I'm a huge candle fan, but when it comes to choosing my favourites, I always come back to classic brands, such as Diptyque and Jo Malone, that I know I can rely on for beautiful scents in chic packaging. Sure, I've dabbled in affordable candles (and discovered some seriously good ones), but candles are such an important part of my relaxing evening ritual that I rarely gamble on new ones.
However, over the last few years, I've noticed one candle brand, in particular, cropping up more regularly in my Instagram feed. The distinctive black jar with its pink label has been dotting the fireplaces of the chicest girls online. But it wasn't until beauty editors started raving about a cool, cannabis-inspired candle that had just landed from America that I sat up and took notice. The candle in question, Boy Smells' iconic Kush Candle, was most definitely trending.
Founded in 2016, Boy Smells started life as a candle-making experiment in the Los Angeles home of co-founders (and IRL partners) Matthew Herman and David Kien. With a background in fashion—both design and product development—the duo set out to create essential products that consumers would want to use on a daily basis but that weren't tied to notions of gender or traditional scent expectations. And so Boy Smells was born. Trust me when I say that these are seriously good candles. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that they're the coolest ones I own.
Keep scrolling for my Boy Smells candle review. There are so many good ones.
It was this very candle that alerted me to the joys of Boy Smells, and I'll always come back to it. It's fruity and sweet—that's the blackcurrant and peach blossom—but it also has warmth with hints of cardamom and cedar. Honestly, it's like no other candle that I own, and I recommend it to everyone.
This is the candle that I spotted popping up all over Instagram before I'd even tried Boy Smells for myself. It's an homage to the cannabis flower, and it's a lovely fresh and floral scent.
This is a new Boy Smells discovery for me and might be my favourite yet. I love patchouli scents anyway, but this is also woody and sweet with hints of pistachio.
Part of Boy Smells' beloved Kush range, this is a relaxing scent infused with tonka, patchouli and saffron flower.
As a huge rhubarb fan, I have this Boy Smells candle next on my shopping list. It promises fruity warmth with a hint of smokiness, and I'm already sold.
For me, this definitely feels like a winter candle and reminds me of campfires and cosy nights in thanks to the musky, tobacco-infused scent.
This is the newest addition to the Boy Smells family and the Kush collection. I love burning candles all year round, and this sunny scent screams summer to me. It has notes of basil and citrus and is so uplifting.
This is an unusual fragrance that brings together mellow cypress and jasmine with hints of cardamom and moss for an earthy feel. It's mellow and calm and has a smoky edge. That's the hinoki.
I think Boy Smells candles are at their best when the fragrances are bold and bright, and this one fits the bill. It's a juicy scent that's both fruity and spicy and truly sparks joy.
I love rose scents, but I know they can be divisive. This is a modern take on the classic floral, though, mixing it with warm amber and fresh magnolia for a bold bouquet. I think even rose sceptics would be converted.
This is a heady, expensive-smelling candle containing redwood cedar, frankincense, amber and poppy.
I was a bit dubious about a tomato-scented candle, but this smells like a classic English country garden in the best way. It's green and sprightly and reminds me of spring.
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