By Helene Ravlich
Due to the fact that many of us are working from home in these unsettling times, our personal space 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 I know I’m not alone in drawing on some of my absolute favourites for a little soothing reassurance when it feels like life has been throwing me 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 can help create a whole new mood, delivering a feeling of comfort and cosiness akin to a soft blanket or a morning coffee in bed. In fact, a recent study at the University of Alabama claims that the effect of watching fire helps us become calmer and more sociable, and even causes our blood pressure to drop! Definitely a great reason to add a candle to the mix when you’re seeking solace at home.
Simple pleasures like this can really help in troubling times, so here’s a few of the soothing home fragrance options I am loving right now…
Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge
While the evenings are still on the cooler side and most definitely spent at home, I like to indulge in 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 also available as a Private Blend EDP, it blends precious sambac jasmine with dusky clary sage and rich spices, and is the perfect scent for easing into the evening, glass of Pinot Noir or cup of herbal tea in hand. I’m not judging!
RRP $157.00
Byredo Cotton Poplin
A beautifully reassuring and soothing scent that I just can’t quit, Byredo’s Cotton Poplin is one of my tried and true, repeat buys. A great candle choice for daytimes spent within the four walls of your home, it invokes the smell of fresh, clean linen with a touch of blue chamomile and a hint of sweet musk. Understated sophistication done extremely well, this beauty is also available as a room spray if a candle isn’t your thing.
RRP $68.00 – $120.00
Cire Trudon Ernesto
Definitely a choice for those that like to go big when it comes to an all-encompassing scent, 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, heady scents, and it definitely leaves a mark wherever it burns. One of my all-time favourites for its intoxicating and unabashedly masculine charms, I first picked up this beauty at WORLD many years ago and it’s still on high rotate.
RRP $149.00
Diptyque Vanille
It has been said that vanilla is the scent most loved universally, but in my humble opinion – not all vanillas are created equal. There are plenty of the too-sweet, cloying types of vanilla 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 is perfect for the bedroom and delivers a scent that is both warm and comforting right when you need it most.
RRP $100.00
Glasshouse Fragrances Trick or Treat Pumpkin Pie
The latest addition to Glasshouse Fragrances’ cult gourmand collection, Sugar Coated, Trick or Treat Pumpkin Pie was originally launched as a Halloween candle in 2014 and is back by popular demand. Smooth and spicy, with a complex fragrance profile, Trick or Treat really is reminiscent of the real thing. It evokes silky pumpkin pie filling infused with orange zest and topped with maple, cinnamon, caramelised sugar and flaked coconut, and has been a beautiful addition to my lockdown life. Delicious.
RRP $59.99
endota spa Essential Oil Diffuser
If you’re not a candle person, the endota spa Essential Oil Diffuser is a great way to add wellness-inspired style and scent to any room. Made of ceramic and BPA free plastic, the elegant essential oil diffuser uses ultra-sonic technology to finely disperse your chosen essential oils into the air. As an added bonus, the perforated, spherical design casts dappled white light into your space, creating gentle warmth and lending a peaceful, relaxing ambience.
RRP $88.00
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