All posts tagged: candle

Insider story: Jonathan Ward Candles

Published by Mark Smith

This is a story about candles, Jonathan Ward Candles to be precise. Everyone loves a candle and we all like to ensure that are houses smell divine. Call it hyggye, Scandi chic or simply adding home comforts. There’s nothing that beats the warm golden glow of a candle. It’s comforting, cocooning and creates a spa-at-home effect in an instant. But not all candles are created equal. Peruse any department store shelf and you will come across the good, the bad and the ugly. Sickly, sweet and cheap fragrances abound. Yes there are some glorious exceptions, but few appeal to this nose. When buying a candle, I tend to stick with tried and tested brands that combine aromatherapy blends in a very spa-like scent. It’s where I feel most comfortable. Then I had the chance to meet Jonathan Ward, master candle maker with a warm heart and a gentle manner. He’s making a comeback on the candle scene (read more about his story over at The Times here). It’s been a long (and sometimes challenging) journey …

Aveda’s Earth Month Candle

Published by admin

Aveda has launched a charity candle in support of Earth Month this April and pledges to donate 100% of the RRP of its signature limited edition Light the Way Candle to Global Greengrants Fund, which is a non-profit organisation that channels high-impact grassroots groups working to solve environmental problems around the world. Now that’s what I call a proper charitable donation. Most beauty companies offer a paltry 5% of profits for charity. In fact since 2009 Aveda has raised $9 million through the sales of this candle. Buying the candle, which is perfect for creating a spa at home, will support people to access clean water. One purchase can provide one year’s worth of drinking water for a person living in Madagascar. The candle is housed in 100% reclaimed glass beverage bottles, outer cartons are made from 90% post-consumer recycled paperboard. And the candle you burn? It’s made from pure flower and plant aromas crafted from 100% certified organic oils, including Organic Vanilla, Cinnamon and Ylang Ylang from Madagascar. Oh so spa. £16 www.aveda.co.uk

3 of the best spa candles

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This Works Deep Sleep Heavenly Candle Inducing a sense of calm and inner peace, this candle is a potent blend of calming lavender and soothing roman camomile essential oils. The perfect partner to a home spa ritual or just to burn for an hour or so prior to bed. It’s a quality blend and really works – just like the name says. £25 www.thisworks.com Aromatherapy Associates Revive Candle Aromatherapy Associates Revive Candle is citrus based, uplifting and ever so spa-like. It takes around 15 minutes for the scent to infuse the air with a light blend of citrus oils of grapefruit and petitgrain. It’s a great combination which revives the spirit and soul. The perfect winter pick-me-up. £34 www.aromatherapyassociates.com ESPA Resorative Aromatic Candle A divine aroma, low lighting, soft sound, it’s the quintessential spa experience. With our richly aromatic candle – a careful balance of wick, hand poured wax and pure essential oils to invigorate your senses – all you need is a match. Aromas of Palmarosa, Sweet Orange and Lavender to quieten anxiety, …

A life with a view

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There’s a new fragrance range in town – A Life with a View. Taking inspiration from views (certainly different) it bills itself as architectural fragrances for the 21st Century. A high ideal indeed. The Villa (Italy) and The Gite (Provence) didn’t immediately appeal, sadly neither did The Cottage (England) but as soon as I took a whiff of The Loft (New York) I was hooked. It’s got a smoky touch to it that immediately caught me. To create the whole scene overlooking Central Park woodsmoke is set against green notes of chamomile and thyme, whilst a glorious vase of roses blends with the warming comfort of cedarwood, sandalwood and vanilla. The overall impression is modern, smart and urban. THE FRAGRANCE: Top Notes: Smoke, chamomile, thyme Heart Notes: Rose, patchouli Base Notes: Vanilla, cedarwood, sandalwood, musk notes Candle 590g – £40 Travel candle and reed diffuser also available. www.alifewithaview.com