Cold, bleak days and long dark evenings call for one thing: scented candles. They’re an essential winter luxury. I light candles morning, noon and night — they make the home smell beautiful, and their warm glow creates an inviting, cosy ambience even in the darkest of corners.
Whether spicy and musky or fresh and floral, a scented candle can lift any mood and light up any situation, comforting, cheering and calming in equal measure. Candle season is here, and I, for one, am delighted.
Byredo
Ambre Japonais
Surprising and complex, this has notes of black pepper, coriander seeds, sandalwood and sesame, resulting in a spicy aroma. Byredo Ambre Japonais scented candle also has a blissful burn time of 60 hours.
£57, byredo.com
Diptyque
Paris en Fleur
I am a huge fan of roses and this brand-new limited edition scented candle by Diptyque is soft and floral, yet it feels more mature because of the woody undertones, giving it less of a girly feel.
£53, diptyqueparis.com
Jo Malone
Lavender & Lovage
The clean notes of lavender and lovage, deepened with rosemary and thyme, evoke the joyful scent of freshly laundered, white linen drying in a summer garden in Jo Malone’s lavender and lovage scented candle.
£48, jomalone.co.uk
Jonathan Ward
Fig Ultimatum
Cassis, purple fig, ginger, musk and amber combine to lend a waxy warmth in Jonathan Ward’s Fig Ultimatum scented candle; the rich balance between ripe fruits and woody hints is really comforting.
£45, jonathanward.me
Louis Vuitton
Feuilles d’Or
A unique and unexpectedly crisp, creamy scent, with notes of patchouli, cedar and Peruvian balsam giving an earthy edge. Louis Vuitton’s Feuilles d’Or is also prettily presented, featuring a gold lid and chic leather handle.
£160, louisvuitton.com
Guerlain
Hiver en Russie
A heady blend of smoky tea, frankincense and wood, evoking the sumptuousness of Holy Russia. Mysterious and deep, this scented candle by Guerlain is made for wintry nights.
£59, guerlain.com
Cire Trudon
Solis Rex
Inspired by the parquet floor of Château de Versailles’ famous Hall of Mirrors, Cire Trudon’s Solix Rex luxury candle has a woody, ‘incensy’ base lifted by delicate pine, eucalyptus and orange – and it will flicker for up to 60 hours.
£75, trudon.com
Maison Christian Dior
Jardin D’orangers
A perfect blend of neroli and citrus means the fragrance isn’t overpowering, and yet it fills up a room beautifully. It’s light and airy, and the freshness of this luxury candle by Maison Christian Dior is a great mood enhancer.
£75, dior.com
