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These Are the 27 Best-Smelling Candles to Ever Exist
Must have one of everything.
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:
Read on for the 27 best-smelling candles you should add to your cart ASAP. You can thank me later.
Bath & Body Works White Barn 3-Wick Candle in Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity
Bath & Body Works White Barn 3-Wick Candle in Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity
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
D.S. & Durga 7 oz. Big Sur After Rain Candle
D.S. & Durga 7 oz. Big Sur After Rain Candle
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
Otherland Chandelier
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
diptyque Ambre Scented Candle
diptyque Ambre Scented Candle
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
Maison Louis Marie Antidris Lavender Candle
Maison Louis Marie Antidris Lavender Candle
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
Jonathan Adler Muse Couleur Sel de Mer Candle
Jonathan Adler Muse Couleur Sel de Mer Candle
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
Mala the Brand Milk and Sugar
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
Brooklinen Witching Hour
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
Thompson Ferrier Sagano Silver Cashmere Petal
Thompson Ferrier Sagano Silver Cashmere Petal
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
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
Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle
Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle
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
Jo Malone London Grapefruit
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
Apotheke Co. Charcoal 3-Wick Candle
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
diptyque diptyque Feuille de Lavande
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
Anine Bing Pure Noir Candle
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
Parachute Home Dusk Scented Candle
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
Zoe Tang 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
Voluspa Panjore Lychee Glass Jar Candle
Voluspa Panjore Lychee Glass Jar Candle
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
Marie Burgos Design Maruzia Bird of Paradise
Marie Burgos Design Maruzia Bird of Paradise
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
Maison Margiela 'REPLICA'
Maison Margiela 'REPLICA'
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
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.
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.
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.
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