Parks London Cedarwood + Orange Spice Collection

At this time of year, it is fair to say some of the most beautifully scented candles are on sale and this is true of Parks London with their Cedarwood + Orange Spice Collection, which I am lucky enough to have tried.

Carol Symons founded Parks in 1989, at a time when the home fragrance industry only made scented candles with paraffin. Carols’ commitment to 100% natural wax led Parks to build the manufacturing facilities and develop the techniques they needed for naturals to outperform paraffin.  Still a family business, Parks has become the respected expert in manufacturing the highest quality, 100% natural wax candles and alcohol-free diffusers. 

The new Parks HOME collection is described as being "designed to re-define high quality home fragrance at an accessible price point" and each product contains alcohol-free diffusers, 100% sustainable natural wax, and Coreless CleanBurn™ technology. The new HOME Collection is guaranteed to have something for everyone; choose between Jasmine & Musk, Lemon Verbena, Cedarwood & Orange Spice, Wild Rosemary & Bergamot, and many, many more.

The Cedarwood & Orange Spice is the perfect scent for this time of year with its woody, spicy and sweet aroma which creates a warm scent.  I have both the candle (£25) and the accompanying Reed Diffuser (£25) which together are quite the force.

The candle, which has a burn time of around 40 hours, is made from 100% natural wax and is presented in a luxurious glass jar with a minimalist label, beautifully presented and it would make the most lovely gift. 

Once it is lit, the scent of  spicy clove, cinnamon, and sweet orange alongside the subtle richness of cedar and a few minutes after being alight, those scents begin to fill the room, bringing with it a warmness.  As soon as the candle is extinguished, that scent does linger for quite some time.

The  Cedarwood & Orange Spice Diffuser, which is 100ml should last between 4-6 weeks and it took has that same scent the of the candle, with the subtlety of cedar alongside spicy clove, cinnamon and sweet orange. 

It is 100% alcohol free and as soon as the reeds are in use, the scent comes to life whether or not it is used within the same room as the candle, it is just a wonderful scent, both complimenting one another.

The HOME collection by Parks is on sale now and with prices from £25, you are spoilt for choice as to which collection to try first.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Arran Sense of Scotland Hot Toddy 30cl Candle

One thing I love about this time of year is candles, whilst I do burn them all year round, there is something more snug and cosy about the long dark nights and a candle o two being lit. The newest candle to my collection is from Arran Sense of Scotland with Hot Toddy which is part of their Christmas collection.

Arran, if you weren’t aware, have the most amazing collection of products from soaps and bath products to hair care and home fragrance, they also happen to have an amazing Advent Calendar too. 

Hot Toddy is described as being a seasonal candle that is a modern take on the traditional winter warmer. For me, the term Hot Toddy is a reminder of the advice I was always given then I had a bad head cold, the cure of all illness. With this candle it has those spicy notes of nutmeg and patchouli which gives that rich woody, spicy and Earthy notes and it works with the aromatic warmth and richness of vanilla and frankincense, which together stops the vanilla from being too overpowering, instead it sits in the background with its sweet notes.

This is a perfect cosy night in candle which has an amazing fragrance with an incredible throw. It is priced at £25, this 30cl candle has an even burn time of up to 35 hours.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

L'Occitane Douceur Immortelle Uplifting Candle

Alongside the most amazing skincare, perfume and body care products, L’Occitane also has an incredible home fragrance range and it is delightful, as you can imagine it would be.

Whether you are a fan of candles, room sprays, Reed diffuser or a pillow spray then there is an incredible choice. I have the L'Occitane Douceur Immortelle Uplifting Candle to share today and I have been blown away by how beautiful it is and as a range of products, I really want to try everything L'Occitane now has to offer - which by the way is quite a lot!

I absolutely love candles, whatever the season, the weather or even my mood, I always have a candle burning - in the winter I like the comforting scent notes of cinnamon, leather, amber and notes that help you to wind down and relax, in the lighter months or most of the year, I am more fresh scents - Mint, citrus, herbs, floral and even a few earthy notes.  

The L'Occitane Douceur Immortelle Uplifting Candle is described as being the candle that sweeps you away in the hills of Provence after a long warm day, when earth releases its most exquisite scents, mixed with herbs and flowers.  For anyone who is familiar with the Immortelle skincare collection might just recognise a few of the ingredients.

Using the essential oils of immortelle, basil, cypress, eucalyptus and litsea cubeba, all of which come together in a fragrance that is deliciously aromatic, fresh and calming.  Once the candle has been lit, those notes come together and fill the entire room quickly and in doing so, that atmosphere is just incredible.

Nestled inside a subtle white jar, this candle will work alongside any decor and if, like me it is a scent you absolutely love, it can be paired with its matching reed diffuser, room spray or essential oil to really make the most of.  

This candle is priced at £20.50 and it has a burn time of around 70 hours, though this will always differ depending on how long and how often you choose to burn the candle.  When I have had this candle alight, I have found 2-3 hours is more than enough time to bring that scent to life throughout the house.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Lush Sleepy Candle

I am a huge fan of candles, something I do talk about a lot and the latest addition to my ever growing yet depleted stash comes from Lush.  Candles are possibly not the first thing you think of when it comes to Lush, more bath bombs and shower gels, but they do offer a whole range of candles and Sleepy is the one I have used.

The Lush Sleepy range is more than just this candle, it actually includes a Shower Bomb, a Soap, Dusting Powder, a Bath Bomb, a Shower Gel, a Bubble Bar, a Soap and of course a Face and Body Mask. The collection is all about a calming and relaxing influence.

And relax…this herbal, lavender scented Lush candle is the perfect companion for a relaxing bath or pre-bedtime routine. Perfectly sized to transform the space immediately around you into a calming ylang ylang haven, add to your Sleepy routine for the ultimate wind-down.

This candle, is made from high quality, ethically-sourced essential oils and each candle has a natural wax base of rapeseed wax, coconut oil, coconut wax and castor wax and impressively they are all 100% vegan. The beautiful frosted glass within which the candle sits is also completely reusable or 100% recyclable.

When my candle arrived, I could smell the Lavender before I opened the box and it is so wonderfully fresh scented, it is as though you are walking past Lavender plants that you might have outside in your garden, or at the garden centre. Both Lavender and Ylang-Ylang are known for their abilities to calm and relax, ease nervous tension, stress and anxieties, so this is a candle that is perfect for those moments when calmness and relaxation is a must. For me, whenever I run a bath, the place I escape too for some time out, I have had this candle alight in the bathroom as my bath runs and it is just incredible.

Within each one of these candles, there is what is called a mottling pattern or frosting and it is said to be a unique and natural effect of using vegetable waxes. The wax is trying to return back to its natural form and as a result it begins to slowly crystallise, now this is absolutely nothing to worry about, it doesn't just happen with candles from Lush, it also happens with many other brands and it in know way affects the candle in any way, just instead confirms that the wax is 100% natural.

This candle, though smaller than some others I own, has a burn time of 12-15 hours, which of course depends on how often you use and burn your candle for.  It is still on sale priced at £12 and it sits alongside two others - Orange Blossom and The Olive Branch, both of which sound incredible!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Boujee Bougies Queen Jam Candle

With Valentines Day on the horizon, if there is an item which screams buy me right now, it is this incredible Boujee Bougles Queen Jam Candle.

Being the huge fan of candles that I am, I cannot believe it has taken me so long to find this brand because it is incredible. The brand, Boujee Bougles is the brainchild of perfumer, Pia Long, and olfactory consultant Nick Gilbert, and of the fabulous Thomas Dunckley, whom you might be more familiar with under his moniker The Candy Perfume Boy to complete the team.

"The idea behind Boujee Bougies is actually the name itself. “Boujee” means ostentatious, flamboyant, ideas above your station, ritzy, glitzy, glam and luxe, whilst “Bougies” is French for candles. Put them together and what do you get? Well, as one journalist put it this week, you get “posh candles” and that’s exactly what they are: wonderfully flamboyant candles with beautifully artistic fragrances"

So, alongside the luxe comes the fun, quirky sense of humour but without being in anyway tacky, in fact it is sleek, sophisticated and absolutely blooming lovely and I need every single candle within the range - all 5 to be precise! Presented in simple, dark glass holder with bright sticker to denote which scent your candle is, in this case a jam coloured version.

With Queen Jam, before it is removed from the outer box, the scent is very very notable, think fruity and floral and if it was a colour it would be very bright - fuschia or even magenta.  Said to have been inspired by a Finnish conserve and the scent, if you close your eyes and allow the notes to work their magic brings to head the very notion of jam being cooked on the stove, bubbling away as it does, if you have ever made your own jam. 

The scent notes rose, raspberry leaf mixed with tart berries and then in the background some leafy greens creates the most wonderful scent that throws itself around your home like it owns the place without an invitation and it is just so fresh, sharp and wonderfully sweet.

These candles, priced at £55 are worth absolutely every penny, their longevity of up to 50 hours burn time is incredibly impressive, but if this is outside of your budget, you will be delighted to hear that there is a mini version of each candle priced at £25!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Emma Hardie Moringa Candle

Imagine having one of your favourite cleansing balms being turned into a candle - well okay not quite but the scent you have come to identify as being calming, relaxing and part of your favourite skincare routine. That is exactly what has happened with Emma Hardie and the Moringa Candle.

I have declared my adoration for Emma Hardie as a brand for many years now, I’m yet to find a cleansing balm as enjoyable and as good as this one, though a few do come a close second. For me, there is something about the scent which is both calming and relaxing whilst at the same time has the ability to just give you that spa like treatment at home time and time again. 

Immerse your senses in pure indulgence with the Emma Hardie Moringa Luxury Scented Candle. This deluxe candle fills the room with the earthy aroma of Moringa. Relaxing and tranquil, this spa-like scent helps to create a soothing and peaceful atmosphere in your home. Housed in a decorative gift box, this luxurious candle makes a perfect present for loved ones or as a personal treat for an evening of self-care.

As well as the candle, the Emma Hardie range has expanded a lot in the past year and now includes a whole selection of delightful body, bath and shower products, which I have shared already and of course stocked up on! 

This candle, as soon as you lift the lid on the box gives you that relaxation and calming vibe, it is definitely the scent of the cleansing balm in candle form only slightly more potent with the scent, something I happen to absolutely love. If you are familiar with the cleansing balm then the notes of neroli, jasmine, rose, mandarin and sweet orange are all there and better still, this luxurious candle from Emma Hardie has been created using a natural blend of biodegradable wax made from pure soybean oil, rapeseed and bee's wax.

To use, the advice is to light the candle wick and let the spa-like aromas fill the room for a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 4 hours, this will help to ensure that the wax burns evenly. Once alight, I am so glad to say there is no black soot that often comes with candles and this is down to how the candle is made. 

At £45 this is definitely a luxury item but one that is worth every single penny! 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Lily & Loaf Sea Salt & Oakmoss Soy Wax Candle

I absolutely love candles and they are something I share a lot of on my blog. The latest candle to my collection is from Lily & Loaf, a brand who a Beauty, Health and Wellness brand who have the most amazing selection of products from candles and aromatherapy oils to skincare, hair care and accessories to name just a few categories.

I was kindly sent a selection of Essential Oils which I have to share in another post, but today I am sharing the Sea Salt & Oakmoss Soy Wax Candle, which is just stunning. Each one of the candles from the Lily & Loaf range is beautifully presented in a white box with silver detailing and inside, the candle is hand wrapped in Lily & Loaf branded tissue paper, so it is pretty much ready to gift as it comes.

One thing Lily & Loaf at proud of is that every candle is hand-poured for quality assurance and reduced waste and added to that they use Soy wax which gives your candle a much cleaner burn without toxins or carcinogens, it also means that your candle will burn at a much slower rate than those made with paraffin and for me, the scent is much stronger and the scent throw is much more potent.

As mentioned, I have the Sea Salt & Oakmoss Soy Wax Candle and it is described as being one which is reminiscent of a fresh, salty ocean breeze and it is all of that in one candle. Growing up beside the seaside leaves a very special mark on your memories and whenever I am feeling anxious of stressed, the one way for me to relax and unwind is being in or near to water, probably one of the reasons why I am usually found in the bath.  This scent, even before the wick was alight, was really strong and oakmoss as a scent is one which is often referred to as being dry, earthy, green, and with bark-like qualities, almost as though you are wondering through a forest after a rainstorm has happened but when it is mixed with the sea salt it reminds me of the beach as the sea water batters the shoreline and as the tide comes in. Those are the times when I can just sit on the rocks and watch Mother Nature work her magic and turn soft calm waves into huge crashing ones which batter everything in its path.

This candle has a burn time of around 40 hours which is really impressive and it comes with a helpful guide to remind you on the importance of trimming your candle wick each and every time you light it, this helps to avoid that black soot effect forming in and around your candle.

Priced at just £15.74, I have loved using this candle and Lily & Loaf has the most amazing sounding Christmas Collection of Candles which includes combinations such as Cinnamon & Orange, Lavender & Geranium and Sandalwood & Amber and they are also priced at just £15.74 each.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Christmas Candles Gift Guide

So, today I am sharing with you some of the candles that I have for the Christmas season, by season I mean from now until at least Epiphany. Away go the uplifting and citrusy scents and out come the ones featured within this post.

I am a huge fan of candles, they are items that I am never without, there is always one burning in whichever room I choose to be in and they are part of my relaxation and wind down sessions.  For me, watching that wick flicker once it is a lit is quite mesmerising and I tend to choose the scent of my candle based on my mood.  When it comes to Christmas, with all the festivities, I want something that reminds me of those hours making Gingerbread houses, the spice and fruitiness of making a Christmas Cake and homemade Mince Pies, the scent of Mulled Wine as it wafts through the house and not forgetting a blast of cinnamon.

First we have Ark Skincare, a brand I have shared many times on my blog, because they are just a brilliant brand.  When it comes to Christmas, I am lucky enough to have the Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Clove Luxury Home Candle (£27 here) and it is just divine.

Described as being Christmas in a jar! This luxury home candle is everything I have mentioned above when it comes to scents. It is warm and spicy as it is scented with a beautiful scent of Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Clove.   This candle is hand-poured right here in the UK and it has a burn time of around 50 hours which is amazing value for money.

The second candle I am sharing is from Ambiance London (£44 here) another brand I adore for their unique fragrances and luxe packaging.  Alteeneh is a scent which sits firmly within the Woody/Sweet family and it is a scent which you can detect before anything is unwrapped, removed from packaging or lit.

Alteeneh is the candle that you can snuggle under a blanket with on a rainy day, you can have it alight in an evening during dinner and it is smells divine. The notes of figs brings about that sweetness and woodiness aroma, which, if you have cooked a fig, you will know that exact scent.  This candle hand-poured in the UK using traditional techniques, special slow burning wax blend and lead-free wick. At the base of each candle you’ll find a fragrance heritage story detailing its ancient roots, along with candle burning tips.

From Beatitude, I was kindly sent the Winter Comfort Candle (£30 here) and stunning, that is the first word that springs to mind.  Again, it is a candle you can detect before you open it and because it is an Aromatherapy candle, it has that wow factor too.

Packed with a seasonal blend of essential oils - think of those uplifting citrus scents of mandarin, bergamot and clementine which work beautifully with the herbal aroma of lavender and eucalyptus, both of which I adore, then to really make its mark, come those warming, spicy notes of clove and cinnamon. This is one of those candles that when you need to be shaken out of a foul mood and given a reason to breathe in, relax and forget what irritated you, this is that candle in a nutshell. It creates the most wonderful ambience.

Now Floral Street (£28) have some of the most amazing fragrances that I have within my collection, but did you know they also had some amazing candles too? Fireplace, which is the name of this candle, is one I have purchased time and time again, much like their Electric Rhubarb Fragrance. 

Think of a wood fire crackling away, the scent it emits, a childhood memory for me. With that come notes of  Tuscan Leather, Birch Leaf, and a touch of raspberry. What you get is a candle which just makes you feel warm. It warms the entire room you are in and creates a snug environment and is just absolutely delightful.

From Marks & Spencer, who have an incredible range of candles this year, comes Bah Humbug and as soon as I smelt it in the store, I wasn't leaving it behind and it is only costs £9.50 here*.

Christmas inspired, this candle is described as being a sweet-smelling candle which features warm notes of ginger, clove and biscuit. What this candle does is create an atmosphere which reminds me of freshly baked Gingerbread ready to make a gingerbread house, something I absolutely love to do.  Impressively, it has a burn time of 55 hours and burns evenly without tunnelling.

Finally within my collection is the Bath and Body Works Fresh Balsam candles and I adore BBW candles and only wish I could get to a store to stock up on some of my favourites.

Described as being the definition of 'The Great Outdoors', with the scent think Woods and Cool with a bit of Earthiness thrown in. That scent you get when your Christmas Tree arrives at the door, ready to be put into its base before decoration can begin. Its fragrance notes are Woodland Balsam, Crisp Eucalyptus, Fir Branches and Cedarwood with Essential Oils. Truly delightful and a very fresh Christmas fragrance.

So there you have my Christmas Candle Collection, a complete array of scent descriptions, brands, feelings they evoke and moods they create. For me, candles will always make a great gift and there is plenty to choose from here!

What kind of candle do you use for the festive season?

 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

UPCIRCLE SOY CANDLE WITH COFFEE GROUNDS

Since they first arrived on the scene as OPTIAT, I have been a huge fan of the brand that now calls it’s UpCircle - a more fitting name? Personally I’m still on the fence but the products are still just as fabulous and that’s all that matters. 

New to my collection, which I purchased from Persephone Beauty, are the UpCircle Soy Candles with Coffee Grounds. The description was what caught my attention and I really wanted to try them, it’s Autumn and I love candles.

If you are familiar with the story behind Upcircle, then you will be aware that they are known for their repurposing of ingredients, namely coffee grounds. If you are not so familiar with them, then they have an amazing story to tell.  Aside from an incredible beauty range which features cleansers, scrubs, creams, serums, toners and masks there is also an incredible accessories range which I intend to work my way through.

Top up your self-care routine by creating an indulgent ambience, or simply use these low-waste candles to diffuse a luxurious scent throughout your home. Chai Spices is a must-have for cinnamon lovers and those who enjoy a little hygge.

When it comes to candles, UpCircle have taken their use of repurposed ingredients to a whole new level and not one I would have ever thought of, but am glad that they did. 

Creating hand-poured, cruelty-free soy candles, which are plastic free and made with 100% natural ingredients they look incredible and smell even better.  Infused with repurposed coffee grounds, these candles smell absolutely stunning, the scent you get when you walk into a coffee shop who have just finished serving or roasting coffee beans. Once alight, that scent comes to life and quickly fills the room with the most wonderful aroma.

Top Tips For Candle Burning

• Burn on a heat resistant, flat surface  
• Keep away from drafts and flammable items
• Never leave a candle burning continuously for more than 4 hours
• To prevent tunnelling, the first time you light your candle allow the wax to melt fully across the top so that it reaches the edges of the jar and the whole surface is liquid.

These candles are 120ml in size and have a burn time of approximately 20-25 hours. They are priced at £11.99 and if coffee isn't a scent you enjoy, there is also the option to choose Chai Spices which is described as being infused with repurposed chai tea spices. 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Kindred Fires - Personalised Candle Gifts

With all this nonsense about the changing of star signs and something called Ophiuchus - also known as the Serpent Bearer, the supposed 13th Sign of the Zodiac, it has all gone over my head. I am, always have been a Cancerian and I definitely have some of those traits.  Tomorrow is actually my birthday and from Kindred Fires, I have been gifted this stunning Starsign Birthday Candle.

These candles are all handcrafted from a Manchester Workshop and each candle is not only hand poured but each one is made using quality soy wax and premium fragrance oils in containers that you are encouraged to reuse.  I will re-use mine to put some flower seeds once I am finished.

When purchasing a candle from Kindred Fires you have a choice of what kind of candle you wish you purchase from a variety of categories. Those categories include but are not limited to - Engagement, Wedding, Anniversary, House Warming and of course birthdays.  My candle as you can see denotes the Cancerian star sign which is clearly displayed on the label.  

Once you have made your choice of a candle, there is the option to personalise the label with a brief message and then the exciting part is to choose your fragrance. I went for Floral Blossom, the description of this fragrance is that it is a light floral scent with subtle hints of freesia, lemon and jasmin.  For me, this candle has a really fresh floral fragrance with a hint of citrus which comes from the lemon, it isn't overpowering and it adds a nice scent to the room. The candle has a burn time of around 25 hours, which of course can change depending on how long you burn it for.

I think these candles make a fabulous gift, be it for a family member, friend or even someone you work with.  We have all just been through quite the time with this pandemic, which is still hiding out there, so a perfect time to send someone a gift, especially if you haven't seen them for some time now, to say 'I'm thinking of you'It can be combined with a bunch of flowers. Thanks to modern delivery services, there is no problem to send a gift to Paris or anywhere in the world.  The Kindred Fire Candles are priced from £16 rising upwards in price depending on your candle of choice and whether or not you choose to upgrade it to a hamper, which sounds just lovely.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Ambiance London Phoenicia Cedar Candle

One thing I love about Christmas is the cosiness of getting home from work, lighting some candles and watching the TV or curling up with my blanket and a book.  The lastest candle to my collection comes from Ambiance London with the Phoenicia Cedar Candle and ever since it arrived, it has been burning for a few hours every single day. I am already a huge fan of the candles from this brand and last year feature the Bacca Berry candle on my blog.

Ever since we had our bathroom renovated, I have been lucky enough to use some really incredible products and accompanying this candle was two bottles of bath salts which will feature within their own blog post soon. For anyone who isn't aware of the brand, Ancienne Ambiance is a London-based luxury niche brand which was founded back in 2004 and they specialise in creating fine fragrances, home fragrances, body-care, perfumes and natural hand-poured scented candles. Everything you find from Ancienne Ambiance is paraben free, has been created using natural ingredients and has recyclable packaging.

The Phoenicia Cedar Candle is described as being warm and woody and one which is 'An inspiring scent which is uplifting and warm, perfect for a cozy ambience'.  So this candle was placed in my new bathroom and it is just as described - warm and uplifting.

When it comes to burning a candle, we can all just go out and buy something that smells alright, but for me, a candle is so much more than that, it is something that should be relaxing, clear the air or even be uplifting in the scent it releases.

A fragrance of freshly cut cedar-wood blended with fresh herbs, Phoenicia evokes the lovely aromas found in the forest of Becharreh, in Lebanon, home to the oldest cedar trees in the world. The Phoenicians believed the wood of the glorious cedars to be the sacred wood of the gods and used it to honour their ancestors, a task to which the ancient orient attached deep importance. The cedar tree was also thought to be an emblem of prosperity.

The first thing about this candle to stand out is the scent before the candle is lit, the beautiful woodiness of the cedar notes which gives it a spicy warmness which just fills every room of the house and rather than being the more masculine scent I was expecting, instead what you get is quite the opposite.

Each candle within the Ambiance range has been hand poured right here in the UK, and it’s a slow-burning natural wax with a lead free wick. Each candle also comes packaged inside a straight glass jar and because it is a huge 200g sized candle, it has a burn time of around 60-65 hours which is really impressive and it costs just £44.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Beatitude Comfort Aromatherapy Candle

I absolutely love candles, there is something about the relaxation abilities which draws me in. From Beatitude, I have the Beatitude Comfort Aromatherapy Candle (£34) which is just beautiful.  I have used a few products from Beatitude such as the Patience Bath Oil here and the Peace Room and Pillow Spray here.  Beatitude is a brand which is best described as a luxury aromatherapy brand and it was created by beauty therapist and aromatherapist Rebecca O’Connor. Launched in Scotland in 2011 is 100% natural with no parabens, no petrochemicals, no sulphates and no artificial colours or fragrances. Beatitude is the ultimate feel-good brand and represents a luxurious high-quality product that has consideration for the environment.

The Comfort Aromatherapy Candle is described as having the most comforting and harmonising aroma and as soon as the box is opened, there is the most incredible scent that captures your attention.

Made from Eco Soy Wax, this candle also has a lead free wick and only uses the finest essential oils.  Even before the candle is alight, the fragrance, as I have said already, captures your attention pretty quickly, once alight, that fragrance intensifies and to sit or lie down in a darkened room and allow the essential oils to simply work their magic. For me, when it comes to candles it is about the ambience they create and the ability to just change your mood.

With this candle from Beatitude it combines the uplifting blend of mandarin, bergamot and clementine alongside the more soothing and delicate floral notes of geranium and lavender which together help create that calming and relaxing space before the aroma of Eucalyptus comes to life to balance the other fragrances. After a few minutes, the fragrance has spread throughout the house and the scent lingers for a good few hours after the flame has been extinguished.  It has a burn time of 60 hours approximately and it is one I have been using for a few hours a few times a week.  I love that it burns evenly, there is no black smoke and it is just a delight to use.

For me, this candle is comforting, it does create a relaxing atmosphere and it smells just incredible.  

Do you have a favourite candle?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Ancienne Ambiance Bacca Berry Luxury Scented Candle

Not too long ago I wrote a post (here) on the candles I had been burning in the run up to Christmas. There is nothing I love more than being cosy, snug and relaxed and candles burning do just that for me. 

Over the last week there has been another candle that I have fallen in love with and it is the Bacca Berry Luxury Scented Candle from Ancienne Ambiance and honestly, it is just divine. Ancienne Ambiance is a London-based luxury niche brand which was founded back in 2004 and they specialise in creating fine fragrances, home fragrances, body-care, perfumes and natural hand-poured scented candles. Everything you find from Ancienne Ambiance is paraben free, has been created using natural ingredients and has recyclable packaging.

Described as being a sophisticated and vibrant fruity blend of redcurrants, blackcurrants and an array of freshly picked bursting berries. A seasonal staple for early hunter-gatherers for thousands of years, Bacca (Latin used for ‘small round fruit’) were also enjoyed by the Romans, Etruscans and Greeks.   I absolutely love the scent of this candle, it is one that you can smell as you unwrap it and one which doesn't need to even be alight because it scents the entire room within which it sits.  Once alight the fragrance intensifies and because a lot stronger and once it has been burning for a good few hours, the scent intensifies enough to float through the entire house, so if a fruity berry scent with a slight earthy twist is a scent you enjoy, then this candle is one you need.

Each candle is hand poured here in the UK, and it’s a slow burning natural wax with a lead free wick and it comes packaged inside a straight glass jar and because it is a huge 200g sized candle, it has a burn time of around 60-65 hours which is really impressive and it costs just £40.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Feather & Down | Sleep Matters

Feather & Down is a brand I absolutely love. There isn't a product I dislike and everything I have tried has lived up to its claims, so who and what they are? In short, Feather & Down are a brand who encourages relaxation and a state of wellbeing in an effort to help aid sleep. To do this they use a specially blended sleep fragrance containing lavender & chamomile essential oils which are known to promote a better night’s sleep. Anything that offers to relax me to the state of unconsciousness is always going to get the thumbs up from me.

The kind people over at Feather & Down sent me an amazing package of products which I have been using for the last few months and have in that time stocked up on two of the products I have tried, that is how impressed I am.

Melting Shower Cream - Cleanse your skin, clear your mind, and let daytime stress wash away says the blurb for the Shower Cream. When used the Shower Cream melts into a really lovely calming oil and as it is massaged into your skin, it not only leaves it feeling beautifully soft and deeply nourished but the scent of Lavender is just divine.

Did you know that taking a quick shower before bed helps to prepare you for sleep. It is said that the feeling of warm running water on your skin relaxes your body and eases tension after a long day. This Shower Cream retails at £6 for 250ml here.

Soothing Body Oil - A massage of the skin really does help to de-stress and relax and this body oil is incredibly soothing as well as moisturising for the skin. Used just before bed time, the scent of Lavender with Jojoba Oil helps to wind down and relax in preparation for sleep.

To use the oil, you spray it onto the skin and gently massage in, even better if you can get your better half to do the massaging. Priced at £8 for a 125ml bottle which is available from Boots here.

All Purpose Sleep Balm - This balm contains both Lavender and Chamomile essential oils which are blended with nourishing Vitamin E. Designed to be used on your pulse points to help ease your mind and encourage a restful nights sleep.

Placing fragrance onto your pulse points (wrists, temples, and neck) makes it last longer due to the beat of your heart. I find that this is one relaxing balm and it is one that you can used during heightened periods of stress as well as helping to calm and aid sleep. This tub is priced at £7 and is again available in Boots here.

Pillow Spray - I am a huge fan of pillow sprays and do find that they help relax, calm and aide sleep. This spray is an infusion of Lavender and Chamomile essential oils which help reduce an anxious mind and encourage calm to aid a restful night’s sleep.

To use all you need to do is spray a generous amount onto your pillow and around your bedroom to help relax you as you drift into a peaceful night's sleep, I use mine approximately 30 minutes before I am about to attempt sleep, meaning no more reading, no TV watching and no scrolling through social media. Priced at £7 for 100ml here it is definitely worth buying.

Calming Candle - I think it is now common knowledge that I am obsessed with candles and have quite a growing collection. For me, a candle creates a relaxing atmosphere and even the flicker of the wick is instantly calming. With this candle from Feather & Down, as soon as the candle starts to burn essential oils are released and calming fragrance fills the house with an incredible scent.

Priced at £18 here, you only need to burn this candle for a few hours at any time to ensure you get the full benefits of its calming and relaxing scent.

Having really enjoyed using these products from Feather and Down, I have not only bought and used the Bath Essence which again uses the essential oils of both Lavender and Chamomile to create a bath full of calming bubbles, I have also purchased the Bath Essence and Sleep Salts which I am looking forward to trying and again every products from the range is available from Boots.

Have you tried anything from Feather & Down?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here