Luxury Fragranced Candles vs Low Cost Imitators

One of our big indulgences is a good quality scented candle. Cosying up on the couch, reading a book with the warm fragrance of a candle creeping around the room is a wonderful extravagance. But scented candles can be expensive – with a 2.5kg Jo Malone luxury candle retailing at around £300.

Luckily, the high street has come to the rescue and giving the luxury brands a run for their money. We look at some of the best budget copycat versions of fragrant candles on the market.

So, should Jo Malone be worried? Let’s find out!

B&M – Karina Bailey 15cmx15cm

The budget store that you cannot help but love have released their own range, which could give Jo Malone a run for their money. Their line of Karina Bailey candles are available in Cedar & Plum (which is reminiscent of Jo Malone’s English Oak & Redcurrant) and Raspberry & Oud (which is identical to the upmarket brand’s Velvet Rose & Oud), which will fill your home with the most gorgeous of fragrances and retail for £14.99.

Aldi – No.1, No.2 and No.3

Launched amid much fanfare last year, the first round of these candles sold out in Aldi stores in about 7.6 seconds. The supermarket duly responded to demand, and now the candles are regularly stocked in store, together with a reed diffuser line. These candles are an unashamed rip-off of the Jo Malone big three fragrances – Pomegranate Noir, Lime, Basil & Mandarin and Blackberry Bay and at £3.99 – we’re willing customers.

Aldi – Scentcerity Tin Candles

The German supermarket is at it again, this time leaning heavily on the Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery line with its copycat versions of the Lily-Flame tin candles that normally retail from £7 to £20 in shops like John Lewis and Waitrose. The Scentcerity range is a purse-friendly £2.79, however, and are available in Velvet Rose, Autumn Garden and Moonflower.

Moneybright conclusion: While the cheaper versions from B&M and Aldi lack the complexity and intensity of the posher versions, these are incredible value for money. And as we’re sinking into winter, a great day-to-day candle to have on the go when you get back from work. We’re stocking up for the coming season!