In a world where self-care meets style, the art of creating an inviting and luxurious ambience has found its perfect muse – luxury scented candles. These little vessels of aromatic delight have transcended their traditional role, evolving into essential elements of contemporary decor and personal wellness. As we navigate the hustle and bustle of the festive season, there’s no better way to relax and unwind, to transform your space and to evoke that holiday feeling than lighting a chic, Christmas candle. So, without further ado, meet GRAZIA’s top seven festive flames in our edit of the best luxury scented candles below.
JO LOVES
Name something more delicious than the scent of freshly baked biscuits. Nope? Thought not. Fill your home with the inviting scent of freshly baked gingerbread all winter thanks to this Christmassy candle from fragrance queen Jo Malone. With delicious notes of sweet, candied vanilla, spicy cinnamon and clove, and warm, uplifting ginger, it beats having to actually bake. Not to mention its gorgeous festive red ribbon-adorned glass vessel designed by Warner House, which adds an instant touch of chic festive cheer. Love.
DIPTYQUE
Ticking both the chic and the sustainable boxes, Diptyque’s beautiful new Les Mondes de Diptyque candle collection is totally refillable and smells like a dream. Each of the five engraved glass vessels houses a block of scented wax, which – when finished – can easily be filled with a new block. Not only does this mean that you can mix and match the scents (try the La Forêt Rêve for a tropical, floral hit, the matcha, mossy magic of Temple des Mousses or the fresh citrus notes of Nymphées Merveilles) but you play your part in reducing waste too. All whilst having a chic addition to your sideboard. Win-win.
DIOR
Dior and chic are two words that go hand in hand, so it’s hardly surprising that the Maison’s indulgent 1.5kg candle is the ultimate in fancy flames. With its minimalist white ceramic holder and silver lid and base, even the hat-box style box it comes in is worthy of being on display. And that’s without mentioning its seductive scent, which also happens to be one of the most iconic fragrances in La Collection Privée Christian Dior. With sensual notes of rose and amber, it’s the perfect flame to light on a dark winter’s eve.
INITIO
Paying olfactory homage to the “wood of gods”, Initio’s stunning new scented candle is every oud lover’s dream. Its vegan wax is infused with notes of oud, agarwood, lavender, saffron, patchouli and musk to impart a powerful yet soothing scent that’s bound to have people asking “What is that amazing smell?”. Add to that its statement black and gold vessel, and you’ve got a scented showstopper that deserves pride of place in your home.
MOLTON BROWN
It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas, all thanks to Molton Brown’s festive flame. “I wanted to recreate a fragrance that evokes a traditional British Christmas cake, abundant with fresh citrus and warm spices,” explains Senior Perfumer Nathalie Koobus. “This addictive, nostalgic and naturally festive scent reminds us of time spent in the kitchen with loved ones preparing a sweet feast for the special day.” Using responsibly sourced, upcycled orange seed oil alongside tasting notes of ground cinnamon, earthy nutmeg and dried fruits, it – quite literally – smells good enough to eat.
CARTIER
It wouldn’t be a luxury scented candles roundup without a touch of Cartier. Whisking you off to snowcapped peaks and frosty landscapes with just a whiff, Cartier’s Neige candle is a wintery delight for the senses. Designed by Cartier perfumer Mathilde Laurent, it blends fresh, crystalline and musky notes to conjure up images of a snow-covered mountainscape bathing in the soft, pinkish glow of the winter sun.
NEST
Festive celebrations got you feeling a little frazzled? Then this is the candle for you. Part of Nest New York’s ‘Wellness’ collection, it’s been specifically formulated to calm both body and mind to help you relax and sleep peacefully. A vegan blend of soothing, aromatic notes, there’s chamomile, driftwood, sandalwood and vanilla bean to soothe your mind and enhance your wellbeing, all with just the flicker of a flame. The cherry on top? Its elegant baby blue frosted glass vessel.
