Sure, there are more statusy candles out there. But this Prime Day, I am making the case for Nest — specifically this sea-salt-infused candle that, like a low-level white-noise machine, always adds a subtle but perceptible level of chill to any environment. While Nest’s packaging (and lack of label) is not on the same level as Diptyque, which often makes cameos in Coveteur house tours, or the pink-hued Boy Smells that’s quickly taking over every hip Brooklyn restaurant bathroom, the scents themselves are: They blend into spaces, but never take them over.
Unlike most “beachy” candles, this one isn’t overwhelmingly tropical or sweet. In fact, It isn’t overwhelmingly anything — it reminds me of walking on the beach at night, a distinction that I find important. During the day, beaches generally swirl with notes of sweaty coconut-tinged SPF, a subtle but pervasive tang of seaweed, and lingering fried food from the nearby snack bar. But at night, all that fades into a more discreet, actually enjoyable aroma. Last summer I spent a week in Guilford, Connecticut, with way too many people staying in one house and record heat, but walking the beach at night felt (and smelled) redeeming: The cold, fresh air infused with an evaporating mineral scent. I ordered my first one of these not that long after and was happy to discover how specifically transporting it was. Lighting this up back at home, with an open window and a slight breeze, it’s almost like I’m back on the beach at night.
Editor’s note: This deal expired, but you can still shop the same scent in diffuser form today for Prime Day.
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