20 Editor-Loved Candles That Smell Divine — Starting at $14

Nordstrom.com
MaisonLouisMarie.com
Photo Illustration: Kyley Warren
Nordstrom.com
MaisonLouisMarie.com
Photo Illustration: Kyley Warren
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Oil diffusers be damned — our editors just can't quit the warm, cozy essence provided by a classic scented candle. In our experience, the best scented candles do so much more than simply fill your space with a rich, aromatic quality — they have a sensorial makeup that often helps to promote a more relaxed energy, too. Cozy candles can warm up a dull space, brighten a dark room, and enrich your home with an extra vibrancy that feels so palpable — whether you're lighting them for a lazy night in or using them as the centerpiece for your next dinner party.

Of course, everyone's candles tastes are different — some people gravitate toward moodier scents like woodsy, amber fragrances, while others prefer something fresh, like a linen-scented candle or a classic vanilla offering. With so many candle brands on the market, it's hard to know which ones are truly the best of the best — especially when you're shopping online.

What Makes a Great Scented Candle?

While candle standards may vary from one household to another, we've based our candle recommendations around a few key characteristics: the price point — ranging from affordable to luxurious — the potency of the candle's fragrance, and the burn time of each candle (the longer, the better!).

Ahead, our editors divulged their picks for the best scented candles, with selects organized into specific categories. From cult-favorite fragrance brands like Le Labo and Diptyque to candles you've probably seen on Instagram like Sunday Morning, our editors didn't hold back on revealing which candles they love most. Whether you're looking for an option that can last you the whole season, a splurge-worthy candle that'll double as a great stocking stuffer, or a strong-smelling candle that's sure to fill up your space, you're sure to find your new favorite candle below.

Best Affordable Scented Candle
litbklyn.co

Best Affordable Scented Candle

Home Candle by LIT Brooklyn ($14)

"I normally light candles after I finish cleaning or if I'm stressed. I love the scent of lemons and vanilla, and it really doesn't get any better than the Home Candle by LIT Brooklyn. As soon as I light it, it puts me in a good mood. It honestly feels like a big hug." — Shari Straker, social content producer

Best Affordable Scented Candle
pfcandleco.com

Best Affordable Scented Candle

Los Angeles Soy Candle by PF Candle Co. ($24)

"My apartment is filled with a random assortment of candles that I've accumulated over the years, both as gifts and during moments of weakness in the home decor aisle. While I love LaromaCandleShop on Etsy for their seasonal scents — the smell of the Banana Nut Bread soy candle is delicious — one of my favorite year-round candles is the Los Angeles Candle from PF Candle Co..

As a California native, the scent reminds me of hikes through the redwood forests growing up — and I love that the brand is vegan, cruelty-free, and local. Plus, the packaging is simple yet chic. Would highly recommend this candle as an easy gift for a friend/loved one or as a new addition to your bookshelf." — Chanel Vargus, former assistant editor, Trending and Viral Features

Best Affordable Scented Candle
rstalchemy.com

Best Affordable Scented Candle

RST Alchemy Rooted Alignment Candle ($24)

"Featuring elements of red ginger, black tea and fig, this Rooted Alignment Candle from RST Alchemy is a standout pick to help you unwind and disconnect. Each candle is created in small limited batches in Honolulu, Hawai'i. A perfect way to prioritize and emphasize self care, each candle includes a QR code to a playlist — curated by designer Riana Taclas (who is also a DJ and breathwork facilitator) – and made custom for each scent." — Jade Esmeralda, former staff writer, Health and Fitness

Best Affordable Scented Candle
brooklyncandlestudio.com

Best Affordable Scented Candle

Sunday Morning Candle ($28)

"My go-to candle is the Sunday Morning Candle by Brooklyn Candle Studio. Before I even smelled it, I gravitated toward the scent simply because of the name. (Who doesn't want to feel easy like Sunday morning?) Grounded in a heady base of amber woods, the calming smell of fresh-cut flowers, jasmine, and gardenia, lays delicately over the initial impression of pear and bergamot orange.

Usually, I stay away from citrus due to its strong association with cleaning supplies and I'm similarly wary of floral scents out of fear the sharp sweetness will give me a headache. Instead, lighting this candle in my kitchen takes me away to an Italian farmers market even if I'm elbow-deep in dishes." — Melanie Whyte, former contributing writer, Wellness

Best Affordable Scented Candle
amazon.com

Best Affordable Scented Candle

Brooklyn Candle Studio Love Potion Jar Candle ($30)

"I've been buying this candle for years; I guess, like its name suggests, it has cast a spell over me. It's not overpowering, but that base of jasmine really does fill whatever space with a delicate warmth. I also love that this brand is woman-owned!" — Lena Felton, senior director, Features and Special Projects

Best Affordable Scented Candle
nohohomehawaii.com

Best Affordable Scented Candle

Noho Home Puakenikeni Soy Candle ($30)

"This soy candle from Noho Home is created in Hawai'i and touts a burn time of 36-40 hours. Designed by a hula dancer, this puakenikeni floral candle is meant to evoke a sense of nostalgia and the scent of beautiful fragrant flowers. A simple gift, this candle is bound to help with simply enjoying the moment, giving you a chance to feel relaxed island vibes, wherever you are." — Jade Esmeralda, former staff writer, Health and Fitness

Best Fragrance Scented Candle
roencandles.com

Best Fragrance Scented Candle

Roen Casa Polanco Scented Candle ($36)

"I'm a fan of Roan's entire Mexico City-inspired candle collection, but I keep coming back to this Casa Polanco one in particular. With notes of verbena, key lime, and basil, it's a fresh and verdant scent that's unique without being strange. I've purchased it twice for myself already and gifted one to a friend, so that's saying something." — Kelsey Garcia, associate director, Balance

Best Fragrance Scented Candle
anthropologie.com

Best Fragrance Scented Candle

Sydney Hale Candle, Bergamont, and Black Tea ($38)

"I first discovered this Bergamont candle at my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. It was burning in the bathroom and I kept finding excuses to head there, first to find out where the intoxicating scent was coming from, and then to make note of the candle brand. It's since become my absolute favorite candle, ever, and the only one I've repurchased multiple times. The scent is well-balanced — it's citrusy, floral, and earthy all at once, but without leaning too heavily into any one of those notes." — Stephanie Nguyen, associate director, Branded Content

Best Fragrance Scented Candle
shopbop.com

Best Fragrance Scented Candle

Boy Smells Cashmere Kush Candle ($38)

"Don't let the name deter you. I bought this candle for my first apartment, and I've yet to find something better. If you're tired of the same three cloying scent profiles, give this cozy combo of cashmere wood, white amber, and vetiver a try. It's a musky "your-skin-but-better" smell that fills my entire living space, and the notes of cannabis flower register as floral, not pungent. It's almost like burying your face in a lightly perfumed sweater. If you want your home to smell warm and luxurious, but not necessarily sweet, Cashmere Kush will get it done (and best believe I will be repurchasing . . . again)." — Chandler Plante, assistant editor, Health and Fitness

Best Fragrance Scented Candle
maisonlouismarie.com

Best Fragrance Scented Candle

Maison Louis Marie No. 04 Bois de Balincourt Soy Candle ($38)

"I love the earthy vetiver and amber notes in candle No.04 Bois de Balincourt by Maison Louis Marie, so much so that I also use their perfume oil in the same scent. Bonus — it's a soy wax blend formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates. Also, if you're not sure what scent you'll love they do sell a mini set which is great for keeping all to yourself or splitting up for gifts." — Jae Payne, creative director

Best Fragrance Scented Candle
nordstrom.com

Best Fragrance Scented Candle

Flamingo Estate Night Blooming Jasmine & Damask Rose Candle ($60)

"Born out of my own neighborhood in Los Angeles, Flamingo Estate has made quite a name for itself in recent years thanks to its unique, vegetal scents. And while I'm not quite cool enough for its heirloom tomato candle, I am a dedicated fan of this beautiful jasmine offering, which never fails to fill my space with its floral and inviting scent." — Kelsey Garcia, associate director, Balance

Best Luxury Scented Candle
nordstrom.com

Best Luxury Scented Candle

Diptyque Baies Candle ($45-$74)

"I could burn this Diptyque candle every day and never get tired of it. It has a fresh aroma with a slightly fruity twist. It's faint but impactful and quickly fills the room with the scent. I'm also obsessed with the minimal glass jar that it comes in. It matches the decor in every room of my house and doubles as an accent piece." — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, Beauty

Best Luxury Scented Candle
jennikayne.com

Best Luxury Scented Candle

Jenni Kayne Topanga Glass Candle ($65)

"I love this Jenni Kayne candle because it smells like a fresh and earthy day every time I light it. The best part is that I can walk into my living room and without the candle being lit, I can still smell the freshness of the moss, green leaves, and citrusy grapefruit. This is another spendy candle but it burns evenly, thoroughly, and for many hours." — Lauren Hendrickson, former VP, Shopping

Best Luxury Scented Candle
nettenyc.com

Best Luxury Scented Candle

Nette Gallica Rose Scented Candle ($82)

"I'm usually not a fan of overly rosy smelling fragrances — I'm more of a woodsy gal. However, there's something totally intoxicating about this Nette candle. I keep it in my bathroom, and even when it's not lit, it gives the whole room such a wonderful ambient scent. Yes, it is quite floral and rose-filled, but it also has undertones of musk and greenery to balance it out." — Aviel Kanter, director of branded content

Best Luxury Scented Candle
nordstrom.com

Best Luxury Scented Candle

Santal 26 Classic Candle by Le Labo ($87)

"A friend gifted me this Le Labo candle when I got engaged a few years back, and it quickly became a favorite that I've splurged on a few times now. I love a smoky, spiced-scented candle and this is just that — it's also neutral enough that it can work in a variety of rooms: bathroom, kitchen, living room . . . etc. The Santal 26 is a crowd-pleaser!" — Lindsay Kimble, former content director, Entertainment

Best Luxury Scented Candle
nordstrom.com

Best Luxury Scented Candle

Flamingo Estate The Tomato Ambience Set ($150)

"The grandma-core aesthetic sneaks up on you in your 30s. I woke up one day and suddenly I'm putting out paisley hand towels, hoarding vintage honeypots, and lusting after things like garden-inspired scents. If someone on your shopping list can relate (and no, it doesn't have to be your grandmother), may I suggest the Flamingo Estate Tomato Ambiance Set? It comes with six candles that smell just like you'd imagine Martha Stewart's herb garden smells: fresh, grassy, and brimming with ripe vine tomatoes. That said, if the people in your life are more of an alfredo bunch than pomodoro, you could also opt for The Mini Garden Tour, which features a can-do-no-wrong olive oil, a sage candle, and rosemary hand soap." — Kelsey Castañon, senior content director

Best Long-Lasting Scented Candle
sephora.com

Best Long-Lasting Scented Candle

Voluspa Baltic Amber Glass Candle ($34)

"Voluspa candles are some of the very best in regards to burn time, with this particular scent promising up to 140 hours. I love this scented candle because it's one of those rare options that isn't seasonally exclusive and can be used yearround. It has notes of honeyed amber that contrast beautifully against other moodier scents like sandalwood and a smoky vanilla. I've tried plenty of other fragrance candles for my home, but somehow always come back to this one." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Shopping

Best Long-Lasting Scented Candle
bloomingdales.com

Best Long-Lasting Scented Candle

Hinoki Fantôme Scented Candle by Boy Smells ($36, originally $48)

"I love everything Boy Smells touches — from its beauty campaigns to its inclusive brand messaging — so excuse my bias when I say its candles are some of the best. You can't go wrong, but my personal favorite right now is the Hinoki Fantôme, which mixes the darker, muskier scents I tend to love (like palo santo and cedarwood) with lighter notes of gardenia and eucalyptus. It's a little earthy, a little flowery, and a lotta sexy." — Kelsey Castañon, senior content director

Best Long-Lasting Scented Candle
nordstrom.com

Best Long-Lasting Scented Candle

Byredo Bibliotheque Candle ($47)

"I first learned about Byredo after Taylor Swift raved about the brand's Treehouse Candle in her Vogue 73 Questions interview. While I tried (and failed) to love the pop star's preferred scent, I found myself so much more enamored with this option. It's enriched with notes of plum, leather, patchouli, and vanilla, all of which combine together to form the most exquisite scent that feels so otherworldly — hence the name." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Shopping

Best Long-Lasting Scented Candle
sundayforever.com

Best Long-Lasting Scented Candle

Sunday Forever 11:11 Luxury Candle with Fig and White Woods ($48)

"With notes of ripe fig and burnt white wood, this Sunday Forever candle boasts the most subtle and decadent scent that's perfect for my home in any season. I personally love supporting companies that champion social causes, so I also appreciate the fact that Sunday Forever's candles are packaged in collaboration with a mission-based company that helps to support female artisans and refugees." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Shopping

Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes


Kyley Warren (she/her) is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.



Haley Lyndes was an assistant editor for PS Shopping where she found and tested the best home, beauty, and fashion products. She is a graduate of Northern Vermont University and has nearly five years of experience in both written and broadcast journalism.