Chloe Adams
Gwyneth Paltrow's candle business has been making headlines since 2020, when she launched a candle called This Smells Like My Vagina. The candle, which was a collaboration with perfumer Douglas Little, was sold through Paltrow's lifestyle brand, Goop, for $75. The candle has since been discontinued, but Paltrow has expanded her line of candles inspired by women's health, including scents such as Hands Off My Vagina and This Smells Like My Orgasm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | This Smells Like My Vagina |
| Weight | 10.5 ounce |
| Wick | Single, thick |
| Wax colour | White |
| Vessel colour | Black |
| Vessel material | Ceramic |
| Scent | Geranium, citrusy bergamot, cedar absolutes, Damask rose, and ambrette seed |
| Price | $75 |
| Sold out | Yes |
| Year of release | 2020 |
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What You'll Learn
The candle's name: 'This Smells Like My Vagina'
Gwyneth Paltrow's candle has an interesting name: "This Smells Like My Vagina". It was launched in 2020 and sold for $75, although it is no longer available on her lifestyle brand, Goop. The candle was a collaboration with perfumer Douglas Little, the founder of Heretic Parfum.
The candle's name and scent were inspired by a joke made during a fragrance meeting. Paltrow has stated that the product was never meant to "actually smell like anyone's vagina" and that it was intended to be a strong feminist statement and a provocation to say, 'It's amazing to be a woman in every way'. She has also described the candle as punk rock, challenging the shame around female sexuality.
The candle's scent has been described as a funny, gorgeous, sexy and beautifully unexpected scent, combining geranium, citrusy bergamot, cedar, damask rose, and ambrette seed. The packaging was also notable, with a flowery box containing a sleek black ceramic vessel and a removable label.
The candle sparked conversations and debates, with some calling it a gimmick and an overpriced container of wax. It also faced legal issues, with a class action lawsuit being filed by a Texas man who claimed that the candle exploded due to a manufacturing flaw. Despite the controversies, the candle sold out within hours and continues to make headlines, even years after its discontinuation.
Paltrow has since expanded her line of candles inspired by women's health, including scents such as "Hands Off My Vagina" and "This Smells Like My Orgasm". She has also donated profits from candle sales to support women's reproductive rights and freedoms.
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The candle's scent: geranium, citrusy bergamot, cedar, damask rose, and ambrette seed
The name of Gwyneth Paltrow's new candle is "This Smells Like My Vagina". The candle sold out within hours of hitting the market, with Elton John reportedly buying the candle in bulk. The scent of the candle is described as a "funny, gorgeous, sexy and beautifully unexpected scent". It is a mix of geranium, citrusy bergamot, cedar, damask rose, and ambrette seed. The candle was priced at $75 and was sold by Paltrow's lifestyle brand Goop.
Geranium is a genus of flowering plants that are commonly known as cranesbills. They have a strong scent that is often described as rose-like. Geranium oil is often used in aromatherapy and is said to have a balancing and uplifting effect on the emotions. It is also believed to have a positive impact on the skin and hair.
Citrus bergamot, or bergamot orange, is a fragrant citrus fruit. The oil from the peel is commonly used in perfumes and cosmetics, as well as in Earl Grey tea. Bergamot oil is said to have a calming and relaxing effect and is often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety.
Cedar is a type of wood that has a distinctive warm, woody scent. It is often used in perfumes and colognes, as well as in incense and aromatherapy. Cedarwood oil is said to have a grounding and calming effect and is believed to promote feelings of wellbeing.
Damask rose is a type of rose that is native to the Middle East. It has a strong, sweet fragrance and is often used in perfumes and cosmetics. Rose oil is said to have a soothing and calming effect and is believed to promote healthy skin and hair.
Ambrette seed, or Abelmoschus moschatus, is a type of herb that is native to India. It has a musky, floral scent and is often used in perfumes and cosmetics. Ambrette seed oil is said to have a calming and relaxing effect and is believed to enhance mood and reduce stress.
The combination of these scents creates a unique and unexpected fragrance that has provoked strong reactions from people. While some have criticised the candle as a gimmick, others have applauded Paltrow's bravery and boldness. The candle has sparked conversations about female sexuality and challenged societal shame.
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The candle's creator: Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow is an Academy Award-winning actress, author, and businesswoman. She is the founder and CEO of the lifestyle brand Goop, which she launched as a newsletter in 2008. Paltrow has also expanded her brand to include a line of candles, including the infamous “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle.
The "This Smells Like My Vagina" candle was launched in 2020 and quickly sold out, making headlines and sparking conversations about female sexuality and empowerment. Paltrow has described the candle as a “provocation” and a “strong feminist statement”. She has also revealed that the idea for the candle's scent came about during a playful moment with her perfumer, Douglas Little, of Heretic Parfum.
The candle features notes of geranium, citrusy bergamot, cedar, Damask rose, and ambrette seed, creating a “funny, gorgeous, sexy, and beautifully unexpected scent”. Paltrow has defended the candle against criticism, stating that it was never meant to actually smell like a vagina, but rather to challenge societal shame around female sexuality.
In addition to "This Smells Like My Vagina", Paltrow has also released other candles in her line, including "Hands Off My Vagina" and "This Smells Like My Orgasm". She has expanded her candle line to honour women's health and reproductive rights, donating profits to organisations such as the ACLU Foundation's Reproductive Freedom Project.
While Paltrow's vagina-themed candles have sparked controversy, they have also gained a cult following, with fans applauding her bravery and boldness. The original "This Smells Like My Vagina" candle has even become a collector's item, with its price increasing fivefold in the years since its release.
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The candle's controversy: lawsuits and criticism
Gwyneth Paltrow's candle, "This Smells Like My Vagina", has sparked controversy and criticism since its launch. The candle, created in collaboration with fragrance brand Heretic, sold for $75 and was marketed as having a "funny, gorgeous, sexy and beautifully unexpected scent". The product sold out within hours of hitting the market, with celebrities like Elton John reportedly buying the candle in bulk.
However, the candle also received backlash and criticism from various quarters. Some viewed the product as a gimmick, an overpriced container of wax with a "clever" name designed to generate buzz and sales. In 2021, a Texas man filed a lawsuit against Paltrow and her company, Goop, claiming that the candle had exploded on his bedside table. The lawsuit alleged that the candle was defective and dangerous, and sought compensation for those who had unknowingly purchased the product.
The candle also attracted criticism for its name and the claims made about its scent. Paltrow and her company, Goop, have previously faced scrutiny and fines for making unsubstantiated marketing claims about their products, particularly regarding vaginal health. In 2018, Goop was fined $145,000 under California's civil penalties laws for promoting vaginal jade eggs as a way to balance hormones, regulate menstrual cycles, and increase bladder control. These claims were refuted by medical professionals, who warned of potential health risks associated with the product.
The candle, "This Smells Like My Vagina", is just one of many Goop products that have sparked controversy. Paltrow's company has been described as a "quasi-religion", attracting a dedicated following while also facing criticism for its sometimes dubious health and wellness claims. Despite the criticism, Goop has thrived, with a value estimated to exceed $250 million.
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The candle's discontinuation: new scents and the future
The now-discontinued "This Smells Like My Vagina" candle by Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop brand sparked curiosity, criticism, and controversy upon its release. The candle's name and scent, a mix of geranium, citrusy bergamot, cedar, Damask rose, and ambrette seed, were intended as a bold statement challenging the shame around female sexuality. Despite selling out initially and gaining a cult following, the candle also faced legal troubles due to a class action lawsuit alleging defective manufacturing.
In the face of backlash and lawsuits, Paltrow stood by her creation, viewing it as a feminist statement. She revealed that the idea for the candle's scent originated as a joke during a fragrance development session. However, she embraced the concept as "punk rock," reflecting her willingness to push boundaries and provoke conversation. The candle's discontinuation has not diminished its impact, as it continues to capture the public's imagination and attract high resale values.
Building on the success and notoriety of "This Smells Like My Vagina," Paltrow expanded her candle line with new scents, including "Hands Off My Vagina" and "This Smells Like My Orgasm." These new offerings were launched to honour the Roe v. Wade anniversary in January 2022, with proceeds donated to the ACLU Foundation's Reproductive Freedom Project. Paltrow's commitment to women's health and empowerment remains a driving force behind her brand's evolution.
While the original vagina-scented candle may no longer be available, Paltrow has successfully leveraged the attention it garnered to explore new fragrances and causes. The new scents continue her brand's focus on female empowerment and provocative statements. With each release, Paltrow challenges societal norms and encourages open discussions around women's sexuality and reproductive rights.
Looking forward, one can expect Paltrow to continue pushing the envelope with innovative and boundary-pushing products. Her willingness to address taboo topics and embrace controversy has fostered a dedicated following. As her brand expands, Paltrow's influence extends beyond candles, impacting cultural conversations and inspiring a reexamination of societal norms. The discontinuation of the original candle has not diminished its legacy but rather fuelled the evolution of Paltrow's empire.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of Gwyneth Paltrow's candle is "This Smells Like My Vagina".
The candle has notes of geranium, citrusy bergamot, cedar absolutes, Damask rose, and ambrette seed.
Gwyneth Paltrow revealed that the candle was originally a joke. She also stated that she thinks her candle was very ""punk rock" and challenged the shame around female sexuality.
