Last month, Archipelago Botanicals launched its Private Reserve Candle and Reed Diffuser Collection, a luxury line based on the unique, daring, experimental scented candle options created in the Archipelago lab for private use. The hand-poured black candles (made of 60% soy wax) are packaged in sleek, black ceramic ceramic canisters emblazoned with the word "Archipelago" and the corresponding fragrance number in a simple white font, as well as the initials "LA" in a large gothic font, nodding to the company's roots in Los Angeles.
The candles and reed diffusers are available in five scents: Lust, Stem, Leather, Zest and Grass. I had the chance to check out a sample of the Archipelago Botanicals Private Reserve Lust Candle and was floored by its spicy aroma. Instead of relying on customary floral or fruit-based scents that emphasize existing (and often tired and outdated) notions of femininity, this candle's fragrance made me think of a Casablanca love affair, with the sounds and colors of Morocco framing every passionate second. The Lust candle, also known as fragrance number 83, features a blend of bourbon vanilla, vetiver, amber and bergamot. The vetiver note adds an exotic quality to the scent, while the vanilla smooths out the notes and adds a sensual twist.
To check out all the candles in the collection, make sure to visit CandleLuxury.com
Archipelago Botanicals Private Reserve Candles, $29.50 each. Visit CandleLuxury.com
**A press sample of the candle discussed in this piece was submitted by the retailer's press department for editorial review purposes.
