Jo Malone's limited edition fragrances are pricey and hard to find, but a fashion writer has discovered an affordable alternative at Boots for £11.99 that has become her go-to warm-weather scent. Rachel Pugh, Head of fashion and beauty affiliates, swapped her £112 Jo Malone Rose Blush Cologne for Jawhara's Sultan Rose Eau de Parfum, available at Boots, and says it's perfect for summer.
The Search for a Wallet-Friendly Alternative
Pugh, who rarely reaches for sundresses, needed the ideal scent to complement her seasonal wardrobe. She discovered Jo Malone's Rose Blush Cologne a few years back, describing it as sophisticated without feeling 'aunty-like' and leaving a lasting impression. However, the fragrance is limited-edition, making it tricky to get hold of, and carries a £112 price tag when it does appear.
After a long hunt for a more affordable alternative, Pugh hit the jackpot with Jawhara's Sultan Rose, usually £14.99 but currently 25% off at £11.99 on the Boots website. She notes that while it's not a straight dupe for Jo Malone's scent, it offers a fresh interpretation of the rose profile.
Comparing the Scents
Sultan Rose is an intense, woody, and spicy Middle Eastern-style rose oud, while Jo Malone Rose Blush is a breezy, fruity-floral, limited-edition cologne with a clean, spring-like feel. Pugh says Sultan Rose aligns more closely with her typical scent preferences, which lean towards spicier fragrances. According to Jawhara, the perfume "opens with warm saffron accord and Akigalawood, which lead to an elegant heart of majestic rose accord and powdery peony. A delicate base of vanilla incense adds a subtle sweetness, reminiscent of the gentle breeze of an Arabian rose garden."
Potency and Value for Money
For £15, Pugh anticipated the fragrance to be understated, but found it far more potent than expected. While it requires more frequent reapplication than her Jo Malone cologne, she says that's not surprising given the price difference, and at £15, she's happy to apply it generously. The fragrance is marketed as unisex, but after testing it on herself and her boyfriend, she suggests it leans slightly more towards the feminine side.
Other Recommendations from the Jawhara Range
If florals aren't your thing, Pugh recommends Sweet Dates, also £11.99 on the Boots website. She describes it as genuinely unisex, noting that her boyfriend actually took it from her. Sweet Dates is an amber-toned, fruity Eau de Parfum that opens with sweet vanilla and zesty raspberry, followed by a luscious date accord, earthy patchouli, and a base of caramelised amber and cedarwood.
Pugh says it bears a striking resemblance to Lush's bestselling Sticky Dates body spray (£29) but at half the price. While Lush's version is a staple in her collection, Jawhara's Sweet Dates feels less cloyingly sweet and more refined for balmy summer evenings. Though it doesn't match the staying power of pricier alternatives, it's a steal for slipping into a handbag for quick spritzes throughout the day.
Full Jawhara Collection
Other scents in the Jawhara range include Golden Nectar Eau de Parfum, which brings together bergamot, tuberose and musk for a lighter, floral fragrance; Amberwood Nomad Eau de Parfum, with cardamom, cedarwood and myrrh for a warmer, masculine edge; and Oud Velvet, a rich, woody-amber scent featuring saffron, oud and creamy vanilla. The full collection is priced at £11.99 and available on the Boots website.
