Zoe Saldana uses the Byredo Fleur Fantôme Scented Candle in her dressing room. We spotted the subtle fragrance in a recent Instagram video, and the more we learn about it, the more we want to buy one for every room.
The home fragrance, which literally translates to 'Ghost Flower,' is formulated to 'evoke the imaginary smell of silent flowers.' So chic. Its notes seem a bit earthier than a traditional floral scent, with top notes of rhubarb and lemon leaves, middle notes of violet leaves and tulip, and base notes of suede, heliotrope, and galbanum. Though it is floral, Saldana's favorite scent is also subtle and fresh.
She's not alone in her love for luxury fragrance. Over the past few years, home fragrance has emerged as a significant trend in the interior design space. Fashion brands are increasingly releasing candles and room sprays alongside perfumes, and almost every home brand has released a signature scent. Byredo, the if-you-know-you-know brand that makes Saldana's preferred candle, saw a 63% increase in sales in 2021 from the previous year, according to GQ. Making your home smell nice is suddenly just as important as how your home looks.
Home fragrances are more than just beautiful, they can provide important benefits. 'In a home, scented candles can have significant effects on mood and wellbeing,' says Roxie Lubanovic, fragrance expert and co-founder of soy candle company, Frostbeard Studio. Caleb Backe, aromatherapy expert at Maple Holistics adds: 'Using scented candles in your home can increase the ambiance in your home, and depending on which scents are used, it increases the coziness and freshness of your home. It is also a form of self-expression, allowing you to add a personal touch to your home.'
Zoe Saldana's favorite candle uplifts subtle, green florals. With top notes of rhubarb and lemon, heart notes of violet and tulip and base notes of galbanum, heliotrope, and suede, you can't go wrong.
Saldana's candle is particularly well-equipped to provide these benefits. Lubanovic continues: 'The top notes of lemon, petitgrain, and rhubarb create an initial bright, tart, and invigorating impression. The middle notes of tulip and violet leaves provide a delicate floral heart that is both fresh and nostalgic. Finally, the base notes of suede, heliotrope, and galbanum give an earthy, sensual drydown.' #
She concludes: 'Overall, this blend seems well-suited for spring and summer, evoking feelings of renewal and lightheartedness. The floral notes are balanced and not overpowering, allowing the other notes to shine through.'
Shop H&G's Top Luxury Candle Picks
Our master perfumer, Laura Honey, has tested far and wide to find the best candles of 2024. Honey swears by Cashmere Kush, as the best unisex fragrance of 2024, and Jo Malone's English Pear and Freesia as the best floral scent. Personally, as a lifelong fragrance and design fan, I have recently been obsessed with the Fornasetti Giardino Segreto candle, which not only smells like the Mediterranean on a spring day, but dually functions as an intricate decorative accent.
If you choose to replicate Saldana's fragrance pick, there's more to the trend than simply lighting the candle. Proper candle care will make sure that your Fleur Fantome lasts as long as the luxury label guarantees. Practice burning the candle for at least three hours on first use to create a proper 'memory burn,' and remember to trim the wick before use. Though higher-end candles tend to burn more evenly anyway, these tips will ensure an even more satisfying experience.
Zoe Saldana's love for the Fleur Fantome candle is just more proof that fragrance is the next big thing in interior design. We can't wait to see (and smell!) what this trend looks like as it evolves.
