Sofie Pavitt’s The Studio Candle Is the Dreamiest Home Scent

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Of all the beauty professions you could dip your toes into, perfumery is arguably one of the most artisanal and elite in the biz. Master “noses”—whose entire career is dedicated to creating and evaluating olfactory blends—are often handpicked from prestigious (usually French) perfumery institutes, and there are thought to be fewer than 500 in the entire world. Growing up, Sofie Pavitt wanted to be one of them.

“I’ve always had a lot of scent memory,” the celebrity aesthetician tells Who What Wear. She wound up becoming NYC’s “acne whisperer” and coveted facialist to the stars (hardly a bad alternative), but still, she’s found a way to weave scent into her professional practice. Though her product regimens remain fragrance-free (“Our clients are so sensitive,” she explains), Pavitt consistently sets the scene with an inviting, fresh aroma. “[Scent] can add a layer to the treatment, so it’s not so clinical and personalized,” she adds. Why not invigorate your senses as the “acne whisperer” rejuvenates your skin?

So what does a Sofie Pavitt facial smell like? Bright and clean with an unexpected edge—at least according to her brand-new scented candle, The Studio. Made in collaboration with Sidia—the fragrance-first bodycare brand that also offers nontoxic, hand-poured candles—the blend is Pavitt’s first official studio scent meant to instantly transport users to her Centre Street oasis (no appointment required).

“[Sidia founder Erin Kleinberg and I] were inspired by the neighborhood, our building, the smells, and sights around us,” Pavitt shares. “I think we are left with a very unique, bright, clean scent that immediately transports me to the treatment room.” The blend kicks off with sweet mandarin, vibrant yuzu, and fresh rhubarb before a bouquet of orange blossom, pineapple flower, and neroli add more of a fruity-floral punch. A splash of rose water, blonde woods, and white musk rest at the base, grounding the fragrance with a layer of warmth. After lighting a sample of the candle myself, I can confirm that it makes my home smell exactly like a luxury facial spa, and somehow, it’s able to deliver that post-treatment bliss I can only experience after an hour spent in Pavitt’s studio.

While you can experience the candle whenever and wherever you please—I’ve already received a few “Your apartment smells so good” comments with it burning in my living room—Pavitt says it really shines in the hours after dusk. “Set the mood for your evening skincare routine by lighting the candle 15 minutes prior to starting,” she suggests. “Take a moment to cleanse the skin and treat/hydrate in the glow of our candle for a luxurious evening wind-down. Enjoy!”