Adding to the I-just-want-the-jar pile, the Maison La Bougie Rose Rouge candle: "Imagine the smoky embrace of incense lingering in the air, the deep warmth of cedarwood underfoot, and the velvety richness of a crimson rose blooming in the background. Notes of tonka bean, vanilla, and patchouli add a sensual depth, like a whispered secret in a grand Haussmannian apartment." 2kg with lid, AED1,600 at Bloomingdales in the Middle East, or on markdown for $125 at Saks Off 5th.
After decades of scented candle experimentation — low, medium and high (we’re talking price points) — I’ve come to realize the aromas inside a jar don’t always match the price tags. Many expensive candles smell cheap or ordinary and some inexpensively priced candles smell heavenly and high end. (And smelling cold wax in a boutique display candle won’t tell you how it will smell once lit.) Buying candles gobbles up money and you can end up feeling blessed or cursed when the moment of truth arrives and match flame hits wick.
Over the years, trial and error has led me back to two candle-making fragrance houses — Astier de Villatte and Trudon. I realized this recently when looking at a gorilla rack in my basement that holds my vases all the candle jars I’ve saved to repurpose…
Trudon has a new oud and peony home fragrance collection, Altaïr, but what caught my eye was a recent collaboration with the luxury hotel Le Bristol Paris: "On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Le Bristol Paris, Maison Trudon has developed an exclusive fragrance: Honoré. The Honoré fragrance pays homage to the patron saint of bakers and pastry chefs, as well as the iconic address of the hotel, located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Created as a bespoke composition by perfumer Sidonie Lancesseur, the fragrance draws inspiration from the emblematic flour mill installed in the basement of Le Bristol Paris. It also evokes the aura of the establishment, a true temple of French and Parisian gastronomy." With notes of yeast, wheat, cedar, hay and vetiver, available in 270g ($145) and 2.8kg candles and in a 375 ml room spray ($280).
It's the usual: I know nothing about this brand, I just like that jar. From Lazarus Douvos, the Rose 1845 candle. "Discover a limited-edition collectible: a handcrafted Milky-white enameled ceramic vessel by Maison Carron Paris, designed exclusively for Lazarus Douvos. Adorned with the brand's design, it pays homage to the ROSE 1845 story of love and romance. As the candle is lit, the soft, golden light dances across the room, seducing you to a moment where time stands still, and beauty is elevated to an art form." $320 (well then) for 400g at Neiman Marcus.
More snake, this one from Paddywax, in "Wild Lemongrass": "A dopo! translates to See ya Later! This friendly, on-the-go attitude inspired this whimsical collection that alludes to summertime travels across the Mediterranean and beyond. 8 oz ceramic candles with hand-painted details have been filled with bold fragrances to match the imaginative design and ignite your senses." $30 for 226g at Revolve.