Reviews of Lime, Basil & Mandarin (1991)
by Jo Malone

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin EDC

Notes: lime, mandarin, basil, white thyme (from jomalone.com)

Upon first application of Lime Basil & Mandarine, surprise of surprises, I smell lime, basil and mandarin. The mandarin is very subtle, bowing to the more prominent lime citrus note, which is tangy and bitter, more like lime rind than the fruit. The herbal component is obviously more than just basil, although the basil note is very minty, leafy and somewhat juicy. Along with the basil is something I was not expecting--cilantro, a.k.a. coriander leaf. Once LBM develops past the initial opening accord, the mandarin fades to almost nothing, and I feel as if I am covered in Cuban Mojo marinade sauce. (For those who are interested, my Mojo recipe includes lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, fresh cilantro, salt, pepper and garlic.) I was wondering where the garlic might be in LBM. I never encountered any, but I did notice a curious fenugreek funk in the mid notes. I was wavering between loving and hating the fragrance because of its obvious foody connotations. In the end decided that LBM is a thoroughly enjoyable herbal cologne, with a lovely creamy, woody amber-musk drydown and some kind of mossy ingredient that keeps the base from being too sweet. For an EDC, the longevity has been very good, around five hours. Sillage is moderate. Lime Basil & Mandarin is wearable for both men and women, but edges more toward the masculine.

When I smell this is scent, the image that comes to mind is a violent battle between three very respectable and astute gentlemen: Mr. Lime, Mr. Basil, and Mr. Pepper. After a friendly handshake and amiable introduction, the trio sees that they have irreparable differences and begin squabbling. This escalates into an all-out war. Mr. Lime, a likable firebrand thrillseeker, takes the early lead and overtakes his competitors, but he soon becomes tired and frustrated with Basil and Pepper, who are sneaky bastards. They form an alliance and pummel Lime to death, leaving him to rot, which he does, judging by his smell. Pepper and Basil are tortured by guilt, and become harsh and bitter with age.

Everyone loses, including the poor fellow who made this stuff his SotD.

I remember cheap colognes from the seventies that smelled like cheap lime candy. This cologne comes perilously close to that extreme, but it is redeemed by quality ingredients and masterful blending. Its initial application is a shock, but it evolves into assertive, but attractive, citrus wallow. I would wear this to a summer evening concert, classy barbecue, or nice club. It is definitely unisex, but for the bold, self-assured or effusively outgoing of either gender.

Very, very lime, about as true to the real thing as one can get without rolling in a basket of them. But it's lime without the sourness, and mellowed with a herbal note that I'm assuming is the basil. Sillage is minimal, longevity is not that great, but despite the fact that this smells like a drink I'd order at the bar, it is very appealing. Fresh and clean without being "fresh" and "clean", if that makes sense.

This is Jo Malone's signature scent. It's the first Jo Malone I purchased, and I have had several bottles since then. I also have the shower gel and body cream, and I layer all three together for wonderful sillage. I'd also like to buy the soap, hair shampoo, hair conditioner and bath oil! It's a distinctive fragrance which (to me at least) is is uplifting and vibrant, and perfect for the warm weather. It especially appeals to people who like citrus and herb notes, but it's not for everyone. So try it on your skin before you purchase!

This fragrance makes me wanna puke. I agree with the comment that this smells like Basil waging a war with Lime. Yuck.

For some reason, I like this fragrance when I am having my period. It's one of the only fragrances I can stand at that time of the month. Otherwise, (at other times of the month) I don't like it!!! Weird, eh?

An earlier incarnation of Nouveau Bowery but with more herbs (basil). Not bad but I'd rather have the Bond.

Opens with a strong Lime then it moves to a herby, grassy aroma. I really like it, its a nice one for the summer. Smells very natural to me.

I've had compliments while I've been wearing it which I haven't had for others I wear that get rave reviews here.Don't write it off before you try it I'd say.

It also layers nicely with another Jo Malone I have in my collection, Pomegranate Noir, another good one from this house.

Above average sillage and longevity for a cologne.

Repulsive yet intriguing, like a car accident. I wouldn't wear this on its own, but it might work layered with another citrus to tame that 500-pound gorilla of a basil note.

EDIT: I gave this a second chance and my feelings have taken a complete 90-degree turn from neutral to positive. The opening lime-basil accord is fresh, brilliant, distinctive, and absolutely perfect for warm weather. Yes, it does smell vaguely like some kind of Thai salad, but Thai salad smells delicious, making this a sort of gourmand fragrance, though one quite different from the usual chocolate and vanilla suspects. It softens and warms considerably during the dry down, where the high quality ingredients get to reveal themselves fully. Surprisingly good longevity, moderate sillage.

I am reminded yet again that one truly needs to live with a fragrance for a while to appreciate its quality (or lack thereof).

If you want to walk around smelling like a "Panini" this is the fragrance for you! i love panini's, but i don't wanna smell like one.

A good scent, great for relaxing summer days/nights. Lasts great for a cologne. It does have a sourness to it, but I like it and I've gotten lots of compliments on it.

Top: lime, mandarin, bergamot
Mid: basil, white thyme, lilac, iris
Base: patchouli, vetiver, costus
Lime, Basil & Mandarine by Jo Malone is excellent! I disagree with the negative reviews. This is a lovely scent. It has a very good lime-green citrus opening which persists. The herbal-basil notes are likewise exceptional. The thyme which can be overdone (see Baïme for an example) is just right here. People complain about the basil notes, but LB&M is a pussycat. Try Basile Uomo or Virgilio for a heavy-duty hit of basil! The florals are muted and gently soften the citrus and herbs, rather than stand out in their own right. Up to now it is a light summery splash and is quite refreshing. Then it develops a delightful light grassy tone, due to the vetiver and a pinch of patchouli. This phase lasts for hours on my skin and I enjoy it. Don’t be put off by the nay-sayers. If you like these ingredients, try it and see for yourself!

Pretty much run-of-the-mill lime opening, with some sweet herbal notes surfacing after a few minutes' time. The accord that results reminds me of fruit salad. Commonplace I think, and ultimately undistinguished in an already overcrowded field. I'll pass.

I LOOOVE this fragrance when it starts out. Lime, Mandarin with a hint of basil..what a kick!...but after about half an hour...omg..I feel like throwing up.

It smells like moldy old salad, I agree with other posts, all thats left is wilted basil.

This is similar to nutmeg and ginger in that it starts off great..but the dry down is just plain GROSS!!


After about a month I gave it to my cousin because I couldnt stand it. The grapefruit and vetyver by Jo Malone are much better citrus scents that stay the same through out top note to dry down

This started off quite peppery then the basil note quickly turned to smell like cat's urine on me. I quickly washed it off and tried it again later with the same result. Very disappointed as it was the first one I tried in a complimentary gift of four samples.

I love this when it starts out, but within an hour--less?--it turns on me. The whole thing fades quickly and I'm left with the smell of wilted basil.

The lime starts out very strong and overpowering on my skin. Then, the lime fades then the basil starts to grow. To me, this smells much more like it's for a man, as it is very cologne like. Finally, after the mandarin comes out it's not too bad. Still a bit too masculine for my tastes.

This is definitely something different. I first tried it at a department store and wasn't extremely taken by it, however it did grow on me. Also, definitely for someone who likes a fresher scent - but definitely not too citrusy or too flowery. The top notes hit you with the lime, and the lingering herbs are something that goes between green and peppery. I just wish it lingers longer. The only down side to this scent is that it doesn't last more than 3-4 hours on me - and I sit in an office all day. However, I think it is a must have for any collector.