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When it comes to winter scents, a fragrance that’s part cosy nostalgia, part Norwegian wood wins out when it comes to candles. And there’s plenty of new inspiration. Fresh woody scents are evergreen; Le Labo has distilled the pine tree into its Pin 12 candle (£65), while Skandinavisk has captured a Nordic forest – pine needles, fir cones and birch sap meet lily of the valley – in the signature Skog (Swedish for “forest”) candle (from $25). Japanese brand Kitowa, meanwhile, uses essential oils from the native Hinoki cypress (£120).
Skandinavisk Skog, $45
Le Labo Pin 12, £65
Woodsmoke evokes evenings by the hearth. Diptyque’s Feu de Bois (from £35) is available in five sizes, while Brooklyn-based Joya Studio’s Open Fire candle (£72) adds notes of roasting chestnuts, white chocolate and honey. It belongs to a duo of winter releases with Frozen Fig, a snappy green scent.
Heritage brand Rathbornes was inspired by the wildness of the Irish coast for its Dublin Dusk candle (£45), which smells like smoked oud and sea breeze. Also embracing mineral notes is Astier de Villatte’s Edinburgh candle (£94) – adding single malt, cedar wood and moss to the mix. Boy Smells’ Broken Rosary ($48) tempers the Gothic mood with a touch of rosewater.
Astier de Villatte Edinburgh, £94
Rathbornes Dublin Dusk, £45
For warmth, Santa Maria Novella’s new Firenze 1221 collection draws on rich woody scents: Tabacco Toscano (£75), with its beautiful terracotta-toned wax, combines sandalwood and bergamot.
Santa Maria Novella Tabacco Toscano, £75
Carrière Frères Siberian Pine & Candied Ginger, £60
Lastly, Carrière Frères’ Siberian Pine & Candied Ginger (£60) is fresh and spicy, for those who want everything, all at once.
