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A Definitive Ranking of the 20 Best Scented Candles, Vetted by a Home Editor

From Diptyque to a stellar $9 find

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Sometimes, all you need to brighten your mood after a long, hard day is light a deliciously scented candle. Plus, nothing gets us more into the holiday spirit quite like a pumpkin-scented fragrance flickering in the window does. But what makes for a great candle? For us, it comes down to three things: The best candles have a nice, long burn time, a strong enough throw that you’ll be able to smell them throughout the room (without being overpowered) and containers that can double as décor on your coffee table. And while everyone has their own scent preferences, there are a few brands that stood out from the pack after doing extensive candle research. (Think: Diptyque, Le Labo, Voluspa and TikTok’s favorite Baccarat Rouge scent in candle form.)

Below, a definitive ranking of the 20 best-scented candles (and scroll down for some info on what to keep in mind while you’re shopping).

The 36 Best Fall Candles, Vetted & Reviewed 2023


The Best Candles of 2023 at a Glance

1

Best Overall

Diptyque Baies Candle

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2

Editor’s Pick

Lafco Feu de Bois Ski House Candle

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3

Best Hotel Candle

Le Labo Santal 26 Candle

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4

BEST LUXURY CANDLE

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Candle

read more

5

Best DIY Candle

Siblings No 13 Candle

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Show More

Best Overall

1. Diptyque Baies Candle

What We Like

  • Sweet without being sickly
  • Fills a room in 10 minutes
  • Decorative Parisian vessel

What We Don't Like

  • Expensive
  • Short burn time

Nordstrom

This is Diptyque’s best-selling scent for a reason: It’s fresh and fruity with an undertone of sophistication. This has to do with its tangy, blackcurrant berry scent, where a fresh garden base blends with top notes of flowery rose. Take it from this lifestyle editor, who has the candle sitting in her bathroom right now. It’s delightfully sweet without being synthetic or sickly—and it’s really potent. It can fill my entire bathroom within 10 minutes of being lit (a major plus for anyone who’s living with roommates).

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: paraffin
  • Scent Notes: roses and blackcurrant
  • Burn Time: 20-Hours

Editor’s Pick

2. Lafco Feu de Bois Ski House Candle

What We Like

  • Warm and cozy
  • 50-hour burn time
  • Large glass vessel

What We Don't Like

  • Expensive 
  • Better in colder months

Lafco

Another candle I can’t get enough of? This ski-house-inspired number from Lafco. After years of working in the luxury interior design space, I’m well-acquainted with the brand, (it’s the go-to choice for many designers) and this one takes the cake as my favorite scent. It has a smoky leather base with a mixture of patchouli, cedar and sandalwood—and hints of vanilla swaddle you in a warm, cozy blanket from the moment it’s lit. Plus, although it’s not cheap—a single vessel goes for $50 a pop—it’s hand-poured in a sophisticated 6.5-ounce glass jar with 50 hours of burn time (so it’s well worth the splurge, IMO). 

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: soy
  • Scent Notes: patchouli, cedar, sandalwood, frankincense, leather accord, vanilla
  • Burn Time: 50 hours

Best Hotel Candle

3. Le Labo Santal 26 Candle

What We Like

  • Used in luxury hotels 
  • Woodsy and elegant 
  • 60-hour burn time

What We Don't Like

  • Expensive
  • Some reviewers said the scent was faint

Le Labo

The most popular scent 5-star hotels are pumping through the lobby right now? This one from Le Labo. It features a palette that's both smoky and leathery with notes of amber, cocoa, vanilla, cedar, spices and sandalwood. The brand has amassed a cult following for its other woodsy, elegant fragrances—and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a stylish New Yorker who *doesn’t* have a Santal 26 Candle. “Scent is a very powerful thing. It can completely change a mood. This candle does that. The scent is sophisticated and comforting all at the same time,” one reviewer writes.

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: soy 
  • Scent Notes: amber, cocoa, vanilla, cedar, spices, sandalwood
  • Burn Time: 60 hours

BEST LUXURY CANDLE

4. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Candle

What We Like

  • Inspired by TikTok-famous perfume
  • 55-hour burn time
  • Strong scent

What We Don't Like

  • Expensive 
  • Better for winter

Barcarat Rouge

Sticking with the theme of luxury: this candle—which captures the TikTok-famous scent of Baccarat Rouge—is basically the fragrance-embodiment of sophistication. With a mix of jasmine, saffron, cedar wood and gray amber, the woodsy floral scent is refined and relaxing (where hints of amber add to its coziness factor). Take it from one reviewer who raves: “I love how warm it smells…It’s light and cozy like a campfire of s'mores and it leaves you wanting more.” However, it’s worth mentioning that she also warns: “Good for medium-sized rooms, maybe not strong enough for big living room spaces, [and I’d consider] using a candle warmer.”

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: soy
  • Scent Notes: jasmine, saffron, cedar wood, ambergris
  • Burn Time: 55 hours

Best DIY Candle

5. Siblings No. 13 Candle

What We Like

  • Numerous scent options
  • Takes a few minutes to make 
  • Easily fills smaller spaces

What We Don't Like

  • Time-consuming to light 
  • Vessels sold separately

Siblings

Siblings' candles are the ultimate foolproof DIY—the brand touts that if you can make coffee, you can make their candles—and after testing them firsthand, our editors agree. All it takes is a microwave, a clean, heat-proof jar and a few minutes' time to create an exquisitely scented candle. (The brand also sells solid brass jars you can use repeatedly, which are just the right size for each bag of wax.) There are numerous scent options that are available, but we're particularly fond of No. 13, a blend that provides a sophisticated take on roasting marshmallows over a campfire, with a hot throw that easily fills smaller spaces—like offices and bathrooms—without overwhelming them.

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: coconut blend
  • Scent Notes: palo santo, coconut, marshmallow, violet, burnt sugar, caramel, cedarwood
  • Burn Time: 60 hours 

BEST COZY CANDLE

6. Maison Margiela 'Replica' By the Fireplace Candle

What We Like

  • Smells like a cozy campfire
  • Perfect for winter
  • Strong fill

What We Don't Like

  • Some reviewers said it burned unevenly
  • Pricey for the size

Mason margiela

The one candle I’m also stocking up on for winter? Maison Margiela’s 'Replica' By the Fireplace. Like a cartoon character following the whiff of a freshly baked pie, I was lured into my roommate’s bedroom by this candle’s woodsy notes of chestnut accord, clove, vanilla and a subtle hint of red berry. It’s the closest thing you’re going to get to the sounds of crackling flames and woodsmoke filling the air, where the warm, spicy scents combine to reproduce the feeling of a snowy winter day.

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: paraffin
  • Scent Notes: clove, chestnut accord, red berry and vanilla
  • Burn Time: 40 hours 

MOST FRAGRANT CANDLE

7. Byredo Bibliotheque Candle

What We Like

  • Unique leather and berry scent 
  • Fills a room quickly 
  • 60-hour burn time

What We Don't Like

  • May be too strong for some

Nordstrom

There are some candles that seem to burn for hours before you can even get a whiff of them—but this Byredo candle isn’t one of them. We compare this library-inspired scent to Ron Burgundy’s home from Anchorman, which features many leather-bound books and smells of rich mahogany. The fruity top notes add a touch of freshness to heavier leather and patchouli, leaving you with the urge to crack open a new book and settle into a worn armchair. One reviewer says, “The unique spicy-sweet aroma is great for winter and very distinct…I did think, at first, that this was not a strongly scented candle, but what I have found is that the wax on first burn takes hours to warm up, and [the] release of scent is accordingly delayed.” Another reviewer speaks to this, writing, “Initially, I thought the scent was barely noticeable but on the second burn, it really kicked in…[It] ​​may even be little too strong for some.”

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: paraffin
  • Scent Notes: peach, plum, peony, violet, leather, patchouli and vanilla
  • Burn Time: 60 hours

BEST HOSTESS CANDLE

8. Capri Blue Volcano Candle

What We Like

  • Anthropologie’s signature scent
  • Impressive 85-hour burn time
  • Subtle but fills a room

What We Don't Like

  • Some reviewers reported tunneling

Amazon

You knew this one was coming: Capri Blue (aka Anthro’s signature scent). The fragrance has come to define Anthropologie’s in-store experience—and for years, shoppers have fallen prey to the brand’s signature Volcano scent, which includes fruity notes of sugared oranges, lemons, limes and exotic mountain greens draw people in like a moth to a flame. “Love to give and receive these as gifts!” One reviewer attests. “Volcano Capri Blue is my favorite [candle] and has been for years—It has a subtle scent and last forever.”

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: soy
  • Scent Notes: sugared oranges, lemons, limes and exotic mountain greens
  • Burn Time: 85 hours

BEST WOODSY CANDLE

9. Voluspa Baltic Amber Candle

What We Like

  • Scent comes in a variety of other products
  • Multiple sizes
  • Perfect for fall

What We Don't Like

  • Some reviewers reported that the size was smaller than expected

Voluspa

Yet another best-selling candle that’s amassed a crazy fan following? This one from Voluspa, which is known for its velvety amber, vanilla and sandalwood notes. Its fragrance is rich yet subtle, and people love how it evokes a warm, homey feeling from the moment it’s lit. “This is my third time repurchasing the Voluspa Baltic Amber candle,” says former editor Kara Cuzzone. “I just never get tired of its warm blend of sandalwood and vanilla. Plus, I love the cute limited-edition glass jar it comes in right now—very [cozy]."

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: coconut 
  • Scent Notes: amber resin, sandalwood, cedar and vanilla orchid
  • Burn Time: 50 hours

BEST UNDER $10

10. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Basil Candle

What We Like

  • Fresh and clean scent
  • Strong fill
  • Good for kitchens

What We Don't Like

  • Some reviewers said the candle was smaller than they thought it would be

Amazon

Mrs. Meyer’s is known for its clean, garden-inspired scents (that smell as close to its namesake fragrances as possible). Take it from this basil-scented candle, which will have you saying, “What did I cook using basil today?” every time you light it. The herbal notes are uplifting, yet there’s an earthiness to it that’s grounding. As one reviewer says, “it [smells like] basil with a bit of a campfire to it.” Plus, it won’t break the bank, and when you’re finished using it, you can add the glass jar to your kitchenwares.

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: soy
  • Scent Notes: basil
  • Burn Time: 25 hours

BEST DECORATIVE CANDLE

11. Thompson Ferrier Ash Ember Rose Elephant Candle

What We Like

  • Striking and luxurious scent 
  • Vessel doubles as decor
  • 220-hour burn time

What We Don't Like

  • No refills available for when the candle is done 

Saks

If you’re looking for the best candle that can double as decor, this is it. (Yes, it’s a candle.) Not only does Thompson Ferrier hand-sculpt and hand-pour each of its (fabulously) decorative candles, but the scents are crafted with essential oils curated by Swiss perfume house Givaudan. Which brings us to our personal favorite: This candle’s ash ember rose fragrance—which includes notes rose, amber and vanilla. It plays off the elephant’s strength and wisdom, per the brand, and its impressive 200- to 250-hour burn time ensures you’ll get plenty of use out of its (admittedly steep) price tag.

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: proprietary blend
  • Scent Notes: rose, santal, amber, oud, vetiver, vanilla
  • Burn Time: 220 hours

BEST FLORAL CANDLE

12. Rifle Paper Co. Jardin de Paris Candle

What We Like

  • French garden-inspired scent
  • Floral vessel
  • Label doesn’t peel over time

What We Don't Like

  • Best for summer and spring 
  • Some reviewers said it burns faster than expected

Rifle Paper Co.

Parisian style has been a timeless staple in the design scene—from home accessories to handbags—so it makes sense why people love this flowery, French garden-inspired candle. It embodies classic feminine notes with a blend of peonies, white tea and gardenia, and includes soothing sandalwood top notes to balance everything out. Anyone else daydreaming about warm, spring days that call for a stroll on the Champs-Élysées?

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: soy
  • Scent Notes: peony, white tea, gardenia and sandalwood
  • Burn Time: 40 hours

MOST CUSTOMIZABLE CANDLE

13. Homesick New York City Candle

What We Like

  • 51 unique scents 
  • Designed to evoke memories 
  • Typically lasts 60-80 hours

What We Don't Like

  • Some reviewers complained that the scent did not match the state

Amazon

You know that wonderful feeling when you catch a whiff of something that just smells like home? That’s what Homesick’s state candles are all about. There are 51 specially curated scents (California gets two, one for the northern regions and one for the southern ones). Given where we live, we’re biased towards the New York City scent, which features captures Spring in Central Park, with notes of bergamot, jasmine, water lilies, sandalwood and musk. That said, the brand also makes city, country, holiday and memory collections, so you can fill your home with nostalgia every time you light one.

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: soy
  • Scent Notes: bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, jasmine, concrete, water lilies, oakmoss, sandalwood and musk 
  • Burn Time: 80 hours

BEST FRESH CANDLE

14. Nest Wild Mint and Eucalyptus Candle

What We Like

  • Light and refreshing scent 
  • Strong throw 
  • Pretty glass vessel

What We Don't Like

  • Some reviewers said it was too fresh and could use more floral notes

Nest

Nest’s fragrances are known for their superior ability to diffuse widely, so when you light this fresh-smelling wild mint and eucalyptus-scented candle, it’ll be sure to fill your home with a burst of restorative energy. “[This scent] is so relaxing & the throw is amazing. I love burning this candle while reading, planning content, doing my skincare, in the bath/shower and before bed,” one reviewer raves. Not to mention that its sage-tinted wax and frosted glass vessel will make a fabulous accent for your spring décor.

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: proprietary blend
  • Scent Notes: wild mint, eucalyptus, basil and Thai ginger
  • Burn Time: 60 hours

BEST FRUITY CANDLE

15. Jonathan Adler Pop Candle

What We Like

  • Sweet without overpowering 
  • Slow burning 
  • Decorative metallic vessel

What We Don't Like

  • Some reviewers said the scent was too subtle for them

Jonathan Adler

This fruity designer candle, which features notes of raspberry and grapefruit, is Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth’s favorite for a reason: “I love the unexpected scent options, like Tomato (fresh and summery, like a greenhouse) and Champagne (bright and fruity). But what I really love best about these is that the scent isn’t overpowering,” she says. And as someone with a scent sensitivity, that’s saying a lot. Abby explains: “A lot of scented candles start to give me a headache after a while because they’re too strong, but I can keep this guy lit for hours and just enjoy.”

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: soy and paraffin 
  • Scent Notes: mint, raspberry, rose, grapefruit, sage
  • Burn Time: 40 hours

BEST BEACHY CANDLE

16. Nostalgia “Beach Trip” Candle

What We Like

  • Captures scents of the beach 
  • Fragrant without overpowering
  • Affordable

What We Don't Like

  • One reviewer said there are more floral notes than coconut 

Anthropologie

When it’s lit, this minimalist candle immediately transports you to the light, playful scents of a perfect beach day. It’s inspired by trips to the shore and features sun-warmed notes of cardamom and ylang-ylang topped with a kiss of fresh coconut. Plus, its minimalist, pale blue glass vessel would be eye-catching atop any vanity, and we love how it can be repurposed as a chic makeup brush holder after the candle is gone.

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: coconut
  • Scent Notes: cardamom, ylang ylang and coconut
  • Burn Time: 48 hours

BEST SWEET CANDLE

17. Illume Boulangerie Oatmeal Cookie Jar Candle

What We Like

  • Scent is as sweet as a cookie
  • Long-lasting 
  • Notes linger after burning

What We Don't Like

  • Some reviewers reported tunneling
  • Quick to burn-out

Anthropologie

Yet *another* Anthropologie candle people can’t seem to get enough of? The Illume Boulangerie Jar Candle. Its ‘oatmeal cookie’ fragrance is subtly sweet (almost good enough to eat), thanks to notes of cinnamon and sugar with honey butter, crushed almonds, rich ginger, sugared maple and vanilla extract. Not to mention that it comes in a quaint little jar that features motifs that anyone who is looking to hop on the Hipstoric Heritage trend will appreciate.

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: soy
  • Scent Notes: stone ground oats, cinnamon, sugar, cardamom, honey butter, crushed almonds, rich ginger, sugared maple and vanilla extract
  • Burn Time: 40 hours

MOST UNIQUE CANDLE

18. Jimm Burris & Jeanne Brandt Geode Candle

What We Like

  • Geode-shaped vessel
  • Two scent options 
  • Good for gifting

What We Don't Like

  • Some reviewers said the scent doesn’t last a long time

Uncommon Goods

This decorative pick is a showstopper with its genuine amethyst crystal container. Choose between two geodes—aquamarine or amethyst—though we’re partial to the latter, which is fragranced with a natural, calming blend of bergamot and violet. Aside from its unique design, the candle is handcrafted with soy wax and an all-cotton wick that boasts a 30 hour burn time (which is impressive, given its 4.5-inch size).

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: soy
  • Scent Notes: calabrian, bergamot and Violet
  • Burn Time: 30 hours

BEST SELF-CARE CANDLE

19. Sweaty Orgasmic Manifestations Candle

What We Like

  • Designed to help women reach the big O
  • Can be used solo or partnered 
  • Woodsy and sensual

What We Don't Like

  • Some reviewers said they wished the size was bigger, given the 30-hour burn time

Ulta

Having trouble reaching the big O? You’re not the only one—which is why the Smile Makers created a candle that can help you do just that. Per the brand, “The seductive and musky scent will kindle sensual memories.” They also mention: “[The candle can be used] for solo or partnered sex sessions…take time to write your sensual desires on the lid and the light this Orgasmic Manifestation candle to spark a new pleasure ritual.”

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: rapeseed
  • Scent Notes: vetiver, oud, spices, sandalwood and incense.
  • Burn Time: 30 hours

BEST SPA CANDLE

20. Nest Himalayan Salt & Rosewater Candle

What We Like

  • Serene and sweet scent 
  • Burns evenly 
  • Can fill a large room

What We Don't Like

  • Expensive for a smaller-sized vessel

Amazon

Everything about this Nest candle can help transform your bathroom into a spa—from its calming rosewater base to its floral top notes of geranium. “Even with its small size as a votive candle, the aroma fills my bathroom but is never overwhelming. The rosewater and salt scent is so calming and relaxing and is truly perfect for winding down in the evening with a hot bath or a little home spa day. I would definitely recommend this if you're looking for a spring muted floral scent or something that would be perfect to help you find your inner peace,” one reviewer writes. We also like the powder pink glass vessel, which would make for a great toothbrush holder after its soy wax burns down.

Fast Facts

  • Wax Type: proprietary blend
  • Scent Notes: rosewater, geranium and salted amber
  • Burn Time: 50 hours

What to Consider When Shopping for a Scented Candle

  1. Throw: This refers to how well the candle's scent will circulate around your room. For the best throw, look for candles with paraffin wax.
  2. Burn time: Some candles, like those made with soy wax, have a higher density than others and burn at a cooler temperature, making them burn down slower and consequently, last longer.
  3. Container: Many candles can double as décor if their containers are visually appealing. Others can still be recycled, since you can repurpose their vessels after the wax has fully melted down.
  4. Wax type: As we've mentioned above, the type of wax a candle is made with can affect everything from its throw and burn time to the amount of pollutants it gives off in your home. We've outlined the most popular types below.
  • Paraffin wax: Paraffin wax is a great choice when you want a candle with a great throw, as it's able to pack more fragrance inside.
  • Soy wax: Soy wax is made from the oil of (what else?) soybeans. If you're constantly running out of your favorite scents, this might be a better candle option for you, since this type of wax burns cooler and slower than others
  • Beeswax: Beeswax candles are natural and sustainable, and, as a result, have less toxins than other candles. As an added bonus, it burns longer than paraffin and drips less, so you'll have fewer accidents with your furniture and rugs.

What Are The Most Popular Candle Scents?

First, and most importantly, you want to look for a candle scent that you not only like, but one won't irritate you if burned for an extended period of time. This is an especially important point for those with allergies, who may be sensitive to certain fragrances. Options with natural essential oils may be less aggravating, and beeswax candles, which are largely free of toxins, can cut down on chemical reactions.

Beyond that, however, the best way to narrow down a scent is by considering mood and season. If you’re looking for something cozy in the winter, opt for more masculine notes of amber, cedar, sandalwood or vetiver. Otherwise, for floral or fresh candles (better for spring and summer), you want to look for fruity and floral notes, like rose, grapefruit, jasmine or lily.

The 12 Best Anthropologie Candles for Every Season 


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Assistant Editor

Sydney Meister is PureWow's Assistant Editor, covering everything from dating trends and relationship advice (here's looking at you, 'soonicorns') to interior design, beauty...

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Freelance Writer

Paige Doepke Liwanag lives in Chicago and has been working as a freelance writer since 2016 and writing fashion, beauty and home commerce content for PureWow since 2021. She's a...

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