Yankee Candle Pure Essence Collection

If you've read any of my Yankee Candle posts before, you'll know I'm the hugest fan. Yankee release new scents every season, or quarter, so I thought I'd start a new series on the blog, where I give the lowdown of each collection, and share my favourites. Best of all, it means I can justify buying new scents! Quarter 1 of 2015 saw Yankee Candle release two collections, and some limited edition scents. I picked up three tarts from the Pure Essence collection (Cassis, Aloe Water and Shea Butter), and have given them a thorough road testing. Here I'm going to be sharing the best and worst of the collection. Will I be repurchasing any?

Aloe Water is described as "clean, refreshing water blends with thick, soothing aloe to create a wonderfully relaxing fragrance experience". Myself and my mother were so confident Aloe Water was going to be a sure-fire hit. We both love the scent of aloe vera and cucumber, and while we thought the scent was nice, I disliked a particularly soapy floral note I found to come through. I don't find it as fresh as it could have been, and it is almost cloying to me. I think the addition of a herbal note could have saved it, mint perhaps. If I ever pick up a Fresh Mint tart it could make for the perfect mixology! 

Cassis is described as being "vibrantly stimulating...the lush aroma of blackcurrant berries with a fresh burst of tartness". I was perhaps most excited for the release of the fruity sounding Cassis. To my surprise, I found the scent to be more on the floral side, with heady rosy notes coming through. Cassis is a dead ringer for the more pricey Voluspa Champagne Rose and wait for it... blogger favourite, Diptyque Baies. Cassis can be quite overpowering at times as it is very sweet and heady but I think it makes a great scent for the bedroom. It is to me what the rather disappointing Black Plum Blossom should have been!

Shea Butter is described as "pure contentment...indulge yourself in this creamy smooth scent with hints of beautiful fruit blossoms". My favourite by far had to be Shea Butter. I was worried at first that it was going to be too similar to the L'Occitane Shea Butter scent (the hand creams ROCK btw), which at times can come across a bit like wee, but thankfully it was sweeter, as well as being rich and creamy. I have to wonder what the fruit blossoms included in the scent descriptions are as I seem to get more of a coconutty/vanilla vibe from Shea Butter. I'm a huge fan of a subtle vanilla scent for communal areas of the home, as it always just smells so posh. This is the perfect update for 2015, and I know a large jar is on the horizon for my living room.

Have you tried the Yankee Candle Pure Essence Collection?