Jo Malone Bath Oils

Who doesn't love Jo Malone? I remember my excitement and anticipation when I learned that her products were coming to the United States. I remember my first whiffs at Neiman Marcus. Red Roses in particular transported me to an English garden. The "high" lasted for years because every time I wore Red Roses Cologne, someone would ask me, "What is that beautiful fragrance you are wearing?" Men and women alike - it was amazing.

By now, all beauty lovers surely know who Jo Malone is, so I won't recount her incredible history in any detail. She started her career as a facialist using her own products, hand-mixed at home, which were an instant hit. Her global brand was purchased by the Estee Lauder companies in 1999, but Jo remains the creative director of the brand. She was the first to make fragrance mixing mainstream.

I do want to write about my favorite Jo colognes (and candles and skin care), but today, let's talk about the bath oils. I'm one of those people for whom a long bath is a luxurious treat. My baths have to be fragranced with something, and about half the time it's a Jo Malone Bath Oil ($60-100). You can use the bath oil as an oil poured into your bath water or as a moisturizer after you step out. I prefer to pour a small amount in my bath, creating an atmosphere that's both relaxing and good for my skin.

My personal favorites? The fruits and florals. You can see the categories on Jo Malone's Web site, a fun visit. Of course, there's Red Roses Bath Oil, which, true to its name, makes your bath smell like you have been surrounded by hundreds of red roses. Grapefruit, surely one of the most popular scents, is the perfect citrus. Tuberose, which doesn't seem to be available in bath oil anymore, is a heavy white floral - heavenly. Honeysuckle & Jasmine? A country garden brimming with bloom. Orange Blossom is a divine blend of clementine, orange blossom, and water lily. Nature, Jo's inspiration, takes over my bath.

There will be a scent to please you - no matter what your tastes - in the eclectic collection, which includes citrus and fruity, floral, spicy, woody, and Kohdo Wood fragrances. The bath oils are available in classy glass bottles or plastic. I prefer plastic because I don't have to worry about broken glass on the ceramic tile bathroom floor when my Bengal boy goes on a romp - much safer.

You can purchase Jo Malone Bath Oils on the Jo Malone Web site, or at Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and other department stores. Stop by the Web site sometime to learn about fragrance combining, a way to create your own signature scent.

Photo courtesy of Jo Malone.