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The most romantic candles of all time - Master Perfumer-approved aphrodisiacs and seductive scents

There's more than love in the air this February...

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Four of our favourite valentine's day candles: Jo Malone Pomegranite Noir, M&S Kelly Hoppen, Baccarat Rouge, Roses by Diptyque on a pink background with love hearts
(Image credit: Future)
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With February well underway, it’s safe to say that love is in the air. And there’s no better way to set the mood than with a romantic candle (I take mine with a generous side of chocolate and roses, for anyone asking).

When I talk about setting a romantic mood at home, I don’t just mean finding a one-night-only Valentine’s Day candle. I’m thinking about the scents that elevate all your indulgent moments: hot bubble baths after long days, evenings snuggled up under a blanket, and candlelit dinners that feel almost cinematic. Romance, after all, isn’t reserved for special occasions. And neither are the best candles.

As a qualified Master Perfumer and certified lover girl, I’ve spent more time than I care to admit studying the science behind sensual scents and honing the art of scent-scaping like an expert. And there's more to them than you might think. And trust me, there’s more to a romantic candle than meets the eye. While many instinctively reach for classic rose, jasmine is a powerful natural aphrodisiac — and those soft, earthy musks? They’re the secret behind that irresistible, skin-like warmth found in some of the best date night perfumes.

So, whether you’re after a candle with sensual spice, creamy vanilla, or intimate skin-like musks, these are the six most romantic candles of all time.

The best Valentine's Day candles - for real aromatic romance

Choosing a romantic candle isn’t just about following your nose, it’s about finding a scent that sparks something personal. After all, one person’s swoon-worthy floral is another’s headache. As fragrance expert Hetan Soni from Perfume Essence explains, “some fragrance families are naturally linked with romance because of the way they tap into emotion and memory. Florals like rose and jasmine have long been associated with love and sensuality; they’re soft and expressive and often remind people of special moments or seasonal blooms.” Hetan adds, “notes like vanilla and musk bring warmth and depth, creating a feeling of comfort and closeness, while gentle spices such as cinnamon or cardamom add richness and intrigue without becoming overpowering.”

Consider this your permission to be picky: chemistry matters, even with candles. Luckily, I’ve done the matchmaking for you. Whether you’re planning a cosy night in, setting the scene for date night, or simply romancing yourself (highly recommended), my recommendations below cover all the bases. There’s a perfect match for every mood.

How to gift a candle for Valentine's Day

I’ve developed a bit of a reputation for gifting excellent candles: an occupational hazard from my years working at a luxury fragrance house, where packaging was treated with almost as much reverence as the scent itself. Because let’s be honest: half the romance is in the reveal.

If you’re hoping to recreate that Love Actually moment (you know the one, with the ribbon, the careful layering, and the quiet smugness of knowing how to beautifully wrap a gift) you don’t need a professional stylist on standby. Thoughtful candle gifting is surprisingly simple: start with a beautiful box or bag, add quality tissue paper, and finish with a ribbon that looks intentionally selected rather than panic-bought.

And if you want to take things from “lovely gift” to “where did you find this person?”, a few well-chosen accessories can make all the difference.

Which scents are the most romantic?

When it comes to romantic candles, it’s easy to default to classic rose. And while it is undeniably the poster child for love, true romance is rarely a one-note affair. The most memorable scents have nuance: a little warmth, a little intrigue, and enough personality to feel unmistakably yours.

As fragrance expert Hetan Soni from Perfume Essence explains, “it’s important to remember how personal scent can be. A fragrance that feels romantic to one person might not have the same effect on someone else, so it’s often best to choose something that reflects shared memories, perhaps a scent that reminds you of a holiday, a season or a meaningful moment.” Hetan also notes that wax matters more than many people realise: “Soy and coconut wax candles tend to burn cleaner and more evenly than traditional paraffin, which means fewer distractions and a longer-lasting glow.” (Romance should linger, your candle should too.)

If you’re anything like me and enjoy being just a little obsessive about fragrance, you’ll notice certain notes appear time and time again in beautifully romantic blends. Gini Lin, founder of Airy Fragrances, highlights the ones worth knowing:

Jasmine: Widely considered a natural aphrodisiac, this exotic floral creates an atmosphere that feels both sensual and inviting.

Rose: Elegant, timeless, and quietly dramatic, the scent equivalent of fresh flowers arriving “just because.”

Sandalwood: Warm and woody, sandalwood acts as the backbone of a fragrance, adding a grounding depth that makes a space feel safe and intimate.

Vanilla: Often underestimated, vanilla brings softness and comfort, creating the kind of relaxed bliss where connection comes easily.

Musk: Think of musk as the finishing touch, a subtle, skin-like warmth that lingers gently in a room long after the candle is blown out.

How to use a candle to create a romantic setting

It doesn't just have to be about the gifting, it can also be about burning a candle romantically. “To get the best effect, it’s worth lighting your candle around half an hour before you want to set the mood," says Hetan Soni is a fragrance expert at Perfume Essence, "this gives the fragrance time to settle into the space and creates a softer, more flattering light."

As a committed celebrator of flameless candles, I also recommend using multiple candles around the room. Hetan explains that "a few candles at different heights, on shelves, side tables or placed safely around the room, helps build a cosy, wrapped-in feeling. Just be mindful of placement and safety, keeping candles away from anything flammable and never leaving them unattended.”

Candles have earned their place as a Valentine’s Day classic and for good reason. Few gifts feel as effortlessly thoughtful, or as capable of transforming an ordinary evening into something worth remembering. Jo Malone, in particular, has long mastered the art of the candle: beautifully wrapped, impeccably curated, and always special enough to feel like a gesture rather than an afterthought. I’ve turned to them for more celebrations than I can count.

And the real romance doesn’t end on 14th February. A truly great candle keeps working long after the roses have faded, scenting your home with the kind of atmosphere that makes everyday moments feel just a little more indulgent.

Laura Honey
Laura Honey
Homes Ecommerce Editor

Laura is woman&home's eCommerce editor, in charge of testing, reviewing and creating buying guides for the Homes section, so you'll usually see her testing everything from the best dehumidifiers to sizing up the latest Le Cruset pot. Previously, she was eCommerce editor at Homes & Gardens magazine, where she specialised in covering coffee and product content, looking for pieces tailored for timelessness. The secret to her heart is both simplicity and quality. She is also a qualified Master Perfumer and holds an English degree from Oxford University. Her first editorial job was as Fashion writer for The White Company.

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