After years of testing scented candles across various price ranges, one realizes that the aroma within a jar doesn't always align with its cost. Expensive options sometimes smell ordinary, while affordable ones can emit heavenly fragrances. Purchasing candles can be financially demanding, often leaving buyers feeling fortunate or disappointed once lit. Through trial and error, two fragrance houses have consistently stood out: Astier de Villatte and Trudon. This article focuses on Trudon's Versailles candle, which was gifted around the author's birthday. Its blue jar evokes images of a clear spring sky, and its scent recalls luxurious floral arrangements.

The Versailles candle from Trudon offers an intricate blend of creamy-tangy notes, combining linden, peony, rose, and tuberose with a subtle herbal undertone. The mint aroma is smooth and slightly sweet, far removed from the harshness associated with toothpaste varieties. As the candle burns, the floral elements, particularly the rose-scented peony, intensify, producing a liquor-like essence reminiscent of mid-20th-century white floral perfumes. It's speculated that moss or upcycled oak wood might be part of this complex mixture.

When first ignited in the author's home office, concerns arose due to a lack of immediate scent detection nearby. However, upon moving to another room, it became evident that the adjoining spaces—bedroom, hallway, and living room—were filled with the Versailles fragrance, showcasing its impressive throw. Interestingly, the aroma closely resembles The English Soap Company's Kew Gardens Grapefruit & Lily fragrance, available in soap, hand cream, and hand/body wash forms.

Trudon offers Versailles candles in multiple sizes, catering to diverse preferences and needs. Options include Petite (70g/20 hrs./$55), Classique (270g/60 hrs./$135), Intermède (800g/120 hrs./$330), and Grande (2.8kg/300 hrs./$690). Additionally, there's Le Diffuseur (350ml/4 mo./$250), inviting further exploration by enthusiasts. Notably, the listed notes consist of peony, mint natural essence, thyme flower, rosemary natural essence, linden, tuberose absolute, honeysuckle, natural upcycled oak wood, and blue iris.

Exploring the world of scented candles reveals unexpected treasures, where affordability meets luxury. Trudon's Versailles candle exemplifies this phenomenon, offering a captivating scent journey through its intricate blend of aromas. Whether experienced in its candle form or as a diffuser, Versailles promises an enchanting olfactory experience that transcends mere fragrance, transporting users to a realm of elegance and sophistication.