Trust Me, You're Gonna Want All 19 of These Best-Smelling Candles Out Right Now
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You wanna know one thing haters are gonna do? Try to get you to believe that there is a such thing as "too many candles." Pssht, not in my world! In fact, I live in a very particular part of the universe where so many different types of candles take up an (embarrassingly) sizable bin in my home. Of course, there are the seasonal ones, but there's also CBD-infused candles, candles that have the chicest vessels, or scents that trigger tender mems. It is quite literally impossible to have just one candle! And it'd be boring as hell to have just one, anyway! Whether you lean towards floral, sweet and fruity, cozy, romantic, or super luxurious scents, falling in love with a new candle—and subsequently burning it down to the last drop of wax—is an unmatchable tiny joy.
With that said, I went ahead and rounded up the best-smelling candles on the market that I have tested and smelled myself. Because as an obsessive candle connoisseur a longtime lifestyle editor, my nose has encountered hundreds—if not thousands—of wicks and waxes from fragrance brands far and wide. Not to brag, but basically if candle sniffing was a sport, I'd be a gold-medal-wearing Olympic athlete.
Below, I’ve curated a list of the crème de la crème candles, with notes ranging from amber, vanilla, and patchouli to leather, lavender, and bergamot. Read on for the 19 best-smelling candles you should add to your cart yesterday. I take my thank yous handwritten and via snail mail :).
Good Summer Vibes Candle
You KNOW a candle is one-of-a-kind when you don't even have to light it (!!) for its aroma to take up a whole space. That is this melon-y goddess right here. And then she has the nerve to offer a gentle crackle from the woodwick once I actually do light her? Ugh, we really can have it all sometimes.
Notes: Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew
Burn time: 50+ hours
Wax: Coconut wax blend
Iris Monroe Ceramic Jar Candle
This is not your little sister's warm vanilla sugar body mist, let me tell you that. This is one of the most seductive vanillas that'll ever grace your nostrils, with a soft woodsy hint layered within. Plus, after you burn it down (and trust, you will) the ceramic vessel will make the chicest canister.
Notes: Sandalwood, amber
Burn time: 45 hours
Wax: Palm wax
White Barn 3-Wick Candle in Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity
This baby smells like a super-hot guy, and if you've never had the chance to nose-dive your way into one, I urge you to go to the mall RN. It also has three wicks, so you know the scent fills the room.
Notes: Rich mahogany, black teakwood, dark oak, frosted lavender
Burn time: 45 hours
Wax: Vegetable wax
Chandelier
Featuring a unique blend of rich and spicy scents, this candle is "sophisticated" and "smells like nothing else out there," according to a reviewer.
Notes: Champagne, saffron, leather
Burn time: 55 hours
Wax: Coconut and soy wax blend
Ambre Scented Candle
The perfect rich candle you've been looking for. It's a classic for a reason.
Notes: Woods, vetiver, and patchouli enhanced with radiant aniseed, insolent spices, mysterious incense, and tonka bean.
Burn time: 60 hours
Wax: Paraffin wax
Antidris Lavender Candle
Reviewers say this earthy lavender candle smells totally authentic—none of that synthetic nonsense!
Notes: Lavender, eucalyptus, amber stone
Burn time: 60 hours
Wax: Soy wax blend
Muse Couleur Sel de Mer Candle
This candle smells like taking a nap on a sailboat (I know that's what it says on the website...but I have one and it really, truly does). It also comes in a super-chic votive that you can reuse once the wax burns down.
Notes: Island lime, ocean breeze, sea salt, blue lotus, water hyacinth
Burn time: 51 hours
Wax: Soy/paraffin blend
Goa
Bohéme designs candles that'll transport you back in time or across the globe—this bergamot-scented one is inspired by the Arabian Sea.
Notes: Sparkling citrus, rose, sandalwood, patchouli
Burn time: 50 hours
Wax: Sustainable natural wax
Santal 26 Classic Candle
You know her, you love her, and she's totally worth the hype.
Notes: Amber, cocoa, vanilla, cedar, spices
Burn time: 60 hours
Wax: Soy wax
Charcoal 3-Wick Candle
Three wicks make this hot fragrance three times as potent, with several reviewers saying the rich scent fills their whole house.
Notes: Cedarwood, sandalwood, oud, smoky amber
Burn time: 120 hours
Wax: Soy wax blend
Pure Noir Candle
From one of our fave ready-to-wear brands comes this rich blend of spicy and floral fragrances....in the chicest matte black vessel ever.
Notes: Black baccara rose, papyrus, saffron
Burn time: 40-56 hours
Wax: All-natural coconut and soy wax blend
Dusk Scented Candle
One reviewer said this clean-burning candle is so invigorating that "everyone who comes over asks what it is."
Notes: Jasmine, patchouli, saffron
Burn time: 65 hours
Wax: Soy-based wax
Terrarium Candle
This intricately-poured candle actually smells as good as it looks—if you can believe it!
Notes: Jasmine, white tea
Burn time: 30-35 hours
Wax: Soy wax
Panjore Lychee Glass Jar Candle
It's the summer scent of our dreams, thanks to refreshing fruits you'd love to taste in your next cocktail.
Notes: Lychee, cassis, juicy Asian pear
Burn time: 100 hours
Wax: Coconut wax blend
Maruzia Bird of Paradise
This handmade ceramic jar (which makes the perfect table accessory!) is filled with fruity and floral fragrance oils.
Notes: Frangipanis, jasmine, orange
Burn time: 70 hours
Wax: Natural soy and bee waxes
Bibliothèque Fragranced Candle
This cult favorite "smells like a rich person's library," according to one reviewer. The glass votive is handblown and the wax is Byredo's signature black.
Notes: Peach, plum, violet, peony, patchouli
Burn time: 60 hours
Wax: Signature black wax
Kush Scented Candle
The name says it all. No, literally—this candle has notes of cannabis in it.
Notes: Cannabis, suede, white musk, tulip, amber
Burn time: 50 hours
Wax: Coconut and beeswax blend
Lady Day Candle
According to the brand, this candle "evokes the irresistible excitement of [Billie Holiday's] Harlem nights and joyful appetite for life." One reviewer said it pairs well with a glass of wine and some relaxing jazz music.
Notes: Neroli blossom, sparkling bergamot, gardenia, jasmine petals, ylang ylang
Burn time: 80 hours
Wax: Soy vegetable wax blend
Amber & Moss
We love the simple chic jar almost as much as the comforting scent (which is earthy and woody with just a hint of musk).
Notes: Sage, oakmoss, sandalwood
Burn time: 50 hours
Wax: Soy wax
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