Why It Won: They’re not kidding about the art part! These candles are nothing short of display pieces, and the coolest thing is that Guerlain L’Art & La Matière Scented Candles are customizable. First, you choose your jar (the octagonal vessel is so pretty, calling it a jar doesn’t really do it justice) from one of six two-toned color schemes: Sage, navy, white, tortoiseshell, warm yellow, or soft pink on top, all paired with a metallic brushed gold on the bottom. The shades are done so well and contrast so beautifully with the gold that you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Next, pick your scent: a simple, white octagonal candle nestled inside your jar of choice. There are nine fragrances to peruse, many of which are also Guerlain perfumes, such as powdery Iris Pallida, heady Rose Centifolla, and indulgent Vanille Planifolia. A lot of the fragrances are big enough to really fill your space with their notes; between the vessels and their scents, these make a big impression. Let’s just say, if you want to get invited back to a friend’s vacation house, this is the candle to bring as the hostess gift.
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
“There is no better compliment than guests walking through your front door and saying, ‘Your home smells incredible! What is that smell?’ For me, it’s all thanks to the Guerlain L’Art & La Matière Scented Candle. About an hour before company arrives, I light the candle in my midnight-blue jar in the scent Rose Centifolia, and it transforms my home into a rose garden. The candle has an impressive 45-hour burn time, and you only need to light it for about two hours to get the full impact. If florals aren’t your thing, the Figue Azur is a delightful sweet fig and woody mix, or the Vanille Planifolia is a go-to for gourmand lovers. There are nine interchangeable scents to customize for any jar. You can’t go wrong!” —Kassidy Silva, social director
Bottega Veneta Beauty Alta Fragrance Collection
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Bottega Veneta Beauty Alta Fragrance Collection
Why It Won: Basil and bourbon, rose and sage…the Bottega Veneta Beauty Alta Fragrance Collection features 10 different perfumes, each in a intrecciato glass bottle with a wooden cap and gold-finished detailing that reference Venetian architecture that play with duality. Each eau de parfum is a blend of two notes, one of which always comes from Italy (saffron, plum, fig), and the result is fragrances that are exquisite and unique, complex yet delicate. It’s a beautiful way to expand your perfume repertoire that doesn’t require committing to just one fragrance. You get to try out Italian plum with Spanish resin (Velvet Steps), Italian leather with vanilla (Moment After), Italian blood orange with African neroli (Montebello), discovering new favorite notes along the way, choosing scents for occasions and outfits, and having fun mixing things up each day knowing you cannot possibly go wrong with any of these gorgeous fragrances.
