Helen Mirren Revealed She Uses the "Nice and Light" Perfume I’ve Worn for Years

Helen Mirren is my idol for many reasons. So, imagine my surprise when I recently discovered that she and I smell the same? Okay, at least that’s what I took away from her latest "Inside My Beauty Bag" segment for Harper's Bazaar UK, where she let viewers in on one of the most personal of things of all — what’s in purse. Mirren revealed everything she carries with her on a daily basis, including the cologne that’s her must-have — and mine, too.

Whatever a person schlepps along with them holds a special place in one’s heart, IMO at least. After all, if you leave the house for even just a few minutes and end up throwing that little something-something in your bag, it clearly means you can’t really live without it. So when a celebrity like Mirren is kind enough to reveal the personal belongings that fill their bag, I’m all ears — and yes, I have discovered my fair share of new, must-try things for the sole reason that they were in said A-listers purse. 

Among the Dame’s many tote essentials, like a universally flattering Essie nail polish, a magic gel that resolves any skin issue, and a face cream that “makes you look like you’ve just had the best... night ever,” I was excited when she pulled out a Jo Malone fragrance, and even more excited when she exclaimed, “I love all the Jo Malone perfumes, they’re wonderful. They’re just nice and light, they don’t overpower anyone,” because, same! No wonder the label has also been worn by the likes of Meghan Markle and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, too.

Jo Malone London Blackberry and Bay Cologne 

The exact fragrance she whipped out was the Blackberry and Bay scent that I and hundreds of Nordstrom shoppers love, with many calling it their “favorite” smell of all time — and for good reason. Perfumes and scents can quickly get overwhelming and overbearing, but this particular one — like all of Jo Malone’s offerings — is subtle and soft. The fragrance is both fresh and sweet thanks to the blackberry note, but also rich and warm thanks to the bay leaves and cedarwood. 

My other go-to Jo Malone scent has and will always be Wood Sage and Sea Salt. Maybe it’s because it was the first one I ever used from the brand, or maybe it’s because my mom is a fan of it, too. Regardless, trust me when I tell you this is the one smell everyone should have in their rotation. The unisex fragrance takes zero thought to wear compared to other perfumes that can be more complicated, whether they’re a little too strong, a little too floral, or a little too something. You’ll always be in a wood sage and sea salt mood, pinky promise; it’s truly the perfect everyday option, as it's lightweight and airy, but still leaves a fresh, clean aroma on your skin that you’ll never get tired of. 

I’ve used Jo Malone for years, and I’m sure Mirren has, too. I guarantee you will, as well. Shop some more dreamy fragrances from the label that are certain to stop people in their tracks — prepare to answer the question, “What perfume are you wearing?” all the time.

Jo Malone London Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne

Jo Malone London English Pear and Freesia Cologne

Jo Malone London Wild Bluebell Cologne