Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud: Where Dark Rose Meets Smoky Luxury
Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud is a luxurious unisex fragrance that fuses the intensity of Damask rose with the depth of dark oud wood. It is bold, elegant, and mysterious—an opulent scent that balances floral sensuality with resinous, smoky depth.
Buy Velvet Rose & Oud on Amazon – check current price here.
Table of Contents
Brand
Jo Malone London, founded in 1990, is a British fragrance house known for its understated luxury and signature layering philosophy. The brand emphasizes simplicity, craftsmanship, and natural elegance, blending traditional British sensibility with modern refinement. Jo Malone is celebrated for its cologne-style perfumes, clean packaging, and personalized service.
Jo Malone London Official Site
Fragrance Name
The name Velvet Rose & Oud evokes contrast—the softness of velvet, the opulence of rose, and the boldness of oud. It suggests texture, richness, and sensual intensity, while remaining wearable and sophisticated.
Collection
Velvet Rose & Oud is part of the Jo Malone Cologne Intense collection, which showcases deeper, richer, and more concentrated compositions. This line includes:
- Oud & Bergamot
- Dark Amber & Ginger Lily
- Myrrh & Tonka
- Cypress & Grapevine
- Amber & Patchouli
- Velvet Rose & Oud
The Cologne Intense collection is designed for evening wear, layering, and elevated luxury.
Velvet Rose & Oud is also available in a range of complementary products that enhance the scent experience. These include a luxurious body crème, scented candle, shower oil, and hand & body wash, allowing for full-body layering and olfactive immersion. The candle, in particular, brings the fragrance’s rich floral-oud accord into the home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Description of the Scent
The scent opens with a burst of spicy clove and fresh rose petals, quickly revealing the sweet, resinous oud. The dry-down introduces praline, woods, and smoky trails, creating a long-lasting, enveloping aura.
The bottle reflects its identity: lacquered black glass, contrasted by a simple label and silver cap. It’s modern, bold, and elegant—instantly recognizable as part of the Cologne Intense family.
Fragrance Notes
- Top Notes: Clove
- Heart Notes: Damask Rose
- Base Notes: Oud, Praline, Woody Notes
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Olfactive Classification
Velvet Rose & Oud is classified as an Amber Floral fragrance. It intertwines floral richness with oriental depth.
Fragrances of the World Classification
According to the Fragrances of the World system, it fits within the Floral Oriental category, leaning into Woody and Spicy subfamilies.
Who Is It For?
This fragrance is perfect for individuals who enjoy intense florals, smoky woods, and bold elegance. It’s gender-inclusive and suits those who want a scent that’s memorable, confident, and luxurious.
Occasion
- Evening wear – Ideal for events, dinners, and date nights
- Cold seasons – Oud and praline shine in fall and winter
- Statement scent – Powerful yet refined for those who like to stand out
- Layering base – Excellent foundation for building complex scent profiles
Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud FAQ
Is Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud sweet or dry?
- It’s moderately sweet, with floral warmth and a resinous base.
Is it good for layering?
- Yes! It’s designed to be layered—especially with Jo Malone’s floral or amber scents.
Does it last long?
- Yes, for a Jo Malone scent it’s among the longest lasting (6–9 hours).
Is it feminine or masculine?
- It’s completely unisex—bold rose lovers of all genders wear it.
Can you wear it in hot weather?
- It’s best for cooler months but can work at night year-round.
How to Layer Jo Malone Layer Velvet Rose & Oud
+ Peony & Blush Suede – Adds brightness and femininity
+ Oud & Bergamot – Enhances the woody base and adds zest
+ Myrrh & Tonka – Deepens sweetness and adds smoky richness
+ Lime Basil & Mandarin – Adds freshness for summer wear
Experimenting with layering lets you tailor the scent to your style, mood, or season.
First Time with Oud? Start Here
Velvet Rose & Oud is a perfect introduction to the oud category. While many oud fragrances can be dense or animalic, this version is polished, approachable, and wrapped in rose. Ideal for those curious but hesitant—it’s oud without overwhelm.
Perfumer
Created by Fabrice Pellegrin, Velvet Rose & Oud showcases his mastery in blending precious woods and expressive florals. His vision centered on sensuality, richness, and contrast.
History of the Fragrance
Launch & Evolution
Released in the early 2010s, Velvet Rose & Oud became a fan favorite in the Cologne Intense line. It marked a shift for Jo Malone, embracing Middle Eastern perfumery influences with British sophistication.
Reformulations & Changes
There are no confirmed reformulations, but the strength and projection may vary slightly between batches, as common with natural-rich compositions.
Trivia
- One of Jo Malone’s best-selling fragrances worldwide.
- Often layered with Oud & Bergamot or Peony & Blush Suede.
- A favorite in luxury bridal perfumes for its richness and romance.
Sustainability
Jo Malone emphasizes responsible sourcing of rose and oud materials and aims to reduce waste with recyclable packaging and minimalistic design.
Advertising Campaign
Jo Malone’s campaigns for Velvet Rose & Oud focus on mood, texture, and artistry rather than celebrity faces. Visuals include:
- Dark florals, velvet fabric, and moody lighting
- London at night – evoking mystery and elegance
- Minimalist product films – emphasizing ingredients and movement
The brand uses digital storytelling and boutique visuals rather than traditional celebrity marketing.
Public Reception
Widely praised for its balance of floral and oud notes. Users highlight its longevity, elegance, and rich projection. Often described as sophisticated, seductive, and versatile. It holds a strong presence among niche and designer fragrance lovers alike.
Famous Wearers
While Jo Malone does not officially endorse celebrities, several well-known figures have been associated with the brand or reported to wear Velvet Rose & Oud:
- Sophie Turner – Known for her love of Jo Malone fragrances, including Velvet Rose & Oud.
- Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – Has mentioned layering Jo Malone scents in interviews, with oud-based options in her routine.
- Meghan Markle – A longtime Jo Malone fan, often linked to the brand’s more elegant and floral fragrances.
Price Range
- 50ml Cologne Intense: $160 – $180
- 100ml Cologne Intense: $220 – $250
- Body Crème, Candle & Ancillaries: $65 – $100+
Buy Velvet Rose & Oud on Amazon – check current price here.
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Similar Fragrances
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood – Sweeter, powdery oud and rose
Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land – Lighter, fresher rose with soft spice
Armani Privé Rose d’Arabie – Deep, opulent rose with rich oud
Montale Intense Café – Gourmand rose-oud with a twist of coffee
Tom Ford Rose de Russie – Smoky, dark, and dressed-up rose
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Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud vs. Other Rose-Oud Icons
Velvet Rose & Oud vs. Oud Satin Mood (MFK):
- Jo Malone is drier and more wearable
- MFK is sweeter, denser, and more powdery
- Velvet Rose is better for layering and daily wear
Velvet Rose & Oud vs. Armani Privé Rose d’Arabie:
- Rose d’Arabie is darker and more opulent
- Velvet Rose is brighter, slightly spicier, and more modern
Velvet Rose & Oud vs. Montale Intense Café:
- Intense Café leans gourmand with rose and coffee
- Velvet Rose is more floral-woody with elegant spice
Velvet Rose & Oud is a bold, elegant fragrance that captures the drama of rose and the mystique of oud. Perfectly layered, naturally luxurious, and impressively lasting—it remains a standout choice for those seeking a floral with a shadowed heart.
Have you layered Velvet Rose & Oud with other Jo Malone scents? Share your favorites in the comments.
Love rose-based scents? Don’t miss our in-depth review of Diptyque Eau Rose—an elegant take on the flower in full bloom. 🌹
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