Specificity is an important part of luxury. Belle Fleur understands this completely, and this meticulous attention to design and fragrance allows for a soulfulness to radiate through their candles.

Even before the first strike of the match, I notice the candle sitting in its box complete with its very own matchbox. The candle sits in a smoky brown glass. The wax looks more like dark mahogany wood than wax, and it appears almost opalescent. To the touch it feels slick, oily. Once lit the wax burns like a hum, even, peaceful. These candles have a presence in the home, they are not meant to mask, rather they want to enlighten. Leaving us with intimate olfactive impressions from around the world.

Magdalen with the Smoking Flame by Gerges de La Tour (c.1640)

Palo Santo takes its name from a tree that grows in Ecuador and Peru. It is known as a deeply sacred wood of the Amazon with healing and metaphysical properties. It is a deeply sensual candle that oozes of psychedelic sweetness that is tempered by warm mystical woods. It is trance inducing. As the candle burns violet notes rise and caress clove, and I catch wafts of heliotrope as I walk on by. Warm sweet amber and resinous notes blend with a powdery floral accord. As the candle burns the fragrance becomes a baritone of richness that is frankly hypnotic, near spiritual. Notes include:  Violet, Labdanum, Patchouli, Oud, Copal, and Amber. Indochine evokes the countries surrounding the South China Sea, and their Chinese and French influences. Jasmine, osmanthus, honey, and saffron bring a sophisticated and unique harmony that is floral, animalic, arid, and powdery. Bergamot brings with it flashes of Earl Gray tea as deeper notes of benzoin, vanilla and patchouli keeps a steady woody base. The overall gestalt makes for exotic and striking warmth; it is a refined beauty. Notes include: Bergamot, Saffron, Benzoin, Jasmine, Honey, Osmanthus, Rosewood, Patchouli, and Vanilla.

Belle Fleur aspires to explore the boundaries of home fragrance. Tony Perez, co-founder of Belle Fleur shared his insights, in particular about their new scents  (there are 5 in all.) “We want to elevate what "home fragrance' could be, making it architectural and spatial and appropriate as an environmental scent, of course.” There is no question that Belle Fleur understands perfumery, Belle Fleur is composing fragrance for candles that considers top, middle and base notes. Perfumer Jerome Epinette’s work has incredible breadth, yet is completely targeted too. The quality and percentage of raw materials makes for a tenacious candle, I must say that the candle almost acts as a conduit for fragrance, and I have never thought about a candle in that way before.

Lighting a candle can mark our intention for a wish, a memory, it can be a tiny step in taking better care of ourselves and our loved ones. Belle Fleur beckons us toward a lifestyle where ritual reigns.

Thanks to Belle Fleur we have a reader’s choice draw for either Palo Santo or Indochine. This is a US only draw. To be eligible leave a comment on which you would choose and what appeals to you about candles and scenting your personal space. Draw ends January 29, 2014.

Disclosure: I received my candles from Belle Fleur

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 –Valerie Vitale, Editor

Editor's Note:  Belle Fleur won a CaFleureBon Best of Scent for Home Fragrance 2013. Tony Perez and Meredith Waga of Belle Fleur won 2014 The Fashion Group's Rising Star Award in the Beauty and Fragrance Category- Entrepeneur Division on January 29, 2014. Thrilled!