Scented candles AIBU

[QueenArnica]

Afternoon all, AIBU to think that reasonably priced scented candles that actually smell don’t exist?

I’ve had expensive ones as gifts (Jo Malone, Jo Loves, Neom etc) but can’t afford them on an ongoing basis.

I like them on in the evenings to make me feel cosy and relaxed but is there a brand that actually has a scent that you can smell once it’s burning that would require me to sell a kidney?

Another vote for DW Home. Look for them at TK Max and Homesense. I love them; beautiful range of scents and they are strong and last a good while. I like bakery or fruit scents the most.

Totally disagree on Aldi, not a patch on Jo Malone/White Company. Some M and S can be ok...

Try cosy aromas, the scent is fab, customer service brilliant, you will never look back!!

Love the luxury brands, current favourites though are Anthropologie there Capri blue range are lush 🙌🏼

I buy loads of soy candles from a local small business and some of them smell stronger than others. They do a ginger biscuit one that is DIVINE and makes the whole house smell like I've been baking.

We went to a friends house a while ago (pre-lockdown) and they had a Yankee candle in their porch; it struck me as smelling really synthetic, not sure if that was just the particular one, or that I've grown used to the more subtle soy ones.

I love America's Bath and Body Works candles. Always bring a few home with me or pay for air stewardesses to bring them back (also their hand wash and sprays etc) and burn them under a candle lamp so they never run out! Addicted 🥴

@Murmurur

My Etsy seller is Apothecary Moonchild. I see her candles are a lot more expensive than aldi etc but the wax melts last really well.

Could you link to that please as I’ve searched and can’t find them? Would greatly appreciate it

Home bargains.

Next and M&S? Depends on the scent. Sainsbury's used to do an amazing one but discontinued it ☹

I use the ashleigh & burwood fragrance lamps now and the cheap led flickering candles from b&m for ambiance. Honestly so much more worth it as they only need to be “burning” for 30 mins abs the whole house smells amazing.

I love a good candle. Jo Malone are rubbish I. Recent years & I don't even think neom are as good as they used to be-their Reed diffusers are better than the candles, though I did buy 6 on the qvc offer before Christmas as it was so good.

I agree essential oils are better & work better IMO in a tea light burner than a diffuser, although diffusers are ok too.

@ZaraW where do you buy your oil blends please?

I have these. Amazon do them. They're delicious.

www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350221158.aspx?dim1=1&dim2=1&mkwid=s_dm|pcrid|481478514415|pkw||pmt||slid||pgrid|108841045170|ptaid|pla-1030289487083|productid|35022115800010001865520&cod=Google-Shopping-PPC-Shopping+DFO+Generic-DFO+Generic&gclid=Cj0KCQiAjKqABhDLARIsABbJrGn0vwPWVGCgbrbuC5D7OUl_aiz4y4qrBFUX5CaYKF3NxokeicZzE7UaAgu-EALw_wcB

Thank you everyone, really appreciate your responses and recommendations

You are right OP in that there is no consistency even within brands. I’ve had cheap and expensive and there is just no way of knowing how the scent will throw. Just bought two recommended independents online and they are both a bit ‘meh’ I’m afraid. The most reliable for me are White company and bath and body works (as mentioned from America) neither of which are cheap and cheerful. I have found my candle warmer makes feeble scents smell stronger. Nice light too. www.candlessniffsandgifts.co.uk/collections/candle-warming-lanterns-3/products/copy-of-pre-order-antique-gold-electric-candle-warmer-lantern-lamp-35w (Looks like they are having supply issues at the mo)

Otherwise, I can’t wait for TK Maxx to reopen- my stash is really low!

[quote buckeejit]@ZaraW where do you buy your oil blends please?[/quote]
I am currently using Panpuri just noticed it's not organicbut they say it's clean ingredients.

www.panpuri.com/en-eu/shop/essential-oil/essential-oil/indochine-essential-oil/collection

You can get it from Amazon.

I love Homesense range. Parks are lovely and Stoneglow xmas scents. Find JM over rated too pricey.

Momo candles. I've yet to try the candles but the wax melts are brilliant. Sand and Fog as PP have mentioned are also good value and the jars are nice to reuse once the candle is finished.

Limelight Bath candles are absolutely fantastic. All the ones I've tried have a really strong perfume and the scents are incredible. They are a bit more expensive than supermarket/B&M type ones, but certainly not as much as the Jo Malone/Diptyque type brands and honestly I think they are the best scented candles I've ever tried!

Shearer candles (linked above by StCharlotte) are great.

Wax melts -
Cheap candles have loads of paraffin and I'm not a health freak. Most was melts are soy and better for you.

Try Glass and Wick or
flora and wick
You won't look back and will be obsessed !
Different scents for different moods or different times of the day

@neotraditional does this work? www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ApothecaryMoonchild

I think I saw them recommended on here.

I always buy White Company in their January sale.

I'm happy enough with a Sainsbury's candle.

I love a Neom and buy one for myself each birthday. They are too expensive to use routinely, for me.

I love the ones from a small business in Wiltshire
instagram.com/secretgardenukcom?igshid=1dcfuuosbdekr