by Jo Malone London
Velvet Rose & Oud from Jo Malone London is a deeply romantic and sophisticated scent centered around a velvety, sweetly jammy rose with a softly textured agarwood (oud) backing. The fragrance opens with a bright, sweet rapture of rose and praline, immediately creating a warm, gourmand aura. The oud note is subtle and well-integrated rather than overpowering—it provides depth and woodiness without succumbing to harsh or animalic qualities, making it exceptionally wearable. The clove note is present in the background, adding a slight spicy dimension without crowding the rose. While some note that the sweetness can feel cloying or heavy on warm skin, it is often perceived as a delicate praline sweetness that enhances rather than overwhelms the rose. It performs best in cooler weather—winter, early spring—when its rich, layered character truly unfolds. The scent is soft in sillage, true to Jo Malone’s signature for intimate, elegant projection, and lingers notably on clothing and hair, making it ideal for evening wear or date scenarios. While overall balanced and appealing to fans of rose-oud duets, its sweetness and muted oud mean it leans feminine and may not appeal to those seeking a more bold or earthy oud presence.