I’m not really sure when I first smelled the Boy Smells Ash candle. I think I was having one of my regular candle-sniffing sessions at Selfridges, London, and came across the brand, which I had become aware of after the launch of its famed Kush candle. I guess I was perusing the shelves and was struck by Ash, a concoction of firewood, smoke, charcoal, palo santo and hay. I purchased it immediately and thus began my obsession with Boy Smells. I counted my tally before sitting down to write this, and it’s at seven. I admit it's an obscene number for a tiny London living space, but I confess this so you understand how much of a fan I am. So when I saw that Boy Smells launched its Genderful fine fragrances into the UK market, finally, I had to try them out.
I think one of the best things about the brand, which was founded in Los Angeles in 2015, is that so many of the scents can be paired beautifully. Once you work out the notes that you love, you can kind of build a scent story through your living space. Don’t get me wrong. The scent is strong, so you don’t need to burn multiple candles, but if you want to, it makes the aroma even more captivating. It's amazing. Personally, I love to burn Ash and Hinoki Fantôme at the same time for a sexy, woody warmth in winter.
However, this isn’t the case with the fragrance. I have three that I adore, but I have to wear them individually. They aren’t made to pair with each other or layer. They are distinctly separate but last all day and then some, especially on clothes. My home and wardrobe are basically a cacophony of Boy Smells scents at this point. Take a look below to see my can’t-live-without Boy Smells picks, including fragrances.
Best Boy Smells Products
Boy Smells Suede Pony EDP
Hear me out. This scent is like a sexy Parma Violet sweet. The violet is the note that pulls through the most for me, but it’s wrapped in a rich mix of suede, labdanum, patchouli and blonde woods.
Boy Smells Flor de la Virgen EDP
This scent strikes the balance of masculine and feminine scents perfectly. The jasmine gives it a floral hit, but the muskiness is rich and lingers.
Boy Smells Violet Ends EDP
This smoky, woody scent has notes of papyrus, divine incense and birch accords, but the note that pulls through is definitely tobacco leaves. The rhubarb at the heart of the scent softens it slightly, but it’s one for those of us who prefer a deeper scent
Boy Smells Agua de Jardín Candle
When I light this candle, it signals the end of cold, wintry moods and the start of lighter, brighter days. While it’s still an amber-infused scent, the pimento berry, coconut water, jasmine and fig leaves combo transport you to a summery clime.
Boy Smells Redhead Scented Candle
My friend, an artificial redhead, is obsessed with this candle. The vetiver and ginger give it a kick of spice, but frankincense, amber and cashmeran make the overall vibe of this musky.
Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Scented Candle
Another cold-weather candle, this one is a little spicier with notes of resin, hinoki, cardamom and jasmine. The result is super warming and relaxing.
Boy Smells Ash Scented Candle
My favourite candle in the entire world. Nothing will come close. I would bathe in this smell if I could. It’s definitely a wintry candle with a smoky richness created by the notes of firewood, smoke, charcoal, palo santo and hay, but I burn it year-round.
Boy Smells De Nîmes Candle
While this candle technically sits in the fruity fragrance family, I would say this is on the more masculine side of the Boy Smells line-up. Notes include almond, eucalyptus, rhubarb, violet, ambergris, blueberry and juniper.
Boy Smells Iris Fantôme Candle
Undoubtedly on the flowery spectrum of scents, this candle is a floral that you’ll still like if you hate floral scents. The sandalwood and smoked leather ground the floatier notes of iris and orris.
Boy Smells Italian Kush Candle
The Kush family of candles is unique, and not every scent is for everyone, but this is my top pick. While the root of the scent is cannabis flower, it’s got a mix of pomelo, black pepper, basil, oregano and cypress that give it a fresh summery scent.
Boy Smells Pride Extra Vert Limited-Edition Candle
I hate recommending limited-edition buys because I also get attached to things and then sad when I can’t enjoy them again, but this had to make the cut. Created especially for Pride Month, this candle smells like the most delicious herb garden, with mint, fig, daffodil, cypress, juniper berry, tarragon and basil.
Next up, the 11 best red nail polishes.
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