There’s no arguing that the name Jo Malone is synonymous with fragrance. The English perfumer has been known to establish global scent powerhouses, and she was even honored by the UK government as Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for her contribution in the field.
But did you know? There was actually a time when she completely lost her sense of smell!
Jo Malone CBE's Cancer and Her Departure from Jo Malone London
Back in 2003, Jo was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and was told she only had less than a year to live. At that time, she was at the peak of her success with Jo Malone London—acting as the creative director of the company she founded in 1994, which was sold to the Estée Lauder Group in 1999.
With the help of Evelyn Lauder’s Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Jo was able to access the best treatments as she focused on her recovery. While chemotherapy would get her cancer in remission, it also resulted in her losing her sense of taste and smell—the latter faculty being strongly intertwined with her self-identity.
This would be one of the reasons why she stepped down from Jo Malone London. “I was too scared to admit it to anyone in the company,” the scent artisan recounted to Forbes in 2021. “And I didn’t feel like I belonged there anymore. I felt it was a job, just a business, and I'd never felt that in my life.”
As narrated in her autobiograpgy, leaving Jo Malone London would set her off in a dark spiral as she realized that her decision to exit the industry she loved may have been “short-sighted.” She recounted that she would cry every time she was at the department store, and she couldn’t see a better option for herself with her dyslexia and lack of other qualifications. Jo would eventually regain her olfactory, but she still wasn’t able to pursue the trade as she had signed a five-year non-compete clause upon her departure from ELG.
Jo Malone CBE Starts Jo Loves
Rising above those five challenging years would forge a new chapter for Jo. Fueled by her passion for the craft and the personal hurdles she overcame, she was out on a mission to create a new brand that resonated with the woman she has become. Hence, her current niche perfume company: Jo Loves.
Founded in 2011, Jo Loves offers a tightly curated selection of fragrances that are very personal to Jo. Apart from meticulously alchemizing scents, they continue to innovate the way they present it to consumers. They have two trademarked products: the Shot Candle which is a layered scented candle, as well as the handy Fragrance Paintbrush that dispenses a quick-dry gel formula of Jo Loves variants.
What’s more, these are now available in Manila! Scroll on to see some of the iconic products that are worth adding to cart:
The Best Products to Buy from Jo Loves by Jo Malone CBE
Jo by Jo Loves Fragrance Paintbrush
Two icons in one, the Jo by Jo Loves Fragrance Paintbrush might just be the most quintessential offering from the brand. Created solely for Jo's olfactory pleasure, this fresh yet full-bodied fragrance with notes of grapefruit, lime, and guaiac wood is the perfumer in a bottle—or in this case, her trademarked paintbrush.
Jo by Jo Loves Fragrance Paintbrush, starts at P2950, JO LOVES, Available in Glorietta 4 and joloves.com
Pomelo Body Lotion
The first scent concocted for the brand, Pomelo remains to be a crowd-favorite until today. It's a refreshing fragrance that evokes images of a warm summer holiday, and the Jo Loves body lotion is a non-greasy way to hydrate the skin and strengthen the aroma's sillage.
Pomelo Body Lotion, P3200, JO LOVES, Available in Glorietta 4 and joloves.com
No.42 The Flower Shop EDT
In an incredible full-circle moment, the Jo Loves HQ located at 42 Elizabeth Street London was actually where Jo worked her first job as a florist. This scent, aptly called No. 42 The Flower Shop, is an ode to that. It captures notes of crushed green leaves, moss, peonies, and fragrant bouquets.
No. 42 The Flower Shop in 100ml, P8550, JO LOVES, Available in Glorietta 4 and joloves.com
Mango Thai Lime Shower Gel
Inspired by the culinary flavors of Thailand, Mango Thai Salad is as light as it is complex. The zesty combination of mango, lime, pepper, and mint makes it the ideal shower companion to invigorate you every morning.
Mango Thai Lime Shower Gel, P2500, JO LOVES, Available in Glorietta 4 and joloves.com
Orange Butterflies EDT
Described as "sweet, sharp, and heady," this isn't a typical citrus scent despite its name. Prompted by Jo's love for the South of France and orange blossom notes, this is a floral concoction that is equal parts elegant and youthful.
Orange Butterflies EDT in 100ml, P8550, JO LOVES, Available in Glorietta 4 and Rustan's
Shot Candle
Elevating the usual scented candles, Jo Loves' trademarked Shot Candle allows anyone to personalize their home fragrance with their choice of Base and Shot. Burning it will allow for the aroma to unfold organically as the wax fuses and melts.
Shot Candle, £75, JO LOVES, joloves.com
Red Truffle 21 EDT
Not one to rest on her laurels, Jo pushes the envelope further with Red Truffle 21. Jo calls it "an unexpected and totally unique new fragrance" that plays on the polarizing truffle aroma blended harmoniously with fig, citrus, and pine notes for a rich complex fragrance.
Red Truffle 21 EDT in 100ml, P8550, JO LOVES, Available in Glorietta 4 and Rustan's
Smoked Plum and Leather EDT
For those who prefer earthier scents, they will naturally gravitate towards this deep, intoxicating combination. It fits the bill for a seductive date night perfume with its liqueur, cinammon, and leather notes, but with the right attitude, its wearer can definitely make it an every-occasion signature fragrance.
Smoked Plum and Leather EDT in 100ml, P8550, JO LOVES, Available in Glorietta 4 and joloves.com
White Rose and Lemon Leaves Candle
Jo loves filling her home with white roses, and the White Rose and Lemon Leaves scent makes for a comforting atmosphere to both relax and welcome guests.
White Rose & Lemon Leaves Deluxe Home Candle 420g, £125 (approximately P8800), JO LOVES, joloves.com
Discovery Collection
We totally get it if you can't just choose one! The Discovery Collection is the perfect gateway for those who want a variety of fragrances in their arsenal, or those looking to find their own signature scent. After all, the perfume's fragrance will bloom throughout the day and react differently on everyone's body chemistry. 
Fragrance Discovery Collection 7 x 2ML, P2000, JO LOVES, Available in Glorietta 4
Where to Shop Jo Loves by Jo Malone CBE in the Philippines
You can check out the Jo Loves flagship store in Glorietta 4 and experience their full range at the boutique's signature Tapas Bar. Jo Loves is also available in Rustan’s Department Store.
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