Herve Gambs Bois de Cashmere is a candle that does two things at once: it is seductive and it is cozy. This review shares the brand notes, what it made me think of, and how I would use it.
Sensual nature emphasized by subtle Hespiride notes. Soft harmony between jasmine and lavender elated with the sensual accord betweeen agarwood and vetiver.
The Hervé Gambs Bois de Cashmere candle is an incredibly sensual and cozy fragrance all in one – two extremes merged perfectly together. On the one hand, the sensual aspect comes across like “I’m going to seduce you slowly for hours” rather than “get ready to sweat”. This is a great bedroom candle or for a romantic evening in front of a fire.
On the other hand, it makes me think of those super furry/fluffy white area rugs you find peeking out from under an over-sized bed that is drenched in a down comforter and overflowing with pillows. You want to be cuddled in its comfort all day. It also reminds me of the way my Mom used to smell when I was a little kid. Like a fairy tale and care bear all in one.
It’s a soft fragrance – not in strength – but in the way to scent it comes across. Very smooth and relaxing. Whether you’re looking for romance or comfort, an Herve Gambs Bois de Cashmere candle is the perfect indulgence.
What is in Bois de Cashmere
The brand describes a sensual nature emphasized by subtle hesperidic notes, which is a fancy way of saying citrus. Next is a soft harmony between jasmine and lavender, set against a sensual accord of agarwood and vetiver.
Agarwood is a dark, resinous wood, and vetiver is a grass root with an earthy smell. Together they give a candle a warm, grounded base, as you would expect from a name that promises wood and cashmere.
I will not claim to pick every note out, since the description is what I can verify. What I can tell you is how the whole thing feels.
Test it at home before gifting it, so you know the soft scent suits the person.
Sensual and comforting at the same time
To me, Bois de Cashmere is a slow seduction rather than a loud one. It is the kind of scent for a romantic evening in front of a fire.
The other side is pure comfort: the fluffy white rug under a big bed, a down comforter, piles of pillows. It even reminded me of how my mom smelled when I was little.
It is a soft fragrance, though not weak. The softness is in how the scent comes across, which is smooth and relaxing, rather than how much of it there is.
Where to burn a candle like this
A scent that is both romantic and comforting suits a bedroom, a reading corner or a bath. Light it about half an hour before you need it so the room has time to fill.
If you like quiet woody candles, try the Herve Gambs Herbe Intense for a greener take, or the Herve Gambs Essence de Figuier for something fruitier from the same maker.
For general advice on scented candles, such as how wax and wick interact, the Wikipedia article is a decent primer.
Tips for getting the best from Bois de Cashmere
Let the first burn reach the edges of the jar, which usually takes a couple of hours. This stops tunneling and gives you more even scent later.
Keep the wick trimmed to about a quarter inch, and burn it away from drafts. A candle that flickers burns hotter on one side and wastes wax.
Whether you want romance or comfort, Bois de Cashmere is an easy candle to like. If you have burned it, tell us what it reminds you of.
To be fair, some people want a stronger, louder scent from a candle, and Bois de Cashmere will not satisfy them. It rewards patience and a quiet room, so it is better for those who like to savor a fragrance than for those who want to shout it.
Reading a fragrance description
Brand descriptions use words you may not use every day, so here is a plain guide. Hesperidic notes are citrus, such as lemon, orange or bergamot, which add a light lift at the top of a scent.
Jasmine is a sweet white flower, and lavender is a herbal, calming one. Putting them together gives a floral that is soft and clean rather than heavy.
Agarwood, sometimes called oud, is a dark resinous wood, and vetiver is the root of a grass. These are the notes that add depth and the feeling of warmth in Bois de Cashmere.
You do not need to know all the words to enjoy a candle, but it helps when you compare two candles from different brands.
One thing I would add is that a soft fragrance is easy to over-burn, because you may think it is fading. Your nose gets used to a scent after a while, so leave the room for a few minutes and then walk back in.
That simple trick tells you if Bois de Cashmere is still doing its work. Most of the time it is, and you can blow it out earlier than you think.
If you like to give candles as gifts, this one suits people who enjoy quiet, cozy home comforts more than bright, loud scents.
Who should buy Bois de Cashmere
If you like soft, woody candles and you want one that works as both a romantic candle and an everyday cozy one, Bois de Cashmere is a good fit.
It may not be right if you want a bright, sharp scent to freshen a kitchen. This is a candle for slow evenings, not for cleaning day.
The Herve Gambs line is covered in other posts on the site, so browse them to compare. Bois de Cashmere is the one I would reach for when I want to feel wrapped up.
