Anyone who knows me will be aware that I’m mad about fragrance. Be it perfumes and colognes or at-home room sprays and candles, I’m into scent in a big way. I have a very keen sense of smell, often noticing things others can’t quite get their head (or nose) around. So I’m into building my perfume and home fragrancing collection in a big way, and love to surround myself with lots of different types of aromas which challenge my nose in new and exciting ways. Both my candle and perfume collections are kind of mental and rather excessive in size, but I have built them up over the years and have been fortunate enough to have some of them sent to me for review, which is all part of the job.
For me, different candles suit different occasions, days of the week and times of year. Autumnal, wintery seasons are all about fragrances that make you feel warm and cosy – and there’s some crackers out this year when it comes to new candles. Think Jo Malone’s new English Oak collection (which I have been burning English Oak & Redcurrant from) and Tom Ford’s Amber Absolute (which I will probably never burn, because I mean, just look at how special it is…). I love a bunch of classics too, like Malin + Goetz Dark Rum, Bella Freud Night Music and Jo Loves Smoked Plum & Leather.
Check out my favourite wintery candles…
L-R:
Tom Ford Amber Absolute, £80 : Rich, woody and layered with notes of vanilla bean and incense.
Jo Malone English Oak & Redcurrant, £44 : Smoky yet fruity, this will remind you of walking through the woods with crunchy leaves underfoot.
Jo Loves Smoked Plum & Leather,£55 : Interestingly, I really disliked this at first as a scent. Then I met with the iconic Jo Malone herself, and she recommended I try it in the candle. I am SO thankful she did, because this is smoky, leathery deliciousness.
Malin + Goetz Dark Rum, £40 : A sexy twist on traditional winter candles, with amber-patchouli, vanilla, leather and of course, rum.
Byredo Loose Lips, £54 : This smells like old-school lipsticks, so naturally I adore it and burn it year-round. Notes of rosewater, morello cherry and violet create this dreamy aroma.
L-R:
Tom Daxon White Narcissus, £55 : I can’t describe this delicious candle better than the brand itself: “a winter’s bouquet of crisp narcissus set amongst smoky woods.”
Bella Freud Night Music, £45 : Described as “husky and moody,” this smells powdery and is layered with iris and amber – it’s dreamy for nights in relaxing.
Diptyque Londres, available in Diptyque stores : This limited edition candle is another one I will probably never burn because it’s SO beaut. It combines heliotrope, lilac and juniper and offers a floral take on cosy winter evening candles.
Tom Dixon London, £55 : Smelling like all the things you associate with London (the good parts!), this not only has an amazing aroma but also looks bloody gorgeous on your shelf.