hoolah | 5 Scented Calming Candles To Have At Home For The Trying Times

Far removed and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the homes we live in are often regarded as sacred sanctuaries that allow us to be ourselves, let loose and really rejuvenate. While “work-life balance” has been a recurrent theme pursued by many, working from home in the time of the coronavirus pandemic seems to have threatened the grand notion of it all.

In trying and stressful times, which also see increasing anxiety levels, many have turned to interesting ways to stay calm, relaxed and collected at home — think binge listening and watching to ASMR videos on YouTube or watching comedies on Netflix. But little did we know an expanding bubble of people are turning to the world of aromatherapy to stay grounded in challenging times.

From candles that boast citrusy scents to candles that transport us to hectares of rose fields, the following selection of feel-good scents (which really remind you of being in a luxurious spa) are what we have fallen hard for.

1. HUSH Candles Rose Essential Oil Candle (S$18)

4 oz, Burn time: 25 hours

Candles that are affordable and of quality are far and few between in the market today. At HUSH Candles, however, soy wax candles that have been infused with therapeutic grade essential oils are worth every bang for your buck. Essential oils made of Bulgarian (also known as the crème de la crème of roses) are used in their rose candles, and what you get is a scent that is reminiscent of honey, cinnamon, and something that is almost berry-like too. This is what you want to boost your self-esteem or mood on a rainy night.

Purchase here.

2. The Verdant Lab Spiced Orange Soy Wax Candle (S$18)

Zesty and reminiscent of autumn’s charm, The Verdant Lab’s Spiced Orange Soy Wax Candles boasts warm citrusy and cinnamon notes as well as an addictive combination of cedar and patchouli accents. Earthy and spicy, this might be the ideal candle for a romantic night ahead.

Purchase here.

3. Areli Designs Geranium and Patchouli Scented Candles (S$39)

250g, Approximate Burning Time: 40-45 hours

This is a special one. With all the confusion and stress piling up from working from home, I imagine immersing in the deep, musky-earthy patchouli scent to be a great way to relieve all of the fatigue. More interestingly though, the citrusy and fruity notes from geranium easily complements that of patchouli and the two are enough to get you feeling revitalized at the end of a long day.

Purchase here.

4. Nine Wicker Ave Sanctuary Candle ($42.90)

240g, Approximate Burning Time: 40-50 hours

Candles from Singaporean-label Nine Wicker Avenue are both a visual and olfactory delight. Meticulously hand-poured and individually packed, the label has taken new-age living (and healing) to a whole new level with calming candles that have been purposely imbued with botanicals and small, gorgeous gemstones. Its Sanctuary candle emits a robust sage scent with an underlying sweet and sea salt accents (salt is a mineral that is known to add depth to fragrance). Of course, the label has chosen amethyst and obsidian crystals to emit auras that help protect and bolster courage.

Purchase here.

5. Candescent Box’s Elf Magic ($45)

250g, Approximate Burning Time: 40-45 hours

Oud, amber and musk are the three main components that make up everything unique (or elvish) in this special candle. In the world of perfumery, oud is one of the most complex and diverse scents that ever existed. Pungent, yet ironically pleasant, oud is woody, warm and almost smoky. Combined with amber and musk which are both earthy and woody in their own way, you’d get an intoxicating scent that could well remind you of what the elvish forests in “Lord of The Ring” would smell like in and around the room when lighted. In other words, this is what you need to feel like you are out in the woods while safely quarantined at home.

Purchase here.