Candles (The pre-Valentines frugal edition)



£38, Diptyque

 I have a soft spot for Diptyque candles. Not only do they smell amazing, they match my decor and look stylish next to my fireplace. However, I usually have to use a birthday present life-line to acquire one. My favourite is Baies.

When they have finished, I put tea lights in the votives to maintain the monochrome glow and keep the last remnants of the fragrance in my flat.

But we can't all afford Diptyque all of the time. Here's my tips on the best candles out there that not only smell great but look cool without looking cheap (it's harder than it seems!).



Nadia Narain

£28, Red Direct

I have loved these neon candles from Nadia Narain for ages, and so glad they are now stocked on Red Direct. They come with cool neon heart stickers too, which I used on my fridge.

The White Company

£26, The White Company

The more classic styles are only £20 but I think this new style, along with the new fragrance, looks so much more expensive.

Neom

£37.50, Neom Organics

Okay, so it's almost the same price as Diptyque...but it smells just as good and look how much bigger it is! They also do 'travel' candles for £13 - which make great gifts.

Marks and Spencer

£5, Marks and Spencer

I use these candles in my bathroom, I can't believe how great value they are, and you'd never think they were from M&S.

Miller Harris

35g mini candle, £10, Feel Unique

I don't think many people know that you can get your hands on some Miller Harris for £10. I take these as dinner-party gifts instead of wine or flowers - they're much more appreciated by the host!

Anthropologie

£14, Anthropologie

I could spend hours (and often do) sniffing every candle in this store. These Illume candles smell good enough to eat.

Muji 

£10.95, Muji

This is rather a latecomer......as have just been informed of a new entry into the cheap candle hall of fame. Apparently the 'fig' candle from Muji smells great and as a Muji fanatic, its clean, classic design gets my vote every time.