Each year, at around this time, luxury perfume and candle maker, Diptyque gets in touch with their romantic side. Each year, they release a special candle in tribute to the most romantic of all flowers – the rose.
This year, Diptyque celebrates not just the rose, but 2 beautiful species of roses.
Diptyque celebrates the Damascena Rose and the Centifolia Rose in two beautiful limited edition scented candles jars. They are not only a treat to the eyes (and a beautiful decorative piece in the home), they are a treat to the olfactory senses too.
Diptyque Damascena Rose Candle
The Damascena or Damasak rose is sometimes also called the Turkish Rose, because of its origins from the region. This has a stronger, slightly more musky note.
I find that of the 2 scents available, the Diptyque Damascena candle smells stronger. It is far more enveloping, with a musky floral note, that is unmistakably rosy.
However, underlying this heady scent of roses, is a deep sweetness, like that of sticky honey. This smells, to me like liquified Turkish Delight. A decadent, sweet treat that you can almost taste.
Personally, I also find that the Diptyque Damascena candle scents a room more strongly, due to its heavier, headier scent. The candle jar is a bright pink, with the name picked out in a low-contrast yellow.
This one is definitely one for those who love the smell of roses, and if you want to create a romantic environment, I’d pick this one because it really is heady!
RELATED READING: For more tips on how to care for your luxury scented candle, please read this post.
Diptyque Centifolia Rose Candle
Of the two candle designs, I prefer the Diptyque Centifolia Rose candle, because it photographs better LOL! :D
The bright pink contrasts better against the deep purple background, and it is easier to see.
In terms of scent, the Centifolia Rose boasts a lighter, fresher scent. This is the first time that the scent of a Centifolia Rose has been harnessed into a perfumed candle, and I have to say that I love this one.
The reason is because when I opt for a rose scent, I prefer something light and refreshing. To my nose, the Diptyque Centifolia Rose candle smells a little lighter on the nose, and more refreshing, with an almost sharp bite to it. This makes is less cloying.
In a perfume, I’d reach for this one without hesitation because I just know that it will make me smell like a fresh rose garden touched by morning dew.
However, as is my experience with scents like these in a candle, I find that the subtleties of the scent is a little lost once burnt and released into the air.
The Diptyque Centifolia Rose candle is a beautiful counterfoil when burnt with the Damascena Rose candle, because the freshness cuts through the headiness of the Damascena Rose. The result is a far more pleasing, more enjoyable room scent.
So, if your budget stretches to allow you to pick just 1 Diptyque candle, I’d suggest that you pick the Damascena Rose candle. You will enjoy it better because you will be able to smell it better. The stronger scent means that it will permeate and linger longer too, once it has been snuffed out.
But of course, if the budget stretches to 2, then get both! :D
Which Diptyque rose captures your imagination best? Damascena or Centifolia?
I like Centifolia, but in a candle, Damascena makes more sense to me. So, really, I can’t decide :P This or that?
Paris B
PRICE: 70g – RM189 | £30 | US$36 , 190g – RM329 |£53 | US$72
WHERE TO BUY: Ken’s Apothecary stores and online, Diptyque store (Pavilion KL), SpaceNK, Net-a-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, Selfridges, Liberty of London
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Your photos for this post are to die for Paris! <3 I know they were taken in store and they've done an amazing job setting up their displays, but your camera work is still magic! :)
I received the Centifolia Rose candle for my birthday (requested hehe) and I ordered for myself the Damascena candle and hair mist! I am a sucker for rose scents… and can you believe these will be my first Diptyque candles???
My bedroom is quite small but when I take the Cantifolia Rose candle out of its box, I can smell it walking into the room (and its not lit)! I don't know how or when I'll have the heart to burn them… I have received the Damascena candle yet….
Oh btw – I almost got the Rose Delight candle last year, but it was too sweet for me… I’m so glad I waited for this years release. The glass jar is also a bit more special (it’s not just a sticker on a glass jar)! So glad I asked for these even without smelling them first! Crazy maybe? :D
Nope! Not crazy haha! Sometimes, half the joy of enjoying the product is in pretty packaging!
Aww you’re too kind Sylvia! Thank you so much! <3 Oh you picked some very pretty ones to be your very first Diptyque candles! And I'm very sure that they will not disappoint. Some of the more subtle scents don't smell of much when they burn, so it often comes across a bit of a disappointment. Oh and I know what you mean about these candles being so strong. I have Damascena, and I put it on my sideboard. The scent wafts every time I walk past! Now that you say that Centifolia smells strongly as well, I guess I might have to get it :P
Hi Paris, Do both the candles smell similar to the original Rose version? I smelt the original Rose unburnt candle once and it was so special. Have you tried the hair mist? Wonder how it smell and the texture like.. Too bad we don’t have store here in JB. Have to purchase online… :p maybe they should consider to open up a store here. Jo Malone also..
too many tempting products recently. You always reading your readers mind like a psychologist and I enjoy reading all your writing. Thank you Paris.
Gosh Susin, I cannot recall off-hand how these candles compare to Roses. So sorry! I have tested the hair mist in store, and it’s very nice! Perfect for refreshing your hair especially after a meal. You know how restaurant or food smells stick to hair? It cuts through that. Unfortunately, because I have short hair it’s harder for me to appreciate it LOL! Hmm… I don’t know if JML might open an outlet in JB but if they don’t, next time you’re in KL, drop by the Diptyque store – it’s fun to browse and enjoy the scents, even if you don’t buy anything ;) And thank you for the lovely compliment – I guess you guys love the same things I do! :D
Hi Paris, thanks for the info. I purchased the hair mist online via kens and it is so luxurious. The spray head is in high quality and really can tell the different. I will definitely make a stop at Dityque if I ever have chance to go to Pavilion. Thanks very much.
Glad you like the hair mist Susin :) I remember testing it, and it’s lush!