Time for Brand Wars! In this series, we’ll be comparing and contrasting similar scents across various brands. We will not only look at the scents themselves, but costs, value, and performance – among other things.
This week’s contestants:
- Rainforest Gardenia of Bath & Body Works ~ An intoxicating white floral note with lush green undertones, fresh bamboo and sweet apple water
- Gardenia of Village Candle ~ It’s unmistakable, arousing, and luscious—the fabulous scent of gardenias conjures up visions of languid days by tropical pools and enchanting candlelit evenings. As creamy and porcelain-perfect as the flower it’s named for, our candle is utterly irresistible. Gardenia blossoms with notes of jasmine, lily, tuberose and narcissus
Reason for Comparison: Two versions of a gardenia scent.
The Showdown
Round 1: Upfront Cost
The candle from B&BW I had was 14.5 ounces, selling regularly for $22.50. (Sale price is 2 for $24, or $12 each). That amounts to $1.55 per ounce retail, but it does come down to 83¢ per ounce if on sale.
The candle from Village Candle was 11 ounces, selling regularly for $12. That amounts to $1.09 per ounce.
Winner: Village Candle when regularly priced. If you can catch the B&BW candle on sale (along with coupons), you’ll catch a better price per ounce.
Round 2: Value
The B&BW candle has a stated burn time of 25-45 hours. Keeping with the regular price of $22.50, that amounts to 50-90¢ per hour. (With the 2 for $24 sale, the numbers amount to 27-48¢/hour.)
The Village Candle has a stated burn time of 45-55 hours. That amounts to 22-27¢ per hour.
Winner: Village Candle, even during a typical B&BW 2 for $24 sale. You will generally spend less per hour of candle burned with the one from Village Candle
Round 3: Scent
This round is based more on personal preference. The B&BW candle is very floral and slightly sweet. The one from Village Candle was a little more creamy, with buttery elements. It was not as sweet.
Winner: Tie. I really liked both versions of the gardenia scent too much to pick a clear winner.
Round 4: Strength
B&BW’s candle is a super strong scent, filling several rooms. I could smell it throughout the house. Keeping in mind the smaller size of the one from Village Candle, it still did not have the power of the B&BW one.
Winner: Bath & Body Works.
Round 5: Performance
Both candles performed well. No sooting problems, no wasted wax. I am going to give Village Candle the edge on this one because the B&BW candle burned sooooo fast!
Winner (but not by much): Village Candle
Overall Winner: Gardenia, Village Candle
Have any Brand War suggestions? Use the contact form to let me know!
Happy candle burning ~
Candle Scoop – The best smelling blog around!
http://www.CandleScoop.com
Hi, I'm Andrea. Welcome to Candle Scoop ~ The official blog of Candlefind. I am a complete wax-a-holic and love all things scented. Join me as we discuss candles, scented wax melts, bath & body products and more! 
May 3, 2015
I love gardenia scents, as a rule. Some can be cloying and overly-floral, but in general I like strong florals so it has to be a very potent one that I don’t like. I like the set up of this comparison and I generally agree: there are great prices for the B&BW candles. I have gotten them for even less than the above. BUT they burn so quickly! The wax quality doesn’t seem to be as high. If I can get a comparable scent elsewhere, I usually do. What keeps me coming back to B&BW candles are sales and variety.
May 4, 2015
I agree, Reem. The prices for B&BW candles just keep going up, but I don’t know if the quality is improving. I love the gardenia flower and I’m always trying to find a good candle version. I like both of these.
May 3, 2015
I adore gardenia and love this comparison. Where are Village candles able to be purchased? BBW prices keep creeping up so new to me brands are looking more attractive 😉
May 4, 2015
Thanks, Julie! I purchase all my Village Candles online (http://www.villagecandle.com/). I think Christina has found them in grocery stores in her area (Arizona), but I haven’t seen any my way.
May 4, 2015
I love that you did a comparison Andrea. I personally like both of these brands but it is much easier for me to get BBW candles because of multiple locations here in town. Sometimes I find Village candles inside Ross or Marshalls stores. I do order directly from them online if there is a sale. I love gardenia scents and will purchase this from Village candle. Keep up the comparing of brands 🙂
June 1, 2015
I love both of the brands mentioned, I just don’t care for Gardenia at all.
May 26, 2016
I’ve just launched my own candle company on Etsy. It is a dog themed candle company called Knox’s Favorite Candle Co. named after my dog. If you have time, take a second and check it out here http://www.etsy.com/shop/knoxsfavorite 10% of our profits go to local and national organizations aiming to better dogs lives. Thank you in advanced for your support.
July 20, 2016
We are so proud of our Premium Gardenia! Lovely Review. Thank you Andrea.
http://www.villagecandle.co.uk/buy/gardenia-premium-26oz-1219g-fragranced-candle-jar_262.htm