I was thinking yesterday about all of the candles that I own because I was organizing a cabinet where I keep my mini candle store (ha ha) and felt a bit ashamed of how many I have still unopened... And funny thing is, I was deciding what was missing from my stash so that I could restock. Sigh. The life of a candle addict. Funny thing is that I have mild allergies to fragrance so I'm careful when it comes to stronger scents, like lilac and jasmine, since they make me very sick. Did you know that until I was 25-years-old I suffered from chronic allergies to perfume, hair spray, candles, anything and everything seemed to trigger intense headaches and flu-like symptoms? Oh yes. I didn't wear perfume until I was 25! Then, one day, the allergies just vanished. Poof! I have no clue how or why that is even possible, but they did and that is when I went a little nuts buying everything scented that I could pack into my cabinets from cleaning supplies to shampoo. Sure, cigarette smoke still makes me sick, as does newspaper ink, certain paints, strong perfume, etc. but I'm pretty much a perfume and candle-aholic now though the scents need to be fresh, natural and certainly not heavy. I thought I'd share some candles that aren't obnoxiously strong that I love, 6 to be exact, that add a slight fragrance without overpowering me or my guests. I photographed my current 3 favorites at home today and listed the other 3 below as I need to replenish my supply so I couldn't take a picture of those.

1. Le Labo vintage candle (love the packaging!) that was a gift to me from Liberty actually and I love it. The scent is Santal 26 and is an, "aristocratic scent, at once gentle, smokey and leathery, that will fill your space and give it true personality." All I can say is that I'm already on my second Le Labo candle and I can't get enough. Great for couples, as it's a bit masculine and slightly feminine which I also love.

2. Bailey's Mown Grass candle. I love Mark & Sally Bailey's gorgeous creations for the home, this candle being one of them. My husband bought it at Liberty and as you can see, he's been using it in his office each night. It smells delightful, and it's at all over-the-top as some grassy scents can be. It's light and breezy, almost as if you woke up in your stone cottage, opened your windows, and took a deep breath as the gentle Spring air caressed your nose with the scent of green. In the states you can buy it online at Terrain.

3. Diptyque Feuille De Lavande (Lavender leaf) is so perfect for this time of year but I mostly burn it in the Autumn, early winter. I love the way it makes my home smell - so clean, but also how it makes me feel - so calm! It's worth every penny.

Not shown: 4. Jo Malone: Grapefruit (love this), 5. DayNa Decker Bardou (the wick crackles when you burn it so it sounds like a fireplace!), and 6. Candied Fruit Candle by L'Occitane. Yes, that one is very sweet and über fruity but in a big room it's quite delightful, especially when the sun is shining and the windows are open. I don't suggest burning it with the windows closed, it's a bit overwhelming!

What are your favorite scented candles? Now I'm wondering, do you even use candles? Are you allergic to fragrance? Were you once allergic and miraculously healed without reason like me?

(images: holly becker for decor8)