A note about notes

Top notes are the first hello: often bright or light, like citrus and herbs. Heart notes give the fragrance its character as the candle burns; think fruit, florals, or softer woods. Base notes add depth and may linger after the flame is out, like vanilla, amber, or cedar. These layers work together, so the notes on a label are a guide to the experience, not a promise that every note will appear at once.

Experience a fragrance over time

A candle has more than one first impression. Smell the unlit candle, then notice how its fragrance opens as the wax warms and the candle burns. After you extinguish it and the wax cools, pay attention to what remains in the room. The scent may feel different at each moment. That is why I love sharing these fragrances in person: there is time to follow the whole story.

Find your fragrance family

A scent family is a helpful starting point for naming what draws you in. Fruity fragrances feel juicy and playful; florals soft and blooming; citrus bright; green crisp and leafy. Woody and amber scents bring warmth and depth, while gourmand scents feel sweet and comforting. You may also love aromatic herbs, lively spice, or the open-air feeling of marine and ozonic notes. Many fragrances cross families. Follow what appeals to you, then notice how it changes when the candle is lit.