Every year I look forward to the Diptyque Roses Collection they launch for Valentine’s Day. This year they launched two new limited-edition candles called Centifolia and Damascena, available in a few different forms:
- Individually in the full size ($72 each for 6.7 oz)
- Individually in the small sizes ($36 each for 2.46 oz)
- Also in a Small Candle Duo Set ($72)
The jars are frosted tinted glass with the prettiest rose patterns on the exterior. Nothing would have stopped me from buying these and I bought these sight unseen just for the packaging.
As much as I love Diptyque I don’t consider myself a pure rose fragrance lover. I do really like the rose notes when it’s blended with other notes like it is in their Baies candle. Same goes for many perfumes that I love and wear. For me rose is best when it’s blended with something other than floral notes. If you love all things floral and true pure rose then these will be perfect for you. Alone I found these very strong, floral and powdery. I do think they are beautiful but they’re not my favorite. The Mini Duo Set seems to be sold out most places but this morning I still saw it in stock at Barney’s New York. You can still buy the mini sizes individually.
Centifolia is the softer variation and out of the two, I like this scent the most. It has the tiniest bit of spice to it and I found it really interesting to read more about the flower itself, per Diptyque, the flower is from the “Grasse region of France since the 16th century, the Centifolia rose is also called the May rose for the month in which it is harvested. It comes by its Latin name (centum=one hundred + folio=leaf) because of its profusion of petals, said to number one hundred.”
Damascena has a beautiful color combination of the bright pink and orange. This one is very potent, floral, powdery and sweet. I found it a little too overwhelming for my taste. If you love pure rose scents you will absolutely adore this!
Top from Abercrombie, Nail Polish is Opi Rice Rice Baby
I have no regrets purchasing both. I will burn them to the end but will most likely combine with another scent like Baies or something woodsy like Byredo Tree House. Compared to previous limited-edition rose candles Diptyque has launched I find these two to be more of a pure powdery floral rose while previous years seem to be a little bit sweeter and softer.
The jars will be used to recycle for me as well. A quick note on the frosted glass jars if you’re new to recycling them – I’ve owned a few others in the white frosted glass and the finish can be a little delicate. I’d definitely recommend you take care with the exterior when cleaning as they can wear off or scratch off if you use a stiff sponge. It’s not so delicate that you have to baby it, but if you want to recycle, after your first burn, make sure you trim your wicks with a Wick Trimmer before you burn to avoid burning the sides or tops.
To clean them and recycle after they’re done burning I take a small butter knife and remove the metal circle that’s at the base if it hasn’t popped out already. To clean the sides I soak hot water and dish soap and wipe out with a paper towel. I repeat until wax is completely gone. Don’t use boiling water as it can crack the glass. Hot water from the tap works just fine to soften any residue and the soap helps clean the sides. Anytime I recommend this method someone without fail tells me freezing them is the better method but it has never worked for me.
Bottom line beautiful and romantic! I just think some scents are best when layered or blended with other notes, with these I prefer them when burned with something else. I still think they’re gorgeous, they’re just not my absolute favorites.
The Diptyque Roses Collection is limited-edition. They have other options including the scented ovals, scented liners and more. You can find Diptyque Centifolia and Damascena candles out now while they last. I bought mine from Nordstrom. Also available at Diptyque, Space NK, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Barney’s New York and all other Diptyque retailers.
P.S. Right now there’s a cute GWP available at Diptyque, I’m not sure how long it will be available but just wanted to let you know. Also Space NK’s beauty bag event is coming up soon!
Have you tried these yet? What did you think? Do you love rose notes or prefer it blended with something else?
