4.4
90% of reviewers would recommend to a friend
Boy Smells
4.4 • 729 Reviews
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4.4
90% of reviewers would recommend to a friend
Boy Smells earns strong reviews for distinctive, gender-inclusive scents—standouts like Hinoki Fantôme, Kush/Cashmere Kush, ST. AL, LES, Cowboy Kush, and the Slow Burn collaboration—plus chic, giftable packaging that often fills rooms and lingers. Reviews also flag inconsistent performance: tunneling, weak or overly strong throw depending on scent/size, smoky snuffing, occasional label/QA issues, and rare glass or soot concerns, with perfume reception more polarizing than candles.
AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews
Got the LES peach blossom candle. Smell is on point, sweet and floral. The packaging is so chic and cute too. Want to try to banana pudding scent!

I have tried the Kush collection of the candles. They are somewhere between good and great. I would like to try the colognes, but will not commit to a full size bottle

Obsessed with ALL the boy smells candles. They're made with beeswax (and coconut) which is so hard to find - soy wax is much more common and not as sustainable. Kush, Hinoki Fantome, Rosalita, Ambrosia, Figurare... I can't pick a favorite.

Honestly, Boy Smells is my love language. It's the only brand I'd buy a candle from online without smelling it first, that's how much I trust them– and it's worked out so far. Their branding is elevated, yet still young and cool. The brand has built a really inclusive universe which they call 'genderful.' My all-time favorite is Cowboy Kush followed by Park Life (Ganni collaboration), Slow Burn (Kacey Musgraves collaboration), and LES. No one has ever been upset to receive a Boy Smells candle from me. FACT.
Feedback
I have found that the colored wax candles don't burn as evenly as the white colored candles. Not totally sure why, but just something I've observed which can be a little annoying.

1y ago
I like Boy Smells overall, though the name of the brand itself grosses me out. I have the Italian Kush candle and I like it, the smell is strong but not overpowering and lasts a long time. It's a little bit green for my taste, so I will try a different scent next time.

Coco Cream is a dream! I’ve had my eye on Boy Smells for years, but it wasn’t until I smelled a bottle of Coco Cream in a boutique that I knew I would be obsessed with the brand. The formulas are so long lasting and unique — while still being familiar and approachable. Coco Cream is warm, inviting and summery, and makes me feel like grabbing ice cream with my best friends. Boy Smells also has great shipping — my product got to me in less than a week! 10/10, would buy again.

Verified purchase
Having been attracted to the name, I just had to try the candles when my local candle boutique got them in store. Modern looking and luxe, but not as expensive as some other brands, they last well, burn cleanly and really scent a room beautifully. I tried the smoky Ash first (during a period of palo santo obsession!) and was not disappointed. However, the incense smelling Broken Rosary has been my favourite, and the beautiful jar now houses my make up brushes. I love the genderless packaging too, that makes them a perfect gift for all.

This review is for all my other hetero fellas out there. Or any of my fellas, really. Do you and your domicile a favor and pick up one or two of these candles. Specifically, Hinoki Fantome or Cedar Stack. There's a high likelihood that you will convince some peoples around you that you have your shit together. That and it's just generally nice to have your home smelling not like pharmacy grade vanilla candles. Also, genuinely appreciate the simple "candle care" section on the Boy Smells website. If I'm buying a $40 candle you’re damn right I'm going to be allllll about taking care of it
Feedback
Fee structure can be a bit of a shock. Maybe a smaller format or tester pack would help people understand how truly differentiated your products/scents are.

I originally bought a Boy Smells calendar as a gift for my sister (a boy mom in LA!) but recently purchased one for my own home and I love the scent profiles and the aesthetic of the candle (yes, millennial pink and sans serif fonts still work for me!). Makes a great gift but also a reasonable price point to buy for my own home as well.

For several years now I've been aware of Boy Smells' line, but I've never tried their perfumes for myself. I'm so glad I did! I got a bundle of 3 travel sizes: Vanilla Era, Hinoki Fantome, and Cowboy Kush. They're all captivating and complex scents. Hinoki Fantome and Cowboy Kush lean a little masculine, but I'll still wear them to the end. Vanilla Era reads unisex to me. They're long lasting on me, too. I also appreciated that the bundle arrived without plastic packaging. There was ZERO plastic in any part of the box. The only plastic in the product appears to be the spray applicator. Even the lid and top part of the spray are metal.

Verified purchase
3y ago
I'm a huge fan of Boy Smells. I've probably burned over 10 candles at this point and always have a few stocked on hand. Their scents are so unique and fill space very well and I love the company's perspective on gender-full fragrance rather than gendered or even genderless. A few of my favorites include the entire Hanoki Fantome range, Polyamberous and Cedar Stack. I've sampled a lot of their fine fragrances as well and really enjoyed them. Boy Smells is doing really innovative things in the fragrance world and it's been a joy to watch them grow over the years. I look forward to being a long-time customer <3

I think this might be the case that the brand scent profiles are not for me. The vessel is great, burns clean, overall solid but I think some of the scent can lean a bit much, just a touch of something out of balance.

Boy Smells makes some of the best-smelling candles and personal fragrances out there—full stop. Their scents are rich, complex, unexpected, and genuinely memorable, which is rare in a market full of generic and simple unremarkable brands. But the rebrand feels like a massive misstep: it leaned away from what made the brand elevated, mature and progressive, unique and unapologetic. What used to feel bold and subversive now feels like it’s trying too hard to be in on the latest trend… 2 years after it ends. Throughout the rebrand the product seems to have lost a bit of punch, with scent throws weakened and intensities lowered. Candles smell good up close, but disappear when further than a few inches from your hand, even lit for an hour. It's a challenge to justify at the price point.

3y ago
As a long-time fan of Boy Smells, their candles have NEVER disappointed! My personal favorite is the Agua de Jardin, as it reminds me of the time I was back home in Mexico. What truly sets Boy Smells apart is their unwavering commitment to quality. Despite the relatively higher price point, the candles consistently deliver a premium experience. It's reassuring to know that they prioritize using safe, non-harmful ingredients, making each burn a guilt-free pleasure. If you appreciate both luxury and conscientiousness in your candles, Boy Smells is worth every penny.


3y ago
Woodphoria has become my signature scent, it’s so unique, long lasting & I always get compliments when I wear it. Also a huge fan of Hinoki Fantome & Cowboy Kush! I love that they offer a bundle that comes with the full sized fragrance & candle because the candles smell just as good. They burn longer & better than the Le Labo candles & at a better price.

3y ago
Im a total sucker for packaging as I'm sure almost everyone on here and they came through with the vision. I how this simple and functional piece can elevate a room. As for the scents.. quality truly is a the core of Boy Smells. Beautiful and multi dimensional scents that transform the space into whatever the candle wants it to be. I haven’t explored their fine fragrances but hope to in future! Bravo

3y ago
I’m a sucker for candles and this brand has some of my favorites. I love the container they come it. It’s simple but feels trendy & minimal. I recently purchased the large Slow Burn candle and also love that container and smell. I first discovered this brand in 2017 on a trip to Berryville to stay at the Sticket Inn and they were selling them in their shop.

Boy Smells has so many incredibly unique scents. I've found their candles to be consistent with their scent throw, and easy to light. I can't get enough of this brand!

I have the candles and just recently got one of the travel perfumes in the vanilla era scent. It’s so balanced of sweetness and fry de bois. I love the way it lasts on my skin and hair. Highly recommend born the candle and the perfumes!

Where do I even start with Boy Smells, everything they make is amazing. Starting with their website which is super helpful and descriptive, giving detailed notes about each candle. To the packaging which is simple and beautiful. The smells they have in their candles are smells I've never smelled before, so unique and interesting. I love candles where the scent is so complex it changes and evolves as you use it. My favorite smell is Hinoki Fantome, several for myself and gifted them as well. My new favorite smell is the new Grace Jones collab.
