Harlem Candle Company Josephine Luxury Candle Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

If you’ve been browsing luxury candles, you’ve likely come across the Josephine candle from Harlem Candle Company. Named after the iconic entertainer Josephine Baker, this candle promises to transport you to the glamour of 1920s Paris. But does it deliver on scent, burn time, and overall experience? In this review, we’ll put the Josephine 1-wick candle to the test and see if it’s worth the investment.

Harlem Candle Company is known for creating candles that celebrate the cultural richness of Harlem. The Josephine line is one of their most popular, and it’s available in several formats, including a 1-wick candle, reed diffuser, and travel candle. We’ll focus on the standard 1-wick candle, but we’ll also touch on other products in the collection.

First Impressions and Packaging

The Josephine candle arrives in a sturdy, elegant box with a vintage-inspired design. The label features a silhouette of Josephine Baker and gold accents, giving it a sophisticated look that would fit well on any vanity or coffee table. The candle itself is poured into a clear glass jar with a silver lid, which helps preserve the scent when not in use.

Upon opening the lid, the cold throw is immediately noticeable. The fragrance is a complex blend of floral and woody notes, with a hint of sweetness. It’s not overpowering but definitely present, giving you a preview of what to expect when lit.

• Packaging is gift-worthy and sustainable (glass jar can be reused).
• Cold throw is strong and accurately represents the scent profile.

Scent Profile and Performance

The Josephine candle is described as a floral oriental fragrance with top notes of bergamot and blackcurrant, middle notes of rose and jasmine, and base notes of sandalwood, amber, and musk. When lit, the scent fills the room gradually without being cloying. The floral notes are balanced by the warm base, making it suitable for both daytime and evening use.

We tested the candle in a medium-sized living room (about 250 sq ft) and found that the throw was impressive for a 1-wick candle. Within 30 minutes, the entire room was lightly scented. The fragrance lasted for the entire burn time, with no synthetic or chemical undertones. It’s a sophisticated scent that evokes elegance and nostalgia.

• Best for: living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices.
• Scent strength: Medium-strong for a 1-wick candle.

Burn Time and Wax Pool

The Josephine 1-wick candle contains 8 oz of soy wax blend. According to the brand, it should burn for approximately 50-60 hours. In our test, we got about 55 hours of burn time, which is consistent with the claim. The wax pool reached the edges of the jar after about 2 hours, which is a good sign for an even burn.

We recommend burning the candle for 3-4 hours at a time to prevent tunneling. The wick is cotton and stays relatively clean, though we did need to trim it after every few burns to keep the flame steady. No excessive soot or smoke was observed.

• Burn time: ~55 hours (as tested).
• Wick maintenance: Trim to 1/4 inch before each lighting.

Comparison with Other Josephine Products

If you love the Josephine scent but prefer a different format, Harlem Candle Company offers a Josephine Reed Diffuser Oil Refill for continuous fragrance without a flame. The diffuser provides a more subtle, constant scent and is great for spaces where you can’t burn a candle. For those on the go, the Lady Day Travel Candle 4oz is another excellent option from the brand, though it has a different scent profile (inspired by Billie Holiday).

If you’re looking for a larger candle, Harlem Candle Company also has 2-wick versions of some scents, but Josephine is currently only available as a 1-wick. That said, the 1-wick is perfectly adequate for most rooms.

Value for Money

At around $38, the Josephine 1-wick candle is priced in the mid-to-high range for luxury candles. Considering the quality of the fragrance, the burn time, and the beautiful packaging, it offers good value. Comparable candles from other luxury brands often cost $50 or more for similar performance.

If you’re new to Harlem Candle Company, the Josephine is a great introduction to their brand. It’s a crowd-pleasing scent that appeals to both floral and woody fragrance lovers. The candle also makes a thoughtful gift, especially for fans of Josephine Baker or vintage glamour.

In conclusion, the Josephine luxury candle from Harlem Candle Company lives up to the hype. It offers a well-crafted, sophisticated scent, excellent burn time, and elegant packaging. Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for a gift, this candle is a worthy addition to any home. Ready to experience the allure of Josephine? Explore the Josephine Reed Diffuser Oil Refill for a flameless option, or pick up the candle today.