Cinnamon and pumpkin spice are top favourite candle scents for colder months

05 October 2023 , 11:16

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Cinammon, pumpkin spice, and sandalwood have topped a list – of the nation's favourite candle scents for autumn and winter, research has found. Other popular fragrances to fill their homes during the colder months include pine, vanilla, orange, and lavender.

And when it comes to the most calming scent, nearly three in ten (28%) named lavender – followed by vanilla, fresh linen, and jasmine.

The poll of 2,000 adults found that 54% have at least four candles in their home waiting to be lit – while 18% have up to ten.

And for half of those polled (51%), scent is the most important factor when picking out a new candle – followed by the cost (16%), with the average spend on a candle being £9.

The research was commissioned by Homesense, which has announced a new scent masterclass to help shoppers find candles suited to their personality – with Rylan Clark at the helm as the store's “scent sommelier”.

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The TV personality discovered his love of fine fragrances when he was involved in the research and development of his first scent in 2018.

Rylan Clark hosts a “scent masterclass” in his local Homesense store in Thurrock, Essex (PinPep)

Rylan, who is hosting the masterclass at Homesense in Thurrock, Essex, said: “A house isn’t a home without a candle flickering away. No matter what the weather or time of year, there is always a candle burning at mine.

“Scents can impact your mood, so it’s important you choose a fragrance that makes you feel good.

“I love the fact I’m taking my passion to the next level, and my first official engagement as scent sommelier will be hosting a “Home Scents Masterclass”, with On the Scent podcaster Suzy Nightingale, at my local store.

“We’ll share our top tips on mood boosting, scent scaping, and scent layering.”

The study, via OnePoll, also revealed that 38% feel that lighting a candle is the most effective way to relieve stress.

And it's no surprise they’re so popular, as 50% said they like to receive them as a gift – although 37% admit to feeling “overwhelmed” by the amount of choice available when it comes to purchasing a flickering pillar.

Respondents also said they are most likely to light one up for special occasions, such as Christmas (31%), as well as to create a cosy atmosphere (28%), and when entertaining guests (21%).

Deborah Dolce, group director for Homesense, says: “We’re undoubtedly a nation of candle-lovers, and our sales soar in the autumn as people create a cosy mood as the colder nights draw in.

“In the UK, the average spend on a candle is £9, and our research revealed half of Brits like to receive one as a gift. We hope Rylan’s tips will help everyone choose the best candle, whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself.”

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RYLAN’S TOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING CANDLES:

Pay attention to the top, central, and base notes. The top notes of a fragrance are the first ones you notice – they don’t last long, but they will make or break the scent’s appeal. Central or middle notes are the heart of the fragrance, while base notes will be the underlying scent that lasts the longest. I recommend fresher scents for top notes (think orange or lemon), followed by full-bodied floral or herbal scents for the central notes. Richer scents work for base notes – I love a musky base.
Consider the wick type. Put simply, the more wicks you have, the more intense the fragrance. Single wicks can be just as impactful, though, as long as you pay attention to the material – high-quality cotton or linen wicks are your best bet.
Use your personal fragrances. People don’t often connect their personal fragrance – perfume or cologne – to their candle choices, but it’s such a great tip. The scents you prefer to wear will likely be the ones you enjoy having in your home, so use your perfume as a starting point when choosing a scented candle.
Enjoy the fragrance. My biggest tip to finding a fragrance that matches your mood or personality is thinking about how the scent makes you feel. Does it make you feel good? Are you uplifted, or relaxed? Your chosen scent should make you feel happy, so make sure you simply enjoy the fragrance.

TOP 10 CANDLE SCENTS TO CREATE A CALMING ATMOSPHERE: