Today in the morning before leaving for work I left the windows closed and the candle open (unlit). I knew it would be enough to fill my living room with cozy mintiness. Nothing better after a busy Monday than a relaxing scent welcoming you at home.

Size and burn time: 

Standard size –> 200g/ 7 oz, burns for around 60-70 hours, but the producer doesn’t state.

Official price:

Standard size –> €26.00

Ingredients: high quality paraffin wax mix; custom scent mix.

A bit of background: In 1926, Eugene Fuchs opened Perfumerie Fragonard, based on the concept that he would sell perfume and other related products to tourists who came to visit the French Riviera. Three generations later and the perfumery still runs and keeps up with modern trends and needs, creating ever so enchanting blends of traditional Provencal scents.

Fragonard is no less a symbol of the French Riviera than the turquoise bays, pissaladiere, artdeco homedesign and the Britishness of Monaco’s coast. It was one of my most awaited stops during my trip through the South of France. And if it weren’t for the time schedule, I would’ve gladly spent the whole afternoon in the store, bathing in the concentrated Provencal scents.

Subjective scent evaluation: According to the producer: “Notes of mint and spicy basil are like a brisk, refreshing breath of air.” I wouldn’t call it brisk, yet definitely uplifting and fresh. As I said in the beginning, there is a certian relaxing mellowness in the mix of basil and mint, not detracting from the lively breeze of the mint and lemon (which even though noticeble for some, is not zesty at all). I do get jasmine too, which brings the uplifting mix from the kitchen to Mr. Fragonard’s enchanted sunny garden.

Scent throw evaluation: Great. It does have the unique feature I first got from the Diptique candles – of filling your room even when off. It needs roughly 15 mins to spread through the entire living room, without being tiring or overly strong. I would not advise tough burning it during extremely hot months and/ or in humid spaces (for example a bathroom full of vapour), as it might turn slightly stifling. The minty coziness is just warm enough for an early spring midday and just fresh enough for a late summer evening.

Packaging: This candle forms part of Fragonard’s gorgeous collection: “Le Jardin de Fragonard”, inspired by scents you’d find in a Provencal garden. The bulgy metal container with a lid, decorated with sea-inspired motiffs (who would have thought mint and basil share the same part of imagination as the sea, but let me tell you, the scent does not clash with the design at all).

The packaging doesn’t shout “lux”, but it definitely reflects the brand’s elegance and tradition.

Additional comments: The candle does not burn perfectly, it seems to create a full melt pool after around 2 hours, leaving, however, a very slight tunnel, undisturbing at all. You have to remember to trim the wick very short, because it can easly start smoking.

Would I repurchase: Definitely, I’m very courious of their other scents and collections, especially the candles that come in beautiful summery porcelaine pots (you got me: I’m especially driven to the appearance here ;)).

Where to buy:

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