Expert Perfume Advice

Everyone in the world knows the name, Meghan Markle. Princess, actress, philanthropist, and activist. Known the world over for her beauty and classic style, weaving her American heritage with her new British family.

Early activist to actor

Meghan Markle is proudly mixed heritage; her mother is African-American, while her father’s family were European settlers. She grew up in Hollywood, where she would eventually return to make her mark on television. Her love of international life started early, with an internship at the American Embassy in Buenos Aires and a semester studying in Madrid.

Meghan’s determination to change the world also came out early. At just 11, she led a successful campaign to get Proctor & Gamble to change a commercial she viewed as sexist. Meghan became an actress after college, initially struggling to get roles. However, her big break came when she was cast on Suits. She quickly became one of the favorite characters in the show, until she left in 2017.

Her Royal Highness

Meghan’s choice to leave Suits was because she had met her own Prince Charming – Prince Harry (now “just Harry“) of the United Kingdom. Now known the world over for their fairy-tale romance and wedding, it took nearly 18 months for the couple to make their relationship public. After a glamourous wedding, the couple had their first child together in May 2019. Meghan has transitioned to being a working member of the Royal Family, taking up charitable roles and becoming a global activist for causes near to her heart.

Even now, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex enter a new era in their life together separate from the Royal Family, Meghan remains beloved by the media and the public alike.

Meghan Markle is known for her love of fragrances. She has even said;

‘[It’s] my favourite thing. So much so that if I leave the house and I don’t put any on, I’ll turn around and go back home.’

Meghan Markle, speaking to The Express

Which leads to the question – what perfume does Meghan Markle wear?

A British icon

The beautiful English bluebell is an iconic and beautiful flower. However, it is also extremely rare and endangered. This very bluebell inspired Jo Malone’s Wild Bluebell, although the perfume does not use this rare flower in the composition. This perfume is one of Meghan Markle’s favorite perfumes, perhaps because of the rare and unusual combination that makes it so special – just like her.

Christine Nagel created Jo Malone’s Wild Bluebell. This perfume was described as a radical change of direction for the Jo Malone brand when it was released in 2011. Unusually for Jo Malone, the advertising for this perfume featured a young female model. Most other Jo Malone perfumes use a flacon only. This change really showcases the traditional British beauty of this perfume and the iconic woodland feel that it evokes.

Like all of Jo Malone’s products, the bottle is simple and streamlined, almost plain. But this hides the beautiful scent inside.

Notes and Longevity

Although the English bluebell is not in the perfume itself, the top notes have recreated its distinct scent. Combined with cloves, the top notes give this perfume a dewy, fresh aroma when first sprayed. This develops in complexity with the lily of the valley, jasmine, and rosehip in the heart notes. Finally, the base is white amber and musk, giving the perfume a very feminine scent. It almost smells like woodland after rain, with the light floral scent of wildflowers.

Occasions

The light, floral nature of this perfume makes it perfect for a daytime option. It would be ideal in the office, where the smell is light and soft enough not to be offensive but to still stand out. Jo Malone’s Wild Bluebell is a moderately lasting perfume. You could easily carry the beautiful light bottle in your handbag to touch up during the day. This perfume doesn’t have much warmth or depth to it, so it wouldn’t really suit the cooler weather.

Coastal sophistication

Another perfume that is known to be a favorite of Meghan Markle is Cote d’Azur by Oribe, for men and women. Beautiful hair products are what make Oribe famous. This is one of the first perfumes the brand issued. Oribe launched Cote d’Azur in 2014. Robert Jerome Epinette and Pierre Wulff created Oribe Cote d’Azur.

Cote d’Azur by Oribe is intended to be a unisex perfume. This should delight all fans of Meghan Markle! In fact, before her marriage to the Royal Family, Meghan Markle was known for her famous lifestyle website, The Tig. On this website, Meghan promoted a message of self-love and positivity. It makes sense that her perfume would be one that is marketed and suitable for everyone.

The bottle is elegant but like the perfume, would suit either a man or a woman, with a clear base gradually becoming a dark grey top and a black lid.

Notes and Longevity

Cote d’Azur means Azure Coast. Cote d’Azur by Oribe channels this inspiration throughout. It even takes its name from exactly that, the beautiful blue Mediterranean ocean and sky. Cote d’Azur by Oribe has a striking citrusy floral scent, the bright smell of fresh lemons mixed with soft white floral notes. The top notes are fresh lemons and oranges, blackcurrant, and bergamot. Fruity, fresh flavors give this a really vibrant opening. Tuberose, cyclamen, and jasmine, and then sandalwood, vetiver, and amber then follow these notes.

Occasions

Cote d’Azur by Oribe is particularly good for use during warm spring days, as it brings to mind warm leisurely afternoons by glittering seas and fun summer holidays. It is a great perfume for day events, especially if you want to bring a little bit of a special aroma. It is a moderately long-lasting perfume, so it might not last more than a few hours on some skin.

Bringing opposites together

Meghan Markle is known for her sophistication, but also for being an intriguing and magnetic woman. That is exactly how you could describe Bvlgari’s BLV Eau de Parfum II. It is, therefore, no wonder that this is a perfume that Meghan Markle would wear.

Jacques Cavallier created BLV Eau de Parfum II. He described it as:

“A positive, encouraging fragrance which connects the opposites”.

Jacques Cavallier

Could there be a more accurate description of Meghan Markle herself? Connecting traditional British Royalty with mixed-race American heritage, an English prince with a Hollywood actress. But always positive and supportive of her fans and her family.

Even the bottle of this perfume reflects this nature – a geometrical base with pale blue perfume inside, topped by a silver circular stopper. BLV Eau de Parfum II was first launched in 2009, so its continued popularity as a fashion icon is a testament to its quality.

Notes and Longevity

BLV Eau de Parfum II has top notes of violet, star anise, licorice, and mandarin, giving it a complex but spicy quality. The heart notes are iris with patchouli and vetiver, which is an unusual combination. Finally, the base notes are all built on amber, finished with Tonka and musk. The perfume opens sweetly, but the spicy under-tones quickly come through to make it a strong but well-rounded scent. The sweet but perfectly combined and feminine scent is exactly what might be expected from a well-known fashion house like Bvlgari.

Occasions

A moderate-lasting perfume, BLV Eau de Parfum II would suit any warmer weather day event. The scent is quite sophisticated and elegant, so it is perfect for the office or a daytime date. However, it might work well if you were to wear it for a casual night event as well, although is a little too subtle for a formal event or a date.

Elegant royal and passionate activist, Meghan Markle is a remarkable woman. Her taste in perfumes gives a hint of the beauty and complexity that lies beneath. What other perfumes would Meghan Markle wear?