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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
- 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
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:
