She has two other fragrance releases under her belt, but for the iconic Jaclyn Smith, the launch of her signature fragrance, JACKIE by Jaclyn Smith, available exclusively with HSN on July 24, is different. “These are all my favorite things rolled into one,” the Charlie’s Angels’ star excitedly shared over a recent Zoom from her home. With top notes of bergamot, aldehydes and amber, middle notes of ylang, orris and rose, and a base of musk, sandalwood and heliotrope, the new floral-musk Eau de Parfum is also a bit of a love letter based on a “surprise gift” from her husband. Smith chatted with us to talk about the inspiration behind the romantic scent, and shared what she’s doing for wellness—and relaxation—this summer.
This isn’t your first fragrance, but what was the most satisfying part of bringing this one to market?
Well, I don’t know if you know the story, but I had an oil I wore for many years. It was a surprise from my husband. He took me to this little shop in France and bought it for me; I wore that for a long time and I got lots of compliments on it, and then I couldn’t get the oils anymore. When I was approached by this incredible team and they said, “Would you like to do a fragrance?” I thought, “Wow, this is a wonderful opportunity to recreate that fragrance I loved for so many years.”
Frankly, I have had two other fragrance, but this new one was a whole education—we did so many samples before we really came to our final pick. I think fragrance is so personal, and this one really is authentic to me. It comes from my heart and my family. It reminds me of my mother, who introduced me to fragrance at a young age, and to my travels and my garden. It was a very exciting, very creative process to be able to capture that fragrance that I loved for so many years. This team really made that possible.
That sounds like a great process.
It was. Now, I understand more about what goes into creating a fragrance. When I did the two fragrances for Max Factor, there were certain parameters, and we had to go this direction or that direction, but this was a free, open field to experiment and bring in all the different infusions and scents and how they work together. It’s a much more complex fragrance than my simple oils were. And it’s a way to give back to people that have followed me all these years. It’s a very personal part of me.
We’ve talked a little bit about wellness previously and you are very vocal that health is a big part of your life. Are you doing anything differently this summer?
I have three grandchildren, and we’re planning a family trip—probably by the ocean—at the end of the summer. My son moved to Virginia, so we’re looking to go to the Outer Banks. Running after them keeps me in shape! I do work out still, I do Pilates, I do weights. As you know, it’s been 23–24 years that I’m a breast cancer survivor, so working out is very much a part of my life. I’m married to a heart surgeon, so he says working out is “not only for your body, but your brain.” It’s so important to stay fit and keep your strength and your muscles in shape.
I also do a green drink. I’m on a variety of vitamins, too. Sometimes, I think, “Wow, this is too many vitamins!” But, yes, I’m pretty health-oriented, living with a heart surgeon. My husband is also big on sleep—he likes sleeping at 68 degrees nights totally in the dark, no light—he’s constantly on me for that!
There is nothing better than good sleep. Are there any beauty products you’ve used forever that you really swear by?
I have my own skin-care line that my husband developed. It’s now in the process of being reformulated because he’s a researcher and he always wants to stay on top of the cutting-edge ingredients. There is an old-fashioned product called Aveline Cream. I use that to take off the makeup. I put that on, I steam my face and it works for me. I love it. I’m sure it’s not what a lot of people would recommend, but it works for me and I like it. If my skin is extra dry, I massage that into my skin, and it’s something that’s been a constant. I used to do a drink of apple cider vinegar, which takes down inflammation, little tricks like that. The green drink is something I’m pretty consistent with now, because I watch my husband eat a million vegetables; I can’t do that, I’d rather just put the greens into a drink and be done!
