Figuier (Fig tree) by Diptyque was my first fine candle. I did have quite some expectations, and I must say it fulfilled them 150%. Its unique feature of smelling even when off (probably due to high percentage of fragrance oils made of natural ingredients, around 7%), has become a point of reference for me when evaluating fragranced candles.

Size and burn time: 

Standard size –> 190g/ 6.5 oz, burns for 60 hours.

Mini size –> 70g/ 2.4 oz, burns for 20 hours

Official price:

Standard size –> €44.00

Mini size –> €25.00

Ingredients: high quality vegetable/paraffin wax mix; custom scent mix out of natural ingredients; cotton, lead-free wick.

The producer on the line: “A unique, entirely manual know-how. Each of the nine steps of production is carefully studied to result in excellence. The candles are available in a rare choice of around fifty scents, inspired by a childhood memory, nature or journeys”.

Subjective scent evaluation: Many retailers classify this candle under fruity scents. And they couldn’t be more wrong. The producer’s webpage describes the scent as “the warmth of fig wood, the freshness of its leaves and the milky sap”, and I strongly agree. You definitely get the fleshy and tender green fig, yet what made me fall in love with it from the first moment was the lush greeniness of the whole tree – you get the crushed tarty leaves and broken young branches. The sweetness is almost nonexistent, making the candle soothing yet refreshing, a very unusual combination.

Scent throw evaluation: Great. Diptique candles do have the unique feature I look for in any candle since my first purchase – they keep oozing the scent long after you extinguish the flame and you can even smell them slightly when off and open on your night stand.

Packaging: The packaging of luxury brands is said to make up as much as 50% of the cost of production. Acording to Naji Absi, the president of Unique Candles, California and manufacturer. “The candle is actually the cheapest part (…) The minute you walk into the store, what attracts you is the packaging.”

Diptyque candles are a classic. It’s difficult not to find them oozing French elegance and class. The simple clean glass and black and white etiquette with retro font takes you to Boulevard Saint Germain, where the company was founded. I wouldn’t mind if the standard candles carried a lid, just like the large garden versions.

Additional comments: The candle burns beautifully, when taken care of. The scent throw is immediate and even throughout, noticeable even after extinguishing the flame. No tunneling (full melt pool after a couple of hours) and the flame is clear if you remember to trim the wick very short.

Would I repurchase: Definitely, they have a gorgeous collection and body products that go great with the candles. The candle would also do as a very elegant gift – both for men and women.

Where to buy:

Official producer’s webpage as well as various online shops (consult “Links” section in the upper menu).

Soon to come: Brand Focus: Diptyque!