Maison Margiela By the Fireplace Candle named best at Mecca Beauty Election

The home fragrance named best in Australia at the 2022 Mecca Beauty Election is a $95 candle reminiscent of a ‘fire crackling on a winter’s day’.

The By the Fireplace Candle by Maison Margiela was voted for by thousands in the Australian awards and came out on top thanks to its woody, smoky scent. 

Sold at Mecca stores, the beautiful scent is inspired by a smoky fire and the warm and comforting fragrance combines notes of chestnut accord, red berries, clove oil, cashmeran. 

It has approximately 40 hours of burn time, described as a ‘memory in a candle’ and is part of the brand’s Replica range designed to transport you to ‘familiar scents and moments of varying locations and periods’. 

‘This is one of the top candles I have ever owned – it has an amazing scent and it is sleek, the glass is strong and it’s crystal clear bright,’ one delighted customer wrote. 

‘I want to first touch on the price of the candle – I wasn’t sure I would pay that much for a single one wick candle but with that said, it is the nicest candle I’ve ever burned,’ another wrote. 

Candle care: The FIVE biggest mistakes you are making  

1. Not setting the memory: The size of the wax pool during the first burn determines the life of the candle; subsequent burns won’t melt the wax beyond the initial wax pool. As a rule of thumb, burn a new candle for 1 hour per 2.5cm (1 inch) in diameter. So for a 7.5cm (3 inch) diameter candle, the initial burn time should be at least 3 hours.

2. Leaving the wick too long: A wick that is too long can cause a candle to start smoking. Keep your wick trimmed at all times; a trimmed wick creates a calm, steady flame, which means the candle’s burning process is in balance. Before lighting, trim the wick to 6mm (1/4 inch) and remove any wick debris.

3. Exposure to draught: A candle that is in a draught can start flickering and will likely smoke, and a strong draught can cause a candle to start dripping. To avoid this, eliminate the source of the draught, move the candle out of the draught or shield the candle from the draught.

4. Using the wrong container: Candles look great and burn safely inside a container or vase, however make sure you use the right size container. If the vase is too small for the candle, the candle might start flickering and smoking.

5. Too close together: A setup with multiple candles in a variety of size can look beautiful, yet make sure the distance between the candles is large enough to avoid irregular melting, warping and ultimately dripping. Place lit candles at least 10cm (3 inches) apart to avoid melting and warping due to heat from neighbouring candles.

Source: Candle Kiosk 

‘The scent is really lovely and clean and it doesn’t have any of that overly scented suntan lotion kind of smell. Instead it’s a salty beach with warm winds blowing through the trees kind of a scent. I was so impressed with the throw of the scent when burning. It took maybe 15 minutes and I could smell it wafting throughout my first floor.’ 

‘It brought the cosy holidays to our home. You can almost feel the warmth from sitting before a burning fireplace, smell the smoky aroma of chestnuts, and hear the crackling wood as the flame brought a gentle glow to our living room.’

While the By the Fireplace Candle took out the crown at the election, these are the seven finalists that followed closely behind…

1. Floral Street Wonderland Bloom Candle, $68

Notes: Patchouli, black pepper and Sicilian lemon

Described as ‘armfuls of pink peonies blooming in a bottle’, this candle is designed to fill the room with the scent of ‘just-bloomed peonies, with a splash of crisp Sicilian lemon, fresh guava, and pink cotton candy’.

‘This candle smelt incredible right out of the box! It is wonderfully packaged and opened up beautifully to reveal the candle inside, I can imagine this would make for a spectacular gift,’ one customer wrote/

‘The candle burned wonderfully filling the house with an enticing sweet floral scent that lasted for hours. You wouldn’t believe how many requests I received to light this candle again the following day.’

Described as ‘armfuls of pink peonies blooming in a bottle’, this candle is designed to fill the room with the scent of ‘just-bloomed peonies, with a splash of crisp Sicilian lemon, fresh guava, and pink cotton candy’

2. D.S. & DURGA Big Sur After Rain Auto Fragrance, $18

Notes: Coastal rain, eucalyptus shoot, magnolia, pacific spray, eucalyptus leaf, wet wood

This budget-friendly auto fragrance that fills the air with the scent of the ‘Highway 1 drive down the Californian coast’ – rainwater in the eucalyptus groves, magnolia and wet wood. 

‘I bought this a while back when I bought a new car and wanted to keep it smelling fresh. It started off fairly strong and has settled into a more subtle fragrance. Anyone who gets into my car comments on it. I have repurchased multiples times. Will never buy an air freshener from the supermarket again,’ a customer wrote.

‘My car smells incredible. It has quite a strong smell but eases up after a week or so and I always get compliments. Smells very green and fresh,’ another added.

This budget-friendly auto fragrance that fills the air with the scent of the ‘Highway 1 drive down the Californian coast’ – rainwater in the eucalyptus groves, magnolia and wet wood

3. diptyque Baies Room Spray, $91

Notes: Blackcurrant leaves and rose

This iconic scent has been transformed into a room spray, delighting thousands. 

It’s name translates to berries and is made with a blend of freshly picked blackcurrant berries and blooming roses. 

The brand promises all who try the spray will be treated to a ‘sweet and inviting freshness’ in every room.

‘I bought this room fragrance to spray in my store, its smells divine and it makes customers come in asking what the beautiful smell is,’ a woman wrote.

‘A little goes a long way. This bottle will last for ages and the scent is amazing,’ another wrote. 

This iconic scent has been transformed into a room spray, delighting thousands

4. BYREDO Bibliothèque Candle, $61

Notes: Plum, cinnamon, leather accord, violet birch woods, patchouli and vanilla

Described as a ‘rich, seductive aroma evocative of ancient wood-panelled libraries’, this candle is the ultimate home accessory and is made in France using mouth-blown glass. 

‘Sophisticated and vibey, makes me feel like a grown up,’ a customer wrote.

‘This is the perfect gift for literary lovers, library enthusiasts and those who wish to create the atmosphere perfect for slowing down and curling up with a good book.’

Described as a ‘rich, seductive aroma evocative of ancient wood-panelled libraries’, this candle is the ultimate home accessory and is made in France using mouth-blown glass

5. Le Labo Santal 26 Candle $120

Notes: Leather

This cult favourite scent promises warmth like no other with a smoky, leather vibe.

Offering the ultimate in personalised home fragrance, customers have the ability to add their name (to the candle’s label, as well as a short message.

The gorgeous candle is also hand poured and composed of 100 per cent soy wax.

‘I bought this candle for my office and the smell is divine. To me it smells like soft men’s aftershave. I’ve had several people ask me what the candle was. Love it,’ a customer wrote.

‘One of the best candles I’ve purchased! The luxe scent lingers for a long time,’ another said.

This cult favourite scent promises warmth like no other with a smoky, leather vibe

6. Editions de Parfums By Frédéric Malle Perfume Gun Jurassic Flower, $245

Notes: Magnolia, citrus, peach and apricot

While it may sound expensive for a perfume gun, this high-end room spray has earned the nickname ‘the love gun’ and for good reason.

Promising ‘instant perfume gratification, this scent is inspired by the magnolia tree, which is millions of years old. 

‘Every year since the Jurassic age, its broad white petals have blossomed against a clear blue sky. Unlike other white flowers that exude opulence, magnolia’s scent is bright and citrus-fresh with hints of peach and apricot, heralding the return of summer,’ they write.

‘I bought this at the store and I love the smell of it, Its so clean fresh citrus and not too over powering. My whole home smells so rich and wonderful . The bottle is so valuable and worth it. I also spray it everywhere in my house and clothes,’ a customer wrote.

Another added: Opulence, sophistication, extravagance! An olfactory treat!

‘My first impression when it arrived was the bottle itself is a stunning heavy ceramic? bottle that is just a stunning quality. The scent is a perfect summer scent, with just a single spray the air smell like you have just walked past a very fragrant white floral hedge.’

While it may sound expensive for a perfume gun, this high-end room spray has earned the nickname ‘the love gun’ and for good reason

7. Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Scent Surround™ Diffuser, $135

Notes: Pear, white freesia, rose, quince, rhubarb, patchouli, amber and white musk

The only diffuser on the list, this Jo Malone favourite is reminiscent of summer days transpiring to autumn. 

The scent is a delicate blend of ripened pears, freesia and patchouli to create a unique and captivating fragrance for the home. 

‘Works great in my big bedroom. You smell it right when you enter and it’s not too strong, instead it gives you a cool and calm feeling,’ a thrilled customer wrote.

‘Love this scent- so calming. The diffuser last for ages and gives out a calming scent – perfect for my home office. Can’t get enough of it.’

The only diffuser on the list, this Jo Malone favourite is reminiscent of summer days transpiring to autumn