After my last Diptyque candle, Mimosa, chucked an unsightly smudge of soot up the then attic-style walls of my bedroom, I vowed never to buy a candle from them again. But like some overly persuasive ex-boyfriend, Diptyque candles have wormed their way back in. The sooty issue comes from the paraffin wax which doesn't burn as cleanly as something vegetable/soy based such as those from NEOM. This type of wax is also purportedly not so great for your health either so, by and large, I have totally avoided it. However I caved with this purchase because of the scent; I simply haven't found anything like it, or as good, from other brands.
Feu de Bois translates to 'firewood' and that is most definitely the basis of the scent; warm, woody and smoky. I also notice an almost undetectable hint of something like leather or juniper which tips it just a little more toward modern and masculine than straight up 'something is on fire'. That said, it's as close as I can get to an (intentional!) crackling fire in my little flat and when lit it will drift through every room without ever being overbearing. This candle hasn't been quite as messy as Mimosa, but if you want the scent without the soot, there is a Feu de Bois room spray. Personally I think I would miss the flicker of a flame though. I know this will be a repurchase already as it's far and away my favourite scent from Diptyque.
At £38 for 190g (or £20 for the 70g version) they definitely aren't cheap but, with a certain gift giving season around the corner, you couldn't go far wrong with this as a gift - especially for a couple, as there is just the right balance of woodsiness to appeal to both sexes. Available from Diptyque, John Lewis and Space NK.
At £38 for 190g (or £20 for the 70g version) they definitely aren't cheap but, with a certain gift giving season around the corner, you couldn't go far wrong with this as a gift - especially for a couple, as there is just the right balance of woodsiness to appeal to both sexes. Available from Diptyque, John Lewis and Space NK.
Back before we had children and could splash out a few quid on posh candles, this was my favourite. It smells exactly of an old chateau we used to holiday at in France. Enjoy those posh candles while you can!
ReplyDeleteI love Diptyque scents but the paraffin is really an issue. Not only is it a serious health hazard (I don't believe what they say about 'superior paraffin', whatever that is) it really darkens your walls. I had Feu de Bois (gorgeous scent, it haunts me to this day) on my desk and the wall behind got just a tinge darker after I finished burning it. I'm so sad, it's a very unique scent.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds lovely, so expensive though! x
ReplyDeleteThis sounds amazing scent-wise but the soot doesn't sound great!
ReplyDeleteGem x
http://www.gemmameansjewel.com
The smell sounds great, the candle itself- not so much. soot and a health hazard- eek!
ReplyDeletePoppy
lets drive far away
Haha I love how you compared it to an ex boyfriend!
ReplyDeletethe smell sounds perfect, not to keen about the price though aha xx
ReplyDeleteHave you tried trimming the wick? If you read the instructions on the website it says to burn it for a certain amount of time the first time and then trimming the week before you light it again! Hopefully that helps. Don't they just smell heavenly!
ReplyDeletexo
Love these candles.
ReplyDeleteI don't own any Diptyque candles, but they are so tempting! I've sniffed them while in Space NK but the price tag always makes me put the, back! I'm seriously tempted though, not sure I can resist much longer! xx
ReplyDeleteferdies-place.blogspot.com
I'm really tempted by Diptyque, but I have attic style walls in my bedroom, too. Slightly nervous now!
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely! I always have a good sniff of these wheni look around SpaceNK. I actually have a candle by a brand called Woodwick that crackles like a fire.. true love!
ReplyDeletethis looks lovely! Out of my price range, but i've always wanted to try this!
ReplyDeleteI agree with V. You need to burn it the first time so the wax is molten to the edge, so it sets its memory. Then trim the wick. If you trim the wick before burning it each time you won't get soot ... although if you let it burn too long, the wick will also get too long/accumulate little carbon-y bobbles and start giving off soot. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLove these candles! I agree they're not cheap; I already have 3 on my Christmas wishlist :)
ReplyDeleteDaniella x
http://daniella-r.blogspot.co.uk/
I've heard so much about these, but they are just too expensive for me since I burn through candle so quickly!! :( If you're looking for an alternative Glade makes a really nice one that smells woodsy and very autumny.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.gildedsunflower.com
I'm going to look for these when I'm in London next month.
ReplyDeleteI read about them everywhere. I wonder if I will like them enough to spend so much on them.
Beautylovebooks.blogspot.com
oh it sounds fantastic ! xx
ReplyDeletethebeautyheroes.blogspot.co.uk
I was just going to mention trimming the wick, in the first picture, the flame is flaring, which is a sign the wick is too long, keeping it trimmed so it's no more than 5mm long before you light it will help stop it being so sooty (you'll also have cleaner candle glasses).
ReplyDeleteAlso, make sure that every time you burn, the wax melts across the whole of the surface, otherwise you'll get runnelling (where the wick burns only the middle of the wax, and you end up with deposits around the edges), you may need to nudge the wick a few times whilst burning to make sure it's an even melt.
Signed,
An Candle Obsessive
Try "Woodfire" by Illume Candles. I've had both and Woodfire is cheaper, soy and just generally a superior candle.
ReplyDelete