Wood & Sage

The Verdict

This is an acceptable choice for errands where longevity and complexity aren't requirements, such as a quick trip to the grocery store or a very brief walk outdoors. Its fleeting nature makes it difficult to recommend for any real occasion where you want to make a perceptible impression. If you are going to use it, consider spraying it on your clothing to extend its lifespan to a moderate extent.

First Impressions & Dry Down

Jenny Glow's Wood & Sage opens with a blast of something vaguely akin to salt air, but it's quickly overtaken by a rather sharp ambrette note that reads more like synthetic musk. The promised sage is present, but it's a muted, almost medicinal version – imagine sage essential oil diluted in rubbing alcohol. There's a distinct lack of the juicy grapefruit promised, which is a pity. As it dries, the seaweed emerges, but it's less oceanic brine and more like the faintly plasticky smell of seaweed snacks found in a supermarket. It’s a simplified, flatter interpretation that’s missing the original’s nuanced sparkle. The salty aspect dissipates entirely within minutes.

Performance Reality Check

On my skin, Wood & Sage lasts a paltry two hours, maybe. Projection is arm's length for the first 30 minutes, then it retreats to a skin scent. I tested it during a moderately warm day at the office – a scenario where a lighter fragrance should thrive – and found myself reapplying it before lunchtime to get even a whiff. The staying power is extremely limited.