? It’s half gifting, half self care but I’m not sure what would make me choose the Rodin hand and body cream over the existing Jo Malone versions. There is only one existing JM body oil – an Oud dry oil – so I do see how both the face and body oils slot perfectly into some gaps, and likewise the cleanser. Hmm, maybe there are more gaps than I first thought.

The first thing to know is that the fragrance of Jasmine & Neroli is quite strong – it’s the closest to natural jasmine I think I’ve ever smelled and it’s that potent, heady, on the cusp of overwhelming, powerful flower scent. If you love jasmine you will be in seventh heaven – it is dreamy delicious if that’s the case and obviously if it’s not a scent you like, avoid the entire collection! Also avoid if you cannot tolerate essential oils.

So far, and I’ve only surface tested, I love the body oil. It’s luxurious and indulgent and acts as a body fragrance as well as a hydrator. I think perhaps it’s the sort of thing you’d want before a special night out or to take on a weekend away.

If you thought Jo Malone London was already at the luxury end of pricing, Rodin takes it up a level. The Gel Cleanser is £50 and that’s the entry point price for this five piece edit. If budget isn’t an issue, everything is lovely although if you bought the lot I think you might be at jasmine overload.

The face cream, at £66, is super silky, light feeling but incredibly hydrating. It contains apricot kernel oil and shea butter so it’s probably best for drier skin types. The face oil contains evening primrose and rose seed oils and is light but nourishing. I like the way that neither of these face products have the slightest suggestion of ‘anti-ageing’ – it’s all about the textures and aroma. In fact, the point of the essential oils of jasmine and neroli is to enhance the experience, wherever you’re using it. Jasmine is a very uplifting essential oil and neroli is a stress reducer so do make a point of breathing them in. You can find the whole collection HERE, but I also discovered that Jo Malone London has brought out a 5 vial Discovery Set for £15 HERE containing English Pear & Freesia, Peony & Blush Suede, Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Lime Basil & Mandarin and Pomegranate Noir. It’s redeemable against purchase.