Let’s talk about bougie candles, shall we? (Quick fact: “bougie” means “candle” en Français!) Of course, we can’t all fit a candle upwards of $80 into our budgets. However, we do want to make an argument for those thinking about taking the plunge. There is an absolute difference when it comes to a more expensive candle versus its cheaper counterpart — you definitely get what you pay for in most cases. Generally speaking, the former will be made up of higher quality formulations, and often times, but not always, sans paraffins. The waxes tend to burn evenly for a longer duration, and perfume the room with a stronger, cleaner, more authentic aroma. They’re also pretty to look at, plus everything’s better when done by candlelight, ya feel us? When shelling out the big bucks, we do find ourselves preserving and savoring our precious, wax pride and joys by only lighting them on special occasions. And, if you need even further justification to fork over the dough, a quality candle will usually fragrance a room, fired or not. So, without further adieu, Bleu has compiled a well-rounded catalog of luxe candles that are, in our opinion, well worth their steeper price tags. Here’s the list…
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Cire Trudon Reggio Candle
"To own a Cire Trudon is to know the appeal of a luxury candle. Reggio is no exception, and beholds a bright and refreshing burst of sweet mimosa, while flirting with fresh mandarin. It's an elegant, clean transition from winter to spring."
Cire Trudon , $115
Eric Buterbaugh Rose & Leather Candle
"A masculine mix of smokey rose and leather in a sleek black and gold vessel. It transports us to a moody, firelit study filled with leather-bound books and crystal carafes of cognac and scotch. You can cross that man off of your gift list with this one."
Eric Buterbaugh , $70
Le Labo Figue 15 Candle
"Le Labo never disappoints. This blend of fig and black currant is understated and fresh without being too springy. We love it so much, we bought the home spray and have most definitely used it in place of perfume a time or two."
Le Labo , $75
Frederic Malle Cafe Society Candle
"A scent that paints an intimate portrait of a candlelit, Parisian dinner party where the wine and good company runneth over. A sultry merger of velvety patchouli, amber, and lavender that will leave you feeling calm and deeply satisfied."
Frederic Malle , $95
Imogene + Willie I+W x Apothia Candle
"A genius, collaborative effort to create one of our favorite candles ever! We've been burning the I+W candle in our home since its birth. A scent so good that they can't seem to keep these soot-colored babies in stock. The smell is a robust and spicy blend of African ginger, rich mahogany, and deep taboti wood, and is like comfort food for your nose. Insider tip: They're in stock right now — run, don't walk.
Imogene + Willie , $62
Bastide Miel de Lavande
"To light Miel de Lavande is to transport the senses to the French countryside you've always dreamed to retreat. Think: coq au vin, trips to the market, and bicycling through fields of lavender in bloom. With notes of warm honey, almond flower, lilac, and of course, fresh lavender, this candle is for those — like us — yearning to escape."
Bastide , $65
Jo Malone Red Roses Candle
"It's like walking into a room filled from floor to ceiling with freshly cut flowers. A luxurious and romantic composition of seven breeds of roses with crushed violet leaves and notes of spearmint and lemon. This is the only rose candle to consider."
Jo Malone , $67
Fornasetti Scacco Candle
"If you truly want to invest in a luxury candle that doubles as a piece of art, might we suggest a Fornasetti. The Scacco vessel features a lithographic image of house muse Lina Cavalieri and the candle's warm Otto fragrance (with notes of thyme, lavender, and cedarwood) is a signature scent created by master perfumer Olivier Polge."
Fornasetti , $210
Cire Trudon Abd el Kader Candle
"Quite possibly the most pleasurable scent of all time, Cire Trudon's Abd el Kader is an intoxicating rush of apple, clove, lemon and mint that smells just like basil and fills a room with its savory aroma. We have this green-glassed beauty stockpiled."
Cire Trudon , $105
Byredo Bohemia Candle
"A softly spiced, powdery, yet smokey fragrance with a strong throw. The kind of candle you can catch even when not lit. Bohemia blends opopanax with buttery rum, vanilla bean with labdanum, and sandalwood with moss — the epitome of sweet warmth."
Byredo , $85
Acqua Di Parma Spicy Accord Cube Candle
"A cinnamon-y nostalgic aroma that makes you want to curl up fireside with a cozy knit blanket and steaming cup of tea. This striking wax cube smells like winter holidays and is almost too pretty to burn."
Acqua Di Parma , $111
Otherland Limited Edition Tapestry Candle
"Embracing someone familiar, fireside tales, and a longing for new adventure. These are the emotions elicited by Tapestry. The scent is subtle — never overbearing — with layers of buttery maple, oud, and vetiver revealing themselves through a slow burn. It is a fragrance for those seeking to create a space of comfort and warmth."
Otherland , $36
LE FEU DE L'EAU Bleu Nuit Candle
"These stunning candles are sculpted underwater in Los Angeles and are so unique. The Bleu Nuit smells of black and red current, cassis, and vanilla."
LE FEU DE L'EAU , $65
Nest Grapefruit Classic Candle
"Pink pomelo grapefruit and watery nuances combined with lily of the valley and coriander blossom. This candle is the perfect bathroom burner and doesn't smell of chemical laden, cheap citrus like other grapefruit candles we've seen on the market."
Nest , $42
