The scent of home: the soothing candles for right now

Due to the fact that many of us are working remotely in these unsettling times, home is all-important and as welcoming as you choose to make it. I am a huge fan of scented candles at any time of year, and have been drawing on some of my absolute favourites for a little soothing reassurance when the last few weeks of my life have been filled with anything but.

It has been said that scented candles bring fleeting memories, and we associate them with warmth, love and most importantly - home. The warmth emanating from the flame of a candle creates a whole new mood, delivering a feeling of comfort and cosiness akin to a snuggly blanket or a morning coffee in bed. Simple pleasures like this can really help in troubling times, and I am all for the power that some of my favourites can bring.

SET A SCENE

Right now the evenings are getting cooler and the darkness looming earlier and earlier, which is when I like to light something luxe and boujee for a little pre-sleep treat. This is when I call on the considerable powers of Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge, which is as sexy as the name suggests. A saturated, spiced floral, it blends precious sambac jasmine with dusky clary sage and rich spices, and is the perfect scent for easing into winter, glass of Pinot Noir in hand. 

UPGRADE YOUR BATH

Sure, you can run some water and hop in the tub, but if you want a true (home) spa experience, you need to start by creating the right atmosphere. A great candle choice for this is Byredo’s heavenly Cotton Poplin, for the ultimate soothing scent. Think fresh, clean linen with a touch of blue chamomile and a hint of sweet musk for understated sophistication done extremely well.

SLEEP EASY

This Works Deep Sleep Heavenly Candle has been formulated using the sleep-inducing properties of Lavender, Vetivert and Wild Chamomile essential oils, and like all the other products in the This Works Deep Sleep line, it definitely works its magic. This beautifully luxurious candle will fill the whole house with its tranquil aroma, helping to prepare whoever’s sleeping under your roof for a better night’s sleep, naturally.

SPICE IT UP

Cire Trudon’s heavenly Ernesto is inspired by an imaginary scene in a hotel in Havana, under the fixed sun of the Revolution. The fierce overtones of leather and tobacco make it absolutely addictive for lovers of spicy, all-encompassing scents, and it definitely leaves a mark wherever it burns. One of my all-time favourites for its intoxicating and sassy charms.

SOOTHE YOUR SOUL

It has been said that vanilla is the scent most loved universally, but in my humble opinion – not all vanillas are created equally. There are plenty of the too-sweet, cloying type out there, but the legendary Diptyque have most definitely created the opposite in the form of the delicious, soul soothing Vanille. A blend of Vanilla Orchid, Sandalwood, Elemi and balsamy Bourbon Vanilla, this candle delivers a scent that is both warm and comforting right when you need it most.

Do you have a scent you're loving right now?