You do need a home fragrance guide – trust me. By some estimates, home fragrance sales have grown 20% y-o-y owing to the pandemic – and by the looks of it, the pandemic is not going anyway!!
My perception of fragrance has largely been shaped by where I’ve largely lived – namely the Northern hemisphere. I’ve always opted for heavier fragrances, (without actually realising that is what was readily available).
Now, these brands don’t work, as I live in a much warmer climate and its humid. These are my most recent discoveries…and of course, I’d love to hear your suggestions!
Diffusers, candles or incense sticks?
This is a personal preference. I love diffusers but buy candles, because after the 3rd day, I cannot smell the fragrance of my diffuser. No such problem with candles or incense sticks!
Before then…
What’s the difference between soy wax and beeswax?
Beeswax originate from bees, which are dwindling in number. Soy wax is a vegetable wax that comes from the oil of soybeans. It should be a no brainer that all candles should be made from soy wax, but such is the nature of our world.
1) and (2) Current favourite: Esteban fragrance (Parisian brand)
Paris Neroli
This has to be my favourite fragrance, with enough character to hold its weight during cooler months, but is essentially designed for the summer…
Its key notes are Blackcurrant, Bergamot, Neroli, White Geranium, Jasmine and Patchouli.
Orchide Blanche
This is a close No 2! Its key notes are Blackcurrant, Bergamote of Sicily, Neroli, White Geranium, Jasmine, Patchouli
Esteban produce refillable candles – so you buy the container + candle the first time and thereafter, the refill. All candles are 100% vegetable wax (so not beeswax)
Priced at US$ 40 for refillable candle, with refills at US$ 21 in the USA. This is available locally where I live but otherwise its Shop & Ship from the European or American websites.
Click on this link for more information
3) Jo Malone Peony & Blush suede
You cannot go wrong with this as a present or a treat to yourself. If you have access to a Jo Malone shop and you’ve walked past it, then trust me you want to smell this fragrance otherwise (you literally haven’t lived!).
Pet peeve about Jo Malone….
One of my pet hates about Jo Malone is its pricing arbitrage. The same candle is GBP 50 (US$ 70) in the UK and the USA, but US$85 where I live.
4) LE LABO Petit Grain 21
The editor at Liberty best describes by comparing it to a “lush, Seville-style bitter orange tree garden.” Available at Liberty and most places on earth.
5) Diptyque
Diptyque has been a firm favourite of mine simply because they had a first mover advantage. They were the only brand out of this list that I was buying 20 years ago. The only issue with the fragrances is that they are heavier and more intense than the lighter fragrances that are more suited to summery and/or humid conditions.
This year Diptyque release limited summer fragrances (raspberry & strawberry etc) and let’s hope they become part of the permanent collection.
My favourites are the Vanille (vanilla but with the woodiness of vanilla pods) and 34 Boulevard Saint Geranium (which produces an almost unisex, light spicy fragrance).
Its described as, “The 34 boulevard Saint Germain candle has a scent which reveals itself as fresh, green and spicy accords. Damp mosses, crumpled blackcurrant leaves, sun-dried fig leaves all favorite raw materials.”