Updated on 4/20/20 because we are stuck inside and only candles make us happy now. Also booze. And doritos.
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
A Buddha-inspired quote that, iffy origins aside, holds a lot of truth. Candles work best as a shared pleasure.
They’re great as gifts. They can set the mood with loved ones. Done right, they can even evoke memories of a special time or place.
But we’re not talking about your typical Yankee Candle torches. Below, 12 candles that offer something unique … and an experience you’d certainly want to share.
For evoking New Jersey: Homesick
Not kidding. Homesick’s M.O. is to craft soy wax candles that represent the 50 states in an olfactory sense (they also have a few for cities and other countries). As far as New Jersey goes (“The scent of candy apples, cranberries, and fresh ocean air. Cool down on a summer night with notes of soft cotton and vanilla”), the concept passes the sniff test.
For pure indulgence: Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Candle by Jo Malone
Peppery basil, white thyme and a hint of lime. As one editor notes about this candle, “It’s basically the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Absurdly expensive, but amazing.”
For that new car smell: Malin+Goetz Leather
There are few smells more pleasing than that of a brand new car, complete with fresh, buttery leathery seats. Malin+Goetz’s Leather candle has managed to to capture that distinct scent in wax form, so you can always enjoy that new car smell, without having to actually buy a car.
For visiting America’s National Parks: Good + Well Supply Co. Denali National Park Candle
Seeing as how travel is out of the question at the moment, any visits to the country’s great and many national parks are indefinitely postponed. But you can at the very least bring some semblance of the national parks to you with Good+Well Supply Co.’s Denali candle. Close your eyes and immerse yourself in the scent of the Redwood Forest.
For when you want a drink: Lumira Tonic of Gin Candle
Sometimes you want a drink, but sometimes you don’t always need a drink. Lumira’s Tonic of Gin candle is just like enjoying the cocktail, only in scent form (and without the possibility of a hangover the next day).
For feeling bougie: diptyque Baies/Berries Candle
Diptyque has dominated the bougie candle market for some time now, and for good reason. Everything from their scents to their packaging exudes luxury, so the next time you want to impress guests, or you just want to splurge for the hell of it, have one of these babies burning. And when it finally runs out, the glass tumbler makes great decor and/or storage for bits and bobs.
For smelling like a campfire: Boy Smells Ash Candle
Few scents are as distinctive (or lingering) as that of the campfire and Boy Smells Ash candle will transport you to bonfires on the beach with friends, all without leaving the scent clinging to your hair and clothes.
For missing the barbershop: Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA’ At The Barber’s Scented Candle
Yet another experience quarantine has robbed us of is visiting the barber, and professional haircuts in general. Maison Margiela’s At The Barber’s candle manages to encompass the ambience of those old-school ultra masculine barbershops. Burn this while you’re giving yourself your next quarantine haircut to really set the mood (and fingers crossed you don’t botch it).
For high tea: Tom Dixon Eclectic Royalty Medium Candle
Throw the kettle on the stove and burn Tom Dixon’s Eclectic Royalty candle for a more sophisticated tea drinking experience. The candle pairs well with a cup of Earl Grey and maybe a scone or two. And remember, pinkies up.
For that fresh laundry smell: BYREDO Cotton Poplin Candle
Laundry sucks but if there’s one rewarding aspect to it (save for the clean clothes) it’s the freshly laundered scent that lingers. Now you can obtain the scent without having to go through the arduous task of a load of laundry, all thanks to Byredo’s Cotton Poplin candle and its linen, musk and cedar notes.
For a universally pleasing scent: Le Labo Santal 26 Vintage Candle
Scents can be hard seeing as not everyone has the same predilection for smells, so if your in search of one that is neutral in the sense that it will appeal to any discerning nose, Le Labo’s Santal 26 can do no wrong. It’s a gentle scent that won’t overpower and leave you with a headache. Plus, it comes in a vintage tin container.
For when you’re…in the mood: maude burn no. 1 candle
This isn’t just a candle but a massage candle, meaning once it burns down (and you extinguish the flame, of course) you can pour the melted wax directly on your (or your partner’s) body for a more intimate experience. Bow chicka wow wow.
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