You don't really need an excuse to light a candle in your home and, once you've developed an addiction, there's really no going back. It seems there are few people who don't appreciate a beautifully boxed candle as a gift.
The team at Home Beautiful is no different. "It doesn’t matter if we have people coming over I will light a candle most nights," says HB picture editor Helen. "If you pick the right candle, not only can they create a lovely ambience in your home but also help with your moods."
With this in mind, we've done the research and the HB team has compiled a list of must-have candles for your wishlist - be it for your Christmas stocking, someone else's or for no reason at all.
1. Kyoto in Bloom, $49.95, Glasshouse Fragrances.
If you're looking for a Glasshouse Candle that almost everyone is guaranteed to love, Kyoto is the candle you're looking for. With a cosy multi-dimensional scent, Kyoto draws on light floral notes intertwined with sandalwood and hints of citrus to create a light and dreamy fragrance in whatever room you choose.
2. Lumira Cuban Tobacco candle, $118.84, Net-a-Porter.
The perfect dusky, moody unisex scent with flavours of tangerine, cardamom and clove. Ideal for your friend with the bachelor pad, or the family member who has a dark and moody palette at home, this candle is sure to tantalise the senses.
3. Diptyque Tubéreuse candle, $78, Net-a-Porter.
Quintessentially Diptyque, this feminine fragrance has the rich scent of the delicate tuberose flower. Floral and decadent, this candle will remind you of walking through the garden on a beautiful spring day.
4. Byredo Cotton Poplin fragranced candle, $110, Mecca Cosmetics.
For those who are passionate about fragrances, there's no denying Byredo's status as one of the darlings of the perfume world. As such, its no surprise that their expansion into home fragrances was an immediate hit. The Cotton Poplin candle smells as delightfully as you'd expect – like clean and fresh linen.
5. Glasshouse Fragrances Montego Bay Rhythm, $49.95, Adore Beauty.
There's nothing better than relaxing by the water while sipping a daiquiri and allowing the rich taste of citrus and warm hint of coconut flood your palate. Glasshouse Fragrance's Montego Bay Rhythm evokes those same taste notes, so you'll feel like you're holidaying all year-round.
6.SOH Melbourne Mr. Moss, $70, SOH Melbourne.
For those who prefer their candles on the earthier side, you'll want to look no further than Mr Moss's SOH Melbourne candle. With fragrance notes of moss, wood, vetiver and smoke, you'll immediately feel like you're lost in the woods, soaking up the scent of nature.
7. Mor Emporium Classics Lychee Flower fragrant candle, $49.95, Myer.
Mor Emporium's Lychee Flower scent is distinctive for its fruity but not-too-sweet fragrance that's sure to delight. This candle is comprised of lavish hand-poured black soy wax, giving the candle an opulent and distinctive look on the mantle.
8. Glasshouse Fragrances Lost in Amalfi, $49.95, Adore Beauty.
For those who love a fresh scent, you'll want to look no further than Glasshouse's Lost in Amalfi candle. With notes from freesia, lime and moss, Lost in Amalfi is a gorgeous, fresh fragrance reminiscent of holidays on the Italian riviera.
9. Scentered Escape Aromatherapy Scented Candle, $102, Matt Blatt.
A calming blend of Oud, as used in Eastern spiritual practices to enhance clarity of mind, Sandalwood for strengthening, beneficial for yoga and meditation practice, and Frankincense a grounding, balancing, useful for visualization.
10. French Pear Madison Jar Candle, $42.95, Ecoya.
There's nothing better than the scent of fruit, and Ecoya's iconic French Pear Madison Jar Candle strikes the balance of sweet and fresh perfectly. The pear scent is paired with a subtle vanilla and hint of clove to create a rich fragrance that's sure to delight anyone.
11. Madurai 'Cire Trudon' candle, $135, Myer.
Would any candle 'best-of' list be complete without the inclusion of a jasmine scented candle? Cire Trudon is well-known for their decadent scents and luxurious packaging. Their Madurai candle throws a beautiful floral fragrance with jasmine at its heart.
12. A Tahaa Affair, $49.95, Glasshouse Fragrances.
One of Glasshouse Fragrances' most iconic scents, A Tahaa Affair is a classic scent for those who love things on the sweeter side of life. A decadent blend of caramel, coconut and a sweet hint of pineapple, this candle is perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
13. Skandinavisk Scented Candle 190g - Hygge, $38.95, catch.com.au.
Hygge in Danish means cosiness. Allow your guests to feel cosy and welcomed into your home with this stunning combination of black tea and mint leaves, dried apples and a dusting of baked cinnamon.
14. D.S. & DURGA Big Sur After Rain scented candle, $65, Net-a-Porter.
Inspired by a road trip through California's bohemian vistas, D.S. & Durga's 'Big Sur After Rain' candle captures the unique scent of fresh Eucalyptus growing in warm mist.
15. FORNASETTI Ortensia Flora-scented candle, $210, Matches Fashion.
Add some luxe and colour to your house with this floral scented candle from Fornasetti.
16. HAY Large Pillar candle 30cm, $72.00, Selfridges.
Brighten up your home with this on trend candles. With a mild smell, these candles are more of a decoration than a candle.
