I tried 70 candles, and here are the 11 local ones you absolutely have to try
Words by Crissy Martinez
Given the uncertainty of this pandemic, people like myself have found solace in scented candles. Since we’re mostly stuck at home, lighting a candle helps bring out certain memories and emotions. They’ve become a quarantine essential, because we can use them while working, exercising, or simply unwinding.
While I’ve started using scented candles since 2019, it became a daily habit in 2021. I have discovered a candle enthusiast community consisting of chandlers (candle makers), suppliers, and fellow candle enthusiasts. After trying over 70 candles in a span of two and a half years, I have narrowed it down to my top 11! Here’s what’s worth the splurge.
What I look for in scented candles:
Wax - I prefer soy, coconut, beeswax, or a blend of these waxes.
Wick - Wood or braided cotton wick is okay, as long as it’s the right size for the candle vessel.
Scent throw - A term used to describe the strength of a candle’s fragrance. The cold throw of a candle is not always the same as the hot throw. I prefer a strong hot throw.
Cold throw - How the candle smells while it’s still unlit.
Hot throw - The scent of a candle after it’s been lit.
Vessel - I prefer glass or ceramic candle vessels, because tin candle vessels can get hot very quickly.
Scent - This is very personal, and it’s a matter of taste. I like fresh notes like bamboo, bright citrus notes, aquatic/marine scents, and woodsy notes. Don’t be afraid of going outside your comfort zone in terms of scents. There are other candles that I’ve judged because I didn’t like the fragrance notes listed, but I have come to love them after use.
For this list, I focused on locally-made candles that I have bought, tried and tested. I am willing to buy back ups of these candles. This is in no particular order!
Somewhere Candle Co. Maldives (P830 / 9.7 oz)
Notes: Sea salt, bergamot, jasmine, grapefruit
This is a sweet aquatic floral candle that feels like you are taking it easy at a cottage over the waters of the Maldives.
homestudioscents Green Market (P590 / 10 oz)
Notes: Olive, sage, neroli, sea salt
Lighting Green Market is like strolling on a weekend or farmer's market where fresh produce is abundant.
La Cura Soy Candles Paradiso (P460 / 8 oz)
Notes: Inspired by the scent of Solaire Hotel Lobby
Paradiso has a citrus and floral bouquet that smells luxurious and inviting. It smells fresh, delicate, and exquisite but neither ostentatious nor flashy.
Quatro Strolling at Dangwa (P299 / 100g, P599 / 240g)
Notes: Jasmine, warm vanilla, and rose
Quatro Aroma is a social enterprise that partners with the Aetas of Arayat, Pampanga. The Strolling at Dangwa candle evokes memories of going to Dangwa early in the morning and smelling the myriad of blooms for sale.
L’Abondance Bergamote (formerly known as Bergamot Black Tea) (P255 / 2.5 oz, P709 / 6oz, P1,015 / 9oz)
Notes: Bergamot, lime, earl grey, cucumber, beeswax, amber, musk
Bergamote is a full-bodied citrus scent. I would wear this if it were a perfume!
Casa Ancheta Walang Label (P280 / 200mL, P849 / 550mL)
Notes: Menthol, eucalyptus
Walang Label is a menthol and eucalyptus candle reminiscent of homegrown liniments to soothe headaches and body pains. Walang Label is perfect for Titas of Manila who want to melt their stress away.
Saan Saan Kung Tag-Araw (P550 / 3.3 oz, P950 / 8.4oz)
Notes: Lemon, bergamot, sampaguita, olive, pine
My love for locally-made scented candles started with Kung Tag-Araw. It has the right balance of citrus, floral, and green notes that remind me of the summer.
Yoke Candle Co. Lagen Island (P490 / 7oz, P990 / 17 oz)
Notes: Sea salt, freesia, and moss
Lagen Island is known as El Nido’s eco-sanctuary resort. I am partial to marine or aquatic scents. I like that Lagen Island’s scent is fresh and unisex.
Foyer Artisan Candle Studio Antigua (P555 / 4oz, P950 / 8oz)
Notes: Fresh ground coffee beans, cacao, vanilla
Antigua smells like a rich and indulgent cup of cafe mocha, without being too cloying or sweet.
Scentfolk Studio Slow Sunday (P650 / 8oz)
Notes: Bamboo, aloe, vetiver
Slow Sunday elicits the relaxing feeling of being in a spa. It’s the perfect candle to use while unwinding on a Sunday afternoon.
The Doctor Chandler Melatonin (P400 / 100g, P800 / 200g)
Notes: Lavender, eucalyptus, cedarwood
The Doctor Chandler’s candles are unique because they are housed in beakers. I like that the Melatonin candle has an elevated lavender scent, as it contains eucalyptus to help clear your mind, as well as cedarwood which adds a woodsy depth to it.
Are you a fan of scented candles? Let me know what are your favorites in the comment section!
For more candle reviews, you may check out @crissyaboutcandles on Instagram.