The Spa Spies try out summer candles

With summer in full swing (well, some days at least), nothing beats an evening in the garden. And with these spa candles - personally reviewed by your trusty Spa Spies - it's easier than ever to inject a bit of spa to your garden.
 

Aromatherapy Associates’ Rose Candle
(200g, £48)

Key ingredients:
Damask rose, geranium and palmarosa

First impressions: 
The Rose Candle comes in a white box with the AA logo in gold at the top, a red ribbon in the middle and the name of the candle (again in red) at the bottom. Pull the ribbon to open the box and reveal the candle.

What's it like? 
The candle comes in a white ceramic pot with curved bottom and the words ‘Aromatherapy Associates’ embossed in white across the middle. The candle itself is made of 100% vegan soy wax which is cream in colour and topped with a red dust protector.

Does it work? 
Once lit, the single-wick candle flickers gently and releases fragrance slowly, with the scent barely noticeable until the wax turns molton. I tried it in the bath and couldn’t detect much unless I was close by; the next day, I lit it at my desk and could immediately smell the rich, earthy rose.

Verdict
Part of the new Home Collection Range, The Aromatherapy Associates Rose Candle will look stylish anywhere in your home, and transport you to an English garden even if you are at your desk. With a burn time of 40 hours, it will last a while, too.

Comfort Zone Tranquillity Candle
(280g, £25.00)

Key ingredients: 
Sweet orange and cedarwood

First impressions: 
Comfort Zone’s aromatic relaxing Tranquillity Candle comes in a simple white box with a contrasting – and striking - black label. The product itself is housed in a sage-hued pot. The candle is made of creamy wax and has just one wick, making it look pretty chic   – perfect for a summer soiree.

What's it like? 
Once lit, the smell is strong enough to infuse the air without being overpowering. There’s hints of orange, but it smells warm and of musk, rather than cologne-like. It’s reminiscent of a holiday romance: warm, sensuous and very more-ish. 

Does it work? 
The rich and alluring scent made me feel like I was being wrapped in cashmere; it delivers relaxation in lashings.

Verdict: 
The heady scent and packaging would appeal to both sexes. With 55 hours of burn time – and the fact that it’s from Comfort Zone – make it worth every penny. Bring on late night garden parties.  

Germaine De Capuccini Ambience Candle Vitality
(200g, £30.95)

Key ingredients:
Mandarin, lime, nutmeg and lemon.

First impressions:
The Sperience Ambience Candle Vitality comes in a shiny black box with the brand logo on the top, the name of the candle in white on the front and a summery floral design on both sides.

What's it like?
The candle itself comes in a frosted glass with the same floral label on the front making it a stylish addition to any home. The wax, which is cream in colour, is made with 100% pure essential oils.

Does it work?
When lit, the glass creates a warm glow which looked lovely in my garden on a summer’s evening. The scent is subtle in this setting however, so I placed it in the hallway and enjoyed the gentle citrus scent as I walked past – the nutmeg adds subtle spicy notes. 

Verdict:
At just shy of £31 - and with a burn time of 40 hours - this candle is good value. Its uplifting ingredients would add a refreshing zing to afternoon tea or pre-dinner drinks with friends. Germaine de Cappucini also create a Sperience Ambience Candle Relax, ideal for late evenings.

ishga Hebridean Dreams hand-poured Candle
(30cl, £29)

Key ingredients:
Hebridean seaweed; organic essential oils enhanced with geranium, lavender, lemongrass and juniper berries.

First impressions: 
The ishga Hebridean Dreams candle comes in a white box with the company logo in teal on the front and an enticing description on the back (which makes us yearn for a beach holiday).

What's it like? 
Very smart – the white plastic jar has a clear glass base and ‘ishga’ cleanly written on the front in teal. A stylish silver metal lid sits neatly on top to keep it dust-free. The natural soya one-wick candle is off-white rather than the usual cream and smells extremely refreshing.

Does it work? 
The vibrant scent is instantly detectable on lighting, making it ideal for use in the garden on a warm evening. It’s far from overpowering though, slowly releasing uplifting lemongrass and summer berries into the air.  

Verdict:
Despite being the cheapest candle we reviewed at £29, the ishga Hebidean Dreams is a real contender, with its attractive design and long-burn (40 hours). We love the metal top keeping it clean and the fact that it was hand-crafted on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland (take us there, please?).