Voluspa Scented Candles

You know by now that I am nothing without a scented candle. They are literally essential to my existence. I have said before that Voluspa Candles are the creme de la creme of scented candles and I will say it again.

Their fragrances burn true and very cleanly, and here is why...they use a Coconut Wax blend. "Voluspa is one of the first candle companies to use coconut wax commercially. Coconut wax is made by first
collecting coconuts and then cold pressing the oil out of the meat of the coconut. That coconut oil is then turned in to coconut wax through the process of hydrogenation which is the same process by which soy wax is made"-via Voluspa. This means that they are clean burning, keep their crisp white look, hold their scent beautifully and prominently, and they are ecologically sound and sustainable. The holy grail!

I have bought all of my Voluspa  candles for the past few years from a fantastic online store, Amara. They have tonnes of design led pieces for the home, and a great range of candles too. I bought a Fatboy pouffe for my new flat a couple of weeks ago by virtue of their great marketing of new brands on their website, and I am hooked. Rather predictably I went for the pink one, but was tempted by the camo option.

Anyway, Voluspa has upped their game producing bigger and better candles that deliver on all fronts. Here are my current faves.

Sommelier (Ruby Port, Fig and Star Anise)

Winter Cherry

 Vacarro Orange and Mryhh

Pink Citron

Not just a pretty package....but you have to admit they look good too!

Sensory Therapy: Muse Perfumery

You know I am a sucker for candles and packaging, so when I saw the new branding design for Muse Perfumery on The Dieline I was smitten.

The packaging of these handmade and all natural candles features a letterpress label and wood based packaging, each scent is represented through the color of the label and the delightful vintagey pattern of leaves and flowers on the box.

"Rendered by the graphic designers at Wink, Muse Wax Candles branding embodies the aroma of each luminary with a physical depiction of the fragrance’s motif. The colors and petals of each flower and fruit have been intricately unfolded into bright and beautiful wooden boxes." Via Trendhunter

Pear, Fig, Cardamom....too many to choose from!

Jonathan Adler Pop Candles

The new line of scented candles from Jonathan Adler has me in a spin. The Pop Candle Collection is made up of three new scents, all derived from a fresh garden theme. Watercress, Tomato and Grapefruit pack a beautifully scented punch, presented in a simple glass container in vibrant colours to lighten up your life.

Watercress Candle: The cleansing scents of watercress, cucumber, lime, mint and cypress wood.

Tomato: a blend of tomato leaves, basil, rhubarb, thyme and sandalwood. Like bottling the tangy freshness of a tomato vine in a glass.

Grapefruit: Pink and white grapefruit for zest, blended with passionfruit for a tropical tang

Summery scents that will freshen up your space and mind. Good enough to eat. Delicious!

Sensory Therapy: Fig

I truly do not think there is a smell I love more than that of fig. That fresh, green, slightly woody, subtly fruity smell never fails to give me a sense of calm and contentment. This is a scent that is often suggested for men, as it is a little more masculine, not sweet or too fruity. I would consider myself something of a connoisseur when it comes to the best fig scented candles on the market, so I thought I better give you my top picks. These are candles chosen for the quality of scent as well as the burn time (nothing worse than a shelling out on a candle that poops out on you too soon, or doesn't deliver the promised scent!).

Olivana Fig

Seda France Figue et Cypres

Votivo Moroccan Fig

Voluspa Fig and Cardamon

(Voluspa candles burn for the longest time, and their scents are strong and true to their descriptions making them the best value by far).

Saving the very best for last here,

Diptyque Figuier

Since starting my new life of self imposed frugality, I have not been in a position to own one of these beauties, and I know they are pricey even when you do have cash. All I can say is, in the scented candle spectrum this Diptyque candle is worth it.

I wear their scent, Philosykos which is a woodier take on the fig scent, described as "the fig tree in all its glory". Completely and utterly divine...

SENSORY THERAPY

Scented Candles...
There are few things in life that I love more than scented candles. I always have them burning, and although my addiction is strong, I am also very discerning in the candles I buy. Quality of the scent and the length of burn time are key. I like to think of my years of obsessively trying the newest out there, as research. So here are my top picks!
Recently, I have been converted to Soy Candles, for their cleaner burn and lack of pollutants, but my first love has to be Diptyque.
Originally a Paris interior design store, Diptyque was founded in 1961 by three friends, Desmond Knox-Leet, Christiane Gautrot and Yves Coueslant, all with an artistic and interior decoration background. It was their collective love of travel, to far flung exotic places such as the Far East and Africa, that first inspired the range of scents (launched in 1963). Initially created as an accessory to their interior design range using their own designs of printed cotton fabrics, their luxurious range of scented candles has gone on to be famous around the world. Their designs are simple and clean, using scents that range from herbal, to floral, fruity and woody. Figuier (fig) is my everyday favourite.
A cult brand based in Los Angeles, are A Scent of Scandal. Their soy candle tins are given names like "8 inches" (banana scent), "knocked up" (baby powder scent), "walk of shame" (morning dew scent)....you get the picture, risque names that have a tongue in cheek reference to their scents. "D-cups".......Melons of course!
For the best value candles, both in terms of scent and burn-time, I choose Bridgewater Candles. I have to admit I was put off initially by their generic "Yankee Candle" look, until they redesigned their packaging. These are natural soy blend wax candles, with simple scents that will evoke warm memories with their Christmas scents, Fresh Baked Apple Pie, Cinnamon and Clove and Butterscotch. I don't like sickly sweet scents, but the Red Hot Cinnamon is spicy and warm. My favourite of the bunch!
I included Shearer Hill Farm Country Candles in a previous post, so had to revisit them for this. I'll admit I haven't tried them, but their unique packaging in Mason Jars, their soy base and the homely scents they use, all make this my current favourite to try. Having just given up coffee (my life's love is Green Mountain Coffee Hazelnut), I guess I will have to settle for this to curb my cravings.

Hazelnut Coffee Candle

Hmm, I think this might just add to my Coffee addiction!