If you’ve been intrigued by the candles on the shelves of some of the most famous stores right now, read below for a review of the best ones out there. I’ve also included what is popular in people’s homes as spring unfolds. As always, mistsandmelts is ever expanding and open to broadening its horizons. So, expect this list to grow to great heights! From exciting opulent Swedish brand Bibbi, to trusted bigwigs of wellbeing, Neom, prepare to be charmed.
1
Byredo sweet grass
Brand: Byredo
Price: £70
Size: 310g
Scent: Clary sage, iris, palo santo
Burn time: 60 hours
Wax: Beeswax and vegetable wax
Oil type: High grade perfume oil
If you’re a fan of Byredo, you’ll know the power of their scented candles in transforming your space into a distinct, unique place of persuasion and wonder.
Sweet grass is a layered blend of sweet and aromatic notes of Clary sage and Palo Santo with the woody, animal notes of Ambroxen.
If you’re yearning a soothing effect after a long day, having Sweet Grass permeate your kitchen/diner will prompt you to take a deep breath and surrender to the moment as you sit back and relax.
2
Creed sea island
Brand: Creed
Price: £105
Size: 220g
Scent: Citrus, neroli and coconut
Burn time: 48 hours
Wax: Soy
Oil type: High concentration fragrance oil
If luxury to you is being spirited away to coastal freedom, where a gust of sea air blends with the distant whiff of coconuts, as you walk barefoot on cool leafy greenery, the Creed Sea Island candle evokes this seamlessly.
Lit in your lounge, the Neroli fills the air with a floral calm, that’s undeniably soothing.
The citrus notes are twined with whispers of creaminess, adding an exoticness to the outdoorsy, serene fragrance. It reminds me of the sea at dawn, when the freshness in the air caresses your skin.
The hefty price tag does take into account the ‘flair’ of this candle, with its porcelain container, highlighting its distinct, yet elegant aesthetics. And with a long lasting even burn, you may very well justify treating your home to this.
3
D.S. and Durga Big Sur After Rain
Brand: D.S and Durga
Price: £60
Size: 198g
Scent: Coastal rain, eucalyptus, pacific spray, magnolia, wet wood
Burn Time: 60 hours
Wax: Soy and vegetable
Oil type: Fragrance
How about owning an uber trendy D.S. and Durga candle, and allowing yourself to succumb to the brand’s quirky, yet genius take on specific, powerful, phenomena of life? Such as the distinct smell of Big Sur After Rain. Big Sur, a coastal region in California, has a unique scent after a downpour and this is re-birthed in the form of a candle. I detected a certain muggy, heavy scent, mingled with a green freshness.
A wonderfully mesmerising candle to have lit on a damp summer morning in your living area.
4
Malin and Goetz Strawberry
Brand: Malin and Goetz
Price: £56
Size: 255g
Scent: Strawberry, bergamot, pink pepper, musk, jasmine, orris root
Burn Time: 60 hours
Wax type: Vegetable and paraffin blend
Oil type: High grade perfume oil
This is strawberry with a difference. It’s light, bright and subtly delicious, yet not too tart or fruity. There’s a spring like energy to it, balanced by a warm and velvety undertone, like strawberries and cream. Who knew powdered iris (orris root) and jasmine would be so compatible with strawberry?
I must say, it was puzzling to not get a whiff of the traditional scent of strawberry reminiscent of so many teenage beauty products from a lifetime ago! But this is more sophisticated, leaning heavier on the floral notes. However, for the discerning nose, you’ll definitely notice the berry too.
I have this adorning my bedroom at the moment but I’d be just as happy to have it as the signature scent of my entire home right now, strategically placed in the hallway perhaps. Excellent fragrance release and formulation is flawless.
5
Neom Happiness
Brand: Neom
Price: £46.89
Size: 420g
Scent: Lemon, mimosa, Neroli
Burn Time: 50 hours
Wax type: vegetable wax
Oil type: Pure essential oils
Of course, Neom’s uplifting spring time explosion in a candle is on trend! If you don’t want to beat about the bush and want a trustworthy blend of mood boosting, crisp citrus to fill the upcoming months as you welcome warmth and sunshine, this has to be up there.
Happiness seamlessly elevates your home with a certain zest and character. Perfect for your living area.
6
Neom It’s All Rosy
Brand: Neom
Price: £55
Size: 420g
Scent: Rose, geranium and orange
Burn Time: 50 hours
Wax type: Soy
Oil type: Essential oils
If you want to treat your home to the heady, sensuous scent of rose, but with a sprightly twist, this will do beautifully, in your kitchen or conservatory. When I first surrendered to this scent, it gave me a sense of nostalgia, followed by a happy calm, followed by intrigue. Although the rose was familiar, there was another layer of something I couldn’t quite put my finger on, until a few quizzical taps on the chin later.
The combination of orange, rose, and herbal geranium surprisingly evoked hints of rhubarb for me! If you’re acquainted with the tart fruitiness of rhubarb, you might catch a subtle hint of it as well.
The citrus edge certainly adds a light-hearted touch to the intoxicating rose – expertly blended.
7
Bibbi Wolf Mother
Brand: Bibbi
Price: £95
Size: 310g
Scent: Ginger extract, mint, brown sugar cane, petit grain
Burn Time: 50 hours
Wax type: Mineral
Oil type: Fine French perfume oil
As you can see, this is big, bold, beautiful (in a bodacious way) and not to forget, somewhat blue. Talking about the candle. Not the sensationally ornate head next to it. But what fragrance does this exude, you’re itching to know. Picture enjoying the brush of an earthy breeze against your arm as you blissfully lay back on a veranda, surrounded by the lush greenery of a charming stately home.
With its floral, herbaceous but minty scent, it oozes the abundance of nature but with a cool, fresh intricacy. More spectacular than some green aromas, Bibbi’s Wolf Mother transports you to a realm of magic and decadence with notes of bold ginger and enigmatic eucalyptus.
Truly something special to adorn your home, for a tranquil afternoon.