Maybe it’s that I grew up in the era of walking by Yankee Candle at the mall and having my nose abused by the overwhelming scents, but I’m not a big candle gal. Can my favorite scent and a coconut-based wax save me from candle ambivalence?
Candles for a Non-Candle-Person
You know the type. You walk into a person’s home, and are hit by a tidal wave of scent. Not a bad smell, just … a lot. You can’t put your finger on what it is, but you know something’s burning. This was never me. My house typically smells like garlic and onions (hey, I’m an Italian cook, so sue me), or whatever cologne my teen is wearing that week. (It’s currently Carolina Herrera’s Bad Boy, if you were wondering.)
So, I probably SHOULD have a candle burning. They just strike me as so artificial. Like I said, I have post-Yankee-Candle-sniffing disorder. So when an offer to try Bluecorn’s Coconut Wax Candle came in, which happens to be in my favorite REAL scent on earth — LILAC — I said what the heck.
Large Bluecorn Aromatica Coconut Wax Scented Candle
Pros
- Phenomenal, natural scent.
- Attractive container.
- Ethical and sustainable.
- You can buy refills for the container at a lower price!
Cons
- $45 is more than I'd typically pay for a "large" candle (it doesn't look like a large).
Specifications
- Scent: Lilac.
- Vegan: Yes.
- Size: Large (11 oz).
Great First Impression
I was surprised by the packaging. It came in a lovely lavender cylindrical holder with the logo and images of mountains. Heck, it was pretty enough to display itself, and that’s with the candle still inside.
The real wow-factor was when I opened it up and immediately felt transported to the second week in May, the only week I can smell my favorite flower, the humble lilac. I live in New England, and around Mother’s Day, I walk around the neighborhood with a pair of scissors in my back pocket, sniping lilacs from unsuspecting neighbors. Please refrain from judgment at this time.
The candle scent blew me away. It didn’t smell like artificial lilac — this was real and rich and perfect. The candle is labeled Mountain Lilac, but also says it has notes of hyacinth and vetiver as well. They didn’t interfere with the perfect lilac scent, however, as I couldn’t quite detect anything else. In my book, that’s GOOD.
The glass itself is nice. It’s a beer-bottle brown, transparent, with a pleasant beaded pattern. Should fit into most homes nicely. There is a wooden top to cover it, but I think I like the wick exposed.
Now, Feel the Burn
Scent is great when the candle’s just sitting around, but you don’t get the full effect until it’s been lit for a while. I was pleased to see that this candle is paraffin and phthalate-free, and very sustainable. The company offsets 100% of their emissions, plant a tree for every 200 packages, pay a living wage, and use eco-friendly and nontoxic inks. Bravo!
The burn itself is nice. The scent doesn’t overwhelm the home — it’s subtle but clear. The cotton wick doesn’t sputter or burn out, like I’ve had other candles do in the past. I was slightly concerned that I had no idea how coconut was would hold up against beeswax or other candle materials I’d seen, but it’s melting nicely. I don’t feel like I’ve seen any smoke, and it seems a very clean option as far as candle burning-goes. Every time I light it, my family comments on it. Win in my book!
Large Bluecorn Aromatica Coconut Wax Scented Candle
In My Expert Opinion
All in all, this is a must-have in my home. I love the smell, the candle container itself is pretty but unobtrusive, and I like that it’s a brand I can stand behind.
