Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom : Perfume Review

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Sometimes you don’t need a grand opera perfume to satisfy your cravings. A simple composition will do. Such is my latest discovery, Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom. It makes me think fondly of the early days of the house when Jo Malone offered simple, unaffected but clever compositions like Lime Blossom & Basil and before the marketing teams and accountants took over. Mimosa & Cardamom has a bright, cheerful personality, and it, refreshingly, smells like the brand didn’t skimp on the formula price. It’s a floral cologne with a spicy twist and lots of quirky charm.

mimosacardamom

The promise of mimosa and cardamom is duly fulfilled. The mimosa smells of blanched almonds and cucumber peels, with a characteristic hint of violet, while the cardamom is lemony, metallic and cooling. Both notes are clear and bright. Mimosa is a powdery ingredient, but thanks to a generous dose of spice, cardamom augmented with pepper and citrus, it feels radiant and airy. Its unconventional character also makes flowers acceptable even to the most classically minded men.

Cardamom is an extremely volatile material, and after 30 minutes or so, it leaves the scene, having set the uplifting mood. The next stage is a soft, creamy floral with richer almond accents and a dose of musk. I was trying to decide why Mimosa & Cardamom evokes the languor of summer days, and I finally realized that it has to do with its mildly tropical allusions–sun cream, yellow mimosa blossoms and warm skin. Also, once it loses cardamom and settles into its long and velvety drydown Mimosa & Cardamom reminds me of the ultimate tropical perfume, Serge Lutens Datura Noir, with the main difference being that Datura Noir is sweeter, stickier and more saturated.

When I first tried Mimosa & Cardamom at my friend’s place, I sprayed it on my arm alongside a few other perfumes we were sampling, fully convinced that it would vanish into nothingness. Not so. Unlike many Jo Malones, this cologne stubbornly clings to my skin, and I’m aware of its delicate, soft presence throughout the day. On the other hand, I’ve also read that some people have problems with the lasting power. This might be because Mimosa & Cardamom has a generous dose of musk, and those of us with musk blind spots may not smell it after the composition settles (caveat emptor!)

Mimosa & Cardamom is my new favorite. It has two of my favorite ingredients, mimosa and cardamom, presented in a clever manner. It lasts well, especially for a cologne. It’s the next closest thing to burying my face in a bouquet of mimosas. In my small mimosa hall of fame it sits next to L’Artisan Mimosa Pour Moi, Yves Saint Laurent Cinéma, and the long discontinued Yves Rocher Mimosa. If a mimosa grand opera is what I’m after, I turn to Frédéric Malle Une Fleur de Cassie and Caron Farnesiana, but on most mornings, a simple melody will do.

If you have other mimosa favorites, please share.

Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom includes notes of cardamom, mimosa, and tonka bean.

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119 Comments

  • Cornelia Blimber: I love your perfume reviews, so wellthought and detailed..I hope you will write a Perfume Guide. My favourite Mimosa is Champs Elysées, and I have a soft spot for Poême (Iknow, I know…). September 24, 2015 at 7:16am Reply

    • OperaFan: Champs Elysees is also my go-to mimosa. L’Occitane had a lovely mimosa back in the early to mid-2000’s and I bought a lot of the soaps. I’ve not tried the updated version so can’t comment on it…. September 24, 2015 at 9:50am Reply

      • Victoria: I tried the new version, but it felt too flat and one-dimensional. It seemed like it was missing something.

        As for those mimosa soaps, I know, I bought up the remaining stock at my local store when L’Occitane started discontinuing them and marking down the prices. September 24, 2015 at 10:26am Reply

    • Victoria: I went through a bottle of Champs Elysées at one point, and yes, it’s such a pretty mimosa. I should revisit it.

      Thank you very much. I’m not sure about a perfume guide, since so many of my reviews are already available online, but perhaps, another topic. 🙂 September 24, 2015 at 10:04am Reply

      • kayliz: Oho, another topic — intriguing!

        Thank you for the lovely review — I wouldn’t have given this a second glance from the name, but it’s now definitely on my to-try list.

        (psst, “pared” down:) ) September 24, 2015 at 12:12pm Reply

        • Victoria: It’s like Jo Malone’s early perfumes–simple, but still different enough from the rest.

          It was actually meant to be paired, as in mimosa paired with cardamom. September 25, 2015 at 11:56am Reply

      • Lindaloo: Another topic could be your recipes! September 24, 2015 at 4:42pm Reply

        • Victoria: That would be fun. September 25, 2015 at 12:17pm Reply

  • Sandra: Ah! I remember Poeme Cornelia! Is that still in production?
    I have never warmed up to Jo Malone fragrances. I have tried-but nothing really suits me and is worth the $ for something so fleeting. Lovely review Victoria! September 24, 2015 at 7:35am Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: Hi Sandra! Yes, Poême is still there. September 24, 2015 at 7:39am Reply

      • Sandra: Great!
        I remember the scent well when it first came out. September 24, 2015 at 8:14am Reply

        • Victoria: Poeme is an orange blossom, mostly, with lots of amber, but the mimosa note is there too. September 24, 2015 at 10:14am Reply

      • Victoria: And I believe there may be the EDT and the EDP. Do you know if they make both versions? September 24, 2015 at 10:07am Reply

        • Sandra: From the lancome website it looks like only the EDP is in production September 24, 2015 at 10:29am Reply

          • Victoria: Thank you for checking. I see the EDT on Ebay time to time, so Lancome must have narrowed down the offerings over time. September 24, 2015 at 10:31am Reply

    • Victoria: I’m not a big fan of the line, especially since they’ve increased the prices, and yes, many of Jo Malones don’t last on me at all. Which is why Mimosa and Cardamom was such a surprise. It’s not a grand perfume, but it’s charming, very well-crafted and I get lots of tenacity out of it. September 24, 2015 at 10:06am Reply

      • Areej: I tried mimosa and cardamom last week and I enjoyed spicy aspect of it . I agree that Jo Malone Scents don’t last very long and the price is steep, but one of my favorites is blue agava and cacao. It has excellent longevity on my skin and I find the notes exhilarating. None of the others appealed to me. Mimosa and cardamom was the second that has caught my attention, perhaps not full bottle worthy, but still quite nice.

        Speaking of mimosa scents Annick goutal’s Le mimosa is an interesting composition. September 24, 2015 at 11:54pm Reply

        • Victoria: Thank you for reminding of Le Mimosa. I haven’t smelled it in a while.

          Blue Agava and Cacao was another interesting perfume, not too rich but with good presence. September 25, 2015 at 12:22pm Reply

      • C. Brown: I just tried Jo Malone today, albeit 3 scents that I layered (Wood Sage & Sea Salt + Velvet Rose & Oud + Red Roses), and 8 hours later and the scent lingers on.

        Interestingly, I love cardamom, but at first whiff wasn’t impressed with the Mimosa and Cardamom. Since you like it, though, I may give it a second try. July 8, 2016 at 2:19am Reply

  • limegreen: You hit the nail on the head, Victoria, Mimosa and Cardamom feels more like the “classic” Jo Malones, rather than some of the forgettable flash in the pan types they’ve been releasing.
    I’d love to try Cinema. How does the Yves Rocher Mimosa compare to Mimosa Pour Moi?

    I adore the Diptyque Essences Insensee from last year, the special harvest of mimosa edition. September 24, 2015 at 7:55am Reply

    • Victoria: They’re a mixed bag, but since they release so much, I’m not surprised. On the other hand, it all makes me less likely to seek out new launches. I mostly tried Mimosa and Cardamom because my friend had a bottle and I figured that I might as well spray some on. Well, it was so much better than expected.

      Yves Rocher Mimosa was sweeter, more violet like and it had more presence than Mimosa Pour Moi. The best, though, was the shower gel. I couldn’t get enough of it.

      I haven’t even tried the Diptyque mimosa edition. September 24, 2015 at 10:11am Reply

  • Rosie Jeffery: Thank you for the lovely review victoria,
    I also very much enjoyed sampling this one, and was surprised by its longevity on my skin.
    Une fleur de Cassie is the only other mimosa perfume i know, FDC, is very sumptuous and rich, mimosa & cardomom, lovely for ordinary days i think. Just perfect,its going on my top 5 wish list! September 24, 2015 at 9:00am Reply

    • Victoria: I was also surprised, because few Jo Malones stay well on my skin. But even the next day I can smell it on my scarf. It’s not a strong, rich sillage, but it’s noticeable. All in all, it’s very nice for daytime or whenever I crave some mimosa, and it’s very easy to wear. September 24, 2015 at 10:15am Reply

  • Scented Salon: Jo Malone is a lovely brand with truly quality perfumes and a beautiful aesthetic. My favorite is Pomegranate Noir, which I buy year after year. That does not happen with any of my other perfumes. Plus, their candles are amazing: they really do scent the whole house and are super classy to display.

    I did not have high hopes for Mimosa Cardamom just because I know how mimosa will smell and it is not my taste at all. The cardamom was really a background note. It is as difficult to find a good cardamom fragrance as it is to find a good saffron perfume. Both of these scents Jo Malone has tried to do. For me, they both missed the mark. September 24, 2015 at 9:07am Reply

    • Victoria: I had an orange blossom scented candle, and you’re right, it had a great throw. I do think that the brand is overpriced, but some of their perfumes have a very distinctive aesthetic and I like colognes with a twist.

      Cardamom can’t be its own perfume, because it’s extremely volatile. So, you have to add something else to back it up, otherwise you end up with nothing on your skin 15 minutes later. As a cardamom fiend, I’m always on a lookout for cardamom accords or notes in perfumes, and like you, I can never get enough of them. 🙂 September 24, 2015 at 10:19am Reply

      • Emily: I now see your cardamom explanation and it makes sense. I thought it was just me. Are there any other good fragrances with cardamom? September 24, 2015 at 12:03pm Reply

        • Scented Salon: I tried Cardamom Rose by Cherry Bomb and it has a very strong bitter cardamom. It stays longer than most others but still disappears quickly. I didn’t smell any rose in that one though. September 24, 2015 at 12:42pm Reply

          • limegreen: Worth a try? Jo Malone White Jasmine and Mint has an overwhelming cardamom note in it, and overpowers me, I’m afraid! September 24, 2015 at 2:37pm Reply

            • Scented Salon: I would not recommend Cardamom Rose.

              Another good mimosa that really is a blend more focused on other notes is Guerlain’s Tiare Mimosa. September 24, 2015 at 3:22pm Reply

        • Tati: Hi Emily, One of my new favorites is Black Jade, by Lubin. It has notes of rose and jasmin, with a heavy dose of cardamom. September 24, 2015 at 6:59pm Reply

          • Karen: Had a sample of Black Jade and loved it! Thanks for reminding me of this fragrance. Have many I want to buy, so what’s another on the list! September 25, 2015 at 6:25am Reply

        • Mariann: Try Lumiere Blanche from Olfactive Studio. It has a strong cardamom note and is just lovely. September 24, 2015 at 9:12pm Reply

        • Victoria: I agree with the other recommendation. Also, Hermes Apres La Mousson has a lot of cardamom. September 25, 2015 at 11:54am Reply

  • Iva: Oooooh!! Thank you for this review, I’ve been hoping you’d cover this new Jo Malone scent. As a mimosa lover, I’ve had my eye on this newest Jo Malone, but was wondering if it would be worth the hefty price tag, haha, and now I’ve got my answer. As soon as you compared it to Yves Rocher’s Mimosa, I knew I’d love it.

    As far as mimosa favorites are concerned – I’ve never found anything better than the “simple and basic” Yves Rocher – to me, that was the perfect blend of mimosa with amazing sillage.

    Bond. No 9 – Fashion Avenue has great mimosa notes, but it does fade away quite quickly, especially at that price range. Annick Goutal’s Le Mimosa is kind of weak, dare I say it, as I highly respect that brand in general, especially how the citrus nuances are layered in Eau d’Hadrien, but the mimosa is just niether as strong or nuanced.

    Oh my, I could go on forever about mimosa scents, and am waiting to see if anyone mentions a mimosa-based perfume that I haven’t tried!

    And just to say, my personal favorite thing to do is layer tuberose-based scents with mimosa. I’ve found that tuberose and mimosa work perfectly on my skin.

    My optimal combination was: Profumum Roma Tuberosa (or Parfumerie Generale No.17) as a base, then layer Yves Rocher’s Mimosa over it. That is my personal heaven, scent-wise. Alas, since they discontinued the YR mimosa, I stopped my layering.

    Have you tried layering mimosa with any other particular scent? September 24, 2015 at 9:22am Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you so much for so many ideas and such an interesting layering combination. Mimosa and tuberose sounds like a perfect match. I will have to try your blend with Mimosa Pour Moi (since my YR Mimosa is almost finished).

      I really like mimosa and bergamot, a blend of powdery-soft and peppery-citrusy. Another interesting blend is mimosa and tonka bean. L’Artisan Mimosa Pour Moi over Guerlain Tonka Imperiale is the best kind of abstract gourmand. September 24, 2015 at 10:23am Reply

      • Yvonne: I want to try layering mimosa and Tonka! September 24, 2015 at 11:36am Reply

        • Victoria: It’s an interesting pairing, and I recommend going heavier on mimosa when you layer. September 25, 2015 at 11:52am Reply

  • Phyllis Iervello: What a lovely review Victoria…it almost makes me want to try this one. There was a time I really enjoyed the Jo Malone scents, but that love affair has been long gone. The next time I stop in Nordstrom, I will definitely sample it. September 24, 2015 at 9:29am Reply

    • Victoria: I definitely recommend trying it, since it’s far more interesting than most of the recent Jo Malone releases. And then, one can’t have too many mimosas. At least, I can’t. 🙂 September 24, 2015 at 10:24am Reply

  • Rosie Jeffery: I’m thinking about layering Marni with mimosa and cardomom to amp up the spice, could be an olfactory mess of course, but its such fun to experiment!
    Thanks for the tuberose suggestion Iva, will give
    it a go!
    Oh, almost forgot to mention- Jo Malone SA told me Vanilla & Anice being discontinued, so if any one reading this loves that one, stock up now. September 24, 2015 at 9:35am Reply

    • limegreen: Wild Fig and Cassis is also being discontinued! 🙁 September 24, 2015 at 9:52am Reply

      • Victoria: Thank you for the heads up. I know a few people here like this perfume. September 24, 2015 at 10:27am Reply

    • Victoria: Perfume layering is fun. If it doesn’t work out, you can always wash it off!

      Too bad about Vanilla Anise, which was another lovely JM blend. September 24, 2015 at 10:25am Reply

      • spe: Vanilla and anise is the one I have – the smallest bottle. Jo Malone scents do not impress me. I find them simple and uninspiring.

        However, I love mimosa. Definitely I will try this and hopefully will get the lasting power you did! September 24, 2015 at 12:40pm Reply

        • Victoria: If you don’t like any of JM perfumes, then I really doubt that this one will be interesting. I actually like simple perfumes, especially if they’re well-crafted. Such fragrances are really hard to nail well, which is why Jo Malone is such a mixed bag. September 25, 2015 at 11:59am Reply

  • Emma: I don’t like colognes anc I never really found Jo Malone very interesting. I might as well wear a nice deodorant by Vichy.
    Have you finally tried Serge Lutens Cracheuse de flammes and Renard Constrictor? You can read my Cracheuse review on Fragrantica, under highmaintenancegirl.

    Have a fantastic day! September 24, 2015 at 10:12am Reply

    • Victoria: Thanks a lot, Emma. I will do, since I haven’t tried them yet. The last few times I went to Paris was for work, and it was literally train station-office-train station. I need to come back for a proper exploration. September 24, 2015 at 10:29am Reply

  • SophieC: So glad you reviewed this one. I really enjoy wearing it but it des seem to fade quickly – maybe I am still looking for the mimosa note when in fact it is musks I should be sniffing after a few hours. I really enjoy Mimosa pour Moi and Une Fleure de Cassie, and interestingly the Artisan lasts well on my skin, which I know is something that not everyone experiences. Feeling inspired to try the mimosa/Tonka combination now. September 24, 2015 at 10:34am Reply

    • Victoria: Mimosa retreats halfway into the drydown, and the rest is a blend of abstract white flowers, musk and vanilla like notes. I wonder if anyone else picks up the Datura Noir comparison at this stage. Anyway, yes, I read that someone people complained about the lasting power. Jo Malones rarely last on me, but in this case, it’s a different story. September 24, 2015 at 10:47am Reply

  • Anka: What a lovely review, Victoria!
    Mimosa, the flower, always makes me smile, the canary bird yellow is so uplifting, perfect for this time of the year when one starts missing the brightness of the sun.
    I have the (discontinued) Mimosa scent from L’Occitane which is nice but a bit linear, and recently I tested Angélique from Papillon and think that this might be my favorite Mimosa. It’s very rich and reminds me of almond bisucit (Spekulatius), very soothing and cuddly and the best thing is, it gets better and better with each wearing. September 24, 2015 at 10:39am Reply

    • Victoria: That sounds delicious in all respects. 🙂

      Mimosa shows up at the florists right when you begin to despair of spring ever returning. It’s one of the reasons I love this flower so much. September 24, 2015 at 10:49am Reply

      • Liz: So well put and my thoughts exactly. Here in Malta, mimosa grows wild (spread from an off-shoot of that Farnesina tree from some palace garden I guess!). A Mediterranean winter, while warmer than where you are, is still winter and mimosa give us a good month more spring sun as it dances in the late spring winds. I gathered it wild and infused into a carrier oil for skincare – twas excellent. Keen now to experience it in a fragrance as it has such as curiously muted, mild musty honey scent on the wild trees. September 24, 2015 at 4:50pm Reply

        • Karen: What a good idea Liz, and how fortunate you are to have it growing wild. September 25, 2015 at 6:29am Reply

        • Victoria: Your mimosa oil sounds heavenly, Liz! I’ve been to Malta twice, and while I don’t remember mimosas, I recall beautiful marine vistas and delicious seafood. September 25, 2015 at 12:18pm Reply

          • Liz: Spring is so fleeting here, as elsewhere in the Med. You probably missed it Victoria! Mimosa is around for a week looking stunning and perhaps a month in some shape and colour depending on the weather. September 25, 2015 at 12:47pm Reply

            • Victoria: I visited both times in July/August, so it was too late either way. But even so, my memories are filled with many impressive nature sights. September 26, 2015 at 10:48am Reply

  • Jillie: At last, a new Jo Malone that sounds like something I would like after so many dry years!

    Mimosa pour Moi was the first L’Artisan Parfumer fragrance I bought (and probably my first niche) and I loved it. I still use their Mimosa Marin home spray, now sadly discontinued; it brings spring and sunshine into the house.

    Cardamom paired with mimosa is a very interesting combination. I love using crushed cardamom seeds in cooking and particularly like a braised fennel dish in which the cardamom adds an extra dimension – I imagine it does this in the JM perfume. Looking forward to trying it. September 24, 2015 at 10:40am Reply

    • Victoria: I liked their Mimosa Marin candles, and I still have a couple of votives. They’re not the strongest from L’Artisan’s collection, but the scent is so true to the flower.

      Cardamom is one of the spices I use the most in cooking. I just made a stew of lamb and wheat berries with a generous dose of cardamom, both as whole pods and powder. The scent when you grind the seeds is one of the best parts of using cardamom. September 24, 2015 at 10:52am Reply

  • solanace: I love mimosa, and this sounds so nice. Can’t wait to try it. September 24, 2015 at 10:53am Reply

    • Victoria: It’s simple but delightful. September 25, 2015 at 11:52am Reply

  • Yvonne: This perfume sounds very good and I will try it soon. But you make me want to smell cardamom too. It sounds like a nice smell, but I’ve never smelled the real cardamom pods. September 24, 2015 at 11:39am Reply

    • Victoria: Oh, do try the real deal, Yvonne. You can use cardamom in teas, cooking, to flavor custards or rice puddings. It’s one of my favorite spices, and the scent when you crush is just exhilarating. September 25, 2015 at 11:53am Reply

  • Emily: I had the chance to smell this JM a couple of weeks back and I liked it. But I wish cardamom lasted longer. On me it’s gone within minutes. September 24, 2015 at 11:57am Reply

    • Victoria: Yes, I also wish the cardamom part lasted longer. September 25, 2015 at 11:53am Reply

  • Daisy: Can’t wait to try it! September 24, 2015 at 12:29pm Reply

    • Victoria: Would love to hear what you think! September 25, 2015 at 11:56am Reply

  • Abby: I love this scent for the 7-8 minutes it lasts on me! But I don’t detect the cardamom or any spices. It’s a delicate and airy mimosa on me. But, like I said, for mere minutes… September 24, 2015 at 12:53pm Reply

    • Victoria: The cardamom is right in the top notes. So if you smell closely at the very beginning, you will notice the citrusy-metallic smell that’s cardamom. Mostly, it shades the mimosa really well. September 25, 2015 at 12:00pm Reply

  • Aurora: Such a lovely review, it seems Mimosa and Cardamom was a pleasant surprise, perhaps it will inspire me to give a chance to JM after all.

    For an opulent mimosa like you I love Farnesiana, especially the almondy effect and I like that it is not sweet, Cinema I discovered thanks to you, I don’t know Mimosa Pour Moi and Une Fleur de Cassie. For a dose of cardamom I rely exclusively on Voyage and it never disappoints. September 24, 2015 at 12:54pm Reply

    • Victoria: I forgot about Voyage, but you’re right, it has a lot of cardamom, and for that reason alone, cardamom fiends should try it. Jean-Claude Ellena seems to love this spice, and I notice it in many of his perfumes.

      You’ve described Farnesiana’s appeal exactly–it’s opulent, but it’s non-sweet, even though the almond is almost edible. September 25, 2015 at 12:02pm Reply

  • irem: Thank you for the wonderful review. I was excited when I started seeing the ads of Mimosa & Cardamom in recent magazines. I am not very familiar with mimosa, but I love cardamom. So true that its scent is so fleeting. I store my cardamom pods in the freezer to slow down the loss of their wonderful fragrance. And when I make chai, it is always cardamom that finds a way to evade the cup before it is finished. Not surprising that the cardamom note does not last past half an hour.
    As for mimosa, honestly, I never recall seeing a real mimosa tree or branch. I know it only by name and photos. Isn’t it sad? I have no idea where I could find an actual plant. To me those little yellow pompoms look like the flower of happiness – mostly because of their color. Their delicacy and melancholy scent (so I assume) stands in sharp contrast to their cheery yellow. I need to find some blooming mimosa next spring! I only wonder where? September 24, 2015 at 1:02pm Reply

    • Victoria: It’s a good idea to store cardamom in the freezer. It’s one of the most volatile aromatics, and those jars of ground cardamom seeds are pretty much always scentless by the time you bring them home. I usually keep a jar of pods and a small mortar, and I grind or crush whatever I need.

      Mimosa is a Mediterranean plant, but it grows around the Black Sea coast too. September 25, 2015 at 12:05pm Reply

  • Maria B: Mimosa is my favorite floral note. Bulgari Pour Femme is my default fragrance in all seasons. I have both the EDP and the parfum version; I think the latter might have been available only for a short time. Farnesiana is my mellowing out fragrance. Malle Une Fleur de Cassis is the opposite. Divine L’Infante is cheerful.

    It’s too bad L’Artisan has discontinued Mimosa Pour Moi. And Parfums de Nicolai discontinued Mimosaïque, which was so charming. Why do perfume houses discontinue mimosa fragrances? September 24, 2015 at 1:02pm Reply

    • SophieC: Hello just to let you know that Mimosa pour Moi is on the website at the moment so maybe it is back? September 25, 2015 at 5:45am Reply

    • Victoria: I didn’t realize that Mimosa pour Moi is discontinued. That would be too sad. I agree with you on Mimosaique, which was another pretty mimosa. September 25, 2015 at 12:06pm Reply

  • Nancy A.: Mimosa, the flower in and of itself holds a special place in my heart. However, when I learned that JM added Cardamom to this composition I questioned its outcome. At brief sniff of this newest addition I felt they “got it”. It’s lovely and memorable of its original compostions when JM was the parfumeur. Wow, I am sorry that Mimosa Pour Moi was discontinued — not unlike Calypso’s Mimosa although of two different interpretations. This one may be a keeper. September 24, 2015 at 2:55pm Reply

    • Victoria: Cardamom adds some zest and vivacity to mimosa, and it’s an interesting duo.

      Another perfume with mimosa I like is Third Man Eau Monumentale. It’s a cologne focused on mimosa and bergamot. September 25, 2015 at 12:08pm Reply

  • Alicia: Glad to read of a good new mimosa. As for me, my taste for mimosa is perfectly satisfied with L’Artisan’s for casual wear, and the dlectable Malle’s when something more substantial is called for. I am sorry to tell you that I tried yesterday AG Ce soir ou Jamais. Great dissapointment: the rose turns sour on my skin throughout the dry down. Quite unpleasant. Thank you for the review, Victoria. September 24, 2015 at 3:03pm Reply

    • Alicia: Victoria, it occurs to me that if I were to buy a mimosa perfume, it would be Caron Farnesiana. I’d have to see how it has survived reformulation. It has been years since my last bottle. All I know at this point is that I loved Farnesiana very much some 20 years ago. It would be very sad if it has changed much. It was a wonderful fragrance. September 25, 2015 at 2:26am Reply

      • Victoria: It’s different now, somewhat drier, sharper in the drydown. If your Farnesiana is 20 years old, you might be disappointed with the new version. September 25, 2015 at 12:23pm Reply

        • Alicia: Thank you, Victoria, for the excellent information. I have no Farnesiana bottle now. I loved it 20 years ago, and prefer to keep its lovely memory. For what you say I know that I would be disappointed. I rather continue wearing Malle’s UFdC, which I do often. No grand opera there for me. For that I rather wear my beloved Nahema, or Carnal Flower, and even Fracas. Here it is still quite warm, and I am wearing a perfume which I suspect you like, Chamade. September 27, 2015 at 3:29am Reply

          • Victoria: I like Chamade very much, and it’s one of my Guerlain favorites. So good! September 28, 2015 at 3:01am Reply

    • Victoria: Ce soir ou Jamais does the same thing on me skin. When I first tried it, I kept searching for the musty rag left behind in the office, and then I discovered that the smell was coming from me. September 25, 2015 at 12:09pm Reply

  • Annikky: I was hoping you’d review it…

    I didn’t really have a mimosa favourite until I tried this one. (I do love Une Fleur de Cassie, but for me, it’s an absolutely different genre.) Like you, I find Mimosa & Cardamom exremely easy to wear and very charming, too. I especially like that creamy quality and it lasts the entire working day on me.

    If Jo Malone can stick to things like this or Blackberry & Bay and do less of the Blossom Blossom type of scents, I’ll happily buy a bottle now and then. September 24, 2015 at 3:12pm Reply

    • Victoria: 🙂 Une Fleur de Cassie is definitely a different thing altogether; more in the grand opera category, and while I wear it casually, sometimes it’s too much.

      I wouldn’t mind the Blossom Blossom things from JM if they weren’t so overpriced and if there weren’t so many of them. But I do like Blackberry & Bay, and their Orange Blossom cologne is a great, nature-like orange flower. September 25, 2015 at 12:11pm Reply

  • Domestic Goblin: Perhaps the scented card I received from Jo Malone didn’t do this fragrance any justice. It smelt like a spicy soap but not in a good way. I do like soapy scents, one of my favourites is Ivoire by Balmain but I didn’t like how the Mimosa and Cardamom sample smelt. I might try an actual spray on my skin the next time I venture inside one of their stores to give it another chance… September 24, 2015 at 3:44pm Reply

    • Victoria: It’s creamy, but it doesn’t smell soapy to me. On the other hand, what someone thinks of soapy might be another person’s floral or creamy, so I recommend trying it on skin. Of course, cards and skin would react to a perfume differently. September 25, 2015 at 12:14pm Reply

  • rickyrebarco: Victoria, I loved Mimosa and Cardamom as well at first sniff. I enjoy real mimosa but had yet to find a mimosa perfume that worked for me. This one does! It’s so fresh and simple, yet so delicious. I agree that Jo Malone is going back to its roots with this one. The cardamom reminds me of a cool dish of kheer with that wonderful silver thin leaf on top. yum! I have found that Mimosa and Cardamom layers well with other spicy fragrances. I layered it with Jeffrey Dame’s Dark Horse spice fragrance and it smelled really delicious. The 2 fragrances complimented one another very well. Enjoy!

    You mentioned in an earlier post about reading Maugham, I recommend Of Human Bondage, well done, but sad. I finished Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch earlier in the summer. That’s a roller coaster ride of a book for sure. She won the Pulitzer for it but I thought the Russian character in the book was not well drawn, almost a caricature, and it was too long and pretty depressing! September 24, 2015 at 4:29pm Reply

    • Elisa P: I like the layering idea! September 24, 2015 at 7:15pm Reply

    • Karen: I’m so glad someone else felt the same way about The Goldfinch! At first I was enjoying it so much, then like you said – a bit of a roller coaster and some of the characters (it’s been a while since I read it, can’t remember specific ones) were very flat. I was really surprised about the Pulitzer, but thought it may have just ridden the tide of positive reviews and press. September 25, 2015 at 6:36am Reply

    • Victoria: Ah, kheer, yes, one of my all-time favorite desserts. I can see what you mean, because Mimosa & Cardamom smells creamy and milky towards the drydown. Very comforting.

      I couldn’t get into The Goldfinch, and I also found it puzzling why it won the Pulitzer. But it’s been a while since I’ve read any of the Pulitzer winners and liked them. Thank you for the Of Human Bondage recommendation! September 25, 2015 at 12:17pm Reply

  • Elisa P: I liked M&C well enough but it didn’t satisfy me from the mimosa or cardamom perspective. I found both notes quite indistinct and the whole composition had more of a “cold-cream” feel to me. It reminded me in some ways of FM Iris Poudre in that not-sweet cosmetic cream sense. I love FM Une Fleur de Cassie and also Caron Aimez Moi for a spicy mimosa fix. September 24, 2015 at 7:15pm Reply

    • Victoria: Yes, it’s definitely creamy on me too, but I really like that part. September 25, 2015 at 12:19pm Reply

  • Reg: I put this on my list after reading your review. I love Mimosa, Une Fleur de Cassie is one of my favourite perfumes and I also like Mimosaique by Parfums de Nicolai. It is very delicate. September 24, 2015 at 7:17pm Reply

    • Victoria: Mimosa & Cardamom is closer to Mimosaique in terms of lightness and delicacy, so it’s worth trying. In the meantime, I will keep on hoping that Nicolai might reissue its mimosa. September 25, 2015 at 12:20pm Reply

  • angeldiva: Hello!
    This review prompted me to layer my Gucci Eau De Parfum with Kenzo Summer over it. Smells really nice! Cardamom and Mimosa … who knew?

    I must be turning into a layering queen because I can confirm that layering L’Heure Bleue with Yardley Iris over it does indeed smell like Apres Londee . I got my sample of Apres, and was soooo surprised. The only difference to this nose is that the layering trick is more potent smelling and lasts until the cows come home!
    So, thank -you BDJ for teaching me how to do this!
    The numero uno standout of my new batch of samples is Knize Ten. I put it on, and watched Steve McQueen, and Faye Dunaway in ,”The Thomas Crown Affair.” I loooove to do this. Wear the perfume of an actor while watching their work.
    Knize Ten smells like an auto mechanic has showered for a hot date. But, they can’t get the smell of oil off their nails. It’s utterly fascinating in it’s maleness. I read the official notes, but I swear I smell: oil rags, gasoline, and my dads garage. But, in a good way! September 25, 2015 at 4:52am Reply

    • Victoria: What a great layering combination and a terrific description of Knize Ten. It’s evocative and I can see exactly what you mean. Or perhaps, it’s a dandy with a preference for riding an old Vespa. September 25, 2015 at 12:24pm Reply

      • angeldiva: Thanks! Yes, a Dandy on a Vespa! What an AMAZING frag.
        I also tried our Youth Dew -Amber Nude…
        Gee, I was expecting more. The wonderful clove of Youth Dew seems absent. My sample smells a tinsy bit rancid, but I think that’s the perfume. I’ve decided to purchase some Youth Dew, and layer Prada Amber over it.
        I just don’t know if I should buy the vintage on ebay: there are many bottles, and they are cheap.
        Or, just buy a new bottle. My Prada is the mens version.
        There are some wonderful areas of explanation I found around the internet. They explain the difference in packaging between old Youth Dew and New Youth Dew.
        It has to do with the size of the font on the box, and how high up the brand name appears to be placed.
        Now, If only I could find a perfume to suck all the job stress out of my mind and body, I’ll be a restored Woman! September 25, 2015 at 9:35pm Reply

        • Victoria: Youth Dew Amber Nude is definitely much tamer than the original, softer, less of a statement perfume. This could be either good or bad, of course. September 26, 2015 at 11:46am Reply

    • SilverMoon: I have already commented on M&C on an earlier post so won’t repeat it here. Rather wanted to say that Knize Ten is one of the very few perfumes that I felt Knocked-Out on first sniff. K-O in a good way, that is stunned. I had never heard of it before and the SA in the specialist perfumery suggested I smelled it based on my likes, etc. Wow I truly loved it. However, since I felt I could not justify a full bottle at the time, I decided to buy it for my husband (nice excuse!). Actually, it was a great idea, since this way I got my hit most mornings (I could smell it in the room and on him), and did not have to wear it myself. Of course, once in a blue moon I did spray some on. September 26, 2015 at 5:59pm Reply

      • angeldiva: Silvermoon,
        Lucky Woman! If I ever find a sober, Catholic man to marry: I’ll spray it all over him!
        lol September 27, 2015 at 12:57am Reply

        • SilverMoon: Angeldiva, LoL too!!
          I should add I cannot normally get away with that. He actually liked it too. October 3, 2015 at 6:19am Reply

  • Karen: Had tried this at the Jo Mallone counter (and also received a sample from Limegreen!) and was surprised that I didn’t care for it. I love Fleure de Cassie (and plan on wearing it for a big old fancy upcoming event, it is quite a grande dame perfume) and love cardamom, so thought how can it not work?

    My daughter was happy for the sample, though. And now I’ve got a list of mimosa perfumes to try thanks to your review and everyone’s comments.

    Also wondering if it’s possible to grow here in Maryland, even if it has to be potted and brought in for winter……And beautiful photo, Victoria! September 25, 2015 at 6:42am Reply

    • Victoria: Jo Malone does nice photography, and it’s one of the few brands that consistently do so.

      Not sure about growing mimosa, so I’m not much of a gardener. From what I have seen of it in the wild, it’s quite a large plant. In the South of France, they look not like shrubs but trees! September 25, 2015 at 12:27pm Reply

  • Iris: I have just stumbled on your blog, and find it very interesting. Do you have any suggestions for something nice combining cardamom with iris? I am very inexperienced in this subject, but have always dreamd of finding “my” signiture scent, and the mix of cardamom and iris… no idea if it would realy work, but I´d love to have a sniff! September 25, 2015 at 7:13pm Reply

    • Anka: Hi Iris, you might want to try Iris Oriental from Parfumerie Generale (you can find it at fragrantica.com under its old name „Iris Taizo“). It’s an unusual iris-cardamon-mix, warm, slightly sweet and very comfortable. Perfect for autumn and winter. September 26, 2015 at 5:00am Reply

    • Victoria: Iris, I also recommend trying Le Labo Iris 39, which also has a nice iris-cardamom combination. September 26, 2015 at 11:43am Reply

    • Hamamelis: Iris you could also try l’artisan’s Dzongkha, which has cardamon, iris, incense and spices. It is gorgeous. September 26, 2015 at 1:20pm Reply

    • Iris: Thankyou for the recomendations, Im looking forward to trying them : ) September 29, 2015 at 9:38am Reply

  • marlene: Loved your review of Mimosa and Cardamom. I too,love this scent and it does stay with you throughout the day. I smell the Tonka bean scent on my skin and it smells like autumn. The yellow mimosa reminds of yellow maple leaves on damp November days. Take a listen to Justin Hayward in the song,”Forever Autumn.” I’ll be wearing this scent as I scuff through those spicy leaves. September 26, 2015 at 12:31am Reply

    • Victoria: I’m not sure if it’s the season, the fact that I’m wearing M&C a lot on this cool fall days, or the scent, but I also keep thinking of it as my “autumnal” perfume. It’s definitely a good companion on my walks in the park. 🙂 September 26, 2015 at 11:47am Reply

  • Rowanhill: On most mornings, Le Petit Marseillais Mimosa shower gel is my wake up delight. 🙂
    As soon as Saturday arrives I will make a bee line to Jo Malone’s, mimosa and my favourite cardamom sounds wonderful. The two ingredients sound together like the perfect sunny September day’s perfect fragrance. Thank you Victoria for the heads up. September 30, 2015 at 5:00am Reply

    • Victoria: For my part, I need Le Petit Marseillais Mimosa shower gel! 🙂 Thank you for mentioning it. September 30, 2015 at 11:53am Reply

  • Mary: I have received more compliments on this cologne (mostly from men) than I have on anything I’ve ever worn in my 55 years, and I’ve worn all the classics, and then some (rarely buy a 2nd bottle of anything). The most common comments are that it smells fresh, clean, creamy, and comforting. The longevity is also surprising for a Jo Malone – upwards of 12 hours; but I use the body crème along with the cologne and I think that is the trick. I’m sticking with this one! December 10, 2015 at 3:02pm Reply

    • Victoria: I agree with all of those comments, and yes, I was surprised how well it lasted on me. December 11, 2015 at 8:51am Reply

  • Kari: I smelled this fragrance at a party a couple months ago, and really enjoyed it. I’ve recently picked up a tester so I can see how it wears on me at home; and also Jo Malone’s Nutmeg and Ginger, which so far lasts pretty much all day on me and layers really well with the Mimosa and Cardamom cologne. January 30, 2016 at 1:42am Reply

    • Victoria: The pairing sounds delicious. I should try it myself the next time I pass by the counter. January 30, 2016 at 9:19am Reply

  • Marianne: Such an interesting and knowledgeable review, thank you Victoria, and thank you to all the contributions that it generated. As it happens, I received a Mimosa and Cardamom candle as a gift this Christmas so reading your review feels timely! I haven’t begun to burn my new candle yet and will save it for now. I’m currently experiencing an Australian made candle ‘Fir Pine & Spruce’ which was created for the Christmas season by Myrtle and Moss. I love the brand because of how they use only natural oils. This one is just a tad “severe”, very strong, authentic to the name, quite lovely in its own way but for me an occasional rather than a favourite scent.
    Through your writing I’ve learned a great deal about cardamom, Victoria. It’s opened a new dimension for me. Really, I need a hand to become a little more adventurous with scents! December 27, 2021 at 7:03pm Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you so much! I also love cardamom, so I’m happy to share my obsession with it. 🙂 December 28, 2021 at 4:24am Reply

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