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How to Choose Your Own Personal Candle Scent

Hi All!  This post was slate to be a  Friday Fun Stuff post.  I became immersed in the research so I had to turn it into a full blown post.  I have been on the hunt for a good candle since I put my Christmas stuff away. This post came about out of  my own frustration.  I love a beautifully scented candle but I loathe a “faux” over scented sweet one. I have two prerequisites when candle searching.  I have to LOVE the fragrance and I want the candle itself to blend with my decor (difficult, yes).To resolve the blending in with the decor issue; I FINALLY had a “come to jesus” moment. A pretty container to house the candle will solve half of the equation.  Here are a few that I like.  If you have more of a rustic farm house look this one is great.  The best news is you get two for a great price and you can fill one of them with flowers or feathers as I did here.

I own both of  these.  They have just a slight metallic cast but  they don’t look too “holidayish”  and they will house a 4 x 4 candle.

 

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Scented candles can create mood and atmosphere just as effectively as music and lighting. Different scents can help you transition your space from season to season and room to room.  The entry is a great place to establish a “fragrance story” that is your own.
The right fragrance will draw people in.

Light, fresh citrus scents are perfect for spring and summer,  Spicy earthy scents compliment a crackling fire in fall and winter. Clean herbal scents can calm or revitalize your mood.  Scent is extremely personal. Understand what you like and seek out scents that attract you.  Start by identifying a fragrance family that appeals to you.

 

Woody
Sandlewood, cedar, patchouli, leather, smoke, moss

Floral
Killy of the valley, tuberose, rose, jasmine, etc.

Citrus
Orange Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon

Fresh
Grassy, Herbal, Clean notes

Gourmand
Edible Dessert like Scents

Aromatherapy can ‘enhance your psycholigical and physical well being”. To further confuse you most fragrances have three notes: top, middle, and bottom notes. “Plain, simple, and delicate notes, such as citrus and some florals, do not translate well and can be altered by heat.” These notes  below might help you further refine your selection:

 

Scents to Relieve Anger: Chamomile, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose and Ylang-ylang.
Scents to Relieve Anxiety: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Cypress, Frankincense, Hyssop, Lavender, Marjoram, Myrrh, Neroli, Orange, Peach, Rose, Rose Geranium and Violet Leaf.
Scents to Increase Confidence: Frankincense, Jasmine, Patchouli and Sandalwood.
Scents to Ease Depression: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Neroli, Orange, Petitgrain, Rose Geranium, Sandalwood, Tangerine and Ylang-ylang.
Scents to Improve Memory: Bay Laurel, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon and Rosemary.

I like to have a candle and a diffuser with the same scent in the powder room. My go to in the reasonable range (aren’t candles getting pricey?) is Red Currant  from Votivo.  Votivo has been around since the late 80’s and although they aren’t currently one of those being pushed, they still make a great candle.
Red Currant No. 96 by Votivo
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A new favorite introduced to me by Marsha from one of my favorite local shops Tancredi & Morgan is the Tatine line. If you are local you can pick one up there.  They are a little pricey but wonderful.  If you aren’t local you can buy them on Amazon.  I am currently burning Celebration Day.  I find it is a good bridge between winter & spring. (orange blossom, neroli & pine bark),
Experiment with layering scents once you find your favorite.  You might want a clean scent in your kitchen, something more soothing in the living room, and something that won’t compete with what you are eating in the dining room or none at all.
I generally prefer something fresh, citrusy, or herbal.  I do like a woody, mossy scent in the winter months,  Anything sweet or overly flowery does not appeal to me personally.   Another old standby that actually has floral notes is Arugula by Archipelago.

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Don’t let the name fool you I am not sure it smells like arugula.  I would describe it as a floral, herbal, grassy mix.  If that helps at all.

I am anxious to get your recommendations.  I feel like all of the candles that are being peddled in the stores now do not appeal to me personally. What do you look for in a candle?  Do you have a favorite? I know I can always count on you guys for great recommendations so bring them on!!

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathysue says

    I am all about a lovely scented home, so many great suggestions I have to pin this post, I will never remember them all. I do use a diffuser with the lemon, lavender, peppermint blend and it is wonderful.

  2. Debe says

    The couple (Ben & Erin) who will have a new show on HGTV next month, Home Town, have a shop and their "Laurel" candle It is available from their online shop, Laurel Mercantile. It is based on a fragrance from a Southern shrub. Nest Bamboo is also a favorite though I do love Votivo Red Currant, long time favorite. Nest makes a great Christmas candle. Smells great. That for suggesting Tatine, I will look for it here in Texas!

  3. Zoe says

    If you want a great looking and more importantly, a great scented candle,you have to try Blue Flame candles. Lemon Biscotti is my favorite and it makes my house smell like I have been baking.

  4. Celia Becker @ After Orange County says

    My son gave me an interesting candle for Christmas. The container was a cut off, recycled wine bottle and the candle scent was Pinot Grigio, my favorite type of white wine. I really had my doubts that a wine scented candle would be pleasing, but it actually is. Just like your arugula candle, they do take liberties in the scent department but somehow it can work.

  5. Debra Phillips says

    love this topic cindy, and love candles. in my shop i carry nest, try bamboo, it is their no. 1 scent. and, i just added the tatine line, celebration day is their number one.
    my fav is nest 'moroccan amber', lush, moody and woodsy
    but…….think anxiety relieving candles should move to the top!
    xx
    debra

  6. Mary Ann Pickett says

    This is so great!!! Just pinned it. I think I am drawn to the scents for anxiety :/ But will try out some for memory!! Love your idea of putting them in a different container.

  7. Karen says

    There's some great suggestions here and I love scented candles, so I'll be checking these out. My go to is still Votivo Red Currant and a new one that my daughter in law gave me, Voluspa Pomegranate/Blood Orange.
    xo,
    Karen

  8. Cheryl says

    I waiver between floral and woodsy scents. My husband enjoys the "manly" scents from bath and body works (only buy when on sale). I love Nest candles and Archipelago. You can sometimes find them at home goods.

    • Cindy says

      Hi Cheryl
      Thanks for weighing in! I hear a lot of good about Nest but I have not tried them. Do you have a scent you recommend?

    • Cheryl says

      not one in particular, but I recently visited a Target store, and while admiring some of the unusual shaped containers (ceramic mostly) they are made by Nest! Be sure to check them out, not only darling, variety of scents, but great prices too!

  9. Holly Boyle says

    I have given up candles completely. My home scents now come from Young Living Essential Oils. I run my cool air diffusers and I make my own scents as needed. I most often mix lavender, peppermint and lemon for a fresh scent that helps clear the air of allergens in the evening. I diffuse lavender and cedarwood or patchouli in the morning while practicing gratitude and yoga. At bedtime I diffuse a blend called Gentle Baby and fall asleep gently and sleep deeply. This method is far more flexible than a one scent candle. Let me know if you want to give these a try….the combinations are practically endless.

    • Cindy says

      Holly
      That sounds amazing. I have begun to make some of my own cleaners using essential oils. I love all the scents you mentioned. I would love to hear more about the diffusers.

  10. Ron says

    I prefer woodsy scents. I like Cypress by Dyptique, Birchwood Pine by Nest, and Empire by Cire Trudon.
    At this time of the year, I burn French Tulip and Japanese Quince by Seda France.
    In the summer, I choose Sel la Mer by Nest.

  11. Oma Gail says

    I also love the clean, fresh, or citrus-y ones. One of my favs is the Votivo "Cut Grass." It reminds me of cool summer days. Also, I recently found one in World Market at a very reasonable price that is quite nice–Lemon Bergamot. And, I love the Verbena candles by L'Occitane.

    • Cindy says

      I would love to give cut grass a try and I love lemon & bergamot & who doesn't love a bargain! I didn't realize L'Occitane made candles. I love their product line. I am going to check them out! Thanks for the suggestions!

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