Basil & Neroli

The Verdict

Jo Malone London Basil & Neroli arrived in 2016 as the house's first return to basil as a starring ingredient since the iconic Lime Basil & Mandarin in 1999. Perfumer Anne Flipo crafted a composition that pairs the jungly freshness of basil with the luminous warmth of neroli, creating what one reviewer called "an absolute masterpiece" and what others described as beautifully simple sophisticated elegance.

The fragrance has earned devoted fans who praise the way basil keeps neroli's potential sweetness in check, creating something that feels simultaneously fresh and warm, familiar and surprising. However, as with many Jo Malone colognes, longevity remains the elephant in the room -- a gorgeous scent that evaporates too quickly for some to justify the price.

What It Smells Like

The opening is a sharp, refreshing burst of green energy. Basil arrives with a jungly, almost tropical character -- not the dried herb of cooking but giant leaves heavy with water in a humid environment. It has a crunchy, juicy quality that avoids both anise and pesto associations, pairing beautifully with bright citrus notes that recall fresh lemonade.

The heart belongs to neroli, which brings warm hay and starchy, clean flowers to the composition. The transition from the cool, green basil to the warm, sunny neroli creates a beautiful tension, like stepping from shade into sunlight. Reviewers note that the basil keeps the neroli honest, preventing it from becoming sickly sweet as it sometimes can in other compositions.

The base of white musk and vetiver provides a clean, earthy foundation. The musk lends lift and diffusion, while the vetiver adds a dry, woody-chocolate quality that grounds the composition. The drydown is gauzy and transparent, a soft musky whisper on warm skin.

When to Wear It

Basil & Neroli was born for warm weather. Spring and summer are its natural seasons, where the green freshness and sunny neroli can express themselves fully. This is a daytime fragrance through and through -- perfect for brunch, outdoor dining, garden parties, and casual weekend outings where its uplifting energy enhances the mood.

It also works beautifully for layering. Jo Malone suggests combining it with Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Red Roses, or Blackberry & Bay for added complexity and longevity.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is the most debated aspect of Basil & Neroli. Being a cologne-strength fragrance, performance varies dramatically across reviewers. Some report only an hour of scent on skin, consistent with the typical Jo Malone experience. Others, particularly on Basenotes, report surprisingly strong longevity -- projecting well for over four hours and remaining as a skin scent for over twelve hours.

Projection is moderate in the opening, with the basil creating genuine presence in the first hour. After that, the fragrance settles into a close-to-skin experience that rewards those nearby rather than filling a room. Liberal application or fabric spraying helps extend the experience.

The Community Says

The fragrance community is largely positive about Basil & Neroli, with the main criticism being predictable longevity concerns. Reviewers on Fragrantica call it "such a beautiful green scent" and "a sophisticated basil floral scent." The Candy Perfume Boy blog praised the "clash between the jungly basil and the starchy neroli" as creating "an entirely refreshing wear" and declared Jo Malone's winning streak still in top form. Basenotes reviewers note that "neroli can get sickly sweet, but the basil keeps it in check" and compare it favorably to Ferrari Bright Neroli. Some debate its gender positioning, with certain reviewers finding it more feminine despite its unisex marketing. Fragrantica, Basenotes, CaFleureBon, and multiple beauty blogs have covered this scent extensively.

Who Should Buy This

Basil & Neroli is perfect for anyone who loves fresh, green, herbal-floral compositions and appreciates elegant simplicity. If you already own and enjoy Jo Malone colognes, understanding and accepting their longevity profile, this is one of the house's most distinctive and well-crafted offerings. It also makes an excellent gift for its universally appealing, mood-lifting character.

Those who demand all-day performance or consider longevity essential to value will find the cologne concentration frustrating. Consider the body cream or hair mist for extended wear.

The Bottom Line

Jo Malone Basil & Neroli is a masterfully composed green-floral cologne that captures the essence of an urban garden in bloom. The interplay of jungly basil and luminous neroli creates something genuinely fresh and sophisticated, marred only by the expected shortcomings of cologne-strength longevity. For warm-weather elegance with a green, herbal twist, few fragrances do it better.