Soul Scent: SWEET PEA & DRENCHED APPLE FLOWER - BATH AND BODY WORKS

I rarely do full out review on candles, for all intents and purposes, the Bath and Body Works semi-annual sale has finished, so I thought I'd cover a few goodies.

That said, I have purchased a few Bath and Body Work candles throughout the past years, but I am not a super fan of these Slatkin and Co. Candles. 

The reason Bath and Body Works' candles fails to keep my heart is because:
: I find the throw of Slatkin and Co. candles to be very inconsistent
: $22.50 for one candle, in a simple thin glass container with a cheap metal cover is rather expensive
: The sleeves that I bought to decorate the candle attracted so much dust I decided to throw it out instead of cleaning it

Candles to me, must give me a sense of luxury and ease. I enjoy a heavy glass, extravagant candle accompanying me while I study or when I take a bath. But these Slatkin and Co candles cut the edge very close to my standards. This year, I repurchased the Sweet Pea along with a spring/summer scent - Drenched Apple Flower, and the sweet scents make up for the packaging.


Sweet Pea brings back alot of high school memories, and today I call this scent my guilty pleasure - it sits in my bathroom to accompany me when I put on make up in the morning. I genuinely do enjoy this scent first thing in the morning. I had initially picked up Fresh Cotton again, for I can never get enough the scent of fresh laundry. I thought this scent would be a perfect addition to my room, specifically in my closet. But the smell of fresh apples caught my eye this time around and Drench Apple Flower replaced Fresh Cotton. I am so pleased that I have been burning this candle all day, everyday.

Finally, for purchasing two candles, I received a free sleeve. I was hesitant to even pick out a free item as my previous experiences with sleeves were mediocre. The sleeves with the intricate designs tended to attract lots of dust between the gaps and between the sleeve and the candle, cleaning was a pain. Secondly, I wasn't too attracted to year's sleeve designs... until I saw this one with a lid. There was only one in the entire store (Pacific Centre) and it was the only one with a lid. I loved the simple design, it kept the sleeve classy. Though I'm not a fan of the foggy rhinestone on the top of the lid, I figured the lid would be off the candle more often than it would be on.

I purchased backups of both candles earlier week, but I only purchase Slatkin and Co candles during their semi-annual two-for-one sale. I do not think they are worth the full $22.50. For almost $25 a piece, there are many many more options in the candle market. 

Soul Scent - ESSENZA MANGO AGAVE CANDLE

Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday and embracing of the New 2012 Year. 

I bring you a review on my own personal delight - the Essenza Mango Agave Candle

Undoubtedly, this is the perfect addition to not only any holiday of the year, but also a pleasure to indulge yourself in just before bedtime. Its delicious mango scent its not quite a burst of sunshine for the morning, but a sweet (yet not filling), romantic aura perfect for relaxation and tranquility. I have this candle lit when I blog, well it is pretty late in the night, and my room is filled with warm not only physically, but emotionally as well. I cannot possibly get enough of the luxury packaging of this candle as well. Retailed at $40.00 in Nordstrom, the thick 1 cm detail-embossed glass around the smooth wax candle is such an eye candy.

I am not an expert at burning candles. I get lazy to trim the wick every now and then. Which I presume why the candle only burns in the middle and not around the edges. I didn't have this problem with my soy candles, as they burned flat. This is rather irritating for me, I love the product so much I hate to see any of it go to waste. Plus, I'd really like to save the gorgeous candle holder for miscellaneous use in the future.

Nonetheless, a candle I would repurchase over and over again. 

My holiday blessings once more! Happy New Year!

Yes that is my decorated Christmas Tree accompanying the Essenza :)

Soul Scent: OUT OF AFRICA - AFRICAN MUSK DIFFUSER

I came across Out of Africa online under the title "Best Organic Shea Butter". I was a little hesitant to order online ( I hate paying for shipping haha) and decided maybe the next time I went to the states I would pick one up. Anyhow, when I went to Walgreens, I couldn't find the Shea Butter but instead found the Out Of Africa Diffuser. I loved the ethnic packaging along with the cute giraffe on a classic glass bottle, I knew I had to pick one up. 

At the particular Walgreens I went to, they only had Chocolate and African Musk. I tend to avoid my home from smelling too sweet and filling, so I decided to go with the African Musk. When I home to their website, I learnt they had other sweets such as Lemongrass, Mango Coconut and Apple. I love the African Musk so much I'm definitely going to try the other ones if I see them again!

What makes Out of Africa so special is their environment and social responsibility. Not only are their products organically made, a portion of their sales also go to a charity project known as "School Children Unite". This program helps to provide education as well as medical care for children in West Africa.

White Ginger, Muguet & Musk blended together to create a relaxing and soothing scent. I find diffusers to have a stronger and more distinct scent than candles. Plus, diffusers are such a beautiful home decorator, the long reeds and glass bottles are such a subtle statement. 

Purchased from Walgreens in Seattle. Approximately $20 USD before tax.

Soul Scent - ARCHAEOLOGY FREESIA CANDLE

How many of you out there are candle lovers? Scent lovers?

I've been in love with candles.... pretty much since Bath & Body Works opened up in Vancouver's Pacific Centre. I was never really a scent person back then, but after walking into that HappyLand shop, I had some strange epiphany.
omg I want my room to smell like this everyday, every time I walk through my own bedroom door

...yummieee

I recently purchased this Archaeology Freesia Soy Candle. Soy candles are made from hydrogenated soybean oil as opposed to the traditional beeswax. Soybean oil is not only renewable (as opposed to petroleum, think eco-Happy Planet) but these candles are also supposed to burn 50% longer than average candles. This baby markets to be a "60 Hour" candle, I hope it lives up to its name. 

I am so happy with this purchase, the scent is amazing. I

 wish the scent dispersed a little more strongly, but nonetheless,

the scent is sweet, subtle and sexy. (Alliteration, my friends).

Purchased from Nordstrom, Downtown Seattle.