I Tried Kelly Hoppen's 'Luxury Brand-Inspired' Candle for M&S, And It Actually Smells as Good as Candles Three Times the Price

I Tried Kelly Hoppen's 'Luxury Brand-Inspired' Candle for M&S, And It Actually Smells as Good as Candles Three Times the PricePlus, it's 'minimalist-chic' coded with its clean white exterior, finished with an embossed gold crest

A scented candle in a white ceramic vessel with a matching lid and a gold crest in the middle on a neon yellow-green checkerboard background
Spoiler Alert: The hype is real, and so very warranted.
(Image credit: M&S x Kelly Hoppen)

Kelly Hoppen knows her interiors. But she also crafts a mean home fragrance. After sniffing this No. 1 Fragrance Decorative Scented Candle from her recent collection with M&S, I can say so with conviction.

The best candles look good, smell gorgeous, and last a long time. This launch checks all those boxes and one more — it's priced almost ridiculously well in a sea of just as expensive-smelling scented candles. Especially, since in its design, it's giving a slight nod to super luxury candle brands like Trudon, where you're looking at nearly £100 for a standard-sized candle.

But for now, let's dive into the layers of fragrance that lurk beneath the lid, and why this candle is a brilliant treat for your current menagerie of home fragrance.

When I first lifted the lid off the No.1 Fragrance Lidded Candle, I was met with a cold throw that reminded me of the chic bar soaps that often sit in marble trays inside pretty hotel bathrooms.

However, when lit, the scent evolves into a surprising blend of earthiness that maintains a clean air. The base notes of patchouli, cedarwood, and myrrh linger long after extinguishing. And it's this scent that will make your home smell inviting and spa-like.

As for the design, I'm especially impressed by the weighty white ceramic vessel that feels high-quality. The clean white surface is only interrupted by a simple gold crest in the middle. And it feels authentically Kelly Hoppen — minimalist with a luxurious edge.

Plus, it comes with a candle lid. This finishing touch lends the launch some extra brownie points for allowing you to extend the fragrance and enjoy your purchase for as long as you can.

If it's sold out by the time you're reading this, here are some other home fragrances from the collaboration.

More Lidded Scented Candles to Shop


If you're keen to keep up with all of the latest, best-smelling home fragrance launches, I recommend signing up for the Livingetc newsletter. It'll also bring advice on what not to do, like the worst candle burning mistakes, straight to your inbox.

Amiya Baratan
Home Wellness Writer

Amiya is a Home Wellness Writer at Livingetc. She recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and has lent her words to beauty, fashion, and health sections of lifestyle publications including Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Health. Her experience as a research analyst has equipped her with an eye for emerging trends. When she’s off the clock, she can be found reading, listening to music, or overanalyzing her latest Co-Star update.