If you're stuck for ideas for a girly gift, a gorgeous scented candle is a failsafe option - everyone loves them, they always smell amazing and they are great fodder for a girl's night in; team it with a bottle of fabulous bubble bath and a chick lit novel and you have the perfect present. I've found five of the best available so you don't have to!
Born from the idea of associating fragrance with countries of the world, Geodesis uses scents from every corner of the globe in it's candles, room fragrances and diffusers. New fragrances include Jasmine from India, a deliciously sweet and intensely floral fragrance, Havana from Cuba to infuse your boudoir with the rich, spicy and woody aromas of the magnificent Cuban forests and Patchouli from Sumatra, reminiscent of the hedonistic and bohemian glamour of the 1970s, this powdery and alluring floral fragrance captures the intoxicating depth and seductive power of the delicate white flowers of Sumatra in Western Indonesia. £20 each, available from John Lewis.
Indulgent spa brand Aromatherapy Associates' candles are a blend of their signature essential oils to create sensuously relaxing scents. Available in Indulgence with jasmine and geranium, Comfort with damask rose and ginger and Relax with myrrh and west Indian bay, the candles come in singles, a Perfect Partner duo box set or a giant multiwick for the intimate indulgence. Single candle £25.50 available from www.aromatherapyassociates.com
Heyland & Whittle, creators of traditional cold-pressed handmade soaps, have recently launched a collection of beautifully scented candles in delicate fragrances. Scents include Green Tea & Grapefruit, Olive & Fig, Citrus & Lavender and my favourite, Neroli & Rose, and each comes in a beautiful gift box. £20 from www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk
For the ultimate luxury in candles, head to Amouage, the Lowndes Street fragrance house that draws inspiration from the birthplace of the Sultanate of Oman. Renowned for creating some of the most finely crafted and exotic fragrances in the world, the House restores artistry to perfumery to create extraordinarily beautiful scents with a distinct point of view and sources the globe for unique and the highest quality of ingredients. The Jubilation XXV Fine Fragrance Candle comes complete with a stunning gold effect metal holder in a velvet lined box. A spicy and woody scent, it has top notes of orange, blackberry and coriander, a heart of gaiacwood, cinnamon and bay leaf, and base notes of amber and opoponax. £80 from www.amouage.com
British luxury bathing brand Abahna is dedicated to making the ritual of our daily bath or shower a special experience. Founded and run by Ed and Claire Croft, Abahna is a family run business and together the couple are passionate about sourcing natural ingredients and creating products that enhance your mood. From nourishing bath oils to subtle home fragrances, with elegant packaging and thoughtful touches, Abahna brings a little much needed, luxurious pampering into our busy lives. Their hand-poured scented candles are available in uplifting Madarin & Sicilian Bergamot, Relaxing Lilac Rose & Geranium, Refreshing White Grapefruit & May Chang and Soothing Frangipani & Orange Blossom. Available by themselves for £10 or with a beautiful gold lid for £27 from www.abahna.co.uk
Love Laurel x
