No More Pine: Bella Freud Loving Candle
Despite my undying love for scented candles, I have never been a huge fan of the Christmas versions – there is only so much pine and clove I can take. I do like the house to smell nice during holidays, however, and I also think a pretty candle works well as a decoration. The latter is a plus, as I’m generally not a fan of Christmas decorations either.
Last year, I bought Byredo’s Figue Glacée that looked beautiful and smelled very nice, but not necessarily traditionally Christmassy. This year, I had my eye on Bella Freud candles: I like their modern, irreverent look and Ginsberg is God (the only one I had owned and burnt so far) had monster throw – always a good thing in my book. If I buy a scented candle, I want it to have scent.
First I thought about Fairytale of New York, their new Christmas candle. Yes, it has been launched for Christmas, but it doesn’t seem like every other holiday scent. Mimosa and saffron are involved, plus I adore the song for which it was named. It seems to be sold out everywhere, though, so I was considering Art as an alternative option: this candle comes in a striking white glass vessel and the notes – wood, oil paint, lilacs – sound fantastic.
But then Caroline Hirons included another potential contender in her Cult Beauty box. Loving is a mix of tuberose, amber and sandalwood. Now, I like white flowers in winter anyway, but the addition of deeper notes makes it even better for cold months. It’s not quite as heady as I expected it to be, but if you like your scents understated, it’s not for you. For me, this smells gorgeous, with a somewhat seventies vibe – glamour with a touch of boho. It has proper throw and it also smells strongly when unlit; not sure how evenly it’ll burn, but so far, so good. And obviously the glass and the message are very much holiday-appropriate.
On a different but related note: the Caroline Hirons x Cult Beauty box seems to be sold out by now*, but if you’re interested in what I think about the contents, let me know.
*Edit: It is not, I just missed it when I went looking. So I’ll try to do a quick post tomorrow, hoping it’s still available.
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Oddly enough the John Galliano candle from Diptyque also brings christmas vibes despite not intending to. But this sounds nice. And the Freud candles look very stylish.
Galliano is on my “to-smelll list”. And while most scented candles look old-fashioned (I don’t always mind), Freud’s look cool. That’s quite a feat.
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts about the contents of the CH x CB Box. Mine is scheduled to be delivered on Monday…can’t wait!
I’ll try to do a quick post tomorrow if I can manage it. Thanks for the interest!
I like that we can see your reflection in the golden baubles while you’re taking the pics!That candle is rad.x
Yes, I realised while taking the photos that the reflection will be there, but couldn’t figure out how to avoid it? I think Bella’s candles are very cool.
Very cool and what a great find- have you tried any of her perfumes? I have just smelled the unlit Cire Trudon Nazareth candle and that is rather beautiful. I also always adore the White Company Winter candle but that sounds like it would be way too much orange and clove and cinnamon for you. Christmas always sees me getting very into the spirit as I love the calmness and festivity that comes with it including Christmassy smells although this year I have resisted a bit. And yes please do let us know what you think of the beauty box!
Cire Trudon is a bit different, they do even tired themes in a sophisticated way (which sometimes makes the candles less accessible). I do actually enjoy the holiday smells very much, especially the baking of ginger bread, but I just don’t gravitate towards traditional Christmas candles. The main point – if there is any at all- is that sometimes we almost forget that it’s not mandatory to go with a holiday candle, it’s equally OK to buy something different, if you’re not a orange and clove kinda girl. Regarding the beauty box: done!