In a world where we increasingly live in a state of sensory overload, our new candle collection offers a moment to pause the noise and invite in clarity of thought and presence in your surroundings. Intended to capture the essence of place, memory, and moment, each candle is a blend of essential oils in 100% natural wax—crafted to transform the atmosphere around you without overpowering it.
The collection – YULESTARN, GILDEN, and BRUMAL – is a tribute to the subtle power of scent to transport and transform. Inspired by the stillness of winter woods, the hush of early light, and the comfort of familiar spaces, each fragrance is carefully composed to support wellbeing and stir the senses.
AN INTUITIVE FRAGRANCE JOURNEY
Conceived over two years ago, and now launching, we took a moment to sit down with our partners, Olfactory Alchemist Richard Howard and Boyowa David Olugbo, Lead Curator at Stennah and Hope, a creative studio known for its refined sensory storytelling and the hand producers of the Wildsmith Candle Collection, to reflect on the collaborative journey of bringing these fragrances to life.
A moment to explore the emotional and sensory intention behind each fragrance, the importance of authenticity and wellbeing, and the quiet power of scent to transform a space.
As with any new product innovation, the Wildsmith team began with a brief of where we thought this collection would go. However, as Richard, explains, “Rather than the brief dictating the notes of these fragrances, I used it as a pathway to help guide, drawing inspiration from the connection, values and relationship I share with Wildsmith to help direct the process. It’s an intuitive journey, almost like channelling.”
Evolving over time, the journey to creating these fragrances was deeply collaborative. Described by Richard “an initiation,” where the spirit of the essence revealed itself gradually. “You don’t arrive all at once. You go through ups and downs, stumbles and readjustments. It’s like walking through a woodland floor, discovering the light.”
Surprises were part of the process. Oils like Hinoki (a precious wood from Japan) emerged unexpectedly, bringing depth and resonance to the compositions. An unplanned inclusion Richard describes the process as the ‘oils communicating themselves as we worked’.
Crafted to Enhance, Not Overpower
The candles are hand-poured into refillable glass vessels, presented in Wildsmith’s signature palette, a timeless expression of quiet luxury. The outer packaging uses environmentally friendly soy-based ink and FSC-certified paper, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
A blend of essential oils in a 100% natural wax, Wildsmith candles are designed to gently harmonise with their surroundings. “Our candles enhance rather than overwhelm,” says David. “We wanted to create an olfactory experience that made you feel good in yourself and your physical space, which requires finding the balance—enough fragrance to gently envelop a space, without it taking over and lingering for hours.”
Why Natural Wax Matters
During production the team tested the fragrance in a number of strengths in a variety of wax bases, finally deciding on a natural blend of Coconut, Soy, Beeswax, and Rapeseed— selected for its clean, even burn and compatibility with essential oils.
David explains, “There’s no point in having an essential oil and putting it into petroleum wax. It defeats the purpose. Natural waxes allow the fragrance to breathe, as the oils are gently heated and to be experienced as it was intended.”
These candles are part of a larger ecosystem of wellbeing; a celebration of craftsmanship, nature, and the quiet power of scent to transform space and spirit.
As Richard puts it, “Everyone has a personal interpretation of scent. But if we’re authentic in what we create, and that sensitivity is measured and carefully contained, then what we deliver will resonate.”
TAKING CARE OF YOUR WILDSMITH CANDLE
To maintain the integrity of the experience, we recommend:
- Trim the wick to 5mm before each burn apart from the first burn to avoid smoking.
- Burn for 2–3 hours at a time, but no more than 4 hours. Longer burns can exceed the flashpoint of essential oils, diminishing their fragrance and wellbeing benefits.
- Refill responsibly: Once the wax reaches a depth of 10mm, soften it in hot water, remove the residue, and insert a new refill.
Shop the collection here.
