One of my favourite fragrance brands from Stockholm, Sweden - Byredo have launched a new candle collection for the holiday season - The Amber Collection. (Note, they've also released the Mini Candle Collection containing mini sizes of the existing fragranced candles: Cotton Poplin, Bibliothèque, Fleur Fantôme, from which I picked up Bibliothèque - to be reviewed soon).
The Amber Collection candles are encapsulated in a new and unique shade of amber glass. The collection consists of three new and exclusive festive scents: Saffron, Ginger and Cardamom. They all smelled incredible - even without being lit yet at the store, but trying not to be too decadent, I had to choose one. There are so many wonderful candles released this year. I've probably tried and collected more than enough. :) It has been indeed, the year of the candle expedition for me. Needless to say, I am a convert! Anyway, I don't think I'd come across cardamom-scented candles before, and the hubby was also intrigued - so the decision was made.
The Amber Collection candles are encapsulated in a new and unique shade of amber glass. The collection consists of three new and exclusive festive scents: Saffron, Ginger and Cardamom. They all smelled incredible - even without being lit yet at the store, but trying not to be too decadent, I had to choose one. There are so many wonderful candles released this year. I've probably tried and collected more than enough. :) It has been indeed, the year of the candle expedition for me. Needless to say, I am a convert! Anyway, I don't think I'd come across cardamom-scented candles before, and the hubby was also intrigued - so the decision was made.
ABOUT THE AMBER COLLECTION
"An elegant trio of fragrances designed to fill the home with the heavenly glow and comforting aroma of festive scents. Inspired by three of nature's finest seasonal spices, harvested and preserved in a unique shade of amber glass, childhood memories of sweet bakery treats and winters past will unfurl with the flicker of candlelight and the enveloping essence of these nostalgic fragrances."
PACKAGING
The box is beautifully wrapped in thick, sturdy translucent paper. The white packaging using varying textures and the labels with the black, edgy font - all looks very minimal and extremely modern. I love this. It's simple and doesn't conform to the usual, often louder festive packaging for the season. Though I guess white is reminiscent of white Christmas, too I suppose in other parts of the world. ;-)
One side of the wrapper is labelled with the brand, and the other side has the name of the fragranced candle. There are also candle care instructions on the side in very subtle, small white font. A little hard to read (aka impractical) being white on white, but stylish nonetheless!
Unwrapped, a sturdy box is revealed with the Byredo logo on top.
The candle is housed in a stylish amber-tinted glass, which is hand-blown, and wax is in beige.
THE FRAGRANCE
"This uniquely scented candle is designed to fill the home with the heavenly glow and comforting aroma of festive scents. The amber-based scent delivers a hint of cardamom whilst providing a warm ambiance."Top: Cardamom, Black Pepper, Nutmeg.
Heart: Labdanum, leather accord, violet.
Base: Patchouli, Vanilla, Dark amber.
To me, Cardamom is indeed all those things described above - comforting and warming without being overpowering or heavy as a lot of Christmas or spicy candles can be. If like me, you are spending Christmas in hot, summer weather, this candle certainly won't be too much for you and you won't feel the need to save it for winter. Though I'm sure once you smell it, you won't want to anyway! ;) The scent is sweet, though not sickeningly sweet at all, and the presence of cardamom is really there - the earthy, smokey black cardamom as opposed to the sharper, fresher, minty scented green cardamom. Overall, there's just the perfect balance of sweetness, woodiness, earthiness, a slight smokiness and spice. I love and enjoy candles, but I'm far from being a candle/fragrance connoisseur, so I'm guessing the deeper fragrances of the leather and dark amber, and comforting vanilla tones it down back to cosy, warm central without having to make you wanna put your jumper on. ;) There's also a little bit of a powdery aroma, too from the vanilla and dark amber I suppose. I also find the spice fragrance of nutmeg a lovely, more subtle and nose-friendly alternative to cinnamon, which is commonly used for the holiday season.
Cardamome has an excellent throw even with just a single wick, and quickly emits fragrance. I'd say it's suitable to thoroughly enjoy its fragrance for an area of about 2-3 standard sized bedrooms. Provided you properly and consistently follow candle burning instructions, the candle wax also burns evenly, which is excellent (as not all candles do - even if you follow instructions!).
MORE HAPPY SNAPS
This is such a stylish candle...I couldn't help but take too many photos! >_< I really enjoyed it - such is the photography geek in me (not really) ;-) .
SIZE
240 g / 8.46 oz.
BURN TIME
60 Hours
BOTTOM LINE
Comforting, warming and delicious without being to overpowering and heavy making it perfect for any time of year. Definitely worth indulging yourself or a special someone with one. I am wishing Santa will drop a backup of it in my chimney this year. ;)
AVAILABILITY
Byredo, Neiman Marcus and for Aussies, at Mecca Cosmetica.
Hope this was useful! :)
Hope the week has been treating you well so far. Thanks for looking. ^_^ xo
What is your favourite Byredo fragrance or fragranced candle? Which holiday candle will you be picking up? Do share, I want to hear all in a comment below. :)
DO NOT REPUBLISH CONTENT OR PHOTOS WITHOUT PERMISSION
Hope this was useful! :)
Hope the week has been treating you well so far. Thanks for looking. ^_^ xo
What is your favourite Byredo fragrance or fragranced candle? Which holiday candle will you be picking up? Do share, I want to hear all in a comment below. :)
DO NOT REPUBLISH CONTENT OR PHOTOS WITHOUT PERMISSION