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If you love amber fragrances but want something that feels modern, refined and non-cliché, then Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense is well worth your attention. This is a scent that wraps you up like a cashmere blanket by a fire. It is smoky, golden and deeply comforting.
I’ve only had this for a few days, but it was an instant love and it immediately struck me as perfect for autumn and winter, when you want a fragrance that feels cocooning but still elegant enough for everyday wear.
Quick Overview: Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense
Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense
Fragrance family: Amber / Resinous
Best for: Autumn & winter, day or night
Vibe: Cosy, smoky, warm, grown-up
Longevity: Around 6 hours on skin, all day on clothes
Who it’s for: Anyone who loves amber, incense or vanilla but wants something refined
The Scent Profile
Opening: Bitter Orange & Labdanum
What immediately sets this apart from other amber fragrances is how it opens. Rather than being heavy or overly sweet, there’s a bright, slightly bitter orange note that lifts the whole composition. It gives the fragrance a more cheerful and effervescent introduction, stopping it from feeling dense or dark too early.
Alongside this is the resinous, warm and balsamic labdanum, which gives you all those rich and comforting vibes.
Heart: Resinous, Smoky & Balsamic
As it develops, the fragrance becomes beautifully smoky and incense-like, with frankincense adding a lovely ancient quality. There’s something churchy about it, but not too churchy. Think glowing candlelight and a sense of calm rather than anything austere.
Cistus (another form of labdanum) adds depth here, bringing leathery, resinous and subtly fruity facets that stay with the scent throughout its wear.
Dry Down: Vanilla Incense & Golden Warmth
The dry down is where this fragrance really shines on skin. It settles into a smooth, sweet amber with vanilla, but never tips into dessert territory. Instead, it feels grown-up, elegant and slightly smoky, with a glowing, golden warmth that’s incredibly addictive.
If you love vanilla but usually find it too sweet or predictable, this strikes a brilliant balance.
My Review
My Review of Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense
How It Wears
This is one of the longer-lasting Jo Malone London fragrances on me. I get around six hours on skin, and it lasts all day on clothes, which is impressive for the brand. It isn’t a loud fragrance though, and the silage is limited, making it more personal, than ‘in your face’.
It transitions beautifully as you wear it. It softens and warms on the skin so nicely. I find it incredibly flexible: polished enough for daytime, but rich and seductive enough for evening.
Is It Masculine or Feminine?
I’d describe Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense as perfectly unisex. It leans slightly masculine at first, but in a way that feels confident and elegant rather than overtly so. On my skin, it becomes warmer, softer and more enveloping over time.
It would smell amazing on a man, but this is very much one for me, not my husband… although sharing is an option!
Who Will Love This Fragrance?
You’ll especially enjoy this if:
You like fragrances that feel comforting yet quietly seductive
You love amber, incense or resinous fragrances
You want something warm and cosy but not cliché
You’re looking for a cool-weather signature scent
You enjoy vanilla, but prefer it smoky and grown-up
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense is a beautiful example of how amber can feel modern, smooth and deeply wearable. It’s warm, resinous and rich, with smoky and balsamic facets that make it feel both cocooning and inviting. I will keep reaching for especially during the winter months.
If you’re looking for an amber fragrance that feels elegant, comforting and just a little bit seductive, this is a gorgeous choice.
Where to buy it
Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense is £116 for 50ml and £164 for 100ml and it’s available now via the links below:
If you enjoy the Cologne Intense line, you may also like:
Jo Malone Myrrh and Tonka Cologne Intense Review
Jo Malone Vetiver & Golden Vanilla Cologne Intense Review
Jo Malone London Red Hibiscus Cologne Intense Review
Jo Malone London Taif Rose Cologne Intense Review
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Comments Off on This Works Own Time Perfume Review: My First Impressions on Relaxation & Sleep
This Works Own Time Perfume Review: My First Impressions on Relaxation & Sleep
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This Works Own Time Perfume immediately caught my attention because it sits at the intersection of fragrance, wellbeing and sleep, an area I’m increasingly interested in. I also trust the This Works brand when it comes to sleep, having used their Deep Sleep Pillow Spray on and off for years.
This is a first impressions review, but after using Own Time a few times, I wanted to share my early thoughts for anyone looking for an honest review of this interesting new launch.
This Works Own Time Perfume is a calming, functional fragrance designed to support relaxation rather than force sleep. From my first impressions, it works best as part of an intentional evening wind-down ritual, helping the nervous system settle and encouraging better habits around switching off.
What Is This Works Own Time Perfume?
What is This Works Own Time Perfume?
Own Time isn’t marketed as a traditional perfume. According to This Works, it’s crafted with specific aromatic molecules inspired by neuroscience that may help signal to the brain that it’s time to shift into rest mode.
Where many scent products for evening use come as pillow sprays or pure aromatherapy, This Works Own Time Perfume is an eau de parfum you wear on your skin and it’s meant to be part of a wind-down ritual, not a one-off sleep trick.
I was drawn to it because I’m curious about products that go beyond surface beauty and actually support wellbeing, especially sleep. After trying it post-workout, during evening TV sessions and noticing how it felt during night waking, I thought it was worth writing about early.
Fragrance Notes & How They Work
This Works Own Time Perfume isn’t built around scent alone. It’s designed with an understanding of how certain aromatic compounds can interact with the nervous system. In particular, the fragrance includes notes that are naturally rich in terpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are aromatic molecules commonly found in plants, resins and essential oils.
These compounds are often discussed in the context of aromatherapy because of their potential to influence mood, stress response and relaxation via the olfactory system, which has a direct pathway to areas of the brain involved in emotion and memory.
Top Notes
Pink Peppercorn
Rose
Lemon Myrtle
Lemon myrtle is naturally high in terpenes such as citral, which are associated with a fresh, uplifting aroma that can help counter feelings of mental fatigue without being stimulating. Pink pepper adds warmth and softness, helping the opening feel gently engaging rather than sharp or energising.
The effect is a top note that feels clarifying but calm, awake, but not wired.
Heart Notes
Cardamom
Olibanum (Frankincense)
Cyclamen
This is where sesquiterpenes start to play a more noticeable role. Frankincense, in particular, contains sesquiterpenes that are often associated with grounding and calming effects. These heavier aromatic molecules are thought to interact more slowly with the nervous system, which may help support a feeling of emotional steadiness.
Cardamom adds aromatic warmth without sweetness, contributing to a sense of comfort rather than stimulation.
Base Notes
Sandalwood
Musk
Incense
The base notes are where the fragrance really settles, and they’re also where sesquiterpenes are most prominent. Sandalwood and incense are traditionally associated with relaxation and meditation, partly because their aromatic compounds are believed to encourage slower, deeper breathing and a more settled nervous system response.
This may help explain why the scent feels reassuring rather than attention-grabbing, and why it lingers quietly on the skin without feeling intrusive, especially noticeable during the night.
How This Translates in Real Life
Rather than acting like a sedative, fragrances rich in terpenes and sesquiterpenes are often described as supportive, helping the body feel safe enough to relax. In the case of This Works Own Time Perfume, this seems to show up as a subtle cue to slow down, making it particularly well suited to evening use or moments when the nervous system feels overstimulated.
How I’ve Been Using This Works Own Time Perfume
Rather than keeping Own Time in the bedroom, I’ve actually placed the bottle in my living room, the space where we usually sit and watch TV after dinner. I like using it as a clear signal that the day is winding down.
In the evening, I’ve been spritzing it on my wrists and in a halo over my head and shoulders, then I’ve been making a conscious effort to stay off my phone a little more. This is something I usually try to do and often fail at, but I’ve found that the active step of using the fragrance seems to help. It feels like a small but intentional pause, a moment that encourages me to be more present and a bit less reactive.
I’m not suddenly phone-free (far from it), but I do think the scent helps me disconnect more easily in the evenings. There’s something about the ritual of applying it, combined with the calming nature of the fragrance itself, that makes it easier to put the phone down for longer stretches. It feels like the kind of habit that could become more effective over time, rather than something that needs to work perfectly straight away.
For me, this has become just as much about creating space to unwind as it is about the fragrance itself.
My Review of This Works Own Time Perfume?
The first time I used This Works Own Time Perfume was after a late gym session. My body was physically tired but my nervous system was still buzzing. Spraying the fragrance felt like setting a new tone, as if it helped me mentally mark the shift from activity to rest. It didn’t suddenly make me sleepy, but it did help me feel more settled.
During Night Waking
Even when I wake in the middle of the night (which I usually do, even on good nights), the scent was comforting rather than distracting. I could still softly smell it on my wrist, and it felt familiar, almost reassuring, rather than pulling me into thoughts or alertness.
Does It Actually Help With Sleep?
This is obviously the big question.
This Works Own Time Perfume isn’t a supplement or a sleep aid in the traditional sense, and I wouldn’t describe it as something that puts you to sleep. What it seems to do, at least for me, is support relaxation and help my nervous system feel more settled in the evening.
One thing I did find particularly interesting was what happened on the third night I used it. According to my Oura Ring, I achieved 1 hour and 42 minutes of deep sleep, which is significantly higher than my usual 14-day average of 58 minutes. I’m very conscious that sleep is influenced by lots of factors, and I wouldn’t attribute that result solely to a fragrance, but it was notable enough to mention.
For me, Own Time works best as part of an evening wind-down routine, rather than as a standalone solution. It feels like a gentle signal to slow down, something that pairs well with other calming habits and, if you use them, sleep-support supplements. I’ve linked a couple of those below for context.
If you’re interested in gentle, non-medicated support for sleep and relaxation, beyond fragrance, here are two products I’ve reviewed that many readers find helpful as part of an evening wind-down routine:
You’re Looking Well Night Pill Review – My honest take on this supplement designed to support deeper sleep naturally.
Marie Reynolds Zedz Night Time Blend Review – A calming herbal and botanical blend that pairs well with evening rituals.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Encourages deeper relaxation, which for me coincided with significantly more deep sleep (1h 42m on Oura vs usual 58m)
A nuanced, layered fragrance – more than a standard herbal sleep spray
Works as both a fragrance and a mindful wind-down cue
Subtle but reassuring presence during night waking
Cons
Premium price point
Won’t replace clinical sleep solutions for those with major sleep disorders
Might feel too complex if you prefer ultra-simple calming scents
Who This Is Best For
This Works Own Time Perfume is a great fit if you:
Want a beauty product that supports wellbeing and evening calm
Like ritual and intention in your evening routine
Are curious about nervous system-focused fragrances
Prefer a subtle, grounded scent over strong herbal sleep sprays
Final Thoughts
From these first impressions, This Works Own Time Perfume feels less like a fragrance you wear for effect and more like one you use with intention. What’s stood out to me most isn’t just how it smells, but how it’s encouraged me to slow down in the evenings, putting my phone down a little more, being more present, and creating clearer boundaries between day and night. I’m still picking up my phone more than I’d like, but the ritual of applying the scent feels like a helpful nudge in the right direction, and I can see that becoming more effective over time.
I also can’t ignore the sleep data. On the third night I used Own Time, my Oura Ring recorded 1 hour and 42 minutes of deep sleep, compared to my usual 14-day average of 58 minutes. I’m very aware that sleep is influenced by many variables, and I wouldn’t attribute that result to one product alone, but it felt significant enough to mention, especially in the context of feeling calmer and more settled in the evening.
This Works Own Time Perfume doesn’t promise instant sleep, and it doesn’t feel gimmicky. Instead, it offers something quieter: a way to support relaxation, encourage better habits, and signal to your nervous system that it’s safe to unwind. For me, it works best when it becomes part of a broader wind-down routine, one that prioritises calm, presence, and rest.
Overall, it feels elegant, subtle, and genuinely reassuring, especially during the quiet hours of the night.
I’ll continue using it and update my thoughts over time, but so far it feels like a lovely ritual fragrance with real potential for supporting calm and rest.
Where to buy it
This Works Own Time Perfume is £80 for 50ml, or £25 for 10ml, and it is available now via the links below:
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Comments Off on 98 Beauty The Gloss Miracle Oil Review
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If you love a glossy, polished hair finish and you’re particular about how your hair smells, then this is one to have on your radar. 98 Beauty The Gloss Miracle Oil is a rich yet surprisingly lightweight hair oil that delivers shine, softness and a fragrance experience that almost feels like a hair perfume.
I’ve been testing the 98 Beauty Hair Oil as a finishing product, and it has definitely earned its place in my daytime hair routine.
What Is 98 Beauty The Gloss Miracle Oil?
What is 98 Beauty The Gloss?
The 98 Beauty Hair Oil is designed to add shine, smoothness and polish to the hair without heaviness. It’s the kind of oil you reach for when your hair is styled but needs that final touch – a little more gloss, a little more movement, and a very intentional scent moment.
This is not an oil that just sits on the surface. Despite its richer texture, it sinks in beautifully and leaves hair feeling light and silky rather than coated.
Ingredients & Formula Overview
You can expect:
Lightweight emollient oils to soften and condition
Shine-enhancing ingredients that smooth the hair cuticle
A fragrance blend that’s designed to linger beautifully on the hair
If you enjoy hair oils that feel luxurious rather than purely functional, this one definitely leans into that experience.
Key Ingredients
Brazil nut oil for strength and softness
Argan oil for elasticity and silkiness
Castor oil for deep moisture and lasting manageability
My Review of 98 Beauty The Gloss Miracle Oil
My Review of 98 Beauty The Gloss Miracle Oil
Texture & Performance on the Hair
One of the standout things about 98 Beauty Hair Oil is the balance it strikes.
It feels rich in the hands
But once applied, it absorbs quickly
Hair feels soft, light and flexible
No greasy residue or limp finish
I especially love using it post styling, lightly raking it through waves or curls to:
Break up overly “done” sections
Add a beautiful, light-reflecting shine
Give hair that polished-but-effortless look
It’s ideal if you like your hair to look glossy and healthy without losing movement.
Fragrance: A Hair Oil That Doubles as Hair Perfume
The fragrance is quite intense, and for me, that’s very much part of the appeal.
This is one of those products where:
You catch the scent as you move
Your hair smells genuinely luxurious
It works almost like a hair perfume
I love my hair to smell good, and this really delivers on that front.
Because of the fragrance intensity, I personally don’t tend to use this one at night. I’m much more sensitive to strong scents before bed and prefer something quieter in the evenings.
How 98 Beauty Hair Oil Fits Into My Hair Routine
This is very much a daytime oil for me. It gives me that final flourish once my hair is styled. I use just a small amount, warming it between my palms and lightly smoothing or raking it through the lengths and ends. It’s also brilliant for any little flyaways, and whatever is left on my hands after applying to the lengths is great for smoothing over the roots just to tame any rogue hairs.
For nighttime, I still reach for my long-time favourite: Hair Rituel by Sisley Precious Hair Care Oil* (currently on offer), which has a softer, more calming presence that I find better suited to bed time. Always love to add a bit of oil to the ends of my hair before bed as it’s pretty coarse and this helps to soften it over night.
The two oils serve very different purposes in my routine, and I actually love having both.
Who Will Love 98 Beauty The Gloss Miracle Oil?
This will be particularly good if you:
Love glossy, polished hair finishes
Enjoy fragranced hair products
Like to finish your styling with a light oil rather than a serum
Want something that adds shine without heaviness
Final Thoughts
98 Beauty The Gloss Miracle Oil is one of those products that feels indulgent in the best way. It delivers shine, softness and movement, but it’s the fragrance that really sets it apart and makes it feel special.
For me, this is the perfect daytime gloss enhancer, and if you love your hair to look and smell beautiful, this is well worth a look.
And if you’re looking for a hair treatment, make sure you check out 98 Beauty Hydra Bond Hydrating Masque Review.
Where to buy it
98 Beauty The Gloss Miracle Oil is £30 for 30ml and available now via the link below:
Comments Off on ROJA LONDON Isola Snow Eau de Parfum Review
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There are some fragrances that are all about drama and projection, and then there are those that quietly draw you in and make you want to slow down and breathe a little deeper. ROJA London Isola Snow definitely sits in the latter camp. It’s less about making an entrance and more about creating a feeling, and it does that beautifully.
What is ROJA London Isola Snow
What is ROJA LONDON Isola Snow
ROJA London Isola Snow is the newest release in ROJA London’s Isola collection, created by perfumer Antoine Cotton. The inspiration is a sensory escape to a private winter retreat, nestled among snow-cloaked mountains and surrounded by crisp alpine air.
ROJA LONDON Isola Snow perfumer Antoine Cotton
ROJA London Isola Snow Notes
Top Notes: Bergamot, Hedione, Snowflake Accord, Peppermint
Heart Notes: Pear, Lily of the Valley, Rose, Hivernal
For me, ROJA London Isola Snow smells like hugging someone who’s just come in from the cold. That clean, winter-air freshness in their hair. It’s cool and airy, yet instantly comforting. It’s that rare kind of scent that feels fresh and icy, but somehow still like the warmest hug.
It captures the crisp chill of winter air when the sun is shining and everything feels bright and still. What stands out to me is how gentle the freshness feels. It’s clean and icy, but never sharp or harsh. There’s a softness to it that makes it incredibly wearable, even if you’re not usually drawn to cooler, fresher fragrances.
It has that almost translucent quality that feels very modern and very elegant. It smells expensive in a beautifully understated way. Nothing shouts for attention, but everything feels thoughtful and perfectly balanced.
As it wears, Isola Snow develops the most gorgeous soft, creamy dry down. The cool freshness gently melts into something smoother and more cocooning. The base becomes subtly creamy, with a cosy warmth that sits close to the skin, while still holding onto that airy, clean feel.
This is where the fragrance really wins me over. It doesn’t lose its lightness, but it deepens in the most comforting way, bringing you right back to that “clean hair touched by winter air” moment. Cool, fresh, but reassuring all at once. On my skin, that balance is what makes ROJA London Isola Snow so special.
It’s fresh but not sporty, icy but not cold, comforting but never heavy. There’s something incredibly serene about it.
Where to buy it
ROJA London Isola Snow is £385 for 50ml.
Find more of my Fragrance reviews here.
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Comments Off on Nette NYC Coco Fleur Eau de Parfum Review UK
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Nette NYC Coco Fleur Eau de Parfum is a shining example of everything Nette stands for: elegance, sincerity, and a refined simplicity. I am thrilled to see that Nette NYC has just officially landed in the UK at Space NK. For those of us who love to discover new, heart‑driven perfumery, this is big news.
About Nette: The Brand & The Founder
Nette NYC was founded in 2021 by Carol Han Pyle, a second‑generation candle maker whose childhood memories are steeped in scent. Carol grew up in her mother’s San Francisco candle shop, watching her mother hand‑dip and carve fragrant candles. Those early experiences clearly shaped her path.
Her journey is really inspiring. After working in fashion and social media in New York, she felt the pull of her childhood passion during the pandemic and decided to bring Nette to life.
Carol wanted an honest fragrance house, with transparent ingredients and real craftsmanship. Their mission is reflected in their NETTE‑Effect™, which uses neuroscience and AI to measure how their scents boost emotions like confidence and mindfulness.
Introducing Nette NYC Coco Fleur: The Fragrance Story
Inspiration & Intent
Coco Fleur is inspired by an evening wedding in Mexico City. It’s all about that idea of golden skin, warm air, and flowers under the stars in a super fresh and clean way, and I absolutely love it. It’s designed not just to smell good, but to evoke confidence and mindfulness
Nette NYC Coco Fleur Eau de Parfum Review
Notes Breakdown
Top Notes: Bergamot Oil, Pink Pepper
Heart Notes: Ylang-Ylang, Orange Flower Absolute
Base Notes: Ambrette Absolute, Coconut Milk, Sandalwood
In-Depth Review: My Thoughts on Wearing Coco Fleur
Scent & Vibe
Nette NYC Coco Fleur feels like sun-bleached petals carried on a warm breeze. There’s a beachy quality. The coconut milk and sandalwood evoke a seaside memory but it’s never too “suntan oil” or coconut-fake. Instead, it stays elegant and grounded.
What’s lovely is how the freshness of bergamot and pink pepper gives that sparkling, effervescent opening, then softens into creamy florals, and finally settles into a warm, gentle base. That balance means it’s not just a summer scent. It absolutely works in winter and I have been spritzing this since I got it this week.
Longevity & Wearability
The fragrance has a subtle but enduring sillage. It’s intimate rather than overpowering, which makes it ideal for day wear or the office, yet it’s polished enough to still feel luxe.
The Bottle & Presentation
Nette NYC Coco Fleur Eau de Parfum bottle design
The bottle is a design moment: glass with negative space inside, so when you look through it you see the liquid as if it’s floating. The black cap is heavy and sculptural.
Nette NYC Coco Fleur Eau de Parfum packaging
Emotional Impact
There’s something quietly uplifting about Coco Fleur. It leans into Nette’s “smell good, feel good” philosophy. It’s not just pretty, it’s designed to calm and ground you, or to give you a gentle confidence boost.
Who Is Nette NYC Coco Fleur For?
Someone who loves luxury florals, but doesn’t want anything too sweet or gourmand
Perfume lovers who want something wearable all year round. It bridges sunlit moments and cool, crisp days.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
Nette NYC Coco Fleur is a beautifully polished and multi-dimensional fragrance. It is super wearable and perfect if you like something uplifting and fresh with that real clean feeling. Coco Fleur has me hooked – creamy petals, soft sunlight, a fresh beachy lift. Effortlessly sunny yet perfect for winter.
If you’re curious about Nette and love fragrances that tell stories, Coco Fleur is absolutely one to try.
Where to buy it
Nette NYC Coco Fleur is £25 for 10ml and £97 for 50ml. It’s available now via the link below:
If you’re looking to discover more new fragrances, you will be pleased to know that Space NK’s fragrance advent is still in stock. For the lowdown on that read: Space NK Fragrance Advent Calendar 2025 Review.
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