Ebony Wood Elixir and Leather Jardin

There is something deeply satisfying about finding a perfume that smells far more expensive than its price tag. Enter Zara’s Ebony Wood Elixir and Leather Jardin, both part of a collection created in collaboration with award-winning perfumer Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves. 

Ebony Wood Elixir: My Forever Zara Perfume

This is my second bottle of Ebony Wood Elixir, and frankly, I have no intention of stopping. For £39.99, you get a generous 100ml bottle that could easily last a year although that depends on whether you spray perfume normally or, like me, practically shower in it.

To me, Ebony Wood Elixir is divine: fresh, alluring and effortlessly gorgeous. It has that “what perfume are you wearing?” quality when you walk into a room. Zara describes the latest Elixir as a woody gourmand, with pink pepper, mandarin and nutmeg opening into rose, jasmine, coffee, guaiac wood and oak moss.

One of the best perfumes Zara has ever made.

Leather Jardin: The Layering Secret

Leather Jardin is completely different. The best way I can describe it? Green. Earthy, fresh, clean and very much like the scent of being surrounded by nature but with something darker underneath.

The fragrance combines a fresh citrus opening, rose and a deep leather base, which Zara describes as a green leather chypre.

For me, this isn’t necessarily a perfume that shines best on its own. Its real talent is layering. Spray Leather Jardin first, then add something sweeter over the top. The result is more interesting, more complex and completely your own.

And the longevity? Incredible. I sprayed it on my coat and could still smell it weeks later.

Our verdict: A fantastic layering perfume and proof that Zara fragrances deserve more respect.