“A house is not a home” sings Luther Vandross and he’s right. Although he’s singing about a lover, he is correct in saying that a house isn’t a home–especially if it doesn’t smell right. Scented candles can make your home extra cozy or spark some romance for you and your partner. We tried out a few scent-sational candles and these are our top picks for your home!
Cochine
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When some of Macau’s best spas are stocking this brand, that’s as good as any indication of its quality. We first noticed this brand in the Mandarin Oriental, Macau spa, and the Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip spa. Cochine candles are made using the finest essential oils, eco-friendly cotton wicks, and the creamiest botanical wax from renewable resources. They are the perfect a gift for a friend or for yourself as these candles have an impressive long-lasting aroma with over 50 hours burning time and come packaged in the most beautiful box.
Cochine’s beautiful signature scent of white jasmine and gardenia reminds us of the lush floral scents that waft abound in the gardens of Saigon. The elegant four-wick candle is carefully crafted in a tailor-made silver glass with matching lid and packaged stylishly. It makes a stunning centerpiece for any home and emanates an effortless style and captivating luminance. If this is the first time you’re hearing about Cochine, then we suggest you give it a try. They have a gorgeous range of products and we’ve already bookmarked their page not just for candles but also fragrances, gifts, and more!
Cochine is available at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Macau and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip‘s spa
Cochine www.cochine.com
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
When you produce some of the world’s best perfume, it’s no wonder you find yourself producing gorgeous scented candles. Inspired by his love of the simple pleasures of home and family, Francis Kurkdjian crafted a range of delicately scented candles for the home. Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Homes Sweet Homes scented candle collection is a tribute to the memories that have shaped his life. From his chic Parisian apartment to his coastal beach escape, there’s a fragrance everyone can resonate with.
One of our favorites is the Au 17, described as a “fragrance which echoes a cozy, eclectic atmosphere that witnesses intimate dinners, lively soirées, and tender morning-afters”. The candle jars are made of French porcelain with a hand-painted inner glaze of color and a burning time of 55 hours. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Home Sweet Home is available for purchase at Joyce Beauty or their website for HKD $690.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian www.franciskurkdjian.com
Aura Macau
Made in Macau from imported ingredients, Aura Macau was started two years ago by two friends. Melanie and Zuleika love candles and share a passion for the arts and creating. They struggled to find candles in Macau that were paraffin-free and didn’t pollute their indoor environment. Thus, they decided to create their own line and Aura Macau was born.
They have a range of different scents and sizes available as well as candle making kits for at-home DIY or as a gift! We love the Serene candle with orange, lavender, and geranium notes which creates a gentle, sweet floral scent. The fragrance oils they use are phthalate-free as they aim to produce candles that burn cleanly. They are also actively doing their part to protect Macau’s environment and offer a reuse reward program! Customers who bring back used containers can receive either a cash refund or discount on their next candle purchase. Aura Macau is available for purchase online or at these locations around Macau.
We Love Wax Rua dos Negociantes, No 19, Taipa Village
Pilates House Macau 1G Fábrica Va Nam, Avenida Olímpica, No 568, Taipa
Saison de Aromatique Rua de Afonso de Albuquerque, No 3A, R/C, Macau
diptyque
Almost everyone has heard of diptyque candles and fragrances and no candle list is complete without mentioning the unofficial queen of the candle market. Did you know they were even the chosen candle for the royal wedding last year? The great thing about diptyque is that they have a huge range of scents! You’re bound to find something you like from fruity, woody, spicy to smokey, the list goes on. They come in a few different sizes and make great gifts for friends or even for yourself! It’s also possible to reuse their gorgeous glass jars as home decor.
We never get tired of their classic collection. One of the long-standing best-seller and one of our favorites as well is none other than the lily of the valley candle. It’s precise as described by its name which is a bouquet of freshly picked lily of the valley sprigs. The white bells exhale their delicately flowery scent, colored by the green fragrance of stems and leaves. The perfect blend radiates an aroma that calms the body and soul.
T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams The Shops at The Boulevard, City of Dreams, Cotai, +853 8791 8400,
Diptyque Shop 1083, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2521 6799, www.diptyqueparis.com
Fornasetti
If you’re looking out for a stand-out piece then a Fornasetti piece is always the best option. Piero Fornasetti was an illustrious sculptor, interior designer, graphic artist, and painter. He was one of the most prolific figures of the 20th century. Having the Fornasetti Profumi candle in your home is not just a scent but a truly creative addition to your stylish interiors. The Regalo candle from Fornasetti provides a delightful scent into your living space. Housed in a ceramic vessel, this charming candle is printed with a delicate metallic gold-tone bow wrapped around Lina Cavalieri’s face. The Fornasetti Regalo Scented Candle in 900g is priced at HKD $3,300.
Fornasetti Lane Crawford
LE LABO
Le Labo is prominent for its fragrance-making capabilities. They distill the art of fragrance production down to its basic elements and they hand-bottle their scents in labs around the world. You’ll always find an ideal gift from this brand no matter the occasion. But did you know that they also have scented candles? The Le Labo Palo Santo is a wonderful addition to your home. It evokes an energizing freshness that’s also warm and comfortable. It’s also helpful to know that the burning of Palo Santo wood is considered sacred due to its ability to clear negativity and misfortune. Give this one a try for your next scented candle purchase. It’s priced at HKD $650.
Le Labo Shop 3007, 3/F, ifc mall, No.1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 27598680, www.lelabofragrances.com
This article was originally written by Sally Victoria Benson in January 2019 and updated by Apple Salangsang in July 2020.
