- Beauty Journalist & proud Montrealer with a passion for beauty in all its fabulous diversity. "Beauty begins the moment you choose to be yourself" - Coco Chanel
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Filed In: Candle
Dior · Miss Dior Millefiori Couture Collection
Sandwiched between the 2022 fall and holiday collections (reviewed here), Dior also launched Miss Dior Millefiori Couture, a capsule collection that draws inspiration from a myriad of flowers, as imagined by the Maison’s head, Maria Grazia Chiuri. It’s like a breath of spring, no?
Nest Fragrances · Pineapple & Driftwood Collection
I’m a sucker for anything that reminds me of the beach, so when Nest Fragrances launched their Summer ‘Scape Collection of tropically-inspired candles and reed diffusers, I went absolutely nuts. Ok, maybe that’s a bit extreme, but the happy dance I performed when the Pineapple & Driftwood duo arrived was 100% real. Maybe a little embarrassing, but still real.
NARS | Tahiti Bronze Collection 2016
Leave it to François Nars to bring the exotic heat of the islands within reach; inspired by Motu Tane, a small Tahitian island just off Bora Bora, The Tahiti Bronze Collection 2016 from NARS is basically summertime encapsulated. Cult fave products such as the brand’s Monoï Body Glow I & II as well as Laguna Bronzer are joined by newcomers Liquid Laguna Bronzer (which will be permanent and I’m told it will replace the Laguna Illuminator), and the new limited edition Monoï Scented Candle (which is to die for, by the way).
Antica Farmacista | Home Ambiance Fragrances & Scented Candle
When I was recently introduced to the fragrant world of Antica Farmacista from my friend and fellow blogger Jane of Daly Beauty (aka: the Perfume Whisperer – her knowledge in this field is unequalled), it was love at first sight: then, I looked over this brand’s extensive catalog of room scents, bodycare & hand creams, scented candles, as well as nickel-plated accessories … and I basically melted. Beauty overload.
With their glamorous vintage look, unique scent combinations, and attention to detail – from the labelling/packaging to the actual products themselves – nothing has been overlooked: exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious indulgences, and pampering ideology being the backbone of this brand.
Founded in 2003 by Seattle-based best friends Susanne Pruitt and Shelley Callaghan, they were the first to bring home ambiance diffusers to the US (which now includes over 20 scents) and since then, Antica Farmacista products have made their way into several high-end retailers and luxury hotel markets.
As a beauty blogger, it’s always about the details for me, and surrounding myself with the intoxicating yet soothing fragrances of these products while I work, only adds to my inspiration. There’s something about a lit scented candle that keeps one centred and I cannot begin to describe the sensorial experience of walking into a room that’s been touched by the subtle kiss of one of Antica Farmacista’s home ambiance diffusers.
*Please note that my original product photos seem to have mysteriously disappeared from my computer and I had to retake them all; since I [stupidly] assumed all was fine, I began my testing of the home ambiance diffusers – which should explain the discrepancies shown in the product usage between the bottles.
Antica Farmacista | Home Ambiance Fragrances in Santorini and Vaniglia, Bourbon e Mandarino (tray, my own)
Vaniglia, Bourbon e Mandarino (US $26.00/100 ml includes white birch reeds) | Available in 3 sizes including the one shown here, along with US $66.00 for 250 ml and US $94.00 for 500 ml. From the brand:
‘A delightful twist on a Vanilla-based fragrance. The sweet richness of warm Vanilla is paired with Mandarin of Sicily, a crisp full-bodied citrus fragrance. Rounding out this warm blend is the spicy essence of Bourbon. These combined elements result in something very unexpected and wonderful’
Housed in retro apothecary-style bottles tied with a small satin ribbon at the neck and capped with a cork topper, each home ambiance diffuser comes with its own set of white birch reeds. Once inserted into the bottle, it is recommended to reverse the reeds every few days to refresh the scent. Vaniglia, Bourbon e Mandarino is a warm and sultry scent, made youthful and fresh with its touches of citrus — a perfect combination which prevents it from coming across as cloying. I can get a little obsessive about anything vanilla-scented, although I steer clear of those nauseating artificial fragrances, a far cry from the beautiful and subtly sophisticated blend of this elixir.
Santorini (US $26.00 includes white birch reeds) | Available in 3 sizes including the one shown here, along with US $66.00 for 250 ml and US $94.00 for 500 ml. From the brand:
‘A medley of crisp citrus and green notes artfully paired with exotic spice and natural wood essences. Top notes of vibrant italian bergamot sweet verbena and fresh vetyver are enhanced by the subtle sweetness of rosewood, warm sandalwood and aromatic cardamom’
When I’m not leaning towards orients and warm amber/vanilla aromas, the other fragrance groups I gravitate towards are crisp greens with woody tones; the addition of sandalwood and spicy cardamom adds a whole new level of beautiful to this scent. Then there the name – Santorini – which speaks to the Greek in me (and which also happens to be an island that’s situated across from the one I usually stay at when in Greece).
Lighter and more playful in tone than Vaniglia, Bourbon e Mandarino, Santorini has a mysterious & sensual side as well that that greets you with whisper-light touches, elevating this fragrance above anything traditionally green, and unlike any I’ve come across before.
Antica Farmacista | Scented Candle in Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud
Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud (US $44.00/9 oz) | Brand new from Antica Farmacista and introduced for Spring/Summer 2015, Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud is “an exotic fragrance encapsulating the delicacy and femininity of rose in its many forms“. Housed in a clear glass vessel with platinum leaf details and packaged in a pedestal presentation box (*this collection features exclusive custom packaging featuring rose gold foiling on pearlescent paper), each candle is created from a blend of premium soy and parafin waxes featuring all-natural and lead-free wicks for the cleanest burn, providing approximately 60 hours of scented illumination. From the brand:
‘An exquisite floral fragrance built on fresh Damascus Rose absolute, sensual Violet and rich Tuscan Orris root. Tart rhubarb and dewy apricot add a hint of lush fruit, while the warmth of rare Oud and Amber lend an exotic earthiness. A soft drydown of musk and cashmere result in an intoxicating warmth to this complex floral scent’
As someone who historically stays far away from florals, I am truly captivated by the fragrance of this candle; the combination of earthy Orris root with the hints of fresh fruit round out its floral notes to not only balance the predominant rose scent, but adds a silky modern touch, complex and traditionally accurate at the same time. And seriously, absolutely beautiful.
*As always, never leave a lit candle unattended and make sure to trim the wick after each use to ensure an even burn.
Antica Farmacista | Scented Candle in Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud
White birch reed diffusers and wooden matches
Our sense of scent is the most highly developed of them all, as well as tied in to so many of our memories; therefore it stands to reason that we need to have fragrance in our lives. I personally have had a love-hate relationship with many aromas, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the importance and difference a scent can make in my own life: some inspire, some soothe, some invite, but no matter what, scent always sets a ‘mood’. Surrounding myself with fragrance in the home – such as with these intoxicating products from Antica Farmacista – completes the equation; setting free my creative juices when I want to work, or enveloping me with a beautiful touch when I simply just wish to relax. The fact that my home smells so amazing, is the icing on the cake.
Find more information by visiting anticafarmacista.com
Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration
Moroccanoil – Candle With Glass Vase
There’s something just so soothing about lighting a fragrant candle during the cold of Winter, and when said candle comes from cult-fave brand Moroccanoil®, you know without a doubt that the result will be something special … and oh-so-luxurious.
Moroccanoil® Candle – made even more special with its satin bow & personalized note
Moroccanoil® Candle with Glass Vase – useful information printed right on the box
Moroccanoil® Candle with Glass Vase
Candle with Glass Vase (CAN $52.00/ 7 0z) – Made with premium European wax and imbued with the signature Moroccanoil® fragrance, this luxury candle is housed in a double wall glass container – which will also make a perfect vessel to store small items in once the candle is done with. The 100% cotton wick is placed with precision in the exact center of the wax and is stated to ensure 50 hours of clean and even burning. It’s also recommended that the wick be trimmed to 1/4″ prior to lighting, as well as giving it a regular trim for optimal burning. Make sure you always place on a temperature-safe surface and NEVER leave a lit candle unattended (but you already knew that, right?).
My thoughts: I have always loved the tranquility a lit candle brings, but I’ve come across too many that are filled with cloying and/or totally nauseating artificial scents.
I.Love.This.Candle.
To begin with, I have already stated several times on the blog how I am but thoroughly addicted to the heavenly Moroccanoil® aroma; with this candle, I can now SURROUND myself as well as FILL my living space with this unique scent – a proprietary combination, that reminds me of vanilla, the ocean, the sun – and everything as far removed from Winter, as one can get. Another unexpected bonus came about quite by accident; after I blew the candle out and let it cool down slightly, I trimmed the wick to remove any burned bits and my fingers came into contact with the still-soft wax. The texture of the wax was incredibly silky, but even better, the fragrance (THAT FRAGRANCE!) remained on my skin, and when I rubbed my fingers along my pulse points, I was then able to wear that scent as well – sort of like applying a solid perfume (I sure hope the good folks at Moroccanoil® take note of this last part).
Moroccanoil® Candle with Glass Vase
Moroccanoil® Candle with Glass Vase
Moroccanoil® Candle with Glass Vase
Moroccanoil® Candle with Glass Vase
If you’re still on the hunt for that last minute perfect Christmas gift, especially one that doesn’t say “I gave up and bought you whatever I could find”, then THIS is it. I also strongly suggest you buy 2, because you’ll definitely want one of these lovelies for yourself. Everything about this candle is well thought out, from the packaging (it comes in its own box), the qualities of the wax & wick, the way it’s scented all the way through, to the luxurious heavy glass jar – sophisticated yet simple, and will suit every decor.
Moroccanoil® Body products are available at luxury spas and fine salons nationwide. Find more information via website/twitter/facebook
*Disclosure: Product sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
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