These Are the 17 Cosiest Winter Candles We Love

“If you prefer sweet scents then this Rituals Wild Fig Private Collection Candle (£40) is for you. It smells like the type of desert you would have warm with custard, alongside the notes of wild fig there’s clove and cocoa which adds a deeper, warmer edge to this fruit-based scent. I think this is the ideal scent to cheer up a gloomy day.” Lauren Ezekiel, associate editor PS UK.

“When I tell you I was obsessed with burning this Drowsy Sleep Candle (£49) before bedtime I am not kidding. The scent is deeply relaxing and contains an array of sleep-inducing essential oils like ylang ylang, cedarwood and wild lavender. It also burns like a dream and has a scent that lingers well after you blow it out.” LE

“Why should all winter candles be wintery? Maybe I’m missing the point, but personally I absolutely loved that the Malin + Goetz Tomato Candle (£54) had a scent that was unmistakably reminiscent of being in the garden in late summer, especially after a light sun shower (not the torrential, ice-cold, sheet rain we get for the coming months). If you have ever even been near a tomato plant, one waft of this candle will be recognisable to you, I’ve never known an candle to be so closely and obviously what it says on the box. The scent is, importantly, very much giving tomato plant not tomato sauce or soup, so it’s floral and earthy and just so complex and lovely, it’s genuinely an experience for your senses to sit in a room with it lit. It’s definitely one for scent-lovers and a larger room though. It’s a strong scent, but it really fills a room, so if you’re someone who likes value for money in your burns, this is the one.” Rhiannon Evans, interim content director at PS UK

“If you prefer a relaxing candle without any heavy notes then this Cowshed Calming Candle (£60) is for you. It contains lavender but is paired with fresh, uplifting eucalyptus. I like to light this as I settle down to read a book on the sofa.” LE

“If you’re more of a vanilla gal than cinnamon then this Neom 3-Wick Hibernate Candle (£55) is right up your street. I have to say I haven’t met a Neom candle I don’t like so I am probably a bit biased, but if you’re looking for a candle with a strong scent that burns all the way down then you need to invest in Neom.” LE

“Did you know clothing brand Nobody’s Child do candles and home fragrance? Well, if you didn’t, you’re missing out on the soft, warming scent of Nobody’s Child’s Rhea candle (£24). The brand has a range of candles, all named after Greek goddesses and I can see why this was built for Rhea, a nurturing goddess. With some fruity notes at the top, the candle is grounded in vanilla, sandalwood and patchouli to give it a lovely warming and cosy feel. The scent is described as “quietly confident” and that sums it up perfectly – it’s lovely and there for sure, but not intrusive. If you like an occasional waft that is subtle enough to burn all day, then this is the one for you. It’s also a good one to gift as it has a scent I’m confident most people would love – Boots have just started selling the candles as part of their Christmas gifting, and you can pick it up in a gift pack with a matching Rhea hand cream, which I thought would make a perfect grown-up stocking-filler or Secret Santa.” RE

“Ok, the team are bored of me because I’ve talked so much about this candle, but honestly Jo Loves’ Roasted Chestnuts candle (£55) is absolutely the best winter candle around. If, like me, you don’t love cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves (which every other brand seems to think is the only Christmas smell in town), this candle is heaven. It’s reminiscent of the smell of roasted chestnuts you get as you wander around Christmas shopping but with a perfumed note too, so it’s not sickly. I can’t describe how cosy it makes you feel, I genuinely think it tricks the senses into making the room feel warmer. I love it so much that when it was out of stock earlier this autumn, I trawled Vinted and bought up a load that people had got in advent calendars last year and were selling. True story.” RE

“Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Candle (£52) is the perfect bath companion to create a spa-like experience at home. Its blend of frankincense, camomile, and petitgrain leaves feelings of being grounded and calm. There’s no better time than the cold winter nights to unwind with a bath using all the products – a candle included.” Tori Crowther, former PS UK Contributor.

“This Diptyque Citrouille Candle (£56) is the perfect autumnal option for those who like pumpkin and spice but not pumpkin spice. There’s a sweet creaminess to it but it’s paired with a deep, rich spice aroma that really takes over. It’s the mature, sophisticated older sister of pumpkin spice. As with most Diptyque candles, the scent is very strong and will fill your entire house after just a short burn.” Chloe Dunn, senior social content producer.

“August & Piers Darling Candle (£64) doesn’t just smell incredible – it’ll be the centrepiece of your coffee table. The details are immaculate from its ceramic vase to its embossed base – everything has been carefully considered. The scent is chic, clean, and uplifting, all without being too heavy or overpowering.” TC

“This Vyrao Witchy Witch Candle (£69) has me under a spell – quite literally. It has notes of deep, earthy Moroccan orris, thorny rose, frankincense, and iris which together are meant to promote creativity and courage. The smell is evocative and addictive and I’m finding myself lighting this candle every single afternoon to give me a boost and soothe my soul if I am starting to flag.” LE

“Boujee Bougies Gilt Candle (£60) is described by the brand as encapsulating ‘whispered confessions, incense smoke, and gold leaf’, and we couldn’t agree more. It’s rich, smells like beautiful ancient buildings, and brings a sense of calm to any room. Trust us, if you’re looking for a unique winter candle, this won’t disappoint in the slightest.” TC

“If you’re looking for a candle under £20 then its definitely worth heading the M&S as it has a really impressive offering. I really like the new M&S Apothecary Revitalise 3 Wick Candle (£17) – it is made with essential oils of petitgrain lemon, mandarin and eucalyptus, which are considered to be uplifting and refreshing whilst simultaneously soothing. And at this price point for a three-wick candle, which will give you approx 40 hours burning time, it would almost be rude not to get one.” LE

“I’m a sucker for sandalwood and paired with the slightly spicy pink pepper Miller Harris Santal (£55) feels like a cashmere hug on a cold day – total bliss. It is perfect company when you want to sit down and take some time out to devour your favourite novel.” LE

“If ever there was a handsome candle, it would be the Jo Malone Whisky & Cedarwood Home Candle (£70). Lighting this reminds us of sitting by a lit fire with cosy blankets, comforting food, and an abundance of festive alcohol. It warms up the room in an instant.” TC

“This isn’t your traditional winter candle but as far as I’m concerned it still deserves a spot in your collection. If you’re not quite ready to let go of your summer candle collection, the L’Occitane Relaxing Candle (£22.50) is zingy, zesty, and fresh, yet still feels like a comforting hug as it feels the room.” LE

“Now I can have my beloved North Bondi scent wafting through the entire house. If you need a break from the sweet, cinnamon scents on winter, light the Ouai North Bondi Candle (£32) and take a deep breath. Its notes of bergamot, lemon, blackberry, amber, patchouli, sandalwood, and white musk leave any room smelling fresh and clean.” TC

Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years’ experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.