The day job as a beauty editor means a lot of swag comes my way. I can't use it all, so family and friends do very well out of me - lotions, potions and shades that aren't right for my skin get farmed out to my army of willing testers.
But the one thing I'll hardly ever give away is a candle. I friggin' love candles. Keeping them in a special cupboard, I take them out as needed and happily sacrifice to a flame. Right now ESPA's Christmas-tastic Warming Aromatic Candle is the one of choice, and I've been hoarding some incredible Apothia and Origins ginger ones too for ages. And sure of course, if goes without saying, a Jo Malone offering is a prized one indeed. In general, it's the posher the better for this scented candle-lovin' lady.
And I'm not alone - who among us doesn't like a super-duper-swanky candle? Yup, thought so. They're not something you buy yourself, though, are they? Nope, but these money-no-object burners are perfect present fodder. Here are the six I'd adore to get this festive season.
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- BEST FOR A BEAUTY SNOB
Hip urban apothecary brand Malin+Goetz make lovely unisex products and this neroli candle, €47, looks great - and smells even better. Plus, it's a perfect pressie for a gent who likes a scented home. At House of Fraser, Dundrum - BEST FOR A FASHIONISTA
If she's been rocking all things goth and lacy this season, then this is oh-so-her. Lolita Lempicka's Midnight Rendez-vous candle, is €55, at Brown Thomas - BEST FOR MUM
Saturated with Clinique's Aromatic Elixir, this candle comes with that lovely embossed, golden lid. €38 at department stores - BEST FOR A LUXURY LOVER
This Black Tuberose Candle, €49, is from super-posh French botanicals brand Sisley. and it's a good 'un. Black wax, strongly scented with night-blooming tuberose, jasmine absolute and bourbon vanilla, is encased in a chic black onyx holder. Buy from Brown Thomas Dublin and Cork. - BEST FOR AN ECO-WARRIER
Sustainably-sourced wax, deliciously fragranced with organic essential oils - what could be nicer? It's Irish brand Nadur Organics' Awaken candle, €31.99. Get it from www.nadurorganics.ie, or from selected stockists - check the site for info - BEST FOR A HISTORY FAN
Marie Antoinette lit Cire Trudon candles (presumably while she was eating cake) and they really haven't changed much in the intervening years. Weighty, hand-blown pillars, divine fragrances and an impeccable pedigree mean these babies are well worth their £45stg price tag. Buy in Ireland exclusively at Place of Dress, Newry.
