Luxury candles crafted by perfumers stand out as the pinnacle of olfactory artistry. Like works of art, their fragrances transport us to different times, places, and emotions. Armed with a deep imagination and acute sense of smell, a perfumer’s dedication to the profession have produced exemplary fragrances that stand the test of time. Let’s go behind the scenes and review their pivotal role in the burgeoning luxury candle market.

THE RITUAL OF LIGHTING A LUXURY CANDLE

Rituals provide a comforting rhythm that connects us to ourselves and the world around us. Lighting a luxury candle adds that touch of opulence into our daily rituals. Whether it is a heartfelt conversation with your loved ones or a hot bath after a long day, burning a candle transforms such ordinary moments into indulgent experiences.

OLFACTIVE EXPERIENCE OF A LUXURY CANDLE

The main quality of a luxury fragrance is its ability to take you on an olfactory journey. Each scent is a purposefully composed symphony of notes designed to evoke emotions, memories, and a heightened sense of well-being.  Luxury candles from Byredo, Diptyque and Cire Trudon are known to offer premium fragrances in the most desirable vessels, enhancing the aesthetic of your home. It’s true that luxury candles command higher prices, but shoppers are comforted knowing that their homes will smell amazing.

THE CAPTIVATING POWER OF A LUXURY SCENT

While there are several factors that influence the quality of a luxury candle, one important consideration are the fragrance oils. Luxury scents that project a rich, mysterious character are made from the purest raw materials sourced from the best suppliers. Notes of rich spices, warm woods, and honey smoked florals are ingeniously combined with ingredients like rose, vetiver and oud. It is these combinations that have the magical power to move us in special ways. While cedarwood, clove and pine, evoke the spirit of Christmas, it is orange blossom, lily and bergamot, that evokes the fresh breeze of the ocean.

THE BEST CANDLE SCENTS ARE CREATED BY PERFUMERS

The best candle scents have two things in common: exceptional ingredients and, more importantly, how they are put together. Olfactory maestros, known as perfumers, are celebrated for their knowledge in composing elegant scents. They embrace the idea that a luxury fragrance is more than just a pleasant scent – they are gateways to an opulent world of sensory indulgence.

WHAT IS A PERFUMER

Behind every best-selling luxury candle is an esteemed perfumer. These are experts that have mastered the art and science of fragrance creation. Sometimes referred to as ‘the nose’ because of their enhanced sense of smell, they breathe life and character into a fragrance. Perfumers that produce unique works of art are sought out by the world’s best brands such as Diptyque, Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQueen.

– INSPIRATION

Like many artists, perfumers draw inspiration from a variety of sources. From fashion trends to travel experiences and music, each project requires the stimulation of a perfumer’s creativity. Take for example Parisian Rose by Karl Winters, a candle scent rich in damask red roses, blackcurrant, and violet. It takes inspiration from the iconic Paris Fashion week which showcases the best fashion styles for today’s modern woman.

– CREATIVE STYLE

Perfumers have an individual creative style; each bringing something special to the world of olfactive design. A perfumer can sometimes spend several months of testing before a formula is perfected and approved for production.

Francis Kurkdjian is a master perfumer that is celebrated for his refined and elegant compositions, blending traditional notes with a modern and avant-garde twist.

Jean-Claude Ellena is another master perfumer well known for his minimalist and functional approach. Previously the in-house perfumer at Hermès, he prefers to work with bright scents like orange blossom, tangerine and osmanthus.

– FRAGRANCE QUALITY

With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose a luxury candle that lives up to expectations. Enter a perfumer. They are on the constant look-out for suppliers that source the newest ingredients from around the world. Typically, these are essential oils and synthetic molecules not available in the mass market. The result is a high quality olfactive experience that projects a rich, luxurious character.

NOTABLE PERFUMERS & THEIR CANDLE CREATIONS

– RAMI MEKDACHI & 22 BLITZ MOTORCYCLES

Rami Mekdachi has been a perfumer for 25+ years, working with prestigious brands like L’Oreal and Chloé. He played an important role introducing scent branding into the hotel industry, particularly the glamorous Hotel Costes in Paris. His passion for the arts culminated in a life-long dream – the making of his very own brand, Lola James Haper.   

Take his 22 Blitz Motorcycles Garage candle for instance. This poetic scent teleports us to the rugged and raw atmosphere of a motorcycle garage in Paris, using notes of patchouli, incense, and smoke.

– FRANK VOEKL & SANTAL 26

Frank Voelkl is a German born perfumer that has a deep understanding of the creative process. His love for “freedom of expression” has produced fragrances that connect with the soul – they are complex, animalic and intensely seductive. One of his signature ingredients is musk, which gives fragrances their characteristic warmth and sensuality.

Sandalwood takes center stage for Santal 26 luxury candle from Le Labo. With notes of cedar, musk and leather, Santal 26 developed a cult like status among celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift.

– FRANCIS KURKDJIAN & BACCARAT ROUGE 540:

The list of perfumers would be incomplete without mentioning Francis Kurkdjian. Born in Paris, he is well-recognized internationally for his countless creations in the world of perfumery.

His collaboration with the iconic crystal house Baccarat led to the creation of Rouge 540. This exquisite blend is an olfactory masterpiece and is described as “luminous” and “sparkling”, with notes of saffron, jasmine, amber, and hedoine.

– MARK BUXTON & LEATHER AND LILY:

Mark Buxton is a leading independent perfumer known for his avant-garde approach to fragrance creation. Born in the UK, Mark has been a perfumer in Paris for 25+ years and has authored fragrances for fashion brands like Comme des Garçons and Burberry.

Known to push the boundaries of “freedom of expression”, he is now the founder of Tom Buxton fragrances. Leather & Lily luxury candle is an exceptionally subtle aroma that contrasts white floral notes with the deep velvety notes of leather.