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Jo Malone · 1999

Lime Basil & Mandarin

A crushed lime zest and a handful of fresh basil, nothing more and nothing less.

Launched
1999
Concentration
Eau de Cologne

Fragrance pyramid

Lime Basil & Mandarin notes

Top notes

The first minutes

Heart notes

The character, for hours

Base notes

The lingering trail

Our take

What does Lime Basil & Mandarin smell like?

Lime Basil & Mandarin has become Jo Malone London’s signature, the scent that comes to mind first when the house is mentioned. Its premise fits in one image: a summer kitchen where someone has just sliced a lime and torn a few basil leaves. The opening is tart and zesty, driven by lime, mandarin and bergamot. Basil then takes over, peppery and slightly aniseed, backed by dry thyme and a hint of lilac that softens the greenery. Vetiver, patchouli and musk keep the base discreet and faintly earthy, leaving a clean trace. It is a modern cologne built for simplicity and layering, with no pretence of mystery.

When to wear it

Ideal on hot days, at work or at the weekend, reapplied as needed. It suits anyone, of any gender, who likes crisp aromatic scents.

VerdictA very well-made aromatic freshie, held back by cologne-level longevity.

It belongs to the Citrus, Aromatic family. Lime Basil & Mandarin is one of 4 creations by Jo Malone in our encyclopedia.

Lime Basil & Mandarin: FAQ

What are the notes of Lime Basil & Mandarin?

Lime Basil & Mandarin by Jo Malone opens with Lime, Mandarin and Bergamot. Its heart combines Basil, Thyme and Lilac, over a base of Vetiver, Patchouli and Musk.

Is Lime Basil & Mandarin for men or women?

Jo Malone presents Lime Basil & Mandarin as a unisex fragrance meant for everyone. Nothing stops anyone from wearing it: modern perfumery happily blurs these lines.

When was Lime Basil & Mandarin released?

Lime Basil & Mandarin was launched in 1999 by Jo Malone. It comes as an Eau de Cologne.

When should you wear Lime Basil & Mandarin?

Ideally in spring and summer. Ideal on hot days, at work or at the weekend, reapplied as needed. It suits anyone, of any gender, who likes crisp aromatic scents.

Which perfumes smell like Lime Basil & Mandarin?

Based on shared notes, the closest are Clementine California (Atelier Cologne), Eau Sauvage (Dior), Polo (Ralph Lauren).