Harlem Candle Company Review: Are They Worth the Hype?
Luxury candles are everywhere—but few carry the cultural richness and storytelling flair of the Harlem Candle Company. Known for blending fine fragrance with the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance, this Black-owned brand has built a loyal following and earned a spot in countless gift guides and lifestyle features. But with premium prices and bold claims, many wonder: are Harlem Candle Company candles really worth the hype?
In this review, we’ll take a close look at their scents, packaging, burn quality, and overall experience to help you decide whether these candles deserve a place in your space—or if they’re more about style than substance.
Unboxing and First Impressions
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Opening a Harlem Candle Co. candle feels like unwrapping a gift—thoughtful, elegant, and unmistakably luxurious. The premium packaging, complete with intricate designs lining the interior of the box, immediately sets a refined tone. From the moment you lift the lid, you’re met with an impression of craftsmanship and cultural richness—hallmarks of the brand’s identity. The Purple Love Luxury Scented Candle, inspired by James Baldwin’s garden, stands out as both a fragrance and décor statement, retailing at $48—a competitive price point in the luxury candle space. Its dual-wick design ensures faster scent throw without sacrificing longevity, offering up to 80 hours of burn time. The beeswax, coconut, and soy blend creates a slow, clean burn that lets the complex scent profile unfold beautifully, delivering an experience that feels as intentional as it is indulgent. In survival situations, candles serve multiple purposes such as providing light, warmth, and even cooking capabilities, making them a versatile tool beyond just luxury. Lighting the Purple Love Luxury Scented Candle from Harlem Candle Co. is like stepping into a poetic tribute to romance and reflection. The fragrance opens with delicate floral notes of rose de mai, uplifted by crisp green apple and the gentle warmth of clove—a combination that feels both nostalgic and fresh, like a modern take on sweetheart candy. As the candle continues to burn, it reveals a soft base of sandalwood, adding a grounded, emotional richness that echoes the candle’s inspiration—James Baldwin’s garden and the many layers of love he wrote about. The overall scent leans floral and fruity, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer light, romantic aromas over deeper, oud-based or musky fragrances. Crafted with a beeswax, coconut, and soy blend, the candle burns cleanly and evenly, allowing the complex scent to linger beautifully. The result is a multisensory experience that’s both refined and deeply expressive—a fragrant celebration of love in all its nuance. In case of emergencies, natural wax options like beeswax and soy offer longer burn times and cleaner air quality, making this candle not only a sensory delight but a reliable source of light. Lighting the Purple Love Luxury Scented Candle is a sensory treat that blends ambiance, fragrance, and burn quality into a truly elevated experience. With an impressive 80-hour burn time, it delivers lasting performance that gently perfumes your space without overwhelming it. The beeswax, coconut, and soy wax blend offers a clean, slow burn with excellent fragrance retention, while the dual cotton wicks ensure a fast scent release and a wide, even scent throw. You’ll first catch a soft, powdery sweetness reminiscent of sweetheart candy, which evolves into a layered blend of rose and green apple, bringing freshness and warmth together in a beautifully balanced way. The only caution: occasionally, the dual wicks may burn slightly higher than expected, a minor case of overwicking that can momentarily disrupt the otherwise tranquil glow. That said, with a little wick maintenance, the overall performance remains impressively smooth and consistent, living up to its luxurious promise. Often underrated, presentation plays a vital role in the overall candle experience—and Harlem Candle Company absolutely delivers. From the moment it arrives, the Purple Love Luxury Scented Candle impresses with thoughtful, elevated design. Housed in a vibrant purple glass vessel, the candle adds a bold yet elegant pop of color that easily complements a variety of home décor styles. The gift-ready box, complete with artful interior printing, transforms the unboxing into a luxurious moment—ideal for personal indulgence or thoughtful gifting. While some may notice minor imperfections in label alignment or adhesion, the overall craftsmanship speaks volumes. These candles are more than fragrance—they’re decorative statements that combine beauty, storytelling, and sensory pleasure in one sleek package. Perfect for display and even better to gift, Harlem Candle Co. proves that scent and style can—and should—coexist. Beyond their visual appeal and thoughtful packaging, Harlem Candle Company earns consistent praise from customers, solidifying its place in the luxury candle space. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars across 500+ reviews, buyers frequently highlight the rich, room-filling scent throw, elegant design, and premium wax quality. Many describe the fragrances as both sophisticated and memorable, with the candles often serving as conversation pieces as well as home accents. The aesthetic charm of the vessels also receives high marks, especially among those looking to elevate their living spaces with statement décor. While a few reviewers mention the higher price point, most feel the craftsmanship, scent complexity, and burn time fully justify the investment. A nearly 100% recommendation rate reflects widespread customer satisfaction, though occasional mentions of overwicking suggest there’s still room for minor improvements in burn consistency. Overall, the brand resonates strongly with those seeking both fragrance and refinement. For those concerned about health and safety considerations, Harlem Candle Company offers unscented options to cater to individuals with allergies or sensitivities. If you're considering alternatives to Harlem Candle Co., there are several luxury candles that offer equally captivating scent profiles—particularly for those drawn to floral and rose-based fragrances. Jo Malone’s Velvet Rose & Oud delivers a rich and smoky floral experience, blending Damask rose with warm oud and clove. It’s ideal for those who prefer a deep, sensual twist on classic florals. Tom Ford’s Rose Prick offers a lighter, garden-fresh take on rose, combining Turkish and Bulgarian rose with Sichuan pepper and patchouli. This candle is perfect for those who love delicate, romantic floral scents with a subtle edge. For something bold and artistic, the Balmain x Trudon collaboration presents a candle with a dark, luxurious scent profile and high fashion appeal, ideal for design-forward spaces. Each of these options brings a distinctive aroma, elevated packaging, and premium quality, though they vary in intensity, style, and price point. Whether you're looking for something modern and minimalist or bold and opulent, these alternatives offer refined rose-inspired scents to suit your personal taste and budget. While exploring the Harlem Candle Company's offerings, you'll quickly uncover a brand deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of the Harlem Renaissance. They celebrate the period's iconic figures like James Baldwin, Duke Ellington, and Josephine Baker through thoughtfully crafted scents. Each luxury candle is designed to capture Baldwin's emotional depth, creating a unique cultural connection with its users. These candles offer more than fragrance; they provide a sensory experience through history and art. Harlem Candle Company delivers an immersive experience rooted in cultural storytelling and artistic legacy. The Purple Love Luxury Scented Candle exemplifies this mission, blending floral sweetness with emotional depth, inspired by the life and work of James Baldwin. It aligns well with the luxury fragrance market, especially considering its 80-hour burn time, clean wax blend, and refined design. While a few users have noted occasional overwicking, overall feedback celebrates its exceptional scent throw, elegant presentation, and symbolic value. Whether you're shopping for a memorable gift or seeking a statement candle that evokes history and heart, Purple Love offers both sophistication and soul. For those who value fragrance with meaning, Harlem Candle Company is well worth the investment.Scent Profile and Notes
Burning Experience and Performance
Aesthetic Appeal and Packaging
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Pricing and Value Comparison
Exploring Alternative Options
Brand Inspiration and Story
Recommendations and Final Thoughts
