Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Both Love Jo Malone Cologne, But Which of Their Signature Scents Smells Better? I—a Fraghead—Tested Them Out

Name: Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Brand: Jo Malone London
Price: 32 USD

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By Delia Curtis

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Updated Oct 21, 2024

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kate-middleton-meghan-markle-jo-malone-signature-scents: A collage of photos featuring Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, two different bottles of Jo Malone London Cologne all in front of a pink background with darker pink squiggle accents.

Karwai Tang / Contributor/Getty Images; Bloomingdale's; Alberto Rodriguez / Contributor/Getty Images

When it comes to iconic fragrance houses, Jo Malone London is revered, so it’s no surprise that the brand counts two royals among its fans (ahem, Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). Reports from various sources like InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar Australia and Marie Claire UK share that both of them opt for the British beauty fave for their signature scents.

While that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t reach for or wear other brands—they just happen to have a soft spot for the company—I was immediately curious to learn more. Especially when I saw how different their reported favorite scents were. As a self-proclaimed fraghead, I’m always keen on trying new-to-me scents, getting a whiff of the classics from brands like Jo Malone, Diptyque and Galimard and marveling at newer fragrance houses with wild olfactory combos (think: Future Society, NOYZ, Binaurale). So, I decided to give these two royally approved bottles a whirl to see who smells better—Kate or Meghan. (Spoiler: The results surprised me.)

How I Tested Both Jo Malone Scents

In taking the time to review each of the fragrances, I wanted to keep a couple of factors in mind, specifically the fragrance longevity, the amount of people who would be able to rock this scent, the strength of the scent (and whether it lingered on clothing), if the scent was a bestseller on the Jo Malone site and how often it would make a regular appearance in an average person’s fragrance rotation.

kate-middleton-meghan-markle-jo-malone-signature-scents: A transparent rectangular bottle of cologne with very light orange liquid and a silver cap on a white background. There is a small badge with the numbers 93 out of 100.

Bloomingdale's

1. Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Cologne

Jo Malone London

Longevity: 20/20
Universality: 16/20
Strength: 20/20
Popularity: 20/20
Wearability: 17/20

Total: 93/100

It would make sense that Middleton’s signature scent feels elegant, classic and, dare I say, timeless. Heavy on the citrus with some sweetness and floral undertones, when putting on Orange Blossom for the first time, I instantly felt like some sort of Shiv Roy-esque archetype sipping a dry martini with a tangy twist at a gilded, dimly lit bar. Somewhere that only people who know people get to frequent. I’m talking red-roped-and-bodyguard clad. It’s strong, powerful and bold at first sniff, which is exactly what I’d want (and come to expect) from a future queen.

The cologne starts off with a clementine flower top note, like peeling a fresh orange, but as it melts into the skin, the white lilac floral heart note appears. Almost like taking a deep breath of a fresh bundle of flowers, the cologne is rounded out with a powdery orris wood note. It evens out the strength from the stronger citrus and floral elements that begin the olfactory experience of Orange Blossom.

Though it’s quite strong and might require a more mature nose to appreciate, it does get easier to inhale over time as it mellows out into the skin, settling in quite nicely. I also noticed while testing that it clung pretty significantly to clothes. I don’t know if it would be something everyone reaches for, considering its pronounced notes, though it does seem quite alluring and regal for everyday use. It strikes me as more of a special occasion cologne for most people, though it makes sense as a signature scent for Catherine. Orange Blossom feels like old money in a bottle. Striking, tasteful, impressive and dignified, this fragrance is as solid as they come.

Fast Facts

Top Note: Clementine Flower
Heart Note: White Lilac
Base Note: Orriswood

From $86 at Bloomingdale's

From $86 at Sephora

kate-middleton-meghan-markle-jo-malone-signature-scents: A transparent rectangular bottle of cologne with clear liquid and a silver cap on a white background. There is a small badge with the numbers 96 out of 100.

Bloomingdale's

2. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt

Jo Malone London

Longevity: 18/20
Universality: 20/20
Strength: 18/20
Popularity: 20/20
Wearability: 20/20

Total: 96/100

Like a cross between a hike in California’s Redwood forest and a lengthy dip in the sea, Wood Sage & Sea Salt is a breath of fresh air. It’s mellow and breezy, leaning botanical in its olfactory makeup. This cologne feels like Markle all bottled up. She—like one of her fave colognes—comes across as easygoing, likable and curious. What I admire about this fragrance is that it feels familiar, something that you can pick up and wear without hesitation. It also includes a solid base note of sage, which happens to be a very popular scent amongst the masses, particularly when it comes to candles. Like Meghan, this fragrance is relatable and grounded, one that will likely mesh well with most people. It’s got a soft touch and mixes beautifully into skin.

Wood Sage & Sea Salt starts off with a top note of ambrette seed which, to put it simply, is a natural note comparable to musk, but with a twinge of fruitiness. It’s bright and slightly sweet, and it begins to even out as it dries, landing on a harmonious sea salt note, like licking your lips after swimming for hours in the ocean and tasting the brininess of the sea.

While testing Wood Sage & Sea Salt, I did notice that this cologne faded more quickly than Orange Blossom. Because it starts out quite muted, you lose a bit of the strength that’s more apparent at the beginning of the wear. However, like Orange Blossom, it does stick well to clothes. I find that all of the notes in this combination are approachable. It’s a great everyday scent that isn’t overpowering, yet can still hold its own. I imagine that the typical consumer would be reaching for this on a daily basis, because of its relaxed wearability and the way that it plays well with skin. I know I will be.

Fast Facts

Top Note: Ambrette Seeds
Heart Note: Sea Salt
Base Note: Sage

From $86 at Bloomingdale's

From $32 at Sephora

The Bottom Line: Which Scent Is the Best?

Even though both fragrances are wonderful in their own right, Markle wins this round. Due to Wood Sage & Sea Salt’s adaptable and easy-to-wear nature, I think this scent is one that more people will tend to gravitate toward. It’s easy on the nose, light with just the right amount of depth and will keep people coming back for more. All that to say, users who are looking for a bit more opulence and unique fragrance notes will relish in Orange Blossom. And may even make it their signature scent if they’re more fearless when it comes to cologne.

Delia Curtis

Assistant Editor

Covers beauty, fashion, news, entertainment, travel, wellness, money and LGBTQ+ culture
Has worked in media for the last eight years and has held positions at Boston Magazine, Boston Common Magazine and Northshore Magazine
Graduated from Emerson College in 2019 with a degree in Writing, Literature and Publishing with a minor in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies

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