With our attention turned to our home over the past year, many of us took to making our spaces as comforting as possible.

From big renovations to smaller changes, we updated the look and vibes of the four walls around us.

One easy and simple way that we did this was through candles. From scented to unscented, we used candles as a way to escape from the realities of pandemic life.

According to research group Kantar, sales of scented candles, potpourri and essential oils for diffusers jumped 29% in October alone.

We also saw candles become a prime Instagram and TikTok aesthetic. Candles in the shape of the female form and twisted ones became ornaments instead of producers of dimmed light.

This increase in purchasing and trend development meant a new selection of independent candle sellers made themselves known. While instead of gravitating to the more well-known candle brands, there was a push to shopping local and buying from smaller companies.

Many of these candles are hand-poured meaning the quality is exceptional and unique. Because for the creators, it’s a craft.

These candles are also made from beeswax, rapeseed wax or soy wax and in turn, are better for the environment. In the past, candles were made from paraffin, an offshoot of petroleum oil, which produces harmful by-products when burned or melted.

Burning something like soy wax means you get ‘green’ advantages such as longer burning time and a cleaner burn in general.

Plus, these independent and small candle makers are using individual touches to make their products stand out.

Some infuse essential oils and include crystals, others include dried flowers and metallic cuttings to add a touch of flair.

And with summer evenings ahead, there has never been a better time to invest. Lighting a candle after a barbecue as the conversation bubbles and the sun dims is one of life’s simple joys.

So if you are on the hunt for some new candle additions, here are eight of the best you can purchase now.

Tinder box soy candles

Buy it for £10.95 from The Botanical Candle Co.

Gilded Aphrodite hand-poured candle

Buy it for £18 from Circe Studios.

Sweet orange, basil & lime soy wax candle

Buy it for £12 from Urio Candle Co.

Gealach hand-poured soy wax candle

Buy it for approx £10.42 from Gealach.

Eco resin terrazzo soy candle

Buy it for £34 at Hazel and Blue Candles.

Amortentia hand-poured candle

Buy it for £9.99 at Etsy.

The Cleanse Candle

Buy it for £20 from Lit Candles.

LeBon Candles bubble candle

Buy it for £10 at Etsy.

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