Battle of the Wicks

Candle Contenders

Who knew that Amazon could be a fancy-smancy candle shop?  I’m a sucker for online shopping, b/c it’s for the lazy and spontaneous buyers.  That’s me.

Here’s some fun facts about our sense of SMELL:

• our nose is capable of identifying only 7 smells: Camphor, Musk, Floral, Mint, Ether, Acrid, or Putrid.  (Either IS Putrid, and I’ve never heard of Acrid.)
• Dogs have a better sense of smell than humans
• Smell helps the ability to taste

For me, it completely affects my mood.  And other’s.  It’s funny that I use cheaper candles when company isn’t over.  Bird’s of Paradise by Circle E Candles is my everyday candle.  Similar to our house wine that we drink, currently 14 Hands Cabernet, and save the good stuff for guests–usually $20 and upwards.  Depending on who it is.  I kid. Not really.

I noticed going into other’s homes, the aroma was richer than mine.  I felt sometimes like I was in a spa, sometimes happier, sometimes sexy, and even sometimes smelled Putrid.  I didn’t want my house to smell the latter.  Visiting candle shops was disastrous b/c my nose is every bit as ADHD as I am leading to sensory overload.  Doubled with a headache lasting an entire day without even sipping a glass of wine.  So I turned to Google and was overwhelmed by the lists and articles dedicated to crowning candles the winner.  Turned out, ironically enough, a couple candles delivered were, in fact, adorned with sashes.  And bows.  And elaborate gift boxes that probably cost more than the candle itself.

So, I tested 5 candles by polling friends and journaling my mood while each one burned.  I’ve ranked the candles and listed WHY they did/did not meet my expectations:

Christian Tortu foret Candle $62.00

Buy here on Amazon

*******WINNER******

Hands down, this took the crown in the competition of the best candles.  I was surprised because I assumed Foret (Forest) would be too woodsy, taking back to the Piney Woods of East Texas.  Instead, I was transported to Sherwood Forest.  I only use this in the powder room sparingly.  Perfect hostess gift:  You WILL be invited back.  It’s addictive. 5o hours of burn time, and it’s worth every $1.25 per hour.

Tip: If it’s too expensive, tell your partner to be Robin Hood and steal from the rich.

Black Dalia by D.L & Co.

Buy here on Amazon

*******RUNNER-UP*******

Purple is my second favorite color and the silk black box had me from hello.  But mainly, I loved the mysterious sweet and spicy juxtaposition.  Complex and mysterious, Jasmine meets pepper is a dramatic combination.  Kind of like me.  Rihanna explains it best:

“Just gonna stand there
And watch me burn
But it’s alright
Because I like
The way it hurts. smells.

 Tip: Great for a romantic date night.  Not an appropriate gift for you step-mom.  (Unless you give her lingerie on birthdays)

Jo Malone London Orange Blossom $75

Buy HERE on Amazon

********THIRD PLACE*******

Happy.  Fresh.  Takes me back to childhood sucking sweet honeysuckles.  The orange isn’t sticky sweet, and it’s an impossible “offensive” smell.  Unless someone doesn’t like happy.  At $75, it can be a buzz kill; but I found the buzz to be worth it.

Tip: During a heated (can’t help the pun) moment with your loved one, light it and watch the fairies magically fix the mood.

Malin+Goet Dark Rum $52

Buy here on Amazon

*******FOURTH PLACE*******

The name sums it up: RUM.  Not too dark or musty, the hint amber and vanilla tames it from being a smokey cigar lounge.  My husband enjoyed the leather smell.  I didn’t tell him it was 16% eau de toilette.  The feminine detail would quickly turn him off.

Tip:  Perfect gift for a husband, new boyfriend, or dad.

Aspen Bay Aloha Orchid $26

Buy HERE on Amazon

*******FIFTH PLACE*******

This is my every day house candle.  With a glass of my house wine.  Pleasant but predictable.  Peaceful.

Tip: Keep multiple on hand for last minute birthday/Christmas gifts.

Diptyque Figuier $60

Buy HERE on Amazon

********LAST PLACE*******

I’m a diptyque fan but these figs are rotten.  I can’t even give it away.  Some candles smell better when lit, but this got worse.  My Yankee Candle gets props after lighting this up.  It reminds me of a gym steam room:  They try to mask the bad smell with Febreeze, but there’s a questionable scent still lingering.

TIP: Don’t buy