A wise woman once said, “women with candles are the new women with cats.” It was during a Savvy editorial meeting when the wise woman (who is also my editor) said this, and while at the time I disagreed, as I write this article it occurs to me that I don’t have a cat but I do have a lot of candles….

But what does this rambling, feminine realisation mean in Man Speak? Let me explain. Men like women. Women like men, but it’s a known fact that they like men whose apartments smell good even better! When a man is in the process of wooing a lady, nothing will kill the opportunity for ‘romance’ quite like the smell of old towels (that have sat in a stagnant pool of water for three weeks running). Yes fellas, stagnant air may very well be responsible for your stagnant sex life.

So what is the solution then, dare you ask?

Simple, says Savvy. It’s Designer Candles. My lovely lads, gather in and let Savvy show you how to light up your love life…


Candle In The Wind…

For many men, ‘scented candle’ are two very dirty words (ironic isn’t it?). As Savvy trawled through various chat rooms and read the comments posted by various styles of men, it seems even the most metro-sexual of males have struggled to see what the purpose of a scented candle is except ‘to cover the smell of farts with’.

Quite frankly, when it comes to the issue of candles, most men view it as a dangerous playing ground and Savvy.com can understand why…


Scent of a Woman

The quickest way to kill the mood of masculinity is by having the scent of your apartment smell like a woman (literally). You’ll also have no luck in love if it stinks of farts. For this reason, Savvy figured some men could do with some help on the candle front, due to the fact that to so many of you feel designer candles are “a rip-off”, “girlie” and “pointless”.

“Why would I want to spend 40 bucks on a bloody candle, when I could spend it on beer?” the average male thinks to himself.

“For the simple reason that it will heighten your relationship with the ladies,” replies Savvy. Now don’t pretend you’re not excited about that prospect!

The fact is just like cheap aftershave can kill your chances of love, spending some money on keeping your home fires burning brightly with a good smelling candle can enhance the chances of women wanting to smell your candle and then… you!
 

The Top Four Man Candles

Savvy knows to the average bloke, the idea of flouncing around shops looking for a designer candle is not your idea of a good time. To make it easier, we have compiled a list of the top four, longest-lasting, best-smelling candles for men. Drum roll please…


Burn For You

Glasshouse candles are the best $39 bucks a man can spend. This company has a passion for fragrance, firmly subscribing to the theory that more is more. Their candles are triple scented and designed for everyday use as well as special occasions. The simple glass packaging makes it ideal for the man who wants a candle for scent but without the tizz. Savvy likes them so much we have included two (from their range of 23) in our list.

Manhattan by Glasshouse

Smells like: White carnation, black rose, and blood orange.
Burn time: 80- 100 hours
Price: $37-39
On the web: www.glasshousecandles.com.au
 
This candle looks almost black. It’s masculine and brooding in looks with a spicy, strong fragrance that is guaranteed to have her asking, “Where did you get it from?” Tried and tested by Savvy, you can leave this candle burning in your bedroom or living room for only 20 minutes and its sensual scent warms up the entire atmosphere. Perfect for men who like a strong scent with delicious floral undertones (trust us – you do), it smells extremely pleasing to women without being womanly.


Rockefellar by Glasshouse

Smells like: White spruce. While its name sounds like a cologne, it actually means the smell of Christmas trees in New York. Hey, if it works for Santa…
Burn time: 80-100hrs

Price: $37-$39.
On the web: www.glasshousecandles.com.au

As the song goes, “You’re the fella, you’re the fella that I love, Rockefellar”. White and crisp, this is the candle for the man who likes his bedroom to have an inviting edge; it’s a masculine scent that’s not for the faint-hearted of fragrance. As it’s guaranteed to have the girl asking, “What scent are you wearing?” to which you can deftly reply, “ Oh, it’s my Glasshouse Candle,” cementing your status as a sensitive new aged guy with a penchant for candles. This gem is perfect for the man who loves to be noticed for his fresh, vibrant style. 


La Source Travel Candles by Crabtree & Evelyn

Smells like: So fresh, so clean.
Burn time: 20 hours per travel candle.
Price: $13.50
On the web: www.crabtree-evelyn.com

For the man who likes to sleep around, La Source travel candles should become your rooms’ (type not specific, and please note the plural) trusted companion!

We know what you are thinking… Crabtree & Nanna! But wait, there’s more! Behind the floral pajamas and rosewater soaps lies possibly the best candle in the world (scent wise).

They come in a pack of five and are individual tea-light candle sized, built in a blue tin with a lid. La Source Travel Candles are also 100% soy if you’d like to pull out the ‘I care about the environment’ line, and their scent is strong enough without being pushy.

This little candle scent bought men and women alike from around the Savvy office, into the editorial web of destruction, because they thought it ‘smelt so good’. Not a bad day’s work for a tiny, teeny candle. Think relaxing and revitalising like set of crisp sheets mixed with the smell of the ocean’s salty air. 


Archipelago Monograms Soy Candles by Archipelago Botanicals

Smells like: Olive blossom with white fig.
Burn time: 60 hours.
Price: Ranges from $17.50 -  $40
On the web: www.candledelirium.com/Archipelago-Candles/

For the alternative man who likes his house to smell exotic, this is the brand of candle for you. All Archipelagos are soy candles and fill your home with the rich blends of Archipelago (although, trying to pronounce the word in itself might be cause for conversation for some).

Each candle is hand-poured and uses only the finest ingredients available making; you a man who likes the finer details. They have safe lead-free wicks and include essential oils and natural fragrances. There is even an entire rage of unusual meditative flavours to choose from, but Savvy’s personal favourite is Olive Blossom with White Fig. This scent is interesting, calming and classy. It truly is a great scent for anyone man who likes an indie-chic scent. 


L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Scented Candle

Smells like: Cherry Blossom (sorry, no prizes for guessing this one)
Burn time: 30 hours
Price: $34.95
On the web: www.loccitane.com.au

This candle is for the man not afraid to show his feminine side. If this candle’s scent was an outfit, think a floral shirt teamed with a pink tie. Diffused with a delicate floral perfume of cherry blossom, it will have your guests basking in the refreshing smell of Spring time. And, we all know what happens in the spring time…


Now, before you go and burn the candle at both ends, be sure to read our final thoughts!

You don’t want your room to end up smelling like someone’s mother…

Man-Candles: Do’s and Don’ts

The scent of a woman, although a beautiful thing, is not how you want the smell of your apartment to be remembered, unless you are just that type of guy (which is fine if you are).

If not… Stay away from straight floral scents.

Say no to…  Rose, lavender, and iris scents.

Says yes to… Fruits mixed with flowers, ginger and lime, sandlewood and lavender.

Less is more: Plain packaging is what you want when it comes to a candle. Back away from the hippie style with sprawling colours, mixed with glitter that stands taller than your ankle. If it reminds you of anything you saw whilst under the influence, steer well clear.

Say no to… Bright swirling patterns with loud packaging.

Say yes to… Simple glass containers, candles in plain tins.

One at a time: While it can be fun to have a group-candle extravaganza, keep things intimate by only using one at a time.

Say yes to…  Changing scents depending on your mood slash date. For example, if you’d like to go places with your lady-friend, opt for the Crabtree & Evelyn Travel Candles; or if you’re planning on Christmas coming a little early (again, you know what I mean), go for Rockefellar by Glasshouse.

Say no to… Having a million scents going at the one time giving you and your guests a headache!