Paddywax Santorini 13Oz Terracotta Ceramic Raw Clay & Pear
368 g
I’ve never been to Santorini, but this candle supposedly shows you what it looks and smells like.
While browsing for a slightly more unusual summer fragrance, I came across the Santorini from Paddywax. The style and scent of the candle are modelled on the Cycladic island.
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Known for its picturesque white houses with blue domed roofs, the island in the Aegean Sea impresses with spectacular sunsets, dramatic volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear water. Can the Santorini scented candle capture the island’s essence and put me in the holiday mood without me even leaving the house? In a bid to find out, I order myself a candle and give it a try.
The candle comes without fancy packaging, instead arriving in protective bubble wrap. I’m fine with that because I’m not planning on giving it as a gift – it’s the content I’m interested in. And that certainly impresses me. The little blue and white ceramic pot with handles and ribbed details has a high-quality finish and is pretty to look at.
Santorini’s top note is supposed to smell of citrus, fresh eucalyptus and thyme. Rose, clove and violet root form the middle notes, while the base notes consist of cedarwood, sandalwood and leather. When I light the candle, I’m struck by the top note. As time goes on, however, the base note comes out more strongly. Once I blow it out, there’s a woody, leathery aroma left behind.
It’s generally a good thing if the scent of a candle lingers for a while after it’s gone out. The thing is, the heavy, long-lasting woody aroma doesn’t exude the light, airy summer feeling I’m looking for. I guess I’ll just have to keep looking for the ultimate summer scent and dig the candle back out again when autumn’s on the horizon. I do think it looks good, after all.
Alternatively, I could try the terracotta-pot version of the Santorini candle with base notes of smoked cedar, spiced musk and creamy sandalwood. As you can see, those who’re less keen on the blue and white version can go for a Paddywax design in other colours, sizes and scents.
The Paddywax candleholder is reusable. Once the candle’s completely burnt away, I’ll have a Santorini souvenir – without ever having visited the island. How cool is that?
The wax in the Paddywax candle burns slowly and evenly, though, mind you this should generally be a given when it comes to candles. However, you do need to let it burn until the entire wax surface is liquid, and trim the wick regularly.
The Santorini is a pretty, aromatic and well-made candle. So, does it really smell like the Cycladic island? I won’t be able to say until I’ve been there myself. What I can tell you is that its ceramic pot is reminiscent of the typical Greek oil jars often repurposed as plant pots. It’s this Mediterranean look that exudes a vacation vibe. The wax also burns cleanly and slowly. And the best part? Once the candle has burnt away, you can give its ribbed holder a second life as a storage container.
The only thing to slightly dampen the summer joy was the Paddywax candle’s dominant woody notes, which, to me, smell more like late summer and autumn.
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Like a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.