On a recent trip to the [Boy Smells](https://boysmells.com)’ HQ in the Pico Union area I was greeted with a world of olfactory whoas. Inside was their Wonka Factory, for the nose, a cascade of complex scents flew by. The scent journey evoked nostalgia and ephemeral sensation that gave me déjà vu for memories I am pretty sure I never had, but have only dreamed of.
Ran by business and life partners Matthew Herman and David Kien, the artisanal crafted candles are just a small part of a lucrative business that includes a popular range of gender neutral underwear produced in milky pastels. With such divine scents minimal packaging made for a chic presentation that will sit well on any table. Here we focus on the Votive Singles selection to fill you in on what scents would best fit which vibe.
Kush
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**The Scent:** The combination of suede, tulip, and white musk accentuate the strong scent of the cannabis. a sweet and pungent hit to the senses
**The Vibe**: It would be a perfect candle to light up as the joint passes in a socially moving after after party hang, you might not know anyone at the start but you’ll know everyone by the end of the night.
Lanai
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**The Scent:** The tropical scent of lanai is apparent in alluring coconut and orange blossoms base notes that are well adorned by with peppercorn.
**The Vibe:** This is the scent of a paradise that is off the grid and completely free, maybe a nude beach with endless piña coladas that magically appears when necessary.
Gardener
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**The Scent:** The smells of the pleasant outdoors is apparent in the Gardener’s use of tomato and honey suckle. Upon exhaling the notes of petitgrain and white tea shines.
**The Vibe:** This is a scent that 35 mm film photos and the sounds of retro indie bands in Sophia Coppola movies are made of.
LES
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**The Scent:** The black currant and peach blossoms shine through for an intoxicating mix, a second whiff of the scent bring for the echos of cardamom and asian pear.
**The Vibe:** The thought of a lost conversation late at night at an art opening with a few conceptual artist maybe in the LES. There will be talk of visiting their artist commune in upstate.
Boy Smells Votive Singles [here](https://boysmells.com/collections/votive)
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Photos by [Paulette Ely](https://www.instagram.com/paulettely/?hl=en)
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