The New York Candle from Next.

After a busy few days at work, I'm all ready to hide away at home and pamper myself tonight. I'm all stocked up on hair products; bubble baths; scrubs; body butters; masks, varnishes; feel good DVDs and books.

Yes, indeed. I'm going to be shattered in the morning.

In fact, the only thing my stocks lacked was a scented candle, an essential for utter indulgence.

Needless to say, I, er, soon corrected that!

Over the last year, scented candles have become a feature in my everyday. Obviously, I love scent, we all know that perfume is my thing so reserving a place in my heart for scented candles logically follows. Now while I find that perfume, more often then not, either manipulates or reflects my mood, scented candles seem to be more of a mark of time. As soon as I step through my front door, I can smell the lingering aroma of the candle I burnt the evening before and I know, I'm home and can unwind. Bliss x

I've tried a few different candles over the last year. Over the summer, I had a little bit of a fling with a simple Vanilla candle from Morrisons, the supermarket. I was surprised, considering the relatively low price, just how well it's sweet scent filled the air. However, generally Yankee seems to be where I'm at candle-wise. I've tried a number of them now and have a few favourites, Sparkling Sugar (very sweet, hints of baby lotion); Vanilla Satin (soft and vanillary!); Evening Air (powdery, musky and masculine), Pumpkin Spice (I know this is a cliche but yep, Halloween!). I'm sure, it must be testament to Yankee that I like so many of their candles so much yet my favourites actually cross different scent 'families'. It seems to be that no matter what the scent is, Yankee can burn it well.

However, today I didn't really have any access to Yankee gems (sob!) so I popped in to my local Next as I'd recently given the Black Cedar candle a quick sniff and remember been quite impressed.

Today I still liked the Black Cedar candle (only £3ish. Here is a link to the reed diffusor £5!) but I liked the offerings from the Luxury Fragrance line even more.

This line seems to offer candles, perfume, reed diffusers and a bath creme. In my local store, there were four different fragrances available, Milan; Paris; London and New York (Yes, I love the idea that the candles were named after such fashion capitals). I liked all of them. However, for me, Milan just smelt a little too simple. It seemed very static with none of the fluttering notes that I refer to when I babble about perfumes. Yes, I'll say it again I like my scents to almost have a rhythm, some added dimension.

I found it very hard to choose between the other three scents available. However, after a lot of sniffing, I opted for what I believe was the muskiest of the three, New York which has a top note of Bergamot.

Yes, it does seem to be that unknowingly every scent I favour features Bergamot.

New York also has a top note of orange blossom; a heart of Tuberose and Gardenia against a base of amber and patchouli.

Next describe it as 'A radiant, white floral fragrance with elegant jasmine and sun-kissed orange blossom. Inspiring and cosmopolitan. This blend captivates and engages the senses.'

I agree.

New York is burning beside me now and the aroma can not be missed. It is not particularly flowery or feminine. It seems to have a beautifully warm scent, clean and powdery, that seems in sync with the dark nights that are drawing in earlier and earlier now.

While simple basic scents such as Vanilla can be nice, the scent of New York is more complex and compelling. I would say it is more sophisticated then Milan, Paris and London. From what I smelt in store, Milan and Paris seemed to be a bit more feeble. Milan was sweet but Paris had the edge not quite as sweet but more endearing. I'd say London was quite similar to New York but the scent not quite as intense and for me, when it comes to scent, it's usually about the full works.

Obviously I only got this candle today but I thought I'd share it with you as until now, I wasn't aware of this affordable line (my candle was just £9) and so far, I'm very impressed. The ultimate test, will be answered tomorrow:

Does New York linger and if so, does it linger in an ever-so charming way?

If so then I think, New York could be the perfect scent to make my home that little more inviting and enticing as we move in to the colder months.

While we're talking seasons, let me tell you just how inspired I am by this little colour feature in the most recent Boots, 'Health and Beauty magazine'. I love these tones of green and am hoping that they work on me as I've now decided that I want green to be my new black this autumn/winter!!!

What colours are you embracing at the moment? Have you tried the Next candles? What is your favourite scented candle?

And finally, a question for me. . . Downton Abbey Series 1+2 Boxset (I'm determined to watch these then get in to this current season, everyone else seems obsessed) or The Notebook (the sweetest film ever)?!!!

Oh and if you haven't already, check out this post by The Sunday Girl, Why I Blog. Such a fab post!

Hope your week has started well.

X