Pacifica was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1995. I became acquainted with the company through their glycerin soaps (there are always bars of Pacifica Tunisian Jasmine and Sandalwood in my bathroom). A single bar of Pacifica soap easily perfumes a large room.
The scents of Pacifica’s candles are also robust. The hand-poured candles are made in small batches in two formulations: food-grade paraffin or vegetable-based soy wax. Both versions have lead-free cotton wicks. Nile Lily (made with dark red wax) contains notes of white flowers, saffron, lotus and lily. My first reaction to Nile Lily (unlit) was: “gardenia.” The gardenia note hovers in the air during the burn and is joined by what smells like faint tuberose. Gradually, the lily and lotus emerge, with a hint of “background” saffron. As I burned this candle through the winter months it brought to mind warm, humid days and a lush flower-filled water garden…no small feat!
The soy Nile Lily candle burns slowly and evenly without a hint of soot (I have not tried the paraffin version) and the throw is excellent. Both soy and paraffin candles come in a variety of sizes, shapes and containers; I especially like Pacifica’s 8 oz. lidded tins (burn time: 70 hours/$13.95).
Pacifica candles are widely available in stores. For buying information, see the listing for Pacifica under Perfume Houses.
Oh neat! They're also being sold at Wild Oats groceries, though that may just be only the one near me. I skipped sniffing the Nile Lily the last time I was there, but will have to give it a go I guess. Thanks! (I've never seen the soaps you mention however – just the candle line, unfortunately.)
The candles come in 33 fragrances…not all of those are available in soap. But DO try the soaps…I'm using the “Mexican Cocoa” soap now (very RICH and resinous — not too foody). K
Kevin, I'm wondering what the technical difference is between soy and paraffin candles (I know many candle-makers offer both)? I know so little about candles!
Thanks, Kevin! I just ordered some candles and soaps from their website – looks like a fine product line! 🙂
From what I can gather, correct me someone if I'm wrong, soy burns cleaner, but is too “soft” for pillars. SO soy is used most often in container candles. K
Enjoy! (I'm glad you're giving the soaps a try.) K
Ah, that makes sense…thanks, Kevin.
Kevin, do you know if they still make rose soap? I once got this wonderful Pacifica rose soap and could never find it again. Adding more info to the soy aspect–soy candles are soft enough that you can use the wax on your skin as a solid perfume.
Also paraffin is a petrochemical, whereas soy is a vegetable product.
Beth: Pacifica makes two rose soaps: Bergamot Amber Rose (where bergamot is the star) and Persian Rose (which I have not tried…with attar of rose, violet and myrrh…sounds good). Do you remember which one you used? I've always loved the Crabtree & Evelyn glycerin rose soap…the color and the freshness of it.
Also, just tried your tip on the soy-candle-as-solid- perfume idea: it works! K
I just ordered a whole bunch of the little pacifica candles to try them out…Spanish Amber, Sandalwood, Blue Chammomile all smell promising (have't burned any yet!). Bergamot Amber Rose is highly intriguing.
Tuscan Blood Orange a bit too much like a jelly bean for my taste.
Nile Lily is a long tim favorite…had to get alittle one just becuase…:)
So far the sandalwood has a delightful citrus burst which then settles down into a more serious sandalwood.
Just had to share! 🙂