Boy Smells Candles Review: Igniting Self-Expression with Every Flicker
Hey there, candle lovers! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always hunting for that perfect scent to make your space feel extra special. Well, let me put you on to my latest obsession: Boy Smells candles. This brand has been shaking up the candle game with its fluid, subversive scents and minimalist aesthetic. As a full-blown Boy Smells convert, I‘m excited to dish on what makes ‘em so damn irresistible. Spoiler alert: gender is canceled and coconuts are the new soy.
Scent and Sensibility: An Overview of Boy Smells Candles
Imagine walking into a trendy concept shop and spying a sleek tumbler that reads "Cinderose" or "Italian Kush." Yep, that‘s your first clue that Boy Smells ain‘t your basic candle brand. Founded in 2016 by real-life partners Matthew Herman and David Kien, Boy Smells was born from a desire to create products that "embrace masculine and feminine simultaneously." Each candle is crafted from coconut and beeswax with braided cotton wicks, then hand-poured into those chic reusable vessels that look right at home on your Insta feed.
With scents that smash together surprising notes like rhubarb and smoke or cypress and geranium, Boy Smells encourages you to explore the full spectrum of fragrance – no matter how you identify. And clearly, it‘s working: The brand has racked up collabs with the likes of Kacey Musgraves and fashion darling Ganni, plus a spot on seemingly every influencer‘s top shelf. Over 300 retailers worldwide now stock Boy Smells, including major players like Sephora, Nordstrom and Selfridge‘s. Something tells me this brand is just getting warmed up.
By the Numbers: Boy Smells‘ Burning Success
- 130K+ Instagram followers @boy__smells
- $32-39 price per 8.5 oz candle
- 50 hour average burn time
- 16 core candle scents
- Stocked at 300+ global retailers
- 100% phthalate, paraben, & sulfate-free
Candles That Spark Conversation
As an admitted candle hoarder, I‘ve spent more time than I‘d like to admit scrolling through Boy Smells‘ site, building my dream squad of scents. Each one sounds cooler than the last, and the product descriptions read like free verse poetry. I mean, just peep this blurb for the brand‘s iconic Kush candle:
"An elevated cannabis candle with brushed suede, white musk, tulip and amber notes that lend a relaxing quality. Neither feminine nor masculine, just 100% chill."
Lol, I‘m sorry, but literally name a more enticing candle description – I‘ll wait. While I haven‘t bought into the full Boy Smells collection just yet (#creditcardprobs), I did splurge on a duo to test at home. Allow me to share some #unfiltered thoughts:
Kush
I couldn‘t not start with the candle that launched a thousand fangirl posts. And folks, believe me when I say this candle truly hits. From the first whiff, you get this heady, herbaceous aroma that‘s somehow both dank and refined. The cannabis is definitely detectable, but in a fresh, earthy way – not like your college BFF‘s crusty bong. Paired with the delicate floral notes, it strikes this addictive balance of raw and polished. 10/10 would recommend sparking up Kush while enjoying a self-care night of sheet masking and journaling. Congrats, you‘re now that girl.
Redhead
As a ginger myself, I had to see if Redhead lived up to its name. Spoiler: She‘s a little spicy and she knows it. To my nose, the scent leans woody and warm, like sipping a foamy chai latte in a log cabin upstate. The saffron and frankincense add a sultry depth that lingers, perfect for a date night in. I‘d even go so far as to call Redhead the "big red energy" candle of my dreams. Molly Ringwald is shaking.
Of course, no two noses are alike – and that‘s the fun of fragrance. Some reviewers found Kush way too dank, or Redhead lacking spice. But judging from the sheer volume of boy smells stans online, I feel confident saying these candles are worth a sniff…
Community Buzz: Boy Smells Reviews
Curious what other Boy Smells devotees have to say? I‘ve rounded up some rave reviews from around the web. Turns out, I‘m far from alone in wanting to wax poetic about these candles…
"Throw your BBW candles away now. Kush is the only candle you need! Burns forever and the scent is incredible." – Jenna L. on BoySmells.com
"I am ADDICTED to Boy Smells candles. The scents are unlike anything I‘ve tried before – smoky and sultry but still fresh. The jars are so chic on my bookshelf too!" – Sam K. on Sephora.com
"Literally everyone compliments us on how good our apartment smells and I‘m just like…it‘s the Boy Smells magic!" – Kat E. on Twitter
Not gonna lie, my heart grew three sizes reading these. Knowing so many others share my Boy Smells excitement makes me wanna gear up and spread the gospel.
Why It‘s More Than Just a Candle
At the end of the day, yes, Boy Smells makes very, very good candles. Like, the kind you‘ll find yourself hoarding backups of in case they‘re ever discontinued. But as I‘ve gotten to know the brand, I‘ve come to stan them for way more than their scent sorcery.
Since launch, Boy Smells‘ whole M.O. has centered around "degendering," be it fragrance or intimates. They offer a binder-friendly sports bra alongside jockstraps and thongs in their Unmentionables line, all in extended sizing. The models on the site represent a range of genders, sizes and ethnicities. And that same spirit of inclusivity carries through to the candles, with scent profiles that refuse to be boxed into "manly" or "girly." In a world still hell-bent on upholding the gender binary, that‘s some radical softness.
So next time you spark up that Slow Burn or Hinoki Fantome, take a moment to savor all the fluid, expansive energy Boy Smells brings. Yes, even to a humble candle. Now if you‘ll excuse me, I‘ve got a date planned with my Kush stash and face steamer…
Curious which Boy Smells scent will steal your heart? Hop over to BoySmells.com to explore the full collection and build your own dream team of avant-garde aromas. And don‘t forget to show off your Boy Smells on the ‘gram – tag us so we can share in your unbridled candle enthusiasm. Till then, may your burns be slow and your vibes immaculate.
More Boy Smells Faves to Explore
If you‘re head over heels for Boy Smells like I am (and how could you not be after reading this?!), you might be wondering how to level up your collection. Voila – a few more must-sniffs:
- LES: An enigmatic blend of smoked papyrus, rice powder, and coconut wax. Like a chic art gallery with a hint of suntan lotion.
- ITALIAN KUSH: The classic Kush candle goes on vacay to Positano in this bright, herbaceous mash-up of limoncello, pomelo and basil.
- CHROMESTHESIA SERIES: This limited-edition lineup drops in super collectible color-blocked vessels. Scents like Cameo (rose and leather) legit fly off the shelves.
And if your heart says Boy Smells but your wallet says "girl, no" – I got you. The brand offers adorable mini versions of their bestselling scents for just $20 each. At that price, you can mix and match your faves without blowing your fun money all in one place. We love a cost-conscious queen!
One Last Spark of Wisdom…
Whether you‘re buying Boy Smells for yourself (do it) or as a gift for your trendy BFF (they‘ll love you forever), just know that you‘re investing in way more than a candle. You‘re joining a community of fearless boundary breakers who embrace the fluid and find freedom in fragrance. And to me, that‘s priceless.
Keep igniting joy, babes! And may your votives shine as bright as you do.
