New followers of fragrance may not have heard of Tessa Williams, but she originally made her name as a journalist and, in 2013, published her bestselling Cult Perfumes: The World’s Most Exclusive Perfumeries. Released by Merrill Publishers in 2013, it looked at twenty-five companies ranging from Floris to Frédéric Malle, and tapped into the public’s blossoming interest in perfumery. You have to remember that the industry was seen as a bit “stuffy”, but Tessa’s book combined 192 pages of interviews, history and imagery which one reviewer described as, “a history book, a reference guide, and a catalogue of what to buy next.”
Following the success of the book, Tessa released a collection of home scents that were inspired by the elements. Air, Water, Fire and Earth launched as room sprays and candles but, such was their popularity, cologne versions followed. The range then expanded again with a new trio of fragrances, Faith, Hope, and Love, and then the pandemic arrived. This saw Tessa take the decision to adapt her fragrances into affordable Hand Sanitisers so, as well as protecting, you also smelled fantastic. There was, quite rightly, a pause at the end of this two year period, but Tessa soon had a new project to unveil.
The candle is, quite simply, a celebration of the scent of lemon. So, the fragrance opens with the aroma of freshly squeezed lemons, slightly acidic and juicy, but you’re also treated to the sherbety tang that you get from the skins. What's interesting about this fragrance is that it then reveals traces of thyme and, in the background, the merest hint of green pine needles. However, these always remain secondary to the star ingredient. As the wax warms you get a touch of neroli, with its sunlight-like brightness, before there's a final reveal of the faint aroma of frankincense. The blend may sound simple but, believe me, the result is refreshingly honest.
The Lemon Candle is available from the Tessa Williams website at tesswilliams.co.uk priced at £35, and is also available as a cologne. [Sample provided by Tessa Williams]
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