Hey there, fragrance lovers! If you‘re as obsessed with home scents as I am, you‘ve probably heard the buzz about Nest Fragrances. This chic brand has been turning heads with its sophisticated and imaginative fragrances for over 15 years now. As someone who‘s tried more candles and diffusers than I‘d like to admit, I‘m excited to share my honest take on what makes Nest so special.
In this in-depth Nest Fragrances review, we‘ll go on a sensory journey through the brand‘s story, best-sellers, and hidden gems. I‘ll also share some industry insights, real customer feedback, and styling tips to help you make the most of your Nest goodies. Consider this your VIP pass to the wonderful world of Nest!
The Nest Fragrances Story
Nest Fragrances is the brainchild of Laura Slatkin, a true scent visionary. After co-founding the beloved home fragrance brand Slatkin & Co., Laura set out to create something even more innovative and experiential with Nest. Her goal? To develop fragrances that are like "journeys of the imagination," blending familiar notes with exotic twists.
From its early days in 2005, Nest has grown its fragrance portfolio and fan base from its NYC headquarters. The brand is now a major player in the luxury home scent scene, yet still retains that original spark of creativity and passion.
What I love is how Nest stays true to its values beyond just making pretty products. The company is super involved in giving back, especially to autism awareness organizations like NEXT for Autism. Any brand that leads with purpose is a win in my book.
The Nest Product Lineup
One of the best things about Nest is how the brand offers multiple ways to experience each of its signature scents. Whether you‘re a candle connoisseur or a reed diffuser devotee, there‘s something for every fragrance style. Here‘s the rundown:
| Product Category | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Candles | $16-$70 | 50-60 hour burn time, glass vessel |
| Reed Diffusers | $50-$125 | 90 day scent time, glass bottle |
| Perfume | $74-$98 | 50mL Eau de Parfum spray or oil roller |
| Body & Hand Care | $16-$40 | Hand soap, lotion, body cream |
| Liquidless Diffusers | $34 | 30 day scent time, no liquid |
| Specialty Items | $20-$60 | Drawer liners, scented crystals, gifts |
With 20+ fragrances in the roster, there truly is a perfect Nest match for every nose. The brand also releases limited-edition and seasonal scents to keep things fresh.
My Top Nest Fragrance Picks
It‘s so hard to choose favorites in the Nest lineup because the quality is exceptional across the board. But if I had to play scent matchmaker, here are the fragrances I recommend most often:
Grapefruit: This is THE perfect wake-up-and-energize scent. It‘s like your morning glass of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice in fragrance form! The tart citrus is balanced with a touch of lily of the valley for a finished product that‘s clean, crisp, and so uplifting.
Moroccan Amber: On the flip side, Moroccan Amber is my go-to when I want to wind down and add some mystery to my space. It‘s this delicious, exotic mix of sweet amber, heady patchouli, and zesty bergamot that instantly transports you to a far-off souk. The perfume is a personal favorite for its sultry staying power.
Rose Noir & Oud: This is luxury in a bottle. Think a dozen red roses blended with rich, earthy oud wood and a dash of incense smoke. It‘s the perfect not-too-floral, not-too-woody fragrance for date night or to zhush up your bathroom. So many compliments whenever I burn this one!
Bamboo: I‘d be remiss not to mention Nest‘s consistent bestseller, Bamboo. It‘s just the most effortless, spa-like scent that works in any space. The airy white florals and lush green notes make you feel like you‘re in the most tranquil garden oasis. I always gift this one to stressed-out friends in need of a sensory escape.
The Buzz on Nest Ingredients & Safety
Now, I know a lot of you are wondering: what‘s actually in these beautiful Nest blends? And are they safe to have wafting through your home 24/7? I did a ton of research and here‘s the expert scoop:
The short answer is that Nest products do contain a mix of natural and synthetic fragrance oils, paraffin/soy wax, and cosmetic-grade ingredients that are generally considered safe and non-toxic. There are no overtly harmful chemicals or additives in Nest‘s formulas, just the industry-standard components you‘d find in most luxury scented candles and diffusers.
However, Nest does use synthetic fragrance oils in its blends to achieve scents that natural oils simply can‘t duplicate (think a grapefruit that actually smells like grapefruit!). It‘s a trade-off for that extra scent fidelity and longevity.
Any synthetic fragrance, even cosmetic-grade, may still cause irritation for some sensitive folks. If you have severe allergies or asthma, definitely use Nest products with caution in a well-ventilated space. And when in doubt, unscented is the safest bet.
The other reassuring thing about Nest‘s ingredient integrity is that the brand uses clean-burning, lead-free cotton wicks to minimize icky petro-soot and indoor pollutants. Just remember that even the fanciest scented candle is still fundamentally burning something, so don‘t overdo it in enclosed areas. Switching to a Nest diffuser is a great flameless, soot-free option.
Nest Candles vs The Competition
Nest is far from the only luxury candle brand out there, so how do its products stack up? I‘ve personally compared Nest to top competitors like diptyque, Jo Malone, Byredo, and Le Labo, and the differences really come down to the small details.
What sets Nest apart is its distinctive slant toward unique, exotic, and transportive fragrance pairings. Most other brands stick to single-note scents or simple florals, while Nest goes full wanderlust with its blends. I also find Nest‘s aromas have a stronger throw without feeling overpowering. It‘s a delicate balance!
Another feather in Nest‘s cap is its price point relative to the competition. Sure, $40+ feels steep for a candle, but Nest‘s large 3-wick candle is only $70 compared to $90 for a diptyque or $100+ for a Jo Malone. The brand‘s 50-60 hour burn time is also best-in-class. I‘ve found Nest to be the sweet spot of luxury quality and value.
How Nest Nails The Home Fragrance Trends
As someone who practically lives and breathes home scent trends, I have to give major props to how Nest consistently innovates while delivering on its core aesthetic. Some key ways the brand stays ahead of the curve:
Experiential & Escapist Scents: With many of us spending wayyy more time at home these days, there‘s a huge demand for fragrances that can mentally transport us somewhere exciting. Nest is all about these "scent journeys," from the Japanese garden vibes of Linen to the Amalfi Coast freshness of Sicilian Tangerine. The brand really taps into our wanderlust!
Bringing The Outside In: Nest has also been a pioneer in the "nature-inspired" home scent space before it was cool. Bestsellers like Bamboo, Ocean Mist & Sea Salt, and Birchwood Pine are like an instant dose of green therapy and natural calm. Even the floral scents are blended with unexpected green or citrus notes for an outdoorsy feel.
Luxe Packaging & Presentation: Let‘s be real, no one wants an ugly candle jar cluttering up their coffee table. Nest gets that home scent is also home decor. The brand‘s signature striped glass vessels and diffusers are designed to be displayed, and always garner compliments from my guests. Because Nest uses high-end materials and finishes, the products look and feel like art objects.
Savvy Tips To Maximize Your Nest Obsession
As a certified Nest fangirl, I‘ve learned some tricks of the trade to get the most out of my beloved collection. Here are my top Nest hacks:
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Stock up during the Semi-Annual Sale – Twice a year, Nest runs a big sale on its site with candles up to 50% off. It‘s the best time to splurge on pricier items or stock up on backups of your signature scent. The summer sale usually starts mid-July!
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Join The Mailing List – Nest rewards email subscribers with a generous 15% off your first order over $75. You‘ll also be the first to know about new launches and seasonal promotions. Pro tip: you can stack that welcome discount with sale prices!
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Buy The Set – If you‘re torn between a few scents and love a deal, go for one of Nest‘s discovery sets or gift sets. You can sample multiple fragrances for way less than buying individually, and they‘re super giftable. The Mini Votive Candle Set and Scented Body & Hand Care Set are my faves.
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Go Big On Diffusers – IMO, Nest‘s reed diffusers are actually the best value for scenting larger spaces. The 5.9 oz size gives off fragrance for a whopping 90 days, way longer than the average diffuser. If you get a refill vial, the glass vessel is endlessly reusable too. Chic AND sustainable.
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Layer Your Scents – One of my favorite ways to make my Nest collection feel personalized is to mix and match different but complementary fragrances. Try burning Grapefruit and Sicilian Tangerine together for a citrus explosion, or pair Moroccan Amber with Indian Jasmine for an exotic floral musk. Experiment with your own custom blends!
Nest Newness To Get Excited About
Just when you think you‘ve sniffed it all, Nest comes through with some very cool innovations. The brand has been expanding beyond its core home fragrance lineup to bring its addictive scents to every part of your routine.
Beauty lovers need the new Nest perfume oils in their life, stat. Available in the classic Indigo and Paradise scents, these roll-on elixirs are packed with moisturizing jojoba and argan oils to hydrate your skin while you smell amazing. They‘re perfect for travel or keeping at your desk for a midday pick-me-up.
I‘m also really vibing with Nest‘s foray into body care. The brand recently launched hand soaps, hand lotions, and body creams in its fan-favorite fragrances to turn your bathroom into a legit scent oasis. Everything is paraben-free and packed with nourishing shea butter and antioxidants. The Bamboo hand lotion is my new handbag essential.
If you like to keep your fragrance subtle and low-maintenance, you need to check out the new Nest Liquidless Diffuser sets. They use innovative ScentSticks technology to diffuse scent for 30 days without any liquid, heat, or electricity needed. Totally fool-proof and mess-free.
Is Nest Worth The Splurge?
At the end of the day, you‘re probably wondering if Nest Fragrances are truly worth their premium price tag. As someone who‘s experienced the brand from every angle – as a customer, a gift recipient, and a fragrance connoisseur – my honest answer is a resounding yes, with some caveats.
To me, Nest is worth every penny when you‘re in the mood to treat yourself or someone special to a standout sensory experience. The brand delivers exceptional craftsmanship, heady and memorable scents, and an undeniable aura of luxury. When I light a Nest candle or catch a whiff of a Nest diffuser, I‘m instantly transported somewhere wonderful. It‘s the perfect antidote to the everyday grind.
That said, Nest is definitely a "treat yourself" purchase most of us can‘t stock up on willy-nilly. The products are priced for special occasions and limited usage, not necessarily for round-the-clock burning. I like to save my Nest goodies for dinner parties, stress relief, or when I really want to impress a houseguest. It‘s about the joy of little luxuries!
I also think Nest is 100% gift-worthy if you want to wow someone with a present that looks as gorgeous as it smells. Especially with the brand‘s discovery sets and minis, you can share the Nest love without totally breaking the bank. The giftee will never guess how much (or little) you paid – it‘s just pure class.
While no home fragrance is perfectly non-toxic (it‘s literally impossible to scent the air with just rainbows), I do appreciate Nest‘s commitment to using high-quality, cosmetic-grade ingredients and steering clear of chemicals like phthalates and mineral oils. That said, synthetic fragrances are a necessary evil here, so super scent-sitive folks might want to stick to beeswax or essential oils only.
Ultimately, Nest is that perfect marriage of form, function, and fragrance that makes a house feel like a home, and a home feel like a haven. A little luxury goes a long way, especially in our 24/7, work-from-couch world.
So go ahead, put a bow on that Bamboo diffuser. Spark up a Moroccan Amber 3-wick after a long day. Take a deep breath and enjoy the scent journey. Because YOLO…and your nose deserves Nest!
