Beauty Crew’s Beauty Editor put the in-store service to the test
Hand and arm massages are severely underrated. So many times they’re added on as an extra during a facial, body treatment or manicure, but I think they’re something to be celebrated on their own. Not only can the products applied during the treatment soften your skin, but they’re seriously relaxing and minimally invasive to your personal space; especially ideal for those that usually steer away from getting their shoulders or torso massaged by a professional.
The lowdown
Recently, I road-tested Jo Malone’s ‘The Hand & Arm Massage’ - a complimentary service (yes you read correctly, it’s free!) offered in Jo Malone stores and counters where you experience exactly what the service says - a hand and arm massage, along with a quick lesson on fragrance combining.
The process
I’d heard about the service before I went into the store so I had a booking at the gorgeous Woollahra boutique, however I quickly learned that you don’t need to book in advance. Depending on staff availability, you’re able to pop in at any time to have the same experience (however they strongly recommend calling beforehand for the more in-depth services like Scent Your Wedding; a service that helps you select the perfect gift and accessories for your big day).
The first question I’m asked by my consultant Sarah-Louise at the start of my consultation is the kind of fragrances I like. I had a minor freakout in my head as it really depends on my mood - sometimes I’m feeling a fun and fruity fragrance, and other times I really crave a grounding spicy or woody scent. However, one fragrance note I always end up picking is rose.
Thus, the choice was easy. Sarah-Louise picked the Red Roses Body Wash to work up a lather and cleanse my arms and hands, which were then promptly dried off with a towel. I was asked how rosy I would like to smell by the end of the treatment, to which I said that I wanted something familiarly rose-based, but with a slightly sweeter edge. Sarah-Louise continued my treatment with a massage using Red Roses Body & Hand Lotion, while she explained more about how fragrance combining works using Jo Malone colognes.
I’d always associated fragrance combining with layering different groups over each other (like florals over woods), but I found out that literally any combination can be made - even if they’re within the same families. For example, Lime Basil & Mandarin can be muddled with Grapefruit for a sparkling citrus scent that smells one of a kind. Looking to find a unique scent for your special day as a bride? Perhaps try a layer of orange blossom over your favourite fragrance for a special spritz that’s rich in tradition.
Alas… the treatment was almost over. To finish, Sarah-Louise finished it all off with a few sprays of Blackberry & Bay Cologne over my arms and hands. On its own, Blackberry & Bay is fruity without being sickly; with zingy grapefruit, sweet blackberry and aromatic bay leaf blended inside. And when combined with Red Roses? It’s a multi-dimensional cocktail of aromas, and one that I certainly hadn’t smelled before.
The final verdict
Within 20 minutes I was out the door and I was on my way back to the office. I tip-toed back to my desk to which a chorus of oooh’s immediately followed. The beauty girls in the office don’t lie - they were impressed with my new scent, and were dying to know what I was wearing.
Passing by a Jo Malone store or counter? Make sure to pop in to experience the treatment; it’s a great pick-me-up that won’t hurt your wallet (if you can resist what’s in stock).
Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.
