So it seems the world is divided into those who love fancy scented candles and those who don’t get the fascination. If you do, they can become something of an addiction (ahem). If you don’t, well, you may as well stop reading now. But not all posh candles are created equal. Some (many) are just an easy add-on to a brand’s beauty output; others are so powerful, that they become cult objects in themselves. Yes I’m thinking of the Pinterest cliche of everyone’s favourite Diptyque Figuier arranged on a silver vanity tray alongside a posy of roses for optimum effect. My absolute favourite are the Fornasetti Profumos in their collectable ceramic holders. What’s yours?
FESTIVE: MILLER HARRIS BOIS NOISETTE
I like mulled wine-scented candles just as much as the next person but sometimes, something less obvious is called for. I recommend Miller Harris’s Bois Noisette candle for its comforting, gentlemanly qualities. It’s a cheery blend of fruity berry (pimento berry to be precise) meets dark chocolate, underscored by ginger absolute which gives it a hit of sharpness. At £70 it’s a luxury candle but the scent is intense enough that you don’t need to burn it for long to get the full effect.
FESTIVE: FORNASETTI MALACHITE
This is the opposite of rich and warming, it’s a different kind of scent than you’d expect from Fornasetti. From the green and gold malachite-effect holder to the sharp pine-y notes, Fornasetti’s Malachite candle is wintry and fresh smelling. The green notes hit you first, then you get the cedar wood and patchouli heart, followed by the sandalwood and amber base. The holder itself is a thing of beauty and this is my number one choice for luxury-lovers.
UNISEX: BELLA FREUD GINSBERG IS GOD
An oldie but goodie, I love this herby fig leaf and tomato candle in its cult black pot. It’s definitely a cool candle and a great one for gifting to couples.
UNISEX: JO MALONE LONDON OUD & BERGAMOT
I’m not a traditional oud fan but in this candle it’s combined with bergamot and orange granite so you get the lovely mysterious warmth of oud cut with a twist of citrus. The dark packaging of Jo Malone’s Cologne Intense line is also a little more blokey than the classic cream and black.
UNISEX: MALIN & GOETZ VOTIVE SET
This trio of teeny votives by Malin & Goetz is another good unisex choice with its masculine notes of dark rum, tobacco and vetiver. It’s also fairly affordable at £34 for three. (Currently unavailable in the UK online, but I’ve seen it in SpaceNK stores.)
CALMING: AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES NIGHT TIME RITUAL SET
This is a candle with a rather nice bath oil attached. I think we can all agree that Aromatherapy Associates makes quite the best relaxing bath oils. The candle is an added bonus that will make bath time the most blissful pampering treat ever. (And I noticed it’s in the sale if you buy from Birchbox #winning)
CALMING: A.P.C ORANGE BLOSSOM
Not sure if it’s just because it reminds me of my happy place but I find this sweet orange blossom candle so relaxing. It’s definitely eau de A.P.C, I spend enough time in their stores that I’d recognise it anywhere and I always fine the stores themselves quite Zen-like. One for the wannabe Parisian minimalist.
EVOCATIVE: ASTIER DE VILLATTE
Astier De Villatte candles are all named after places and very evocative, so a lovely choice if you want to be reminded of somewhere special. They’re expensive but the handmade ceramic holders are a big part of the appeal so one for artisan-appreciators. For the best experience, go to Liberty and browse all their other ceramics as well.
EVOCATIVE: DIPTYQUE FIGUIER MINI CANDLE
The Diptyque Figuier candle is the one that started it all off and its green, fruity smell still has the power to perk up a blah mood. The £20 mini candle is a good one for travelling or as an affordable gift option.
EVOCATIVE: CIRE TRUDON
These power-packed churchy candles are not for the faint hearted. They’re proper scented candles for those who want fragrance wafting through every nook of the house. I love the reverent woody-meets-citrus notes of Odalisque, deliciously blended with hints of vanilla and orange blossom.
UPLIFTING: ACQUA DI PARMA
The traditional citrussy smell of Acqua Di Parma’s signature cologne is so unique and sophisticated, it never gets old. The accompanying candle in its understated frosted holder is equally timeless and reassuring.
UPLIFTING: TORY BURCH
If you buy into the Tory Burch lifestyle you’ll love the classic orange design of this cult candle. Its notes of citrus, sandalwood and jasmine sum up the Tory Burch brand of uptown tomboy elegance. One to place next to the stack of rare photography books and vintage Hermes ashtray.
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WORDS: Navaz Batliwalla/Disneyrollergirl
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