There is nothing I love more than coming home, switching the lights off, watching my favourite tv programs and burning my favourite candle. Yes, that’s right it is officially candle season! There is no better feeling than snuggling in (or coorie in as we say in Scotland) and enjoying that flickering flame and ambient glow. Being a fragrance enthusiast, I always gravitate towards the scented variety, so in this blog, I thought I would share some of my top-scented candles, some of which are old favourites and others which I have just recently discovered.
Ostens – Illumination Cashmeran Velvet
For my first candle, I thought I would share one of my recent finds, Illumination Cashmeran Velvet from Ostens. Presented in an elegant mouth-blown scalloped glass, the scent of this candle is similar to the fragrance of the same name by perfumer Sophie Labbe revealing the most warming, comforting and snuggle-worthy notes that you can imagine. Cashmeran Velvet is a synthetic molecule in Ostens Collection, created to portray a cosy, comforting and fuzzy ambience. It laces the air with subtle smokey notes entwined with an addictive combination of amber and soft woods. It has instantly become a favourite of mine, embodying the spirit of this time of year and portraying that mellow and homey feeling that we all crave.
Blu Blazer Guy Rating:
Presentation – 4.5/5
Vessel – 5/5
Scent – 5/5
220g – 55-65 hours burn time
Available from Ostens
Check out my video review here.
If you have had the chance to read through my travel section of the blog then you will see how fond I was of my trip to the Scottish Island of Harris. I actually cannot believe it took me so long to visit and I can’t wait to go back. Whilst there I had the opportunity to visit Essence of Harris, a home fragrance brand that encapsulates this beautiful island in all of its products. I instantly fell in love with them and it was such a pleasure to get to know the brand on a personal level and see all the hard work and dedication that goes into each of the products.
My second candle choice is Dusk from Essence of Harris’s new range, the Elements Collection. A few weeks ago I attended the launch dinner for this new range and as soon as I smelled this candle’s aroma in the air I knew it was the one for me. With notes of Peony, Neroli, Rhubarb, Apple, Patchouli and Musk it has this fresh, green yet comforting combination. If you are a fan of rhubarb, then this comes to the forefront in this candle, filling the air as if you have just snapped a fresh piece of rhubarb from the ground. I love how this collection has a gorgeous smoked glass vessel embellished in gold, it adds this elegant, dark and dramatic look that I haven’t seen from the brand before.
Blu Blazer Guy Rating:
Presentation – 4.5/5
Vessel – 4.5/5
Scent – 4.5/5
220g – 40 Hour Burn Time
Available at Essence of Harris
Check out my video review here.
We all love to daydream, especially me, so what more could you ask for than a candle company that is inspired by daydreaming? DAYDREAMIN’ is a gay-owned vegan candle brand from Nottingham that think outside the box when it comes to its scents and candle names. I immediately gravitated to Camp As F*** because let’s face it we all need a little fun and campness in our life just now. In the dark murky depths of the Scottish winter, this candle transports you right back to summer days in the garden with your favourite music on. Within its Matt black vessel, a protrusion of fruity floral nuances fills the air. Piles of juicy red Strawberries are accompanied by a pink-hued Summer Rosé whilst a delicate veil of Lily of the Valley flutters in the background. We all tend to gravitate towards the more Smokey and spicy candles at this time of year but I feel this is such a welcomed deviation, one that instantly lifts the soul and makes me smile.
Blu Blazer Guy Rating:
Presentation: 4/5
Vessel: 4/5
Scent: 4/5
240g – 50+ hours burn time
Available from Daydreamin’
Check out my video review here.
Lalique – La Nuit (The night) – Nairobi, Kenya
After witnessing the sculptural work of Lalique in The Ritz Rivoli Bar and the renowned Savoy hotel in London, I quickly became an avid enthusiast of their work. I became even more intrigued with the intricate craftsmanship of this chic French glassmaker whilst studying interior design a few years back. Also renowned for their beautiful perfume bottles and fragrances (one of which I’ve previously blogged about) I was very happy to see that they have a range of exquisite candles. La Nuit (The night) – Nairobi, Kenya is a special edition candle which is presented in the most stunning navy and gold lacquered vessel with intricate swallow motifs. On burning the candle you can witness the glow of the flame flicker through the frosted swallow motifs, giving the illusion that they are fluttering in the night sky. The notes in this candle include a subtle but nevertheless impressive blend of Plum, Jasmine, Orris, Coffee and vetiver. Lalique Describe it as “The extraordinary scent of the candle subtly features the nearly infinite diversity of Kenya. A refined blend of the aromatic fruitiness of plum with bittersweet notes of Amaretto, floral jasmine accords and relaxing exotic iris accents. Symbolizing the African soils, bitter nuances of aromatic coffee and vetiver provide a spicy freshness.”
Blu Blazer Guy Rating:
Presentation – 4/5
Vessel – 4.5/5
Scent – 4.5/5
190g – 40-50 Hours Burn Time.
Available from Lalique.
Check out my video review here.
Acqua di Parma – Magia del Camino
It would have been wrong of me not to include a festive candle in my top favourites, so I have chosen the enchanting Magia del Camino from the renowned Italian fragrance house, Acqua di Parma. Released as a seasonal exclusive Magia del Camino candle meaning Magic of the Fireplace is Part of the Acqua di Parma Holiday Collection, bringing with it the comforting warmth of a cosy and woody fragrance. The limited-edition candle features intense hues and magical tones on the glass jar and the outer box, a one-of-a-kind print inspired by a Florentine artisanal technique by Italian craftsmen. The burning flames of a roaring fire come alive with notes of Incense, Cedarwood, Guaiac wood, Birch wood and resinous Amber. This is my first seasonal candle from the brand and even though I haven’t burnt it yet, the smell from the box is so stunningly addictive. Now I can’t wait to get my tree up, turn the lights down and light this beauty of a candle.
Blu Blazer Guy Rating:
Presentation – 4.5/5
Vessel – 4.5/5
Scent – 5/5
200g – Up to 50 hours burn time
Available from Acqua di Parma.
Check out my video review here.
*All these candles are PR Samples excluding Ostens. All views are my own.
BLU BLAZER GUY 