The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Mathilde Bijaoui designed Myrrh & Tonka in 2016. Rather than a fleeting cologne, this one has substance, a warm, resinous heart of Namibian myrrh wrapped in the sweet warmth of tonka bean and vanilla. The pairing is unexpected: myrrh usually suggests dark, incense-laden territory, but here it meets almond-softened tonka and vanilla in a composition that feels both grounded and inviting. The warm, balsamic quality of the Namibian myrrh blends with the coumarin richness of tonka bean, creating a scent that balances deep resinous notes with creamy sweetness. The vanilla adds a soft, enveloping warmth that rounds out the composition, making it feel both intimate and substantial. The interplay between these notes creates a fragrance that speaks quietly but with undeniable presence.
The myrrh here isn't the church-incense type. Namibian myrrh carries a warm, balsamic quality that feels almost honeyed rather than medicinal. Combined with tonka bean, its coumarin richness lending that characteristic sweet, slightly vanillic warmth, and vanilla, the result is a fragrance that bridges two worlds: aromatic from the lavender opening, oriental from the myrrh heart, and gourmand from the tonka-vanilla base. It's an unusual combination for Jo Malone, where myrrh typically appears in darker, more austere compositions.
The evolution
The opening is all lavender, cool, camphorated, slightly herbaceous. You might double-check the bottle at first, wondering where the myrrh is. The myrrh arrives slowly, dark and resinous, taking over as the dominant note for the next several hours. It's the kind of heart that demands patience. Then the base notes begin their slow reveal: tonka bean first, warm and sweet, followed by vanilla and almond in a creamy, close-to-skin drydown that extends the wearing experience. The longevity of this fragrance sets it apart in the Jo Malone collection, with a wear time that outlasts many in the range. The sillage stays moderate and intimate, never projecting far, but what it leaves behind lingers.
Cultural impact
Myrrh & Tonka stands out in the Jo Malone range as a fragrance with real substance. While much of the collection is designed to be light, intimate, and layering-friendly, this one offers a different character. The warm myrrh and tonka combination appeals to those seeking resinous depth without heaviness. It's a scent that invites wearers to experience something beyond the typical Jo Malone approach, with notes that create a rich, enveloping quality.
