This Not That: Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt

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Perfume is one of those things I never buy for myself—it’s always been a go-to gift for birthdays or Christmas. But this year, I awkwardly ran out of my beloved Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt before my next gift cycle hit. So I went hunting for a temporary replacement… and ended up finding something better.

Enter Fine’ry Before the Rainbow—a fragrance I picked up on a whim and now can’t stop wearing. I’ve always loved Jo Malone’s clean, cool-girl vibe, but let’s be honest: it fades fast. It’s subtle to the point where I rarely got compliments, and I found myself reapplying just to keep the scent alive.

Before the Rainbow hits all the same notes—salty air, sage, a hint of earthiness—but with more presence. It’s like Jo Malone’s confident older sister: still effortlessly chic, but bold enough to turn heads. The scent lingers beautifully, and I’ve actually had people stop and ask what I’m wearing.

So now? I’m not sure I’ll go back. This little Target gem gave me everything I loved about Jo Malone, but with better staying power and a price tag that doesn’t make me flinch.