Skip to Content

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

These Are the 27 Best-Smelling Candles to Ever Exist

Must have one of everything.

By Megan Uy, Hanna Flanagan and Hannah Chubb
best smelling candlespinterest icon
Khadija Horton

No matter what anyone says or thinks, I believe that there is absolutely no such thing as too many candles. In a world where so many different types of candles exist—CBD-infused ones, candles that melt down into a massage oil, or scents inspired by destinations and precious memories—it feels impossible to just have one! Whether you gravitate towards floral, fruity, cozy, romantic, or super luxurious scents, falling in love with a new candle—and subsequently telling everyone you know about it—is one of life's simplest pleasures. I mean, any space isn't complete without one, IMO.

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 a longtime lifestyle editor, my nose has been privy to hundreds—if not thousands—of wicks and waxes from fragrance brands far and wide. Below, I’ve compiled a list of my all-time favorites (the crème de la crème) with notes ranging from amber, vanilla, and patchouli to leather, lavender, and bergamot.

Our top picks for the best-smelling candles in 2023:

  • 1
    White Barn 3-Wick Candle in Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity

    best overall candle

    Bath & Body Works White Barn 3-Wick Candle in Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity

    $23 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    7 oz. Big Sur After Rain Candle

    best luxury fresh candle

    D.S. & Durga 7 oz. Big Sur After Rain Candle

    Read more
  • 3
    Chandelier

    best under $40 candle

    Otherland Chandelier

    Read more
  • 4
    Ambre Scented Candle

    best splurge candle

    diptyque Ambre Scented Candle

    Read more
  • 5
    Antidris Lavender Candle

    best lavender candle

    Maison Louis Marie Antidris Lavender Candle

    Read more

Read on for the 27 best-smelling candles you should add to your cart ASAP. You can thank me later.

1
best overall candle

Bath & Body Works White Barn 3-Wick Candle in Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity

Amazon’s Choice
White Barn 3-Wick Candle in Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity
1
best overall candle

Bath & Body Works White Barn 3-Wick Candle in Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity

$23 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • 3-wick candle for maximum scent coverage
  • Currently 50% off
Cons

    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
    2
    best luxury fresh candle

    D.S. & Durga 7 oz. Big Sur After Rain Candle

    7 oz. Big Sur After Rain Candle
    2
    best luxury fresh candle

    D.S. & Durga 7 oz. Big Sur After Rain Candle

    Credit: Neiman Marcus
    Pros
    • 100% vegan
    Cons

      Big Sur is one of the most sought-out destinations in America. Loved for its breathtaking views of the Monterey Peninsula, anybody who has been knows that mix of revitalizing natural outdoor air with the scent of redwood trees and the Pacific Ocean that is just unlike any other. So, imagine how it smells after a good rainfall? Even fresher. And you're lookin' at it in a candle. Magnifique.

      • Notes: Coastal rain, eucalyptus shoot, magnolia, pacific spray, eucalyptus leaf, wet wood
      • Burn time: 60 hours
      • Wax: Soy-vegetable wax
      3
      best under $40 candle

      Otherland Chandelier

      Chandelier
      3
      best under $40 candle

      Otherland Chandelier

      Pros
      • Free of parabens, phthalates and other gunk
      • No sulfates here, tyvm
      • Cruelty free
      Cons

        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
        Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
        4
        best splurge candle

        diptyque Ambre Scented Candle

        Ambre Scented Candle
        4
        best splurge candle

        diptyque Ambre Scented Candle

        Now 43% Off

        The perfect rich candle you've been looking for. They're a classic for a reason.

        • Notes: Woods, vetiver, and patchouli enhanced with radiant aniseed, insolent spices, mysterious incense, cistus and tonka bean.
        • Burn time: 60 hours
        • Wax: Paraffin wax
        5
        best lavender candle

        Maison Louis Marie Antidris Lavender Candle

        Free Shipping
        Antidris Lavender Candle
        5
        best lavender candle

        Maison Louis Marie Antidris Lavender Candle

        Credit: Maison Louis Marie
        Pros
        • Doesn't smell synthetic
        • Contains ~soothing~ notes of eucalyptus
        Cons

          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
          6
          best decorative candle

          Jonathan Adler Muse Couleur Sel de Mer Candle

          Muse Couleur Sel de Mer Candle
          6
          best decorative candle

          Jonathan Adler Muse Couleur Sel de Mer Candle

          Credit: Jonathan Adler
          Pros
          • Smells like summer
          • Perfect housewarming gift
          Cons

            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
            Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
            7
            best dessert candle

            Mala the Brand Milk and Sugar

            Milk and Sugar
            7
            best dessert candle

            Mala the Brand Milk and Sugar

            Credit: Nordstrom
            Pros
            • Extra-long burn time (85 hours!)
            • Smells good enough to eat (but don't)
            Cons

              This adorable little candle smells good enough to eat, thanks to fragrances you'd find wafting from your favorite baked goods.

              • Notes: Vanilla, cinnamon, and cream
              • Burn time: 80-85 hours
              • Wax: Soy wax
              8
              best candle for ~manifesting~

              Brooklinen Witching Hour

              On Sale
              Witching Hour
              8
              best candle for ~manifesting~

              Brooklinen Witching Hour

              Pros
              • Cleaning burning wick
              • Hand-poured wax
              Cons

                The perfect candle to ~manifest~ with, Witching Hour burns clean and smells fresh too.

                • Notes: Calming amber, patchouli
                • Burn time: 50-60 hours
                • Wax: Soy wax
                9
                best chic votive

                Thompson Ferrier Sagano Silver Cashmere Petal

                Sagano Silver Cashmere Petal
                9
                best chic votive

                Thompson Ferrier Sagano Silver Cashmere Petal

                Credit: Thompson Ferrier
                Pros
                • Two cotton wicks to ensure an even burn
                Cons

                  This bamboo-shoot-inspired candle comes in two-dozen different fragrances, but my favorites are the Cashmere Petal and the Gardenia (which is currently sold out). Beyond smelling fab, it's also just sooo chic.

                  • Notes: Cashmere, florals
                  • Burn time: 210-220 hours
                  • Wax: Proprietary wax blend
                  Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
                  10
                  best bergamot scent

                  Bohéme Goa

                  Goa
                  10
                  best bergamot scent

                  Bohéme Goa

                  Pros
                  • Vegan
                  • Phthalate-free
                  Cons

                    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
                    11
                    best Le Labo candle

                    Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle

                    Free Shipping
                    Santal 26 Classic Candle
                    11
                    best Le Labo candle

                    Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle

                    Credit: Nordstrom
                    Pros
                    • Fan-favorite scent
                    • 100% soy wax candle
                    Cons

                      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
                      12
                      best for gifting

                      Jo Malone London Grapefruit

                      On Sale
                      Grapefruit
                      12
                      best for gifting

                      Jo Malone London Grapefruit

                      Pros
                      • Light, subtle scent
                      • Luxe packaging
                      Cons

                        Jo Malone never misses, and this lively citrus scent is one of the brand's very best.

                        • Notes: Grapefruit, tangerine, vetiver, rosemary
                        • Burn time: 45 hours
                        • Wax: Natural wax blend
                        Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
                        13
                        best for large spaces

                        Apotheke Co. Charcoal 3-Wick Candle

                        Charcoal 3-Wick Candle
                        13
                        best for large spaces

                        Apotheke Co. Charcoal 3-Wick Candle

                        Pros
                        • 3 wicks for maximum scent distribution
                        • Burn time of 100+ hours (!!)
                        Cons

                          Three wicks make this sexy 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
                          14
                          best for winding down

                          diptyque diptyque Feuille de Lavande

                          diptyque Feuille de Lavande
                          14
                          best for winding down

                          diptyque diptyque Feuille de Lavande

                          Light this lavender cutie before bed to help you ~wind down~ after a long day.

                          • Notes: Lavender bushes, summer sky, earthy minerals
                          • Burn time: 60 hours
                          • Wax: Paraffin wax
                          15
                          best sexy scent

                          Anine Bing Pure Noir Candle

                          Free Shipping
                          Pure Noir Candle
                          15
                          best sexy scent

                          Anine Bing Pure Noir Candle

                          Pros
                          • Matte black finish
                          • Limited edition scent
                          Cons

                            From one of our fave ready-to-wear brands comes this rich blend of spicy and floral fragrances....in the sexiest matte black vessel ever.

                            • Notes: Black baccara rose, papyrus, saffron
                            • Burn time: 40-56 hours
                            • Wax: All-natural coconut and soy wax blend
                            Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
                            16
                            best everyday candle

                            Parachute Home Dusk Scented Candle

                            Dusk Scented Candle
                            16
                            best everyday candle

                            Parachute Home Dusk Scented Candle

                            Credit: Parachute
                            Pros
                            • Minimalist concrete votive
                            Cons

                              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
                              17
                              best terrarium candle

                              Zoe Tang Terrarium Candle

                              Terrarium Candle
                              17
                              best terrarium candle

                              Zoe Tang Terrarium Candle

                              Pros
                              • No-fail gift idea
                              • A steal at under $30
                              Cons

                                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
                                18
                                best bright scent

                                Voluspa Panjore Lychee Glass Jar Candle

                                Free Shipping
                                Panjore Lychee Glass Jar Candle
                                18
                                best bright scent

                                Voluspa Panjore Lychee Glass Jar Candle

                                Credit: Voluspa
                                Pros
                                • Glass jars can be upcycled after use
                                • Can't beat that $20 price point
                                Cons

                                  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
                                  Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
                                  19
                                  best artisan candle

                                  Marie Burgos Design Maruzia Bird of Paradise

                                  Free Shipping
                                  Maruzia Bird of Paradise
                                  19
                                  best artisan candle

                                  Marie Burgos Design Maruzia Bird of Paradise

                                  Credit: Marie Burgos Design
                                  Pros
                                  • Poured into a porcelain votive
                                  • Wood wick
                                  Cons

                                    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
                                    20
                                    best long-burn candle

                                    Maison Margiela 'REPLICA'

                                    Free Shipping
                                    'REPLICA'
                                    20
                                    best long-burn candle

                                    Maison Margiela 'REPLICA'

                                    Credit: Maison Margiela
                                    Pros
                                    • Rich but subtle scent
                                    • Also available as a perfume
                                    Cons

                                      Fresh and comforting, this scent is inspired by a lazy Sunday morning. And reviewers say it lasts forever—even compared to other pricey candles.

                                      • Notes: Lily of the valley, iris, white musk
                                      • Burn time: 40 hours
                                      • Wax: Paraffin wax
                                      Headshot of Megan Uy
                                      Megan Uy
                                      Assistant Shopping Editor

                                      Megan Uy is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok

                                      Lettermark

                                      Hanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets. Before joining Cosmopolitan, she wrote fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content at People (so, yes, she’s basically a professional product tester at this point). Follow her on Instagram for photos of Timothée Chalamet and #OOTD mirror pics. 

                                      Headshot of Hannah Chubb
                                      Associate Lifestyle Editor

                                      Hannah Chubb is the associate lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can’t afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram

                                      Watch Next
                                       
                                      preview for All Sections Playlist - Cosmopolitan US

                                      Shopping All These Pretty Things

                                      tarte national lipstick day sale 2023 maracuja juicy lip

                                      Don't Miss Tarte's 24-Hour Maracuja Juicy Lip Sale

                                      nordstrom designer sale deals 2023

                                      Deal Alert! Nordstrom’s Sale on Designer Goods

                                      nordstrom anniversary sale 2023

                                      The Best Deals from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

                                      wearpepper

                                      Small Cup Size? Here Are 12 Strapless Bras For Ya

                                      Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
                                      Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
                                      Logo
                                      twitter icon
                                      youtube icon
                                      facebook icon
                                      instagram icon
                                      pinterest icon
                                      Hearst Young Women's Network - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

                                      A Part of Hearst Digital Media

                                      We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

                                      ©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

                                      Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map
                                      Cookies Choices