Today, London is at a standstill. We’re in the midst of the tube strikes, but nothing could stop me - or, it seems, the rest of London’s beauty press - from making it to this particular breakfast. We’re here with Jo Malone London. The rain is biblical, traffic is gridlocked, and just about everyone is running late. Hair is bedraggled, make-up is smudged and jeans are soaked right up to the knees. Of course, it’s all in stark contrast to the stunning sweet pea, pear and hazelnut-themed breakfast tablescape, which is as beautiful as they come.
At the centre of it all is Jo Malone London's newest ambassador, India Amarteifio. She’s the reason we’re here - to celebrate her new role as the face of its fragrance layering campaign. The 23 year old British-Ghanaian actress rose to fame portraying a young Queen Charlotte in Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. And today, in stark contrast to the chaos of the capital, she looks suitably radiant. And, as it turns out, she smells even better.
‘I layer Pomegranate Noir with Grapefruit. Then sometimes, when I want something that feels like a hug, I’ll wear Myrrh & Tonka and also add Grapefruit - it gives that added freshness,’ she tells the journos gathered. ‘I’ve also teamed it with English Pear & Freesia… What I love is that it just kind of works. The scents themselves are distinct, but when you layer them, you create something unique.’
Of course, the concept of layering has always been part of Jo Malone London’s DNA. This makes Amarteifio the perfect ambassador, especially as someone whose acting career is filled with layered, multi-faceted roles.
‘Nowadays, personalisation is something we hear about constantly - everything from your clothes to your car is customisable,’ says Céline Roux, Global Head of Fragrance at Jo Malone London. 'But from the very beginning, the brand had a clear approach to scent. The idea was always to create fragrances that stand beautifully on their own but can also be layered - allowing you to create something personal. Whether you want to smell different from others or tailor your scent to suit a season or a mood, you can. It’s about self-expression. It’s about how you feel. It’s about the seasons. It’s about play. There’s a very playful element to scent layering - and I think India is exactly the right ambassador to bring that to life.’
We couldn’t agree more.
Shop: The Best Jo Malone Scents For Layering
Williams Pear, Freesia, Patchouli
The Layering HERO
Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'If I want to smell fresh, bright and clean, then English Pear & Freesia is my fragrance of choice. Despite being described by Jo Malone London as “the essence of autumn,” I personally find it works beautifully all year round. A single spritz melts into the natural warmth of my skin to reveal comforting base notes of amber and patchouli. What follows is a delicate yet distinctive blend of ripe pears and soft white freesias. It’s a fragrance that manages to feel both gentle and striking at once. Effortless and endlessly wearable, this one is always on my dressing table.'
Pros
- Delicate scent - perfect for wedding day
- Excellent staying power
Cons
- Ideal trans-seasonal fragrance
Hazlenut, Cedarwood, Roasted Oak
best for autumn
www.lookfantastic.com
Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'English oak and hazelnut as a scent? Consider me intrigued. While unusual, trust me when I say this is both incredibly unique and very beautiful. It's fresh and sparkling with a warming undercurrent - think earthy moss and woody tree trunks. It's forest bathing in a bottle. Expect it to linger on skin.'
Pros
- Long lasting
- Unique scent
Cons
- More seasonal - works best for autumn
Red Apple, Peony, Suede
Best for a feminine scent
www.selfridges.com
Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. A big claim, but this might just be my favourite scent of all time. For me, this just embodies romance and femininity. Pretty yet powerful, it strikes the perfect balance between heady florals and soft woods- there's the juicy crispness of red apple and the opulence of jasmine, rose, and gillyflower to thank for that. It’s sweet but never overpowering, and it transitions beautifully from day to night. I’ve genuinely never worn this one without receiving a compliment- often several. For that reason this is the one fragrance I always come back to. The sweetest shade of pink, bottled.'
Pros
- Layers beautifully with other fragrances
- Long lasting
- Ideal for those who like a romantic, feminine scent
Cons
- Is relatively popular
Pomegranate, Casablanca Lily, Guaiacwood
Best for an iconic scent
www.selfridges.com
Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'One of the most instantly recognisable scents in the Jo Malone London collection, Pomegranate Noir is as dark and sultry as they come. The rich blend of pomegranate, plum, watermelon, and jasmine is further deepened by base notes of cedarwood, musk, and amber. The inclusion of guaiacwood creates an extra layer of sensuality while casablanca lily adds a subtle spice. The juice is a sensual, seductive muddle that smells incredible on both women and men. It's a true cocktail hour classic.'
Pros
- Pefect evening scent
- Unisex
- Ideal for a signature fragrance
Cons
- A cult classic - if you prefer something less recognisable you might want to avoid
Lavender, Omumbiri Myrrh, Tonka Bean
Best for longevity
www.selfridges.com
Beauty writer Sameeha Shaikh says: 'On first spritz, you wouldn't be blamed for passing this off – it's soapy and somewhat unfamiliar, but once it settles onto the skin you'll quickly understand why it's one of Jo Malone London's bestsellers. An opening aromatic and earthy blend of camphor, honey, hay and lavender soon gives way to rich amber and Namibian myrrh, before landing on a piste de résistance base of warm tonka bean, vanilla and almond. The winning formula is both soft and sensual, yet incredibly present. But be warned, if your partner is anything like mine, he'll steal the bottle for himself...'
Pros
- Unisex
Cons
- A more expensive offering from the brand
Jo Malone London’s three steps for easy Scent Layering
Step 1: Spritz your chosen signature scent
Step 2: Layer with your preferred combiner to add a twist of citrus, a burst of freshness or a layer of warmth
Step 3: Play and combine to create a scent that’s uniquely you
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism