After years of preparation, Neill Strain introduced his new line of exceptional quality fragranced candles in 2019. Neil has put together a combination of his dream scents based on his floral couture experience and life-long passion for flowers and fragrances. Neill says, “I don’t remember which came first, my passion for flowers or my passion for fragrances. In any case, the two are so deeply intertwined". Poured into ornate cut-crystal pressed glass vessels with an elegant metal lid that also serves as a stand, Neill’s candles have been composed with an unusually high percentage of quality fragrance oil produced with all natural, organic ingredients by one of the finest fragrance houses in the world based in Grasse, France. Dressed in luxurious packaging in the signature Neill Strain Floral Couture style, these exquisite candles burn for 45 heavenly hours and are available at the Belgravia boutique and online.
“I don’t remember which came first, my passion for flowers or my passion for fragrances. In any case, the two are so deeply intertwined”
Belgravia
“The heart notes of this fragrance are classic rose combined with the creamy-sweet scent of magnolia, both of which grow prolifically in the Belgravia garden squares. The top notes are citrussy and fruity to give elegance and grace while the base notes are earthy, spicy, honey-like tones of cedar, musk and amber which add rich, velvety layers balancing the sweetness of the floral and fruity notes. The pale pink packaging is a reflection of the colour of the magnolia and roses.”
One of my favourites from the collection, Belgravia’s poised perfection conjures up visions of grand stucco fronted terraces and the elegance of its verdant squares. This candle makes me think of midsummer garden parties with magnolia trees and roses with bewitching notes of amber, musk, magnolia and patchouli.
Cassis Noir
Combining the piquancy of summer fruits with the tartness of blackcurrant leaves and moss, the richly-scented Cassis Noir is a modern classic. The heart notes are intensely fragrant like a full-bodied red wine from the Rhone Valley, profoundly aromatic, slightly spicy with the hint of sweetness from the pastry. The top notes are layers and layers of blackberry fruits and the sweetness of these is balanced by the earthy, damp flavour of moss, the warmth and richness of wood and a touch of lingering musk.
This is a decadent candle which reminds me of crushed blackberries and lush moss, the kind of fragrances that surround you when you are in a garden after the rain. The addition of musk adds a very regal touch this candle. In my opinion this is quite a unique fragrance, I sense different notes in it every time I burn it.
No.11
Elegant stems of lilies, hand-tied lily of the valley, petite couture arrangements with violet and cyclamen, vases of fresh foliage, secateurs on a marble bench. No. 11 is named after and inspired by Neill’s Belgravia boutique which is located at 11 West Halkin Street. lily of the valley, oriental lily, rose, carnation, violet, geranium and zealous jasmine are the floral notes that make up the heart of this fragranced candle. The top notes are that of sweet garden cyclamen combined with delicate green and fruity flavours while the base notes are of earthy cedar and warming, sensual musk.
With notes of lily of the valley, rose and jasmine this of course had to be another favourite of mine from Neill’s collection. Burning this candle is an absolute delight. This fragrance is the most floral in the range and was created to evoke the delightfully intoxicating sensation you get when walking into the boutique. It has a delicious fresh, luxurious and rich fragrance which takes me somewhere warm and summery every time I burn it.
Rose & Oud
Utterly and unashamedly opulent, the sensual character of Rose & Oud recalls a secret garden. Framed with jasmine arches and combining the lingering fragrances of mature geraniums and opulent roses … is it real or imagined? Oriental oud adds to the illusion with exotic amber, sultry musk and romantic patchouli creating a richly-scented ambience. This fragrance is the most intense in the range.
I absolutely love this fragrance. The oud is rich and warm highly complex and aromatic, it marries exquisitely with the sweet floral scent of rose, jasmine and geranium and finishes with woody amber and musk. It is an intense fragrance, if you like oud you will no doubt love this candle.
Santal d’Orient
Embark on a mysterious odyssey to the East without leaving the comfort of your home. This evocative autumnal scent is infused with regal Sandalwood and blended with ylang ylang, Patchouli and vetiver creating a decadent sense of abundance. The middle, dominant notes of ylang ylang offer the intense sweet, floral flavours derived from the ylang ylang flowers that grow in Madagascar on the tall Cananga Odorata trees. Mixed with intoxicating, musky-earthy aromas of Patchouli, this is a divine combination. The spiciness of cardamom, nutmeg and clove on the top notes give an even more exotic feel with a long-lasting, smooth woody base of Sandalwood, Cedar and the masculine Vetiver.
My preference is to burn Santal d’Orient together with another floral-based fragranced candle from Neill’s range for a unique scent experience. The fragrances of Santal d’Orient are quite masculine, hot, spicy and beautifully autumnal when mixed with No.11 there is a spectacular mix of fresh florals and oriental notes.
Verdure
The aromatic woody Verdure evokes memories of the Mediterranean, vivid sunsets reflect across a horizon bordered by towering Cyprus trees. Cypress, thyme, basil and papyrus, the middle notes, are the quintessence of the south of France and the beauty of the Mediterranean. The herbaceous heart is topped with citrus notes including elemi, a sharp, lemon-scented resin from the Manila Elemi tree. The base notes are intense. Musk, smoky vetiver, balsamic, aromatic incense and our favourite woody fragrances of cedar and sandalwood.
This fragrance will give you a sense of tranquillity. Similar to Santal d’Orient it can be burned alone or simultaneously with a more floral based candle. I personally like this fragrance burned by itself for an invigorating experience, my recommended pairing would with Cassis Noir.
Christmas Eve
The halls are decked, the tree is dressed, the presents are wrapped, embers are smouldering in the hearth … After all the planning, Christmas has finally arrived. Time to savour some mulled wine and embrace the season. Peaceful, festive, nostalgic - this limited edition Christmas Eve candle, created especially by Neill Strain Floral Couture in celebration of our 10th anniversary, blends the traditional scents of clove, cinnamon, orange peel and pine with oak moss and musk for an uplifting allure. All that’s left to do is settle back and wait for Santa Claus …
The candle I burn in my home during the holidays. There are few fragrances that encapsulate all of the wonderful elements of the festive season more so than Neill Strain’s Christmas Eve candle. Warm and comforting notes of cinnamon, orange and musk all blend together for a luxurious scent that will fill your home with nostalgic memories.
You can find out more about Neill Strain’s candle collection by visiting his Belgravia boutique, the Harrods concession or at https://www.neillstrain.com/
Photography courtesy of Neill Strain Floral Couture
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