The season of beer gardens and Bank Holidays may be upon us, but it only takes a couple of mornings after to remind you of the joys of the Big Night In. And while a decent film and grown-up booze may be the obvious components, ambience also ranks high when it comes to mastering the sophisticated movie marathon.
The good news is, there are things – easy things! – you can do to make your home a bit more appealing, starting with a decent scented candle.
Seriously, don’t underestimate the mood-transforming powers of a great candle. Lighting the wick on one of the season’s best burners will bring instant ambience as well as a cosy scent that’ll make your living room infinitely more inviting.
When it comes to fragrance, you have options. Forget the saccharine florals of old, because the best scented candles for men now come in a host of grounding woods, warming ouds and mind-clearing aquatic blends. Head to Byredo for something that looks as good as it smells, or try Acqua di Parma for true coffee-table centrepieces. Looking for the perfect gift? Cire Trudon sets the bar high. Here, see the best men’s scented candles to burn now.
The best scented candles for men
Trudon creative director, Julien Pruvost, has been trying to tempt tea master Yu Hui Tseng into a collaboration for years – and now, he has succeeded.
The only female Chinese tea master and owner of Paris’ legendary La Maison des Trois Thés, Tseng has worked with the history-steeped fragrance house on a trio of limited-edition scented candles. None attempt to cut-and-paste the scent of tea itself, but instead pay homage to the rich traditions surrounding the art.
Speaking to Tseng’s razor-sharp sense of smell, each scent is delicate yet complex. L’Esprit de l’Eau is an incense-warmed ode to spring water, with mineral freshness over crisp juniper and pepper. Sous un Ciel de Pétales' is floral and bright, with notes of Himalayan jasmine and lemon. But the truly memorable choice is Terre à Terre: a muddy, mossy ode to tea terroir, with notes of elemi, ambergris and patchouli combining to create the scent of a humid forest.
Byredo’s candles are endlessly popular, and there’s a scent in the line-up to satisfy just about anyone. A good place to start is Bibliotheque, which mimics the warm, papery aroma of leather-bound books with a soft, sweet twist of violet. Trust it to make a soulless rental smell like home.
Earl of East Jardin de la Lune Scented Candle
Earl of East Jardin de la Lune Scented Candle
Earl of East's London-made candles are made using pure soy wax and can fill a high-ceilinged room with ease. An ode to the Grand Trianon, Versailles, Jardin de la Lune is a woody, aromatic scent with a heady white-floral twist via tuberose.
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A staple of the millennial coffee table, Assouline's Travel Series tomes are as much a style statement as they are actual reading material. Now, you can burn the book of your choice via the corresponding ceramic candle. Ibiza smells like zingy citrus over warm, heady patchouli which, depending on which side of the White Isle you frequent, may or may not be an accurate depiction.
Weird but completely welcome, Haeckels' Pluviophile candle is the olfactory equivalent of throwing open the front doors mid-spring downpour.
'Wet concrete' might not have the same ring to it as 'fresh flowers', but this unusual candle boasts addictive, unconventional appeal. It's blended with petrichor – the chemical compound released after rainfall – and smells uncannily like a coastal road on a rainy day.
In the same vein as the cult Parisian brand's signature fragrance, this 100% soy-wax candle burns (for 24 hours) with a classically masculine blend of bright citrus and deep woody notes.
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Part of Paul Smith's pleasingly perky homeware line, this colour-blocked glass candle will breathe life into any living space. The Botanist scent is perfect for spring days and nights: think peppy lemon and vetiver combined with herbs: a fitting ode to the great British garden.
The scent that made Le Labo a name worth dropping, Santal 26 now boasts heavyweight cult status. Turns out, it makes a stellar home scent too: the soft, sweet sandalwood and leather blend feels warming, yet never cloying.
Once you know that 'skog' is Swedish for 'forest', the appeal of this one grows exponentially. Pine and fir trees blend with bright florals, creating a calming yet bracing scent.
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French fragrance house Eight & Bob makes vegetable-wax candles that feel fresh and invigorating – never fusty or cloying. Start with Varenna: an ode to Lake Como, it blends bright green botanicals with a smooth amber base.
Urban Apothecary Fig Tree Luxury Candle
The note to unite all fragrance heads, fig leaf smells famously good –be it in a mens fragrance or a candle. This one combines the sharp green note with mind-clearing eucalyptus and deep, smooth cedarwood.
Tom Ford Private Blend Tobacco Vanille Candle
Tom Ford Private Blend Tobacco Vanille Candle
This is the candle version of the scent rumoured to be Harry Styles' fragrance of choice – a fact that sent demand spiralling last year. Indeed, it's a very nice smell to have on your body or in your bedroom: think a deep, warming blend of sweet vanilla and smoky woods.
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Properly sustainable, B-Corp certified bath and body brand Comfort Zone makes some of the best candles for slowing down a brain that's slipped into overdrive. Sweet orange is combined with earthy, grounding cedarwood: a welcome alternative to the host of saccharine lavender scents out there.
Burning with the same unmistakeable blend of bergamot and woods, this classic yellow candle is the perfect gift for any loyal wearer of Acqua di Parma's Colonia.
Penhaligon’s line of scented candles is as rich and sophisticated as its colognes. Ronanoke Ivy is the one to light now, blending snapped stems and crushed leaves with the twang of ripe berries.
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Comme Des Garcons' 2 has been the signature scent of many a well-dressed man since the late nineties, and now you can fill your home with the blend of tea-tinged spice and soft woods.
Francisco Costa's shift from big fashion to niche beauty may be an unexpected one, but the resultant Costa Brasil collection is impressive on so many levels.
This weighty (and reusable) metal votive contains a sustainable blend of soy and coconut waxes, which burns to release a meditative blend of green vetiver, cypress root and breu: a precious resinous incense, native to the Amazon.
Loewe's focus on artisanal craft runs through the brand's home-fragrance line. Each ribbed terracotta pot houses a scent inspired by a thriving greenhouse: Tomato Leaves is fresh, tangy, and unnervingly close to the real thing.
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The name might scream ‘teenage bedroom’ but this tongue-in-cheek blend is actually surprisingly sophisticated. Rather than a gimmicky riff on the herbaceous cannabis plant, Italian Kush burns with an energising trail of crisp citrus, basil and oregano. Trust it to make the stuffiest of living rooms feel instantly fresher.
Another classic choice, Diptyque’s fragrant candles will scent the most high-ceilinged rooms with ease. Figuier is a crowd-pleasing blend of sharp, green fig with a gentle hint of woods.
FAQs
What problem does scented candle solve? ›
Scented candles can induce calm and help to alleviate symptoms of stress, with the ability to lower cortisol. Certain candles are crafted specifically to activate chemicals in the brain, like serotonin and dopamine, to support a positive mood.
What is the study about the benefits of scented candles? ›While it may be surprising, scented candles have been shown to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and even improve sleep. Overall, scented candles can be a valuable tool for promoting mental health and well-being.
What is throw when talking about candles? ›While scent notes describe how a candle smells, scent throw refers to how faint or strong the fragrance flows through the air, and how much it permeates a space. A few things affect scent throw, from the percentage of fragrance used, the type of candle wax, and candle size.
What is the main purpose of scented candles? ›Scented candles are perfect to add a fragrance to your space while masking unpleasant odours in places like the kitchen or the toilet/bathroom. Scented candles are available in a variety of fragrance types, ranging from fruity to flowery and from baked goods to 'woodsy'.
What is the big problem with scented candles? ›Fragrances, VOCs, and soot can all trigger respiratory disease and cause breathing problems, and VOCs, such as acetone benzene and toluene, are harmful for those with asthma and allergies, says Parikh. It's possible that candles made from natural waxes release fewer harmful chemicals.
Are scented candles good or bad? ›There isn't any science that suggests scented candles are inherently more dangerous than the unscented variety. Like all candles, they release volatile organic compounds, but do so in quantities that shouldn't pose a health risk.
How do candles affect your mood? ›One of the main benefits of candles for mental health is their ability to improve mood. The scent of candles can help to calm and relax the mind, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy. This can be especially helpful in cases of anxiety or depression, as it can help to promote positive emotions.
What are the mental health benefits of burning candles? ›Reduce stress and anxiety: The gentle flicker of a candle flame has been shown to help relax the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety levels. The aroma of scented candles can also help to promote feelings of tranquillity and calm, making them a great choice for use in meditation or yoga practices.
Why are candles so comforting? ›"The soothing effect that candles have is based on how the brain processes smells. The smell of scented candles stimulates our limbic system, the part of the brain that is home to our memory and emotions. Hormones like serotonin and dopamine can be produced to help regulate mood.
What is the saying about burning candle? ›To do more than one ought to; to overextend oneself: “His doctor said that his illness was brought on by stress and recommended that he stop burning the candle at both ends.”
What is the quote blowing out someones candle? ›
Blowing out someone else's candle won't make yours burn any brighter.
What message do you write on a candle? ›You can personalise the message candle with your own message: “I love you”, “Marry Me”, “Happy Birthday”, “Thank you”, “Get Well”, “Sorry”, …. the list is endless. A piece of chalk is included in the tin for writing on the blackboard side of the candle.
How do you start a secret message? ›To create a secret conversation on Messenger, start a new chat and tap the lock icon. Messenger's secret conversations are encrypted, meaning not even Facebook can read them.
Which candles are safe for your health? ›TLDR; For the safest healthiest candle to burn, look for soy, coconut or beeswax candles, unbleached cotton, hemp or wooden wicks and scented with pure essential oils.
Why do some candles smell better than others? ›When it comes to finding the strongest scented candles, the type of wax used has a lot to do with it. Paraffin wax candles have more capacity to hold fragrance than natural wax candles, such as soy or beeswax. These natural waxes also have a slower burn time which results in a less intense fragrance and throw.
What to avoid in scented candles? ›Avoid aromatherapy candles made of paraffin or gel, both petroleum byproducts. In all things, avoiding the fossil fuel industry when you can makes sense for living a green life. Just like if you don't have to drive a car to get to your destination, don't; if you don't have to burn a petroleum-based candle, don't.
Do Bath and Body Works candles contain paraffin? ›What are your candles made out of? Bath & Body Works currently offers two different formulas of wax for our candles. The main ingredients for all formulas are vegetable wax, paraffin wax, and soy. Our Signature Collection Candles are considered vegetable wax candles.
Is it OK to burn scented candles everyday? ›Lead wicks aside, burning candles can expose you to potentially hazardous chemicals, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. Though these chemicals can be dangerous, studies conclude that exposure to these chemicals when burning candles is too low to present a direct health hazard.
When should you stop using a scented candle? ›When there is approximately 1/2” of wax left in the bottom of your candle it's time to stop burning. It's okay for there to be some wax left over, candles are created with this little buffer of wax.
What candle smells put you in a mood? ›According to aromatherapy experts, jasmine, lemon, patchouli, peppermint, sandalwood, pine, and clove are just a few of the scents that help get rid of fatigue and give you more pep in your step. The Flare Evergreen Candle, for example, combines bright, fresh fragrances to give you a new take on life. 4) Cozy.
Can scented candles help you sleep? ›
Scented candles can be a great tool to help you fall asleep at night. When your brain registers smells, certain chemicals react in ways that cause calming mental and physical effects.
Do candles have healing properties? ›Burning candles can greatly help you to fight stress and anxiety. Candles have calming properties. This is twofold, as the flickering light makes you feel calmer as the ambiance is more tranquil, and the particular scent the candle emits also helps to relax you.
Can candles cause brain fog? ›These fragrances and synthetic chemicals are being absorbed by our bodies and coming out in the form of allergies, headaches, sleep issues, nausea, dizziness, brain fog, acne, hormonal issues/imbalances, digestion problems.. the list goes on.
What is the power of a candle? ›Candlepower (abbreviated as cp or CP) is a unit of measurement for luminous intensity. It expresses levels of light intensity relative to the light emitted by a candle of specific size and constituents. The historical candlepower is equal to 0.981 candelas.
What does the best candle is understanding mean? ›“The best candle is understanding.” —Welsh proverb
If you don't know what you're doing, it's as though you're walking blindly into the dark. Use the gift of knowledge to illuminate your path.
The candle's first burn is an important step to avoid tunneling. Your goal on a first burn is to fully melt the top layer of wax, evenly. If you do not, a “tunnel” will form in the center of the candle, creating a memory ring. Tunneling happens when the first-burn is not a long enough period of time.
What is the quote a candle loses nothing? ›Quote by James Keller: “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.”
What is a quote related to scented candles? ›Scented candles have the power to lift our moods. You always feel better with scented candles. Gifting scented candles is gifting happiness. Let the beautiful fragrance of scented candles bring us happiness and peace.
What is the quote burn the candle at both ends? ›That phrase was coined by the American poet Edna St. Vincent Millay in 1920. It comes from her poem “First Fig”: “My candle burns at both ends; / It will not last the night; / But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends— / It gives a lovely light!”
How do you write a candle description? ›Keep your descriptions short and succinct in order to win the hearts of the customers. The ideal number of words to include in your candle descriptions is anywhere from 100 to 400. Try to fit your key features and benefits in this range of words.
What do you say before lighting a candle? ›
Prayer when lighting a candle
Lord, may this candle which I light illuminate all my difficulties and decisions. May this candle be a fire that burns away all my pride, selfishness and all my other sins. May this candle be a flame that warms my heart and incites me to love.
An early example of secret writing.
As Herodotus recorded, Demaratus scraped the wax from a pair of wooden tablets, wrote his message on the wood beneath, then poured hot wax onto the tablets again.
Steganography has been widely used for centuries. Some examples include: Hidden messages on a paper written in secret inks.
What are the types of secret messages? ›Hidden messages include backwards audio messages, hidden visual messages, and symbolic or cryptic codes such as a crossword or cipher.
What is the key on secret messages? ›Your messages are encrypted whether or not you compare keys. Every device in an end-to-end encrypted chat has a special key that's used to protect the conversation. For example, if you access the chat from both your computer and your phone, each of these devices will have its own special key.
How do you write a secret message invisible? ›Mix together baking soda and water 2. Dip your ink pen into mixture, then write your message on your paper 3. Wait until the ink is dry 4. Use a clean paintbrush to cover the entire paper with grape juice concentrate 5.
How do I read my secret message? ›How to view secret conversations on Messenger. You can view your secret conversations like any other message; just choose it from the list of open message threads on the main screen of the Messenger app. There will be a lock symbol next to the contact name, which indicates that it's not a regular chat.
What are the benefits of candles? ›Reduce stress and anxiety: The gentle flicker of a candle flame has been shown to help relax the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety levels. The aroma of scented candles can also help to promote feelings of tranquillity and calm, making them a great choice for use in meditation or yoga practices.
What are the benefits of candle making? ›Candle making is a relaxing activity that can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of calm. The act of creating something beautiful and functional can be meditative, helping you to clear your mind and focus on the present moment.
What is candle therapy in psychology? ›A candle's flame denotes the 'self'. New-age healers use the ancient art of therapy candles to unlock blocked emotions and relationships. Burning candles vibrate different frequencies within the body. White candles purify the body, and bring peace. Black candle burns negative energy.
Why do candles improve mood? ›
Research has shown that scents play a big role in how the brain functions — and how you feel. The smell of candles stimulates our limbic system, the part of the brain that is home to our memory and emotions. Clearly candles have a power capable of creating an entire vibe.
Do scented candles help you relax? ›In short: yes. Scented candles create a soothing atmosphere and help boost your mood, while also calming your mind and relieving stress.
Do candles make you smell better? ›This is how candles can spread fragrance through a room. Candles do not eliminate odors on their own. If they have a fragrance, that fragrance can easily cover up unpleasant odors, but they do nothing to get rid of the bad smell.
Which candle for anxiety? ›If you're looking to relax the nervous system and reduce anxiety look for candles with aromatherapy notes like mandarin, blue spruce, lavender, sandalwood, orange, frankincense and chamomile.
What is a calming candle? ›Relax With Lavender Scented Candles
Probably the most well-known scent in essential oil aromatherapy, lavender is known for its stress-relieving properties.