La Collection Privée is Dior’s high-end fragrance range — rare ingredients, more refined formulations, the kind of thing you find in Dior stores, duty free, and select locations rather than your everyday department store. Francis Kurkdjian, who has been quietly putting out some of my favorite things from this house — Bois Talisman, Cuir Saddle, Bois d’Argent — is behind this one too.

The story behind Dior Paradise is rooted in a real place: Christian Dior’s residence in Provence, where almond trees were part of the landscape. That’s the brief. That’s the heart of it. And Kurkdjian described the fragrance himself as an irresistible almond biscuit — which tells you exactly where this is going before you even spray it.

In this video I rate it across three things: the story, the bottle, and most importantly the smell. I give it scores, I change my mind a little, I spray it on my skin and tell you exactly what I get — and then I give you my final verdict on whether it is bougie uncle approved and who I actually think this fragrance is for.

Watch below and let me know if you’d buy it. 👇

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Should you buy the dupe?

This isn’t a simple yes or no. The dupe market exists for real reasons — prices at niche and luxury houses have climbed significantly, buying power for younger consumers hasn’t kept pace, and TikTok made dupe discovery so easy that the conversation exploded overnight. It’s not just a trend anymore. It’s an economic mood. And the big retailers noticed — dupe brands now have shelf space at Walmart, Ulta, and TikTok Shop.

But there’s another side to this that I don’t think gets enough airtime. Creating something truly original in fragrance — something that changes the game the way certain iconic releases have — can take years and millions of dollars in R&D, testing, sourcing, and storytelling. And when someone takes that and calls it their own version, there’s a real conversation to be had about what that means for the people who actually made it.

So in this video I break down why the dupe market is booming, what the real difference is between a dupe, a clone, an “inspired by,” and a counterfeit — because they are not the same thing — why the industry is genuinely conflicted, and where I personally draw my line.

I also want to know where you draw yours.

Watch the full video below:

But somewhere between the non-toxic wellness movement and the viral fear-mongering videos racking up millions of views, a lot of candle lovers started feeling genuinely guilty about something that has been part of human ritual for thousands of years. Some people are out here claiming your paraffin candle is as bad as diesel exhaust. Others say the soot is basically a cigarette in your living room. And honestly? I had questions.

So instead of adding more noise to the internet, I went to the actual peer-reviewed science. Not the internet science. The real kind. And what I found was nuanced, interesting, and a lot more reassuring than the algorithm would have you believe — with some important caveats for specific groups of people that are worth knowing.

In this video I break down what candles actually emit when you burn them, what three major studies found when they looked at real health data, which groups of people genuinely do need to be more careful, and the candle-burning myths I want to put to rest for good. I also share the five things I personally do every time I light a candle to burn smarter — not because I’m scared, but because informed is always better.

Watch the full video below. 👇

The fragrance itself is part of Clive Christian’s Addictive Arts collection, built with what they call an exclusive “Addictive Fusion Accord” using headspace technology to capture and recreate molecules in a way they say is unique to the house. At 25% perfume oil concentration, this is an extrait — it means business from the first spray. Coffee, anise, jasmine, orange blossom, then cocoa absolute, vanilla caramel, and a smoke fusion that lingers.

On paper? Interesting. On skin? I’ll let you watch that reaction for yourself.

What I will say is that when I describe a fragrance as a “sexy coffee date in a hotel lobby meets an espresso martini kind of night” — you know it got me. That’s my honest first impression. The question of whether it earns the bottle, the story, and the price is exactly what the video is about:

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The candle market is now worth $15 billion and growing — luxury candles alone are expanding at 12% year over year. Brands have gotten very good at making things feel premium. The vessel, the name, the story, the aesthetic. And a lot of it is genuinely worth it. But some of it? Hmmm…

So what actually makes a candle worth the money? In this video I break it down — the wax, the fragrance load, the quality of the oil, the wick, the throw. The five things that separate a candle that earns its price from one that’s just expensive. And then I give you a list of affordable candles that punch way above their weight — ones that will make your home smell like you spent a lot more than you did. Because at the end of the day, what we’re really buying is the juice. And the juice should deliver.

Watch the full breakdown below:

The problem is the candle market is overwhelming right now. Some look stunning on a shelf but throw basically nothing when lit. Some are so aggressive they clear the room. And some are just... fine. Safe. Forgettable. Not what we’re here for.

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A great candle, to me, comes down to three things: scent, style, and strength. Does it smell refined and balanced — not just loud? Does it look like it belongs in your space? And does it actually fill the room, or are you leaning in trying to find it? Those three filters cut through a lot of noise very quickly.

I’ve tested a lot of candles. Some have been with me for years. One of them is actually the candle that started everything for me — I smelled it in Paris, saw the whole story in one breath, and I’ve never looked back. It’s on this list.

Seven candles. All different moods, all worthy of your home, all genuinely worth the blind buy. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or trying to find the perfect gift for someone whose home should smell better — this is the videe:

And yet here we are, most men walking straight past some of the most complimented fragrances on the planet because of a label.

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So I put together a list. Seven fragrances — all marketed to women — that consistently stop people in their tracks when worn by a man. We’re talking the kind of compliments where someone grabs your arm and asks what you’re wearing. The kind that linger in a room after you’ve left. One of them has a story that starts at a luxury Paris party and ends on a cold street corner with a crepe. AAnd at least one of them will have people questioning everything they thought they knew about what a man is supposed to smell like.

Watch below:

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But here’s my question: when we’ve gone from vanilla perfumes to vanilla body mists, vanilla lotions, and vanilla laundry detergent — have we taken it too far? I have some thoughts about where I think the trend has peaked, where I think there’s still room, and what I actually look for in a vanilla that earns a spot in my rotation:

In this video, Elad breaks down exactly what to wear when you want someone to fall in love with you after the first date, the one fragrance that will make you feel dangerously confident walking into a negotiation, what he personally burns at home to create that rich, well-traveled atmosphere, and the citrus scent he reaches for when he needs a full reset and a fresh start. Oh — and his thoughts on what note men should stop sleeping on.

I’m not giving it away. Watch the video:

The Brand Behind the Bottle

House of Bo isn’t just another indie fragrance label. Founded by Bernardo Molller, the brand was born as an ode to his late father and his Mexican roots after losing him during the pandemic. That grief-into-art origin story shows up in every detail — the caps are crafted from reclaimed Mexican marble, and Xuxú’s cap is genuine amethyst stone, said to promote positivity and prosperity. The brand has been nominated for Fragrance Foundation Awards and sits alongside some of the most respected names in luxury retail.

The perfumer is Natalie Larson — one of the few female master perfumers in the industry, responsible for YSL Black Opium and Le Labo’s Poivre 23. So when the bottle arrives at $365 for 70ml, there’s a real argument being made.

The Notes — Do They Actually Work Together?

On paper, this is a risky composition. The top notes are clementine peel, chili pepper, and champagne. The heart brings damask rose, blackberry macaron, and earl grey tea. The base is white musk, Mexican vanilla, and saffron. That’s a lot happening. And the blackberry macaron in the middle had me genuinely nervous — I was bracing for something that smells like a bakery counter. The result is a fruity floral gourmand — complex, genuinely wearable, and smarter than it looks on a notes list. My one wish: more chili pepper. It’s there but it could be braver.

Is It Bougie Uncle Approved?

You’re going to have to watch the video for the full verdict, my ranking against the rest of the House of Bo lineup, and exactly who I think should (and shouldn’t) be wearing this.

Watch the full review here:

The Boom Is Real

This isn’t just a trend. It’s a category transformation. Sol de Janeiro blew the doors open, and now everyone from YSL to Tom Ford to Byredo is launching body mists. The marketing message has been consistent: accessible luxury. Something you can take on the go, layer with your skincare routine, spritz on your hair. Billions of views on TikTok. Brands can’t keep up with demand.

And there are real, legitimate reasons people love them — accessibility as an entry point into fragrance, the comfort of something lighter for the office or the gym, the ritual of a morning spritz that ties into self-care. Fragrance is processed in the same part of the brain that handles emotional regulation. A $38 body mist that reminds you of a beach vacation? That memory trigger has real value.

But Here’s Where Things Get Complicated

The frustration is also real. Four things keep coming up: longevity, value, rising prices, and decision fatigue from too many options.

Body mists sit at 1–5% fragrance oil concentration. An EDP runs around 20%. That’s by design — a body mist is a fragrance layer, not a statement. But when you’re spending $40, $50, $60 and it fades in two hours, people start asking questions. And they should.

There’s also a math problem hiding in plain sight. Sol de Janeiro at $38 for 240ml works out to 16 cents per ml. Chanel No. 5 EDP at $150 for 100ml is $1.50 per ml. Sounds like the body mist wins — until you factor in usage. A body mist requires 6–8 sprays, multiple times a day, meaning a bottle lasts maybe 20–30 days. A strong EDP at 2–3 sprays a day? That bottle goes for months. Real cost per day, you’re likely spending more on body mists than on a proper perfume.

And then there are the myths the marketing machine has built up around this category — that body sprays are just “weak perfumes” (they’re designed differently, not inferior), that more sprays means better value (they don’t), that cheap means bad (not necessarily — in this concentration range, the big difference between a $16 and $40 body mist is usually branding and packaging), and that body mists are somehow “cleaner” or healthier (clean is mostly a marketing term — check the actual ingredients for what you’re sensitive to).

So Are They a Scam?

No. But they’re also not for everyone, and the industry is counting on you not doing the math.

Body mists exist for a reason — they’re a great entry point into fragrance, a perfect lighter option for the office or gym, and a genuinely enjoyable ritual. If a Sol de Janeiro mist makes your morning better, that’s real value. But if you’re chasing longevity, sillage, and bang for your buck, your money is almost certainly better spent on a proper EDP.

The key is knowing what you’re buying and why — not just responding to the marketing.

For the full deep dive — including my breakdown of specific sprays across different categories, which ones are actually worth it, and my top picks — watch the full video here:

Drop your thoughts in the comments. Are body mists worth it for you, or are you team EDP all the way?

Love you,

Bougie Uncle

Remember when everyone and their mother was making DIY candles? Cute concept, but here’s the truth: most people don’t actually want crafty. They want stuff that works.

Enter: Mylk de Parfum by NOYZ! (ENTER HERE to get a free sample)

@sircandlemanHow to have a body lotion that smells amazing! Why your body lotion scent last? You need to get AD | Mylk de Parfum by NOYZ coming out on February 1, 2026! AND you can be one the first 1,000 people to try it! @noyzfragrance @Ulta Beauty #noyzpartner #perfumetok #fragrancetok #noyz

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This is the product I didn’t know I needed until I tried it a 2 weeks ago, and now I’m obsessed. Think of it as body lotion meets fine fragrance meets skincare miracle. It’s an alcohol-free pour-on formula that’s genuinely hydrating (we’re talking hyaluronic acid levels of soft), but here’s the thing—it lasts 12 hours longer than your average body lotion and projects like a proper fragrance.

The Scent Breakdown

NOYZ launched this in three of their signature scents, but let me tell you about my favorite: Unmite. It’s got vanilla, amber, and plum. You know me and stone fruits in fragrances—absolute weakness. The way these notes layer together? Chef’s kiss.

Who Is This For?

You love body care? Check. You’re obsessed with fragrance? Check. You want something that actually lasts and projects while also nourishing your skin? Triple check.

But here’s where it gets even better: the layering potential. If you’re already a NOYZ devotee, imagine this ritual:

1. Fresh out the shower, apply Mylk de Parfum as your body lotion

2. Spray your favorite NOYZ fragrance on top

3. Take the solid perfume with you for touch-ups throughout the day

That’s the full sensorial experience right there.

Try It First (Yes, Really)

Because I worked with NOYZ to help share about this product this today, I’ve got something special for you. The first 1,000 people can get a sample before it officially goes live next week. ENTER HERE! Quick details: You’ve got to be in the US and over 18. Pick your scent, and you’re in.

The fragrance world moves fast, but every once in a while, something genuinely innovative comes along. This is one of those moments.

Love you, Boo.

—Sir Candle Man 🕯️

January — Home, Heritage & A Gift That Gave Itself Away

I normally go home for the holidays—home to South Africa to see my parents, my sister, my brother. The whole crew. And this year, I took with me CHANEL’s Coromandel. My mother loved it so much, I gave it to her. To me, this is a top-tier fragrance of all time. It’s that deep, ambery, resinous, citrusy, iris-y... it’s just everything that smells luxurious and rich. Thankfully, CHANEL sent me the extrait version, so I’m keeping that one for myself.

Also in January, I discovered a Black-owned brand called 27.9 by Tyrone. The scents are gorgeous. The vessels are gorgeous. Hello! He launched fine fragrance this year, including one called Velour—a sandalwood vanilla with cognac and rose. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!

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February — The 15% Pledge & Pistachio Dreams

February was so luxe, I attended the 15% Pledge gala, invited by FORVR Mood. Thank you, Jackie and Denis, for that incredible night. Everyone smelled amazing. And later that year, FORVR Mood released a fragrance called She Was Here—a pistachio and Turkish rose scent that is absolutely stunning. Whenever I wear it - Compliments, compliments, compliments! It’s so good. Get it at Sephora or forevermode.com.

March — Alchemy, Osmanthus & The Rebrand

March was the month I dove even deeper into the Gucci Alchemist Garden collection. I love this collection—it’s really about the alchemy of ingredients, the transmutation of scent. Interesting word, that.

In this set, I discovered one of my favorites for the year: Osmanthus Nectar. A delicious stone fruit, leathery scent. I love wearing it. There’s also Vanilla Firenze, a vanilla-iris hybrid that’s really gorgeous. Everything in this collection is so fly.

And then: the rebrand.

You know, I started this account as Sir Candle Man, just talking about luxury candles. But over time, I realized I love fragrance more than just the form. It’s not just candles—it’s fine fragrance, body wash, laundry, incense, car scents, and yes, even dish soap. I think about fragrance all the time.

So I kept the name Sir Candle Man, but I changed the voice. Enter: the bougie uncle. Through this character, I can show that fragrance is a lifestyle. The shoot we did with the amazing Angella Choe brought it all to life.

New era.

April — Peach, Japan & Perfume Hoarding

Guerlain came to LA for the launch of Pêche Mirage—another delicious stone fruit, peachy, suede-musky scent. Gorgeous. I got to meet Delphine Jelk, the perfumer, and hung out with the incredible Caroline Stern, who is the girl to go to for all things gourmand and vanilla recommendations.

And then I went to Japan.

I visited a store called Cosme. I bought maybe 20 perfumes. Which is kind of wild. I still haven’t reviewed them all, so next year I’m starting an “Around the World” Series. Stay tuned. I need to get it together.

May — CHANEL Chance & Pure Joy

May was quite fantastic.

I got to celebrate the launch of the new CHANEL CHANCE Eau Splendide—a raspberry, cedary, musky fragrance that’s really joyful and upbeat. This is Olivier Polge, Chanel’s in-house perfumer and creator. I got to help share it with the world.

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June — The Fragrance Foundation, Beyoncé & A London Discovery

My favorite fragrance month. Every year, I attend the Fragrance Foundation Awards, and I live for it.

This is Linda Levy, the president of the Fragrance Foundation—so knowledgeable, so well-connected, and always helping you understand the vastness of this industry. It’s my favorite fragrance event of the year.

Then I went to London. Why was I in London? Beyoncé.

And while I was there, I discovered a brand everyone knew but me: Bienamié. They have this cologne that’s the freshest, zingiest, liveliest men’s fragrance I’ve worn in a while. Very limey, very citrusy. Very delicious. The packaging? Immaculate.

July — Pacific Rock Moss, Upstate New York & Fruity Gourmands

Back with Caroline, hitting the streets and the events. This time, we were celebrating Pacific Rock Flower by Goldfield & Banks.

More travels: I went to Hudson, New York—upstate—to The Maker Hotel. It’s a hotel, but they’re also a fragrance brand. Great candles, great fragrances. We were celebrating Revel, a joyful, fruity, upbeat gourmand from them. I also love their Spiritus candle—the most delicious, grounding, frankincense-forward candle that smells just like the hotel. You definitely need that in your collection.

August — Martha’s Vineyard, Aramis & D-Wade

I was on the road again. Martha’s Vineyard this time, celebrating the relaunch of Aramis’s Intuition—a grapefruit, vetiver, lavender fragrance. Kind of like a fougère, but deeper. A neo-fougère, if you will. The global spokesperson? Dwayne Wade. We celebrated with amazing creators and celebrities on the Vineyard.

September — Green Goddess, The Glow-Up & Madame Coco

I discovered one of my favorite candles of the year: Green Goddess by Flamingo Estate. A basil-forward candle with other herbs, but so fresh. So gorgeous. I tore through two of them. Ate them up! It made my top 10 candle list for the year—if you love a fresh, herbal candle, this is the one.

September was also a moment of reflection. The rebrand had taken hold. The feed looked better. The content looked better. And I’d tried really hard to up the production without losing the energy, the juice. Shout out to Extra Olives—Maggie Sellers for putting me on, and Marvin, the founder, for executing so gorgeously.

I also discovered Madame Grey Extrait de Parfum —the most delicious, rich, dirty musk white floral cloud. Anytime I wear it, compliments pour in. It was in my top fragrance list for the year.

And more CHANEL. We celebrated the launch of BLEU DE CHANEL L’EXCLUSIF. Growing up, I wore so much BLEU DE CHANEL. It’s my number one men’s designer fragrance. L”EXCLUSIF has a leathery accord thanks to cistus labdanum—so deep, so strong, so bold.

In this world where people want extraits, this one delivers.

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October — Room Spray Season

This month’s highlight: a room spray from Perfume Head, a collab with Side Hustle. It’s so lovely. Anytime people ask me why my home smells so good, it’s probably because I spritzed this right before they walked in.

November — Aēsop, Amber & Icons

Back on the event scene. The Aēsop event in LA was everything. I really enjoyed Aēsop this year—my favorite fragrance from them was Above us, Steorra, a vanilla-frankincense with cardamom. Spicy, earthy, grounding. So delish.

At the event, we celebrated their gift sets for the year. I love all things Aēsop: the body wash, the hand wash, the room spray, the candle. If you want your home to smell like an Aesop boutique, get the room sprays. I’m telling you.

November also brought Ambre Antique from Infiniment Coty Paris—a celebration and recreation of the iconic amber Coty is known for. They only made 1,905 of these bottles. I was honored to celebrate it, work with them, and receive one. A collector’s item. Gorgeous bottle.

December — YSL, Laundry Dreams & The History of Scent

Another designer fragrance I love: YSL MYSLF. I got to meet the brand ambassador, Austin Butler, at the Governors Awards. Hollywood! We spoke about the campaign and how much we both love YSL MYSLF ABSOLU. How cool is that?

And you know what else? My bougie uncle dreams came true this year. I wanted to talk about all things fragrance—including laundry. So working with Gain on the release of Gain Apple and Mango Tango In-Wash Scent Boosters was incredible.

Dreams do come true. Set your intentions. Set your visions. Let’s go!

I also started a new series I’m excited to take into the world: the history of incredible scents. I got to speak with Maison Francis Kurkdjian CEO, Marc Chaya, about the creation of Baccarat Rouge 540—the initial collaboration, how it all came to be. As someone who’s a nerd and loves to know stuff, I’m excited to deep dive into the world’s biggest fragrances. Most likely on my YouTube. Make sure you subscribe.

The Year, In Scent

So that was my year. Or at least, some of the highlights.

Let’s make 2026 smell even better and have fun!

Love,

Bougie Uncle

Candle season is here, and that means time for coziness and warmth and fireplaces and being indoors with beautiful smells. But what I love the most about candle season? The holiday scents.

Normally when it comes to holiday scents, it’s all about pine, balsam fir, and maybe a cinnamony mulled wine type of scent. But Beauty Pie just came out with their 2025 holiday collection, and I’m obsessed. So obsessed that I made a whole TikTok video breaking down why this collection is interesting:

@sircandlemanHow to make your holidays smell amazing - let’s try the new candles from the @Beauty Pie 2025 Holiday Collection AD

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What Makes a Really Good Holiday Candle Collection?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and here’s my framework for what makes a holiday collection truly special. You need three types of candles:

1. Pine or Balsam Fir - But Make It Interesting I like pine, but I need it to be more than just a Christmas tree in a jar. It needs complexity, depth, something that makes you lean in and say, “Wait, what else is in here?”

2. Something Great for a Holiday Party Christmas is the perfect jovial, cozy, festive time, and you want something that speaks to that celebratory energy. Something that feels homely but also has that “wow” factor when guests walk in.

3. Something for Quiet Reflection For me, the holidays are also a great time for solitude. I like something that feels like you’re chilling by the fireplace, reading a book alone, and just reflecting on the year.

My Three Favorites from Beauty Pie’s Holiday Collection

I just worked with Beauty Pie on this video, and these are the ones I absolutely love:

1. Firewood - This is the perfect soft, smoky, sensual, elegant fireplace candle. I really feel like I’m in a cottage just chilling, resting with the fireplace, and having the best time by myself. This is your solo reflection candle - pure magic

2. Rose Libertine - A spicy rose that feels like romance in the holidays. You never know - you could find love in a hopeless place! This is your party candle, your “I’m feeling festive and flirty” candle.

3. Champ Derables - Maple syrup and decadent coffee beans. This one hits that sweet spot between cozy and sophisticated. It’s like a Parisian café during the holidays.

I’d love to know from you - what’s your favorite holiday candle? Are you team traditional pine, or do you like to switch it up?

Love,

Bougie Uncle

It finally hit me. I’ve been trying to figure out how to describe Sir Candle Man and the world that I’ve created as Bougie Uncle. And it’s this: fragrance is a lifestyle. I think about scent from the minute I wake up to the minute I go to sleep. I like to set my moments throughout the day to be magical.

I’ve been away for a while from the Substack, but these are a few of the fragrance moments and products that have tickled my fancy and brought magic to my life through scent.

Home: Setting the Foundation

I still think a home needs to just feel good all the time, so I love a candle or diffuser or room spray combo for a scent that I love that comes in all the formats.

Victoria’s Secret just came out with their first ever home fragrance line, and I got to try it out:

• That Paris Hotel - If you love a gorgeous kind of tea, hotel lobby scent, this candle is amazing

• Midnight Vanilla - Very airy, not drenched in a saccharine feeling. Really gorgeous. I have that in the diffuser and room spray as well

• Santal Amour - If you’re a sandalwood lover, check this out (I’ll do a whole post about the Battle of the Sandalwoods because there are some hot new ones I discovered recently that I love)

@sircandlemanLet’s try the NEW and first-ever Victoria’s Secret home fragrance collection … they have candles, diffusers, room sprays and hand washes. #VSPartner @Victoria’s Secret

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Another candle obsession? Flamingo Estate Green Goddess. Insane. Basil, mint forward, herbaceous pesto energy. Very, very good. Obsessed. I rarely finish a candle these days because I’m always trying something new, but that one right there - whatever they put in there, magical.

@sircandlemanI’m obsessed. The perfect place to buy a gift for anyone. So magical. @Flamingo Estate #giftguide #flamingoestate

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Body: Starting the Day Right

I like to start my day off with the right body wash. I just finished my bottle of SIDIA Soaked - a cypress musk that’s like a skin scent. It’s not too much, and it’s perfect to go with any other fragrance you put on top and your body lotion. It just sets my day off like the perfect relaxed, easy, breezy situation that I love and need. I have it in the solid perfume that I carry around with me, in hand serum, and in other formats. Very nice stuff over there. It’s all at Credo - clean beauty. We love it.

Perfumes: The Main Event

I’ve been really into incense. I got a bunch from Japan, so an incense video is coming up soon.

For perfumes, I was recently in New York with CHANEL for an event to celebrate Bleu de CHANEL L’EXCLUSIF. I’ve always been a Bleu de CHANEL fan - that sandalwood with grapefruit, woody, sweet man energy. Exclusive is the most powerful, with a woody leather accord and a santalwood note. The perfumer Olivier Polge met with me to explain the fragrance. So if your man wants a bold perfume that has longevity, definitely check that one out. Very much obsessed.

@sircandlemanBLEU L’EXCLUSIF Perfume review. The NEW BLEU DE CHANEL pre-launches today and what does it smell like? Y’all know I love me some BLEU DE CHANEL so let’s get into this creation by CHANEL’s perfumer-creator Olivier Polge. This fragrance officially launches worldwide on September 2nd. #welovecoco #giftfromchanel #chanelfragrance.

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I must be wearing a lot of CHANEL No5 lately - I vibe with the Parfum, which is really an evolution for me because I started with CHANEL No. 5 L’Eau. Now I’m like, give me No. 5 Parfum. It’s just magical, and I get it. It just took me forever to be that person, but it’s magical. I also sprayed the EDT for the first time in New York. It’s almost a little bit more warm, vanillary. Gorge, gorge, gorge. Need that immediately.

Speaking of vanilla, one thing I’ve been loving is Aesop Above Us, Steorra - think like a cardamom amber in that Aesop realm of natural ingredients. It’s very nice. Just diffuses so well on the skin. Very sexy - one of the bolder ones from the range for me.

Laundry: Because Fragrance is Everywhere

Oh, my goodness, laundry! I now have multiple detergents because I’ve become obsessed. The big consumer laundry brand that I’m into right now is Gain. They came out with their in-wash scent booster beads in Apple Mango + Tango to get this tropical fruity, appley situation. I kind of love it. It brings jovialness to my laundry - blankets and throws and all of that. Gorge, gorge, fun. I love it.

@sircandleman#GainPartner are my key to laundry smelling fresh and juicy ALL DAY LONG  🥭🍎✨ Gain Apple + Mango Tango is BACK with their In-Wash Scent Boosters! The crisp apple and tropical mango will have you smelling 🙌 @Gain

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So that’s what I’ve been up to. More content coming soon on Substack, because fragrance is a lifestyle, and I will take you through all the things I’m loving.

See you soon!

Love, Bougie Uncle

🎁 WIN $300 WORTH OF LUXURY CANDLES!

Want to win $300 of candles from my own personal collection? All you have to do is answer this short three-minute survey. Here's the link - and thank you in advance for helping me out! Closes July 3rd, 2025. Survey link: https://tally.so/r/n9YNjE

Greetings, loved ones!

It's been a minute, but I've been enjoying life. My last 30 days have been quite the fragrance journey - traveling for almost a month, hitting up award shows, seeing Beyoncé, and discovering some incredible new scents. Let me take you through where I went, what I wore, what candles were burning, and what I'm obsessing over right now.

The Fragrance Foundation Awards

At the beginning of the month, I went to the Fragrance Foundation Awards, which is an incredible award show that honors the best in perfumery - from fragrance brands and fragrance houses to perfumers and industry people. Thank you, Linda Levy, for inviting me! Follow their newsletter - it's really, really good. You learn a lot about the industry.

I was promoting the Consumer's Choice category (prestige, men's, women's, and universal), and the winner of that award was Burberry Her Intense, which smells amazing. I actually wore a nominee that night: Jo Malone Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense, which smells incredible. I think I called it "Christmas in the woods" - it's like a woody, cedary, hinoki, but also like a creamy cinnamon type feeling.

Spain Adventures

From there, I went to Spain. When I thought about what to pack for Spain, I like taking minis, so I took a bunch of minis, but I found myself wearing a few specific things:

Lost in Paris by Roja - It's truly one of the best gourmands ever. Juicy, juicy, juicy.

Madam Grey - It's $1,000 and it smells amazing. It's basically the best white floral ever known to man. I was in an Uber, and the Uber driver was like, "What are you wearing?" Like, baby, it's called Madam Grey. It's called Madam Gray!

Everything I packed:

London and Beyoncé

From there, I went to London to see Beyoncé at the Cowboy Carter tour, which was amazing! For the show, what did I wear? Guerlain Vanille Planifolia. Magical.

I went to Liberty London for the first time - you can watch me on TikTok. I got some candles from there and also discovered this brand called Bienaimé, which is so gorgeous.

Back Home and Current Obsessions

Then I came home and did a big candle giveaway. I've been enjoying so many amazing scents in my home lately:

• LAFCO Midnight Cactus which I've spoken about a bunch.

• E.LO Divinity - if you like things that are a little more sensual, if you will. You can use the candle as an oil and some body mists.

• NOYZ just came out with some body mists, and there's one called Juicy Chaos that I absolutely love, so I've been wearing that.

Now I'm just chilling for the summer, having a good time and working on a really fun project.

🎁 DON'T FORGET THE GIVEAWAY!

If you want to win $300 of candles from my own personal collection, please answer the short three-minute survey. I would really appreciate it. Here's the link!https://tally.so/r/n9YNjE

Summer Recommendations for My Paid Subscribers

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These are some candle deep cuts and candles. This is my go-to list for whenever I have to give someone a candle and I don't know what to share with them. This list has never let me down and I thought I would share it with you since I know that sometimes people just want the list

My Current Obsession: LAFCO Midnight Cactus

Before I get to my top five, let me tell you about the candle I'm most obsessed with right now that I burn the most: Midnight Cactus from LAFCO. Y'all know I love LAFCO because I did a collab with them called Heart of the Matter. But this just feels like a summer desert retreat, which I think is perfect for right now. It's like deserty, sandy, crisp cedar and a raspberry accord, which is really, really cool.

I also think raspberry is trending because the new CHANEL Chance Eau Splendide has that raspberry accord with a musk and cedarwood. So there's something happening. There's something happening! Actually, I just smelled a fragrance that had a lot of raspberry in it from this brand called Nomad Noé (use code SIRCANDLEMAN for 20% on nomadnoe.com). The actual fragrance is called Elysian Rose - it's actually pink berries according to the notes, but it's the most gorgeous, modern, juicy rose.

The Five Candles That Make Perfect Gifts

1. For People Who Want A Woody Vanilla: Diptyque Vanille

If someone wants something that is vanillary but woody but always cozy, Diptyque Vanille is amazing. It's like the most smoky, delicious, deep wood. You must love deep - otherwise it'll be a little bit too much.

2. For Woody But Clean Lovers: PF Candle Co. Teakwood & Tobacco

If the person likes woody but clean lighter scents, I would do Teakwood and Tobacco from PF Candle Co.. They call it the “boyfriend candle”. I actually hosted a candle workshop with them recently, which was really, really fun. Hit me up or comment below if I should do more of those! I gathered a group of followers and PF candle fans for a ticketed event where you learn about candle making, choose your scents, learn about wax, make it, and then pick it up. We had custom, gorgeous labels - it was really, really nice.

3. For Luxury That Always Impresses: Trudon Ernesto

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By day, I worked in marketing. By night, I was becoming Sir Candle Man. It started as a creative escape. Something just for me. A space where I could share what I loved without pressure, polish, or performance. It was sacred.

What I didn’t expect was what happened next. Sir Candle Man took off. A little hobby turned into a platform. Then it turned into a community. Then it turned into a calling. I found myself featured in The New York Times, Forbes, the Rachael Ray Show. I launched my own collabs. I built a following of over 400,000 people who connected to scent, softness, and storytelling.

And yet… I still tried to keep it separate.

I finally signed with the agent. When my agent asked how I planned to connect Sir Candle Man to the rest of my career, I said, “I don’t.” Because I didn’t know how. I didn’t know if I was allowed to. I didn’t want to ruin what felt pure. One part of me was the strategist, the executive, the professional. The other part was the creator, the feeler, the man who just wanted to light a candle and make the world feel something.

But eventually, I realized I was making things harder than they had to be. I wasn’t two people. I was one. The same person who wanted to share my favorite scents to light up people’s lives… is the same person who spent years helping creators find their voices. The mission never changed. I just didn’t know it yet.

That mission—for me—is to illuminate. My life, and then others’. That’s what candles did. That’s what fragrance did. That’s what creative strategy did. That’s what everything I’ve done has tried to do.

And that’s what led me to start a podcast.

It’s called Not Just One Thing (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Everywhere), and it’s a career playbook for people who are building lives that don’t fit into tidy titles. For multi-hyphenates. For people whose lives have layers. For anyone trying to bring all their parts together and make it mean something.

In Episode 1 (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Everywhere), I sat down with my dad. He’s been with the same company for 30 years. I left mine after eight. We talked about what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how different generations understand loyalty, work, and meaning.

In Episode 2 (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Everywhere), I spoke with Chris Sawtelle—yes, the same agent who once tried to sign me, and who I said no to out of fear. Chris was the first person who told me, “It’s actually all one thing.” I wasn’t ready to hear it back then. But I am now. In our conversation, Chris talks about what truly makes someone stand out—not their title, but their mission. He shares how defining that mission changes everything: the work you do, the way you’re perceived, the opportunities that find you.

If you’ve ever felt torn between the parts of yourself… if you’ve ever worried that you’re “doing too much” or not doing enough… if you’ve been waiting for permission to be your full self—

This is for you.

You can live a life that reflects all of who you are. You can be creative and strategic. Public and private. Soft and strong. You don’t have to separate. You just have to align.

Not Just One Thing is the most honest thing I’ve made. And I’m so proud to share it with you.

🎧 Listen to Episode 2 here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Acast

With scent, with soul,

Your bougie uncle,
Sir Candle Man

Your Bougie Uncle is back with another weekly roundup of all things luxe and lovely.

I soft-launched my "Bougie Things" podcast last week as a way to get my unboxing together - with lots of packages, I wanted to created a series for you so now I’m excited to share it with you here!

The Art of Joyful Unboxing

There's something deeply satisfying about the ritual of opening packages, isn't there? That moment when you slice through the tape, peel back the wrapping, and reveal something new and beautiful. It's a moment of pure possibility.That's why each week, I'm committed to bringing you along for these little moments of luxury in my life. Because we all deserve a little bougie break, don't we? You can watch / listen here:

1. Spotify (video) -here or anywhere you listen to podcasts

2. YouTube (video):

✨ Created with Descript - try it yourself: https://get.descript.com/bougiethings

Subscribe now

This Week's Bougie Uncle Approved Finds

That Creed Aventus For Her candle? Girl, the porcelain vessel alone is a MOMENT. How fly is that gorgeous lid? Come on, Creed! Come on! It's the perfect luxury touch for any space. Shop here

Chanel Chance Eau Splendide has been my fragrance obsession – this raspberry musk created by the incredible Olivier Polge is so fly, so fresh. It's the kind of scent that makes people wonder what magical aura you're walking around with. Shop here

Lake and Sky's Santal Gray Candle surprised me in the best way. Think Santal 33 but with cardamom spiciness kicked up (can I speak?). That delicious violet and sandalwood blend gives it an edge that most similarly-priced candles just don't have. This one's absolutely Bougie Uncle Approved. Shop here

Bloom Effects Black Tulip Regenerative Brightening Serum is giving skincare excellence. With multiple peptides, growth factors (which are what's in right now, honey), and zero fragrance – this oil-free lightweight serum is going into my regular rotation. I just finished my expensive serum, so thank God they sent this to me! Shop here

Tabitha Brown's "Her Business" fragrance – oh, THIS is the one, loves. That curved bottle? Gorgeous. But the scent? It's like luxury cocoa butter in fragrance form. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. So good I'm giving it away because I love you all so much. (I'll buy another one for myself, don't worry.)

Nécessaire Deodorants – y'all know I'm scared of trying new deodorants because I need things that WORK. But these 72-hour strength options (one fragrance-free, one with a santal scent) with mandelic acid instead of aluminum have me intrigued. I'll test them working from home so I'm not out there with my pits, girl! Shop here

Thameen London's Bravi Fragrance – this British brand delivered LUXURY. The bottle feels hefty, the packaging is exquisite, and the scent? Bitter orange, bergamot, two roses, white flowers, vanilla, tobacco, and honey. It's grown and sexy, very goddess, very decadent yet wearable. Need to live in this one! Shop here

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Win Tabitha Brown's sold-out "Her Business" fragrance! To enter:

• Send a screenshot of you listening to/rating the podcast to my Instagram DMs

• Leave a comment on Spotify about which product from today's episode you're most excited about

US residents only, 21+, closes in one week. Not affiliated with Spotify or YouTube.

Until next week, remember what I always say: be amazing and change the world. That was so dramatic, sir!

Love and luxury,

Your Bougie Uncle

Don't forget Mother's Day is coming up! I was just browsing on the Sephora store, adding things to cart (it's a problem, I know), and thought—why not curate some candles for the special day?

I'm thinking of this as a full Mother's Day experience: morning, afternoon, and night, depending on how you're celebrating with mom. These three candles can take her through the entire day of celebration, or you can pick the one that matches your plans.

Morning Brightness: Forever Mood Match Up Besties Candle

Y'all know I love Jackie, and I love her perfume I Am Her, which is incredible. (And if you just want something to wear every day, You Remind Me is also quite a lively skin scent.) But the candle Matcha Bes-Teas is very earthy, green, and aromatic. It's like a lemongrass matcha, so I find it very energizing and uplifting. There's eucalyptus and rosemary that make it just very soothing—it's great and burns for a long time, like 65 hours. This is perfect for morning moments with mom—maybe a breakfast in bed situation or a fresh start to her special day.Add that to cart immediately - here!

Afternoon : Voluspa Goji Tarocco Orange

If you want something of a juicier vibe, go for Voluspa's Goji Tarocco Orange. It comes in that gorgeous red jar that looks like a gift in itself. It's like very fresh citrus with goji berry, mango, and orange. I love Voluspa because of the throw—they really throw. They really, REALLY throw in the room, and in a really amazing way. This bright, fruity candle is perfect for afternoon celebrations—perhaps a lunch gathering or when you're opening gifts together. Buy here.

Evening Indulgence: Maison Margiela Afternoon Delight

For the evening, I'd go with Afternoon Delight by Maison Margiela. This is a little bit warmer with the vanilla and Madeline-like sand, but it feels like a sweet indulgence. Imagine: you've taken your mom out to dinner, you're back home eating a delicious dessert. It's very creamy, whipped vanilla, very luxe, very Parisian luxury dinner. The perfect end to Mother's Day. Buy here.

Bonus Recommendation (Not a Candle)

If you want to buy her a perfume instead (which is not this article, but I can't help myself), I would suggest African Rooibos by Chris Collins. It's like the most incredible tea-floral scent. It's almost like citrusy rooibos tea and cedar—lively but elegant and fresh. To me, this should be body wash and everything in between.

But anyway, I digress. Those are the Bougie Uncle approved candles for Mother's Day from Sephora. Let me know what you got!

Love,

Bougie Uncle