Last year's candle round up was 2015 in Candles, a look back on all the candles I'd tried in the year. I was very clued up on Yankee Candle's seasonal releases, so there was more to talk through. This time around, when I think about which candles are my favourite, there's a mix between new and old, and in the second half of 2016, I gave the new releases a miss. This time, I've decided to simply chat through my top 10 scents in my current collection, as they represent the candles I burn on a regular basis, rather than run through all of the scents I've tried this year, because boy there's been a lot!
I'm going to start off with spring candles, and my first favourite is the L(A)B Rhodedendron & Pine candle*. This is a bit of a tease, because it was only available as a gift-with-purchase last year, but I love it so much that I couldn't not mention it. It has a fresh scent, with accords of geranium and aloe vera and It's still my number one pick for burning when I have a bath as it has such a spa-like feel. Next is a brand that I discovered this year, Cotswold Candle Company. Previously, my favourite spring time candle was Yankee Candle Loves Me, Loves Me Not, but when that got discontinued, I needed to find a replacement. Luckily, White Mulberry* (£18) filled the void perfectly with its sophisticated fresh floral of berry, mimosa, rose, jasmine and rosemary. Handmade in the UK with the highest quality fragrance oils and a soy wax blend, this has a wooden wick for a luxurious feel. You can read the full review here.
Talking of wooden wick candles, another favourite has been the Woodwick Lemongrass* scent (£18.99). This is a really fresh scent, that reminds me of fresh laundry, so it's a great one to burn when you're doing a spring clean, with all the windows open to air the place out. Another candle that was so generously gifted by the lovely people at Love Aroma was Kringle Candle Royal Cherries* (£22.99). This one is more of a year round scent, and really smells like sweet glacé cherries. The two wicks mean that it burns really well too. Lastly, I wanted to give a bit of a shout out to Yankee Candle Peony, although I don't have it to hand, it was my favourite scent out of the spring releases and it has a really pretty, floral scent that I really enjoyed burning in the first quarter of 2016.
Moving onto summer scents, there was only one that really rocked my socks. I feel like I bang on about this brand all the time, but the M&J London English Summer Candle* (£35) really is beautiful. Each candle is influenced by a different part of the world, and this one takes all the best bits of the Great British Summer and rolled it into one scent. Think Gin & Tonic, Pimms, Strawberries and Champagne and you begin to describe this sophisticated fresh and fruity scent. It's honestly beautiful, and a real departure from the exotic fruit scents you tend to find in the summer.
A scent that takes me from summer to autumn is one that I have loved for a few years, Yankee Candle Amber Moon (£8.99). It has an exotic, feminine fragrance that really emulates that Indian Summer feel. It has notes of sugared mandarin, bergamot and orange, vanilla petals, jasmine and violet leaf and golden amber, patchouli, sandalwood and vanilla. It works really well in the bedroom as it still has that warm, cosy touch but is still quite a gentle, relaxing scent.
A scent that takes me from summer to autumn is one that I have loved for a few years, Yankee Candle Amber Moon (£8.99). It has an exotic, feminine fragrance that really emulates that Indian Summer feel. It has notes of sugared mandarin, bergamot and orange, vanilla petals, jasmine and violet leaf and golden amber, patchouli, sandalwood and vanilla. It works really well in the bedroom as it still has that warm, cosy touch but is still quite a gentle, relaxing scent.
The autumn time is when I really get into burning candles as I like to create a cosy atmosphere in the home. Another Yankee Candle favourite is Fireside Treats (£8.99), which has a gorgeously sweet scent of marshmallows toasted on an open fire. It's one I always enjoy as the nights start to draw in as I really love warm, sweet scents.
As soon as the chilly weather hits, usually around November time, I always get an itching for a cool, slightly masculine scent that completely sums up the change in seasons. In previous years, I've turned to Yankee Candle November Rain, but much like Loves Me, Loves Me Not, that too got discontinued. Luckily, I placed an order for some Bath & Body Works candles during autumn, and one of them was exactly what I was looking for. Sweater Weather is a blend of aromatic eucalyptus, juniper berry and fresh sage as well as the dominant note of aromatic eucalyptus. It smells really crisp and fresh and a little masculine. It's a great one to offset all the rich spicy scents of the festive season too. If you're in the UK, keep an eye on the Bath & Body Shop, which regularly adds Bath & Body Works candles to their stock, although they sell out quick!
As soon as the chilly weather hits, usually around November time, I always get an itching for a cool, slightly masculine scent that completely sums up the change in seasons. In previous years, I've turned to Yankee Candle November Rain, but much like Loves Me, Loves Me Not, that too got discontinued. Luckily, I placed an order for some Bath & Body Works candles during autumn, and one of them was exactly what I was looking for. Sweater Weather is a blend of aromatic eucalyptus, juniper berry and fresh sage as well as the dominant note of aromatic eucalyptus. It smells really crisp and fresh and a little masculine. It's a great one to offset all the rich spicy scents of the festive season too. If you're in the UK, keep an eye on the Bath & Body Shop, which regularly adds Bath & Body Works candles to their stock, although they sell out quick!
Moving through to winter, you need at least one festive spicy scent. Again, I've spoken about this one until the cows came home (and had a nap and went back out again), but I really have found a favourite. The candle in question is M&J London Bavarian Winter* (£35), which has a luxurious, yet traditional scent of cinnamon, clove, blackcurrant and vanilla, inspired by Christmas markets. It's gorgeous and I don't want Christmas to end because I'm going to have to pack it up for next year (boo). I also love a sickly sweet vanilla scent during the festive season, and one that has been a favourite for a few years is the DW Home Frosted Cookies. I picked this up at TK Maxx and it's so delicious, with a really great scent throw. If you can find any DW Home candles, I would definitely recommend picking them up as they do foodie scents really well and are really affordable, usually under £5.
What has been your top candle this year?
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