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The Beauty Gypsy

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You are here: Home / Candles / The 6 best summer candles that smell like vacations

The 6 best summer candles that smell like vacations

It is a myth universally believed, that candles are meant only for freezing winters. (Sorry Jane Austen, I know you didn’t mean for your quote to be mangled this way).

Nothing, though, could be further from the truth.

Like any other fragrance, candles are an all-season indulgence. I can’t imagine being without one on any day of the year. When I am stressed, a lavender candle calms me down. When I am tired, a mint one perks up my energy. When I am feeling chaotic in the head, that flickering flame helps me into a state of quasi-meditation. 

Candles help me transition from the work hours to lounge time, especially through these work-from-home days when the boundaries can blur so easily.

A destination-based one transports me to another world, without needing to get onto a flight.

And what’s better to set a mood than multiple wicks casting soft shadows on the walls and floors? Sometimes, I just switch off all the lights, going from being blasted with electric bulbs to softly bathing in that most ancient of treasures – a flickering flame. It casts reality in a rosy glow that’s beautifully reassuring to all the senses. 

So, yes… I love my candles. Come winter or summer. It’s just that like the rest of my fragrances, the wardrobe changes with the seasons. Because while Maison Margiela Replica’s By the Fireplace is comfortingly reminiscent of a crackling hearth in the dead of winter, it may be a bit too heavy for summer. 

In the summers, I gravitate towards lighter scents. Citrus and aqua notes that bring home the music of the oceanside. Mint and lavender, which cool down the mind, body and soul. Bright white florals mixed with just the right touch of bitters, like the perfect gin cocktail. 

Looking for the perfect summer candle? These are the best ones I have found in my years and years of hunting. They won’t lead you wrong.

Diptyque Feuille de Lavende

There’s a reason Diptyque is one of my favorite luxury candlemakers. The marquee, which was started by a trio comprising of an interior designer, theatre set designer and painter can literally bring to life a whole landscape, a story, a memory with the strike of a match. The Feuille de Lavende candle is so reminiscent of the purple-hued lavender fields of Provence in France that you just need to close your eyes and be there, under the painterly blue skies and the glowing summer sun.

There are so many lavender candles out there but none have captured the essence of the summery bush so gorgeously. Maybe that’s because it combines elements from the entire lavender plant – including the freshness of the leaves and the grassiness of the stem, which marry the rustic sweetness of the flowers for a crisp green floral that  freshens up everything it touches.

Overose Euphoriasme

Have you ever been to a French bakery at first light, just as the warm, buttery croissants and crusty baguettes are coming out of the oven, the counters are filling up with fresh flowers and there’s a sweet, slightly powdery mist rising up from the cobblestones outside the puff-lined windows? These are some of my favorite moments in Paris… moments which make getting up early in the morning worth it even for a night owl like me. And moments that are encapsulated so beautifully in Overose’s Euphoriasme.

I don’t like overtly sweet fragrances but this one is just right in marrying the softness of rose water with the tartness of cranberries and the caramel notes of fresh croissants and creme brûlée. Take a whiff, fall in love. And if you do happen to be in Paris one summer morning, come by Du Pain et des Idées in 10th. It’s one of Paris’ oldest and most loved bakeries – and you will usually find me in a corner of the rough wooden bench outside, savouring that first bite of freshness that sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Cire Trudon Positano by Giambattista Valli

Oh, to be in Positano right now. It’s my favorite summer destination – where the bright, colourful houses glow under the Italian sun, against the vibrant yellows of fresh lemon trees and the unbelievable blues of the Amalfi coast. The balmy Mediterranean breezes are laden with citrus oils and notes of orange blossom, jasmine, magnolia, tuberose, lily and gardenias – all of which have been distilled into the magnificently heavy white glass jar of Cire Turdon’s Positano candle, which has been co-created with luxury fashion designer Giambista Valli. It’s what I light up when I’m missing the landscape of my soul.

Gray Malin Beach

What’s summer without a hefty dose of beach vibes? And if you are not going out to enjoy them, let them come to you with Gray Malin’s Beach candle. Which is basically summer in a glass jar that’s imprinted with one of the fine art photographers cult aerial prints of a sun umbrella decked beach. The notes of sand lilies, summer orchids and aquatic ocean breezes complete the illusion. You could be in Bondi or Waikiki or Monterey. Just close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Lladro 1001 Lights Unbreakable Spirit

The long summer vacations of my childhood were spent nestled up in my mother’s lap, listening to winding tales about exotic kingdoms and fairytale people who always triumphed over life’s many challenges. This has probably informed my love for reading. And my love for travel.

One of the books I remember her reading from very vivid is the One Thousand and One Nights… that cult classic lore of folk tales from enchanting lands like Arabia, Persia, India, Greece and Turkey. I remember, it had a midnight blue cover and she bought it for my fifth birthday… an age when I was still too young to read but old enough to create memories and landscapes. As Scheherazade wove her stories, I imagined travelling to these far flung places on Aladdin’s magic carpet, flying over spired domes and dusty deserts.

Domes just like Lladro’s 1001 Lights, which come in four different colors, though my favorite is this turquoise blue, which is so cooling visually. Inside the gorgeous, gold-touched porcelain jar are notes of lotus flowers, cassis and frankincense that bring bring back those dreamy summer days in a flash of light. It’s like being young and carefree again. And every time I light it, I want to be back in mother’s lap and for it be summer forever.  

Carrière Frères Spearmint

This is a relatively new discovery for me, which is unusual since the French brand Carrière Frères is actually more than a century old. Carrière Frères specialises in single-note candles, distilling pure oils in the traditions of master candle makers from the 17th century. Every step is ethical and earth-friendly, from the sustainably sourced raw materials to the recycled glass packaging (hand lacquered in their Normandy factory) and 100% natural alcohols.

I still remember the first time I met Spearmint (or Menthe Spicata)… it was radiating the aroma even through the closed box and layers of gift wrapping. And when I first lit a match to the wick, it exploded into a crispy freshness, with the greens of spearmint. Mint, when done well, literally cools down the ambience and this one is so good that it’s become my go-to after a hot sweltering afternoon spent outdoors. It also goes a long way towards bringing down heat-induced migraines and while

I may be late to the discovery, you will never find me without one of these again! While the other candles on this list celebrate and elevate summer, this is the one I bring out as an antidote when life gets just too hot. Literally and physically.

All illustrations custom commissioned from The Drawing Board

Do you love a summer candle? Which one is your favorite?

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Comments

  1. Kisaan says

    June 30, 2020 at 12:59

    I wanna try these candles!!!For me Fragrance plays a very important role . I like my house to smell amazing, not only house, body car etc etc . It refreshes my mind.Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  2. simplyfresh says

    September 9, 2020 at 16:03

    Nice post about candles, i have to try these type of candles at my home. Thanks for the post and keep posting…

    Reply

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Am pretty sure this VIP Mon Amour Palette is what Hemingway meant by Paris is a movable feast. Thank you @byterryofficial for bringing Paris to me, when I am craving the city SO much. Also, I’m sure the colors are great but I’m not smudging this one. It’s just too pretty!!!!!⁣
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*adds one more to cart to actually use*⁣
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Tag a friend who loves Paris. And neutral eyeshadows. AND pretty palettes.
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What does a croissant themed candle smell like? More specifically, what does @overosefragrances Croissant candle smell like? 🥐🥐🥐🥐⁣
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To me, it’s the smell of the cozy Parisian viennoseries in the small by-lanes that open out on the Seine river. It’s the smell of a golden, buttery, flaky croissant straight out of the oven. You pick it up from the bakery, tucked in a paper envelope, and walk out to the Le Pont Alexandre-III bridge that spans the river from the Left Bank to the Right Bank. From La Rive Gauche to La Rive Droit. From the Paris of Picasso and Matisse to the Paris of Chanel and Dior. 🇫🇷🇫🇷⁣
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There, as you lean against one of the bronze candelabras, you slowly peel back the paper and take that first, all-encompassing bite as the sun starts to spread its rays across this magnificent city. ☀️🌅⁣
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Your nose inhales the aroma of fresh butter, churned to golden perfection and folded into the heady, yeasty dough. Every bite releases a fragrance that cannot be replicated with anything else and you don’t even mind the crumbs falling on your shirt. Life is perfect for the moment. 🥐🥐🥐🥐⁣
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And that’s what the Overose Croissant candle smells like to me. A moment that’s replete with the alchemy of the world’s finest butter and flaky, airy dough, mingling with the inimitable romance of Paris as it comes to life with the first rays of the morning sun. A moment when life is perfect.⁣
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What’s YOUR perfect moment? ❤️⁣
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If you’ve ever been stuck for a gift for someone, all you need to know is their zodiac sign. The time-tested astronomical science of sun signs is a great way of gaining a sneak peek into someone’s personality – and it has yet to fail me. Ever. So, talking perfumes this time ’round, let’s figure out what to gift that Pisces sister-in-law or Gemini co-worker that’s sure to hit the right spot.⁣
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PS: It’s also a great way of exploring your own signature scent.⁣
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Click the link in bio for further details into the why and how of every sun sign.⁣
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20.11.20⁣
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The date that changed everything. ⁣
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The date that he asked for her hand for a lifetime. ⁣
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The date she said yes.⁣
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The date my brother’s new life began.⁣
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And the date I got a sister.⁣
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@abhichar, she’s truly your lobster! I am so happy that words fail me. And you know, THAT rarely happens. So, to slightly re-quote my favourite author, “… whatever your souls are made of, yours and hers are the same.”⁣
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Just wait till we gang up against you, though – I have been waiting TWO DECADES for that to happen. So, watch out now 😈😈⁣
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Jokes apart, you are the very best brother in the world. And I am missing you soooooooooo much. Till we meet – hopefully soon! - here’s raising the biggest, sparkliest toast to both of you 🥂🥂🍾🍾❤️❤️
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Monday work desk situation:⁣
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@oneoceanbeauty Blue Light Protection + Hydration Mist: Because blue light skin damage is very, very real. And a mist that packs protection against this particular form of premature ageing with providing deep hydration  is a win-win in my book 👩🏻‍💻💧⁣
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@lamer The Hand Treatment: Dry hands are uncomfortable. Sticky, greasy hands make it difficult to work on the computer. Plus, I am paranoid about grease transferring onto my MacBook as it stains the finish and you just never manage to get rid of it! This hand cream is lightweight, easy to absorb and super-hydrating 🙌🏻🙌🏻⁣
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Everything is going nuts but I’m just going to sit here and pretend it’s Christmas and all is well with the world. First up, sorting through Christmas ornaments (too early?). Second, ordering my first apple pie for the season. And third, making it feel like the holidays are literally in the air with Diptyque’s Winter Collection candles.⁣
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A mysterious swan spreading its wings over the Buttes-Chaumont Park (this one’s my favorite) – a comforting cocoon of orange, cinnamon, ginger and amber. 🦢🦢🦢🦢⁣
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Do these look like giant sushi rolls to anyone else or am I just really, really hungry 😳
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If you’ve been here a while, you know I am obsessed with candles. Especially ones that both look gorgeous and smell gorgeous. Have lately been loving this one from RLI London, a young candle brand that makes the most dreamy votives.⁣
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There are three candles in their capsule collection – Capri Blue, Up in the Andes and R(h)ome. And they have all been inspired by local flowers and scents from founder Rachele’s travels. ⁣
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This one is Capri Blue (which you probably guessed, given all the blue!) and it smells of rippling sea waters, salt-kissed skin, and citrus trails. Fresh, breezy and energising… like a perfect summer’s day on the Italian coast. Pure escapism! 🌊🌊🌊🌊⁣
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And I really love the little details. Like the colored wax that matches the jar and the romantic line drawing by @cecilia_carlstedt. It’s going to be #upcycled into the most eye catching vase once the wax is gone. Which is going to be pretty soon, since I’m burning it every single day! 💙⁣
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Do you love candles as well? What do you look for while buying one?
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Currently working on renovation plans for my house and wondering if a door like this would be a bit OTT 😬⁣
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What do you think? 🧐⁣
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PS: I was right here this day, last year. And can’t wait to go back ❤️ ☀️☀️❤️⁣
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While everyone has been busy fussing over Gucci’s new bronzing powders, I have been obsessed with their summer capsule collection of nail polishes. 💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼⁣
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There are five in total, each one dedicated to iconic movies and characters from the Hollywood’s golden era. And they make for really happy nails… ! ⁣
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Anyone who knows me wouldn’t be surprised that I rightaway gravitated to the more offbeat colors – Melinda Green and Dorothy Turquoise. And they are soooooooo PRETTY!!!!!! 💚💙💙💚⁣
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The green is not as lime-neon as it looks in the bottle… it’s more of a leafy shade, I would say. But just that much “extra” to make a person look twice. 💚💚⁣
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And the blue is very Breakfast at Tiffanys, so guess it’s going to get a lot of real estate on my nails this season. (Swipe for swatches). 💙💙⁣
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The bottles themselves are pure love, with a 1950s retro vibe that’s luxe in a very minimalistic fashion. It reminds me of the (now vintage) nail polishes that I would steal from my grandmother’s dresser as a kid. And that makes me feel grown up and nostalgic all at once⁣
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But what actually surprised me was the formula itself. Colors are relatively easier to mix up but Gucci has really gone all out on the formulation. Like all ‘polishes that I test, these were applied without any base or top coat and they glided over so smoothly that I don’t think you need any of that stuff at all! Which is a first for me. 💪🏻⁣
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Today is the fourth day of wear and there’s not a single chip even after all the hand washing and sanitisers (swipe to see). Plus, the brush head is wide and squat, which makes it easy to apply the color – a boon, since it’s going to be a while before nail salons become a part of our regular existence again. 😳⁣
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Also, they took about two minutes to air dry – again, without any top coat to help them along!⁣
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I am seriously really very impressed.⁣
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Have you tried anything from @guccibeauty yet? And what’s YOUR nail polish vibe? Bright? Or more understated?⁣
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Just. Listen. ⁣
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When was the last time you took a break, drew a deep breath and just let yourself listen to the world around you?⁣
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I love this quote by Drew Sirtors because it makes me pause. And listen to the wind. To nature. To the world outside my being. To the voices inside my own head. ⁣
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Which is your favorite quote? The one that heals you, inspires you, challenges you? Tell me 👇🏻⁣
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I must have worn a lipstick about 4 times in the past 3 months (hello masks!) and yet keep collecting them like crazy. And maybe it’s just not me? The simple lipstick is a curious phenomenon. From being seen as a sign of Satan worship and being the province of prostitutes to becoming markers of wealth and an indictor of the economy (#lipstickindex), they are more than “just” makeup. 💄💄💄💄⁣
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And where, in historic times, they were used in secret chambers and with great subterfuge, today it’s THE thing to whip out a gorgeous lipstick case in public to freshen up your look. Lipstick cases, in fact, are the latest ‘It-accessories’ of our times with everyone from Hermès to Gucci competing for the most sculptural, almost museum worthy, effects. 💋👄⁣
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The best ones, where I am concerned, are those that combine form and function. And out of the 642652986298 that I currently possess, these are the top four that both look stunning and work brilliantly!⁣
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(from top to bottom)⁣
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Dolce & Gabbana Dolcissimo Liquid Lipstick: With a floral print that’s inspired by the designers’ couture gowns, isn’t this pure luxury?⁣
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Chantecaille Lip Veil in Mandevilla: Sales of this limited-edition lip color support Elephant Family, an NGO in India) 🐘🐘⁣
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Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick in Moira Sienna: That Art Deco-inspired etched gold case!⁣
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Rouge Hermès in Violet Insense: This is a limited edition, hence the red and blue bands… the permanent ones come with black and gold bands. Plus, the cases are refillable so I am making it my life’s mission to collect them all!⁣
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Which is YOUR favorite lipstick? Tell me 👇🏻
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If makeup is supposed to make you feel happy, these limited edition beauties have had me grinning ever since they landed on my desk. And I’m not even that into cats 😻😽⁣
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But Paul & Joe, the uber-chic beauty brand from France definitely does, and cats have become a signature motif for them. And they do them ADORABLY, don’t you think? Case in point: this ‘Bratty Cat’ (love the name) lipstick, which has the pigment in a cat-shaped core running through the tube, encased by a clear glossy base made from jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil, and lavender oil for a glossy and hydrating finish. Swipe to see a closeup 💋⁣
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Then there’s the Face & Eye Color palette, which is simply precious. Total summer vibes. ⁣
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And for the social record, let it be known that if anything were to happen to me, I bequeath my Paul & Joe collection to @galadriel255 – my BFF and the MOST cat-obsessed person in the world!⁣
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Tag a cat lover who would adore these!
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