4 candle scents for every mood

We love to light a scented candle in our homes. Not only does the soft glow of candlelight add warmth to any space, with so many fragrances to choose from, it’s an easy way to set a mood.

Donagh Quigley, founder of The Handmade Soap Company has plenty of experience in combining scents, and points out that smells can be very powerful.

“When I am creating a new fragrance, I start with a memory or experience I am trying to recreate. There is a growing body of work about the correlation of scent and memory but just as importantly, scent, memory and emotion, so scent can strongly affect how we feel. But it’s not only about remembered emotions, scents that are new to us can strongly stimulate or relax or focus or unwind the mind.”

The Irish company has a gorgeous range of candles, which Donagh and his team have carefully blended to suit a whole range of moods.

Lush and floral

The Anam candle combines the light, fresh scent of coriander seed, a rich, earthy base of vetiver and notes of geranium, eucalyptus and lavender. Donagh says he was inspired by a very specific memory when creating it.

“I was thinking of the Tullynally Gardens in Westmeath in full bloom, the magnificent colour of the light green spilling into orange, the rose garden tipping into the sunset.”

Made from a blend of soy, rapeseed and beeswax combined with pure essential oils and no synthetic fragrances, it has a scent that’s utterly captivating, without being overpowering.

Romantic and decadent

Inspired by an old Art Deco style bakery in Donagh’s home town of Kells, the company’s Bergamot & Eucalyptus candle is a nod to the luxurious style and undeniable excitement of the roaring 20s. Fruity and spicy, it’s perfect for setting the mood when you have a few people over.

Calm and earthy

The Lemongrass & Cedarwood fragrance is a favourite of many, and can even be found in some of the county’s top hotels such as Ashford Castle and Adare Manor. Citrusy top notes blend beautifully with floral middle notes and grounded with earthy patchouli, it’s a great all-rounder, no matter what kind of day you’re having.

Uplifting and stimulating

Reminiscent of a herb garden, the Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme & Mint candle is a complex blend that turns these familiar notes into something that feels simultaneously rejuvenating and calming.