I Tried Kelly Hoppen's 'Luxury Brand-Inspired' Candle for M&S, And It Actually Smells as Good as Candles Three Times the Price
Plus, it's 'minimalist-chic' coded with its clean white exterior, finished with an embossed gold crest
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.
Top: Lemon, Bergamot
Middle: Clove, Lavender, Violet
Base: Cedarwood, Patchouli, Myrrh
This collaboration candle between Kelly Hoppen and M&S is a layered fragrance experience that starts off smelling like an expensive bar of hotel soap, then evolves into an earthy yet clean scent that feels perfect in an entryway.
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.
Burn Time: 45 Hours
If you love the No. 1 fragrance, but you're all about the visual decluttering trend, this double-wick candle is the version for you.
Notes: Cassis, Fig, Rose, Vanilla
In my opinion, the No. 2 scent is ideal as an evening candle for a romantic setting with layered florals and fruits, sweetened by vanilla.
Notes: Baies Rose, Bergamot, Blackcurrant, Juniper, Patchouli
If you're still feeling loved up post Valentine's, this candle will invite a romantic ambiance into your home.
More Lidded Scented Candles to Shop
Burn Time: 70 Hours
I adore this Wild Berry & Bramble Townhouse Candle for its refreshing berry-led fragrance that feels like spring.
Fragrance: Tui & Kahili
I recently added this fragrance from Ashley & Co to my living room, and it makes my home smell like a sunlit resort.
Notes: Patchouli, Vanilla, Tonka Bean
Pair your love for sexy animal print with the sensual cocktail of notes in this fabulous candle from Dolce & Gabbana.
Burn Time: 5 Hours
Damson Madder's moka pot-style candle will make it seem like you just brewed a fresh coffee with lashings of caramel.
Fragrance: Fig
Don't be fooled by the rustic demeanour of ferm Living candles; the fragrances within are luxuriously layered. Take this terracotta-style fig candle, for example.
Burn Time: 35 Hours
Savory fragrances are the trend of the moment, and this Rosemary Focaccia & Olive Oil Candle is beautifully herbaceous.
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.
