
The Art of One Maker
LITOTES soy-blend candles and fragrances are thoughtfully designed, hand-blended, poured, and finished by Kari Herrera in her Chicago-area studio.
A book critic and podcaster, Kari mastered the art of fragrance layering and wax formulation to reimagine moments from literature through scent. Each aroma is a love letter to literary giants, unforgettable books, and the soothing spaces where stories come alive.
Our Approach to Fragrance Creation
Kari approaches fragrance with the same devotion and curiosity as a passionate reader approaches a beloved book.
Light a New Story
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Top Notes
Remember the first time you discovered a book you now cherish? That moment mirrors the first scent that greets you when lighting a Litotes candle. Our top notes are thoughtfully chosen to evoke the gentle beauty of our favorite mellow florals.
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Middle Notes
This is the heart of the story—the turning point, the page that keeps you reading long into the night. Middle notes are the most prominent aromas in each Litotes candle, designed to evoke a sense of deep satisfaction through uplifting florals and ripe, inviting fruits.
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Base Notes
You've finished the last page, closed the book, and are smiling to yourself as you recall each character and phrase. In our candles, these are the lingering notes that remain after the flame is out: comforting musk, enveloping vanilla, and rich, grounding woods.
The Classics = Three Collections
Litotes offers a curated selection of taper candles, car diffusers, traditional candles, and elegant candle accessories. Our traditional candles are known as The Classics, a signature line divided into three distinct collections: The Authors, The Academics, and The Library.
The Authors
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Peony Morrison
Shop Peony MorrisonBreathe in the beautiful blooms of peonies, accented with youthful bergamot and the airy freshness of dandelions.
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Flora Neale Hurston
Shop Flora Neale HurstonEnjoy the expected romance of a rose, married it to the complex, deep aromas of wood and musk. The result is a modern take on the traditional
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Langston's Library
Shop Langston's LibraryOur best-seller, this is a fragrance that recalls the well-worn leathers and pages within a home library. Place this candle in any room, and it will instantly become a warm, welcoming space for reflection.
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Maya Tangelo
Shop Maya TangeloAt the forefront of this popular fragrance is refreshing citrus, which absolutely delights everyone's inner child. It is then balanced with warm woods and mint tea.
The Academics
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Dark Academia
Shop Dark AcademiaExperience the cozy embrace of cashmere and warm milk with the captivating depth of sandalwood. Rich black wax poured within a sleek black vessel; Dark Academia is our first onyx-hued candle.
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Light Academia
Shop Light AcademiaEnjoy the nostalgic aroma of textbooks with the unexpected brightness of citrusy sherbet. Light Academia embodies a perfect balance of playfulness and sophistication.
The Library
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Contemporary Romance
Shop Contemporary RomanceWe've captured the sweet aroma of strawberry cheesecake brightened by the effervescent sparkle of limoncello in a blush pink package. Poured in a pink vessel with matching wax, it’s as charming to look at as it is indulgent to burn.
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Beach Read
Shop Beach ReadExperience the blend of soft sand, sea salt, cardamom, and ocean water in a scent as crisp and revitalizing as coastal air. Clean and endlessly refreshing, it evokes the simple joy of toes in the sand and stories carried on the breeze.