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. You can find the Nile Lily candle online at the Pacifica website, candles.net or sanctuarydayspa.