Maddie James
Candles have been a source of light and scent for centuries, but are they considered a gendered item? The answer is not straightforward. While some people associate candles with femininity, others argue that candles are for everyone. For example, candle companies like Voluspa, Thymes, and Aura market some of their products as “girly,” emphasizing fragrances like coconut milk, amber, and sandalwood for a “girls' night in. On the other hand, publications like BroBible encourage men to use scented candles to improve their living spaces' scent and ambiance. Ultimately, candles can be enjoyed by people of all genders, and the notion of candles being girly may be influenced by societal norms and marketing strategies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasions | Girls' night in |
| Scents | Citrus, clove, cardamom, coconut milk, amber, sandalwood, red currant, olive leaf, orange vanilla, bamboo, mahogany, tobacco, aloe, grass, clove, leather, lavender, firewood |
| Brands | Voluspa, Thymes, Aura, Nest, Seda France, Capri Blue, Lafco, Votivo, Trapp |
| Target audience | Feminine, not masculine |
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What You'll Learn
Candles for a girls' night in
While candles are marketed towards women, they are not inherently feminine. However, they can be a great way to set the mood for a girls' night in.
To create a calm and lovely atmosphere for a girls' night in, consider lighting some scented candles. Voluspa, Thymes, and Aura are some brands that offer "girly" candles. For example, Aura's Luxe candle features a blend of creamy coconut milk, sensual amber, and sandalwood, resulting in a lavish treat that will make your friends feel pampered. If you're looking for highly scented candles, Nest, Seda France, Capri Blue, and Lafco are great options. Some of the best-selling fragrances include Votivo Red Currant, Voluspa Vervaine Olive Leaf, Trapp Orange Vanilla, and Nest Bamboo. Remember to trim the wick to 1/4" before relighting to avoid soot and smoke, and keep the candle out of drafts.
To make your girls' night extra special, combine candles with cocktails. Add delicate edible flowers to ice cube trays for a simple yet elegant touch. Break out the fancy stemware and enjoy drinks like sparkling wine or champagne to elevate the occasion. You can even host a private candle-making party with complimentary wine tasting for a unique and interactive experience.
For movie suggestions to pair with your candles and cocktails, consider "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" for some irreverent humour or "Gilmore Girls" for its funny and tender moments. Whatever you choose to do, your girls' night in is sure to be a memorable one with the right candles and ambiance.
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Masculine-smelling candles
While candles are often marketed towards women, with some candle scents being labelled as ""girly", candles are, in fact, gender-neutral. Anyone can enjoy the benefits of candles, such as creating a pleasant fragrance in a room or setting a relaxing ambiance.
Some candle companies have started to market their products towards men, with brands like Manly Indulgence® embodying the essence of the "American spirit, ruggedness and perseverance expressed through the power of fragrance". Manly Indulgence offers a range of masculine-smelling candles with rich, long-lasting fragrances that fill the room without being overpowering. Their candles feature scents like pine, cedarwood, oak moss, tobacco, and amber.
Goose Creek Candle is another brand that offers a collection of candles for men with bold, masculine scents. Their candles are designed to fill large spaces with strong, authentic fragrances. Some of their candle scents include Forest, Applewood, cedarwood, tobacco, and amber.
Craft & Kin is another brand that offers masculine-smelling candles, although some reviewers say that their candles don't fill up a large room as effectively as other brands.
When it comes to creating a pleasant-smelling living space, candles can be a great alternative to doing laundry or cleaning. Masculine-smelling candles can be a good way to mask unpleasant odours and create a relaxing atmosphere, whether in your home, office, or "man cave".
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Using candles to improve your living space
Are candles considered feminine? This is a question that often comes up, and it's time to set the record straight: candles are for everyone! They are not gender-specific and can enhance any living space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. With a variety of scents and styles available, candles can be tailored to any taste and design aesthetic.
In the bedroom, candles can set the mood for a romantic evening or simply provide a soothing atmosphere for relaxation. Place candles on your bedside tables or dresser, and opt for soothing fragrances like lavender or chamomile to promote a restful night's sleep. Candles can also enhance the ambiance of your bathroom, creating a spa-like atmosphere. Place candles around the tub or on shelves, and choose calming or refreshing scents to make your bathroom a tranquil retreat.
The dining room is another area where candles can truly shine. A well-placed candle centerpiece can elevate the entire dining experience, adding a touch of elegance and romance to any meal. Opt for unscented or lightly scented varieties so as not to overpower the flavors of your food. Candles can also be used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen. Place them on countertops or shelves to enjoy their warm glow while you prepare meals.
When choosing candles, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the candle and how it will fit into your space. Larger candles can make a bold statement, while smaller ones can be dotted around to create a more subtle effect. Also, select a scent that appeals to you and suits the purpose of the candle. Whether you prefer fresh and invigorating scents or warm and cozy fragrances, there is a candle perfect for every taste and occasion.
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$19.28 $24.99
The best girly candles
While candles are enjoyed by people of all genders, they are often marketed towards women and can be considered a "girly" product. This is likely due to the associations between candles and concepts of relaxation, self-care, and domesticity, which are all things that have historically been coded as feminine.
With that being said, here are some of the best "girly" candles:
Nest Bamboo
This candle is one of the best-selling fragrances from Nest, a brand that is known for its highly scented candles. Nest Bamboo is described as having a "sophisticated interpretation of Froot Loops." It is available with either a wooden or cotton wick.
Voluspa Vervaine Olive Leaf
This candle is another highly scented option, with notes of olive leaf, vervaine, and other fresh, herbal scents. Voluspa is known for its luxurious and elegant candles, which makes this candle a perfect option for a girly night in.
Aura Sensual Amber and Sandalwood
For a more sensual and lavish candle, Aura's blend of amber, sandalwood, and coconut milk is a perfect option. This candle combines creamy and woody notes for a unique and indulgent fragrance.
P.F. Candle Co. Amber & Moss
This candle is perfect for those who enjoy more complex and nuanced fragrances. It has a subtle, musky, and fresh smell that is reminiscent of a forest stroll. With notes of pine resin, earthy moss, minty eucalyptus, and rich vanilla, this candle is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for those who may be more sensitive to overwhelming scents.
Cool Girl Candles
For an eco-friendly option, Cool Girl Candles offers premium coconut soy candles that are vegan, cruelty-free, and hand-poured. These candles provide a non-toxic, clean burn and are available in a variety of fun and sassy fragrances.
These candles are perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere and indulging in some self-care, which are all aspects that are often associated with the concept of "girly" products.
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Candles to cover up body odour
While candles are often associated with femininity, with their presence in commercials featuring "doilies and sensitive lady stuff", they can be useful for anyone looking to improve their living space. Scented candles, in particular, can be a great way to mask body odours and keep your space smelling fresh and pleasant.
There are several candles on the market that are specifically designed to eliminate odours. For example, the "Fresh to Death" candle by Sparta Candle Co. is a highly-rated option that can effectively get rid of unpleasant odours and leave your space smelling like fresh laundry. With notes of ozone, citrus, and light green florals, this candle is a great choice for those looking for a clean and refreshing scent. Similarly, Goose Creek Candle offers a range of odor-eliminating candles, wax melts, and scented plug-ins that can fill your space with fragrance while neutralizing unwanted smells.
In addition to dedicated odor-eliminating candles, you can also opt for strongly scented candles that can help mask body odours. Highly scented candle brands like Nest, Seda France, Capri Blue, and Lafco offer a range of popular fragrances, including red currant, olive leaf, and orange vanilla. These candles can fill your space with a strong, pleasant scent that can help to cover up any unwanted body odours.
When using candles to cover up body odour, it's important to follow a few tips for optimal results. Firstly, ensure that you're choosing a scent you enjoy and that it's not too overpowering. You can opt for fresh and clean scents like linen or lemon grass, or go for more sensual blends like amber, sandalwood, and coconut milk. Secondly, remember to trim the candle wick to about 1/4" before relighting to avoid soot and smoke. Also, keep the candle away from drafts to prevent uneven burning. Lastly, practice candle safety by never leaving a burning candle unattended and keeping it out of the reach of children and pets.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are often associated with women and marketed as such, but they are gender-neutral and can be enjoyed by people of all genders.
Some candles with scents that are often considered more masculine include firewood, leather and lavender, and spice and patchouli.
Yes, candles can create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, improve the scent of a room, and be used to set the mood for a special occasion or gathering.
Non-girly candles can be purchased from various retailers, including candle specialty stores and online marketplaces. Some brands that offer non-girly candles include Blind Barber, Hôtel Costes, and BroBible.
When choosing a candle that isn't girly, consider the scent and the branding. Avoid candles with overly feminine packaging or scents that are typically associated with women, such as floral or fruity fragrances. Opt for more neutral or masculine scents, such as those mentioned above.
