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Home fragrance report ~ Linari Malva candle

Posted by Pia on 18 March 2007 6 Comments

Linari Malva scented candle

Having recently, and happily, reviewed Diptyque's Figuier, I thought to continue with the fig thread by introducing the Malva candle by Linari. One of their twelve available scented candles, Malva is elegantly packaged, with a frosted glass container with Linari etched all over it, and a rather nice Wenge wood lid that can also double as a coaster while the candle is burning. Linari claims to offer both 'seductive fragrance and pure design', and the design is certainly appealing in a minimalist sort of way.

I read the Malva description online, and was looking forward to the 'never ending fireworks of the delicate scent of green figs and bergamot', complimented by nutmeg, wild raspberry and cedar. Before I even opened the box, I could easily identify the green fig, but I was also hopeful that the surrounding notes would provide a very distinctive blend quite separate from some of the other fig based scents that involve coconut, almond, and a leafy sappy fig. This fig was definitely greener and brighter.

Once I lit the candle however, I was slightly disappointed at the amount of time it took to cast off a decent throw. I estimated a good hour before I really noticed the scent, and while I made allowances both for the frigid air we have been having on the east coast, as well as that being the first time lighting it, when I returned to the candle today it took the same amount of time. And even after an hour, it was never terribly strong. That may not be a disadvantage for those who seek a more delicate scent, but I found it hard to even tease out the different notes unless standing very close to the candle itself.

The first note to appear quite confidently was the green fig that had been seeping out from under the packaging. Slowly it began to combine with something a bit more interesting...almost salty, maritime, which does not appear at all in the Linari reviews. Bound up in that was a sudden rush of grapefruit, although I will recant under pressure if anyone insists that that is what wild raspberry smells like. I found it to have more flat citrus tones than round fruity, but perhaps the wild raspberry also includes the leaf which adds a crisp quality. In either case, it certainly adds a bit of light and sparkle to the scent, which then began to warm up and ease into what it really seems to be all about — nutmeg. It provides a solid warm base and the bergamot, although subtle, seems to find a comfortable perch there. The fig continues to dance lightly above them both, complimented by the fruit/citrus raspberry (or grapefruit!). But I was startled to find that everytime I re-entered the room the candle was in, I was greeted with a solid round prominent nutmeg tone. And I found no trace of cedar at all.

Although it's a very pleasant candle, I find the nutmeg a bit overpowering given the fig, fruit and bergamot expectations I had. I'm also not a huge fan of nutmeg outside of the holiday season, so perhaps I'm just being difficult. The candle does have a very clean burn, and while tipping the scale a wee bit toward the feminine side, it could definitely be appealing to both men and women if you like the particular notes that are used. It could be a good gift for someone who has high-end but discreet taste. But overall I just found it mildly uninteresting given the price. It is definitely not a cheap candle ($60) and at that price range I think it ought to leave more of an impression.

The Linari Malva is part of the Wenge series and can be purchased online at lafcony.com for $60 (6.5 oz) or in Europe at linari.com for 40 euro.

Filed Under: home fragrance
Tagged With: candle, linari

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6 Comments

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  1. Anonymous says:
    19 March 2007 at 6:12 pm

    I've used their diffusers and wondered how the candles were. Good to know I can save my money. But it's a shame since the packaging really is lovely.

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  2. Anonymous says:
    19 March 2007 at 9:34 pm

    The packaging is indeed lovely…and maybe some of their other candles live up to it. This is the first Linari product I have tried. But I would rather spend my money (and somewhat less of it!!) on brands I consistently love like L'Artisan and Diptyque.

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  3. Anonymous says:
    13 September 2007 at 10:17 am

    I am very happy to find a review on this brand, LINARI. I have been thinking of acquiring it for my retail shop (specializing only in premium scented candles & diffusers), but the candles that i bought to try, just didn't impress me, unfortunately! I bought CIELO & CALLA and there is barely any scent! The 2 diffusers I bought, RUBINO & CALLA look very prestigious & luxe, but the sales person forgot to include the sticks, so I have to figure out how to use them. (I bought them in Paris and I live in Asia). Its alot of money even at cost and I just don't know if it works well. Any feedback or comments on LINARI would really help me. AND if anyone out there knows of really good, well made diffusers, do please let me know. I have yet to come across a nice brand that really smells terrific!

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  4. Anonymous says:
    13 September 2007 at 5:28 pm

    Hi FQ!

    Sorry you have had a muddle with the sticks for your Linari diffusers…I wonder if you could use those wooden sticks that are used in manicure sets…can't remember the name, but maybe worth a try?

    I have had good experience with diffusers from Anthousa and also Red Flower. Beautiful fragrances and well blended with an excellent throw–quite different from each other as well in both look and scent–maybe you might be interested in those lines?

    Good luck with your store!

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  5. Anonymous says:
    14 September 2007 at 3:10 am

    Hi Pia, thanks for the tips! I checked out Anthousa and love it! Its what I have been looking for. I hate brands that are all style and no substance and vice versa. Got to have it just right! Red Flowers I am familiar with and would also look into. I just don't know what it is, but I am crazy about scents! I thought I was the only one! I am really happy to find this site and it seems like its written by people who really enjoy the same. Looking forward to reading all these comments!

    Many thanks! FQ

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  6. Anonymous says:
    14 September 2007 at 9:39 am

    I'm so glad you like the Anthousa line. LOL, I know what you mean about being crazy abouts scents, and I suspect many others here do as well. Glad you found your way to this site! :-)

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