There’s more to Jo Malone London than fancy candles and fragrances as I found out during their signature Scent Experience.  I was invited along to the Jo Malone concept store at House of Fraser, Intu Metrocentre to discover more about the brand, their immersive Fragrance Combining, and the latest release, Myrrh & Tonka to the Black fragrance range.

Jo Malone is one of the UK’s most famous fragrance houses, founded in 1994 and sold to Estée Lauder in June 2006 in its entirety.  The brand continues to thrive with a legion of fans who can’t get enough of Malone’s famous scented candles (I’m one of them) and eclectic fragrances.  But did you know that Jo Malone stores and concessions offer in house experiences as well as those signature products we’ve come to know and love?  I spent the day with Jo Malone London to discover more about just what’s on offer on counter….

1. First up, the Jo Malone Signature Arm and Hand Massage.  This is no ordinary hand massage, it’s an immersive experience with a layered introduction to the range – there’s absolutely no pressure at all to buy from the brand afterwards – something I really like.  You’re sat at the beauty bar and given a branded velvet take home pouch for your jewellery before the treatment begins.

First of all you select your wash (all of the washes are a triple threat, they work as a handwash, bath foam and shower gel), then your body cream, and finally your cologne.  You’ll be given a lesson in the art of fragrance combining; if you’re familiar with Tom Ford you’ll know about the Fragrance Wardrobe, it’s a similar concept at Jo Malone as all fragrances are designed and crafted to work in harmony.

Once you’ve selected your trio, you’re treated to a foamy wash, which coats the skin in a base scent, then an arm and hand massage with a thick, luxurious body cream, before it’s locked in with a spray of cologne.  I like a heady, masculine scent so I opted for latest release, Myrrh & Tonka; a warm, woody mix with vanilla and tonka bean base notes.  Long lasting and unlike anything else around.

You’ll leave with arms as light as air, mine felt fresh and cool, kind of like the sensation you get when you use Physio Gel, and the feeling lasts long after you’ve left the counter.  This experience is open to anyone, it’s something you can walk on to counter and ask for, book online as a complimentary service, or make a purchase and you get a voucher to re-visit the counter for it.

2.  The Jo Malone Birthday Club.  How I missed his one I’ll never know Voyeurs, sign up to the Birthday Club by giving the day and month of your birth which is recorded against your client record and you’re in for a treat…..

Now before you get yourself all excited, the disclaimer with this one is that it’s not a yearly thing, it’s “from time to time” and the deal is a mini Jo Malone party on counter for you and five friends.  You’ll arrive on counter and be greeted with champagne and chocolates, a signature arm and hand massage is included as well as deluxe samples for the birthday bunny and regular samples for your pals.  Not bad right?!  Well it was my birthday in January and I’m late to the table but I’ve been invited back for this which I fully intend to do, because, well you know…..

3.  Jo Malone Bridal.  There’s a whole bridal themed experience available to brides-to-be, from selecting a fragrance to scent your wedding, to gifting for bridesmaids; select from a range of options to give your big day those special little touches.  Brides can choose to visit the counter with their prospective groom, mum or whole bridal party and the counter will cater to your needs.

If you’re not familiar with the brand, or if you’ve admired it from afar, this is a great introduction to Jo Malone and the products and services available.  Whether it’s home fragrance or skin fragrance the team at House of Fraser are helpful and attentive and when I say there’s no pressure, there really is no pressure.  You know me by now Voyeurs, I’d tell you if you were in danger of being cornered.  The counter at House of Fraser’s Concept Store is perfectly equipped for mini treatments, it’s a spacious area occupying the front aspect of the store meaning you’re away from the hustle and bustle of the main store and can enjoy browsing in peace.

So, with Mother’s Day right around the corner, where better to start for inspiration than the Jo Malone Concept Store on House of Fraser Intu Metrocentre?  Be warned though Voyeurs it’ll be difficult to leave without one of those signature ribbon tied bags for yourself too……

Pixie xo

All Jo Malone counter services can be booked via the brands website or by calling the Jo Malone Counter at House of Fraser Intu Metrocentre on 0370 192 5371