People Always Say My Apartment Smells Like a Luxury Resort, and It's Thanks to These Scents
One fact about me that's gotten more obvious throughout my career as a beauty editor is that I have a deep appreciation for brands that possess the ability to pump out quality product after quality product without fail. That's why I've been a longtime fan of the extensive collection of home, bath, and body scents offered by Glasshouse Fragrances, a brand founded in New York by Nicole Eckels. After venturing to Sydney, Australia in search of unique and enchanting scents, Eckels began to focus on creating candles. Her goal? Bringing fine fragrances to the masses in partnership with the world’s greatest perfumers.
Since 2005, the Glasshouse Fragrance brand has expanded to include home and car fragrances to eau de parfum as well as bath and body (and it just so happens they can all be mixed and matched). The brand's candles, in particular, have played a huge role in transforming my New York City–size studio apartment into a home over the past few months; earning countless compliments from visiting family and friends. Below, I'm sharing the top 10 candles that have earned me plenty of questions beginning with, "What smells so good in here?"
The 10 Best Candles by Glasshouse Fragrances, Listed
- St. Barts
- Kyoto in Bloom
- Forever Florence
- I'll Take Manhattan
- Enchanted Garden
- Music City Magic
- Midnight in Milan
- Arabian Nights
- Marseille Moments
- Kakadu Dreaming
1. St. Barts
Fragrance Family: Fresh fruits
Key Notes: Sweet oranges, pomelo, grapefruit, spices, vetiver, amber, cedarwood, musk
Described by Glasshouse Fragrances as being inspired by "sapphire water, perfect white sand, and the always-summer air," this fragrance is the epitome of a carefree, luxurious lifestyle. Until I can book a flight to a tropical beach, I'll be burning this bright and citrusy in my apartment as frequently as I dream of a last-minute getaway to St. Barts.
Glowing Review: N/A
2. Kyoto in Bloom
Fragrance Family: Amber floral
Key Notes: Fresh lime, bergamot, citrus, camellia, lotus, amber, sandalwood, musk, vanilla
The Kyoto in Bloom fragrance is proof that a classic clean scent doesn't need to be devoid of hints of amber or powdery, fresh florals. As an ode to Kyoto's famous cherry blossoms, it's crafted from a blend of blooming camellia and lotus underscored by smooth amber, sandalwood, musk, and more. It also happens to be senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider's favorite year-round.
Glowing Review: "Absolutely love the Kyoto In Bloom candle! The scent is warm and inviting, like being wrapped in a soft, fuzzy blanket by a crackling fireplace. It fills my home with a comforting aroma that instantly relaxes me after a long day. Definitely my new favorite!"
3. Forever Florence
Fragrance Family: Musky floral
Key Notes: Peach, pear, citrus, jasmine, heliotrope, peony-rose, lily, musk, amber, sandalwood
I can't get enough musky floral fragrances, and Glasshouse's Fragrance's Forever Florence is by far one of the best ones I've been able to test during my time as a beauty editor. While I pick up on the musky florals, it's the peach and pear notes that round the scent out beautifully. I love to pair this one with candles that feature a sharp, crisp note to play up the citrus.
Glowing Review: "It's a powdery floral that is full of feminine notes. You can smell the rose, peonies, and musk very clearly. They blend together to create such a beautiful fragrance."
4. I'll Take Manhattan
Fragrance Family: Musky floral
Key Notes: Gardenia, tulip, orchid, redcurrant, black rose, carnation, nectarine, blood orange, amber, patchouli, sandalwood
Just because I now live in Manhattan doesn't mean I don't still fawn over New York City–themed fragrances. This one captures the undeniable energy of the city with a mouthwatering mixture of gardenia, redcurrant, and blood orange set against a base of smooth woods. Burning this one in the evenings gives my space an elevated feel and reminds me that I've made it to the Big Apple.
Glowing Review: "This is another of my favorite candles by Glasshouse. It is my nighttime candle. When I've I had a long day at work and I need a glass of wine and a movie (and maybe some chocolate too), this is the candle I burn. It's romantic, sexy and calming. Another beauty by the best!"
5. Enchanted Garden
Fragrance Family: Fresh floral
Key Notes: Rose hip, cassis, blackcurrants, raspberry, dewdrop, climbing rose, peony, lily of the valley, patchouli, incense, suede, musk
Okay, I'll admit it—I've always been someone who gravitates more towards seasonal fragrances. Lately, however, I've fully embraced the idea of using transitional scents between seasons, like Glasshouse Fragrance's Enchanted Garden, which carried me from spring to summer. Like a number of the brand's most viral scents, this one is limited edition, so you'll want to stock up on it while you still can.
Glowing Review: "This is not a heavy flowery smell. [It's] light enough so that it really smells as if you had fresh flowers. Another winner for Glasshouse."
6. Midnight in Milan
Fragrance Family: Chypre floral
Key Notes: Saffron, rose, moss, dry amber, musk
Midnight Milan is the olfactory equivalent of being whisked away on a midsummer trip to the heart of Italy. Brimming with sensuality and mystery, the scent combines saffron, rose, moss, amber, and musk. The fragrance is so addictive that I burned through this candle within two days of setting it on my coffee table.
Glowing Review: "One of my favorite scents, spicy yet fragrant and floral. Gives a great sense of comfort, luxury, and opulence without being overpowering. Very smooth."
7. Arabian Nights
Fragrance Family: Warm musk
Key Notes: Saffron, olibanum, white rose, jasmine, oud (agarwood), sandalwood, amber
A cozy, candlelit meal is the perfect time to introduce this scent to whoever is dining at home with you. Trust me—I've received an enthusiastic compliment or two whenever I've used it. Warm saffron and smoky olibanum work together to set the scene before introducing powdery white rose and jasmine. Then, smooth oud, sandalwood, and amber take center stage.
Glowing Review: "A beautiful scent, perfect for the bedroom, not too strong. Even in our open family room with raked ceiling it still spreads to the adjacent living room. It’s a bit like a signature perfume, always want my home to have this scent around."
8. Marseille Memoir
Fragrance Family: Classic floral
Key Notes: Hyacinth, neroli, apple blossom, gardenia, carnation, tuberose, sandalwood, incense, clove bud
To say I feel like Emily in Paris' Emily Cooper when I burn Marseille Memoir would be an understatement. Its soft and sophisticated scent is the result a of a fresh floral blend (the carnation and apple blossom stand out to me the most) paired with sweet neroli and soothing incense. This is my go-to spring scent as well as a candle I love to gift to friends and family whenever I get my hands on it.
Glowing Review: "A beautifully classic floral and rich fragrance that oozes French style without being overbearing. Very well rounded and lingers for hours. Fantastic"
9. Music City Magic
Fragrance Family: Floral woods
Key Notes: Grilled plums, amber, violet, peony rose, suede leather, vanilla, patchouli
While I've never considered myself to be musically inclined, the Music City Magic candle makes me want to pick up an instrument… or at least listen to live music at an upscale bar. I love how enchanting and sensual it is with notes of plums, amber, and peony rose, but there's the undercurrent of suede leather and patchouli is what really sets it off for me. I think I've just found my new fall home fragrance!
Glowing Review: N/A
10. Kakadu Dreaming
Fragrance Family: Fresh florals
Key Notes: White peach, coconut flakes, orange blossom, white water lilies, jasmine petals, ylang-ylang, green leaves, rosemary, patchouli, musk, precious woods, amber
Glowing Review: "What a divine scent. This is my first experience of Kakadu Dreaming and I don’t want it to end. It smells fresh and calming. A relaxing, serene atmosphere is produced by this lovely scent. Makes me want to clear my mind and wash away the frustrations of the day. Thank you Glasshouse for such an exquisite scent."
Discover More From Glasshouse Fragrances
Glowing Review: "If you're like me, you want every space to smell incredible. This beautiful and chic contraption does just that with zero mess and upkeep. Gone are the days when I will have to flip oil-soaked reeds over and over for four hours of intensity with an almost instant expiration. I've had this in my room for days and it's still potent without being overwhelming or keeping me up at night with a scent-induced headache. It's perfect and the smell is divine."
Glowing Review: "I don’t know why I never had any of these before, but these are essential for any candle lovers accessory closet! Make sure to pick up a set. These have already stopped me from wasting candles just by trimming the burned-out wicks properly. Highly recommend."
Glowing Review: "The Glasshouse Fragrance Duo is the most moisturizing, luxurious hand soap and lotion I’ve tried in some time. The Amalfi Coast Sea Mist scent is alluring and transports your senses away to a faraway destination. After ordering the duo, I was inspired to try other Glasshouse soaps and perfumes. Try this duo, you will love it too."
Glowing Review: "This vessel is very pretty and polished. It has enough weight to hold the sticks. I just use the sticks and scents I have and after they soak for a bit, I put it in this holder."
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