Monthly birth signs reveal personality traits, but what about signature scents? We've explored the artisanal candle world to uncover unique fragrances that capture each month's distinct character. From innovative Brooklyn workshops to LA's experimental perfumers, these independent brands are redefining what candles can be through unexpected ingredients, sustainable practices, and boundary-pushing techniques.
Toasted Pumpkin: Winter's Unexpected Comfort
Brooklyn Candle Studio flips the script on pumpkin fragrances with their Toasted Pumpkin Limited Edition Candle. We're intrigued by how founder Tamara Mayne has sidestepped the typical pumpkin spice territory, opting instead for the subtle aroma of freshly roasted pumpkin seeds and gentle warming spices.
What started in Mayne's apartment has evolved into a thoughtful operation at Industry City. The workshop's methodical approach mirrors January's contemplative mood - each candle is hand-poured using domestically sourced soy wax. The team's decision to grow slowly and prioritize quality over rapid expansion suggests a refreshing commitment to craft over commerce.
Why we like Brooklyn Candle Studio
1
Artisanal Craftsmanship
Hand-poured candles made in small batches at Industry City
2
Quality Materials
Domestically sourced soy wax for clean burning
3
Unique Interpretation
Fresh take on traditional pumpkin fragrances
4
Sustainable Growth
Commitment to quality over rapid expansion
Floral Rose: A Modern Take on Romance
Dossier's Floral Rose Candle offers a fresh perspective on this classic bloom. Created in Grasse, France's historic perfume district, this interpretation weaves unexpected elements through its floral heart, creating something more nuanced than traditional rose scents.
The fragrance evolves like a slow-burning romance, revealing new facets as it melts. We appreciate how Dossier brings their signature approach - making sophisticated scents more accessible - to their candle collection. Their transparent production methods and clean ingredient lists align perfectly with February's emphasis on sincerity.
Why we like Dossier
1
French Expertise
Created in Grasse, the historic perfume capital
2
Complex Composition
Evolving fragrance that reveals multiple layers
3
Accessibility
Making sophisticated scents more approachable
4
Transparency
Clear production methods and clean ingredients
Holiday Smells Magnum: Spring's Early Whispers
Boy Smells' Holiday Smells Magnum embodies March's transitional energy. Fashion veterans Matthew Herman and David Kien have created an intriguing blend where cardamom mingles with jasmine petals and vanilla fields, defying traditional seasonal categorizations.
The brand's "genderful" philosophy translates into scents that refuse to be boxed in - much like March's mercurial nature. Their proprietary coconut and beeswax blend serves as the foundation for this complex creation, while the sophisticated vessel design reflects their fashion industry roots.
Why we like Boy Smells
1
Innovative Blending
Unique combination of cardamom, jasmine, and vanilla
2
Proprietary Formula
Special coconut and beeswax blend
3
Inclusive Philosophy
Gender-neutral 'genderful' approach
4
Fashion-Forward
Sophisticated vessel design from industry veterans
Banana Pudding: Sweet Sophistication
Boy Smells proves their creative prowess with the Banana Pudding Candle, where nostalgia meets the unexpected. This creation pairs warm vanilla with smoldering leather and spicy cardamom - an combination that captures April's innovative spirit.
The true artistry lies in how the scent evolves, transcending its playful name to deliver something surprisingly sophisticated. We're fascinated by how the leather notes add depth while cardamom provides complexity, creating an experience that honors both whimsy and refinement.
Why we like Boy Smells
1
Creative Combinations
Unexpected pairing of vanilla, leather, and cardamom
2
Evolving Complexity
Sophisticated scent development during burning
3
Playful Innovation
Nostalgic inspiration with modern execution
4
Artistic Vision
Balance of whimsy and refinement
Roma Heirloom Tomato: Garden Dreams
Flamingo Estate captures the essence of May's abundance with their Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle. From their historic Los Angeles property-turned-modern-Eden comes this olfactory tribute to sun-warmed garden paths and vine-ripened tomatoes.
Their collaboration with regenerative farmers and emphasis on ancient growing practices adds depth to the story. The natural wax composition burns cleanly, while the vessel itself serves as a testament to their aesthetic sensibilities. We find their interpretation of this humble garden staple particularly compelling.
Why we like Flamingo Estate
1
Sustainable Practices
Collaboration with regenerative farmers
2
Natural Composition
Clean-burning natural wax formula
3
Unique Inspiration
Garden-to-fragrance concept
4
Aesthetic Excellence
Beautifully designed vessels
even though tomatoes are out of season this candle brings me back to summertime
Farfalle: Culinary Art Meets Candlemaking
Nata's Farfalle Candle represents a delightful convergence of food culture and fragrance artistry. The London-based studio, founded by friends Anna and Tatiana, transforms the familiar butterfly pasta shape into an unexpected canvas for scent.
Each piece emerges from their workshop as a technical triumph, maintaining precise pasta details while functioning as a proper candle. The subtle floral fragrance provides an interesting counterpoint to the culinary-inspired design. Their use of eco-friendly, vegan ingredients demonstrates how craftsmanship and consciousness can coexist.
Why we like Nata
1
Artistic Innovation
Unique pasta-inspired candle designs
2
Technical Excellence
Precise detail maintenance in production
3
Conscious Creation
Eco-friendly and vegan ingredients
4
Cultural Fusion
Blend of culinary and fragrance artistry
I had never heard of these before but someone brought one as a white elephant present and it was a total hit, what a hilarious concept
Your friend: I love carbs
Nata: hold my beer
Mini Vanilla Sky: Summer's Sweet Breeze
Skylar's Mini Vanilla Sky Candle presents an interesting duality - the comfort of vanilla paired with the vitality of summer air. Rich cappuccino notes intertwine with vanilla to create something that feels both familiar and sophisticated.
The brand's focus on hypoallergenic formulations seems especially relevant for summer's sensitive moments. Their commitment to sustainable practices manifests in thoughtful packaging choices and clean ingredient lists. We're drawn to how this candle manages to evoke both the season's energy and its moments of quiet reflection.
Why we like Skylar
1
Hypoallergenic Formula
Sensitive skin-friendly formulation
2
Sustainable Packaging
Environmentally conscious choices
3
Clean Ingredients
Transparent and pure component list
4
Balanced Composition
Perfect blend of comfort and sophistication
The Final Flicker
These independent candlemakers demonstrate how scent can capture time itself - whether it's Brooklyn Candle Studio's winter-ready pumpkin interpretation or Skylar's summer-infused vanilla. Through innovative techniques, sustainable practices, and creative vision, they're crafting more than just candles - they're creating sensory timestamps for each month of the year.