When I first opened the box I was overwhelmed by powerful smells. Not bad, but VERY strong and I was nervous I wouldn't like the candles, but the Basalm and Cedar has been sitting on my desk for a week now (I didn't realize I'd run out of matches!) and the smell is a lot more subtle. Still there, and I think smells better for not being punch-in-the-face strong. A welcome scent to walk through as I pass by where the candle sits. I lit it today and it looks great. Not messy at all. All the wax melted inward, and the smell stayed subtle.
