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candles

20 Amazing-Smelling Candles That Don’t Cost a Fortune

Your nose (and wallet) will thank you.

By Mekita Rivas and Lauren Adhav

Whether your apartment still reeks of the pepperoni pizza you impulsively ordered last night at 2 a.m., or you’ve just had a draining, deadline-ridden day at work, the thing you need, my friend, is a candle. A candle! Yes, it’s that simple. We may not have the answer to world peace, but the answer to your space smelling truly amazing is a quick online search away.

See, a candle is a wonderfully magical item. The right candle can help you de-stress and unwind, clear away funky odors, and even set the mood if you have, erm, more ~sexy~ things in mind. But as you probably know all too well, candles often cost a small fortune—plus an arm, a leg, and your firstborn child, especially if you’re going for that SoulCycle-esque massive candle display look. Why does it seem like all the good things in life require a friggin’ down payment?!

And while I totally understand the appeal of treating yourself to a high-end, ultra-luxe product every once in a while, you really don’t need to drain your bank account for an expensive candle. In fact, these days, there are plenty of candles that A) smell like paradise and B) won’t make you go bankrupt. So here are 20 extremely chic (and, crucially, extremely cost-effective) candle options that won’t cost you a penny over $40. They smell great and are guaranteed to make your space feel cozy, warm, and oh-so aromatic. Plus: They’ll look quite ~aesthetic~ on your Instagram, just sayin’.

1
the energy cleansing one

MyLuminaCreations Purification Candle with Sage Lavender

Purification Candle with Sage Lavender
1
the energy cleansing one

MyLuminaCreations Purification Candle with Sage Lavender

Now 10% Off
$7 at Etsy

You can say goodbye to all bad vibes when you light this aromatic candle filled with purifying sage and calming lavender scents.

2
the holiday one

Brooklyn Candle Studio Christmas Tree Minimalist Candle

Christmas Tree Minimalist Candle
2
the holiday one

Brooklyn Candle Studio Christmas Tree Minimalist Candle

You can make like Mariah Carey all year long with Brooklyn Candle’s Christmas Tree scent.

3
the fresh one

La Jolie Muse Ylang Ylang Aromatherapy Scented Candle

Ylang Ylang Aromatherapy Scented Candle
3
the fresh one

La Jolie Muse Ylang Ylang Aromatherapy Scented Candle

If a stylish container is just as important to you as the scent itself, this floral jasmine and ylang-ylang candle with a copper finish is the perfect choice.

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4
the one that gets you

DorothyBCo Nah Soy Candle

Nah Soy Candle
4
the one that gets you

DorothyBCo Nah Soy Candle

Take a deep breath in...now let it out and grab this candle for moments when you don't have time for the BS.

5
the travel-friendly one

Harlem Candle Company "Speakeasy" Luxury Travel Candle

"Speakeasy" Luxury Travel Candle
5
the travel-friendly one

Harlem Candle Company "Speakeasy" Luxury Travel Candle

Now 76% Off

Because sometimes you need to take lush scents with you on the road. This one's got us lusting after its sensual flavors of vanilla and dark chocolate.

6
the outdoorsy one

Public Goods Cedar & Suede Scented Candle

Cedar & Suede Scented Candle
6
the outdoorsy one

Public Goods Cedar & Suede Scented Candle

Forget the pumpkin spice latte fragrances. This cedar and suede scented candle is the moody candle your room needs this fall.

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7
the ~masculine~ one

P. F. Candle Co. Teakwood & Tobacco Soy Candle

Teakwood & Tobacco Soy Candle
7
the ~masculine~ one

P. F. Candle Co. Teakwood & Tobacco Soy Candle

Credit: Courtesy

Tobacco probably isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of nice scents, but trust, this candle smells warm, spicy, and just generally amazing.

8
the matcha one

Forvr Mood Matcha Business Candle

Matcha Business Candle
8
the matcha one

Forvr Mood Matcha Business Candle

Calling all matcha lovers, this one's for you! Not only does it smell exactly like your fave tea, the green holder is impossibly chic.

9
the spa-inspired one

World Market Eucalyptus Mint Apothecary Jar Candle

Eucalyptus Mint Apothecary Jar Candle
9
the spa-inspired one

World Market Eucalyptus Mint Apothecary Jar Candle

Credit: Courtesy

Eucalyptus is so therapeutic—especially if you’re dealing with stuffy sinuses. Even if you’re not, this invigorating fragrance will make your room smell like a straight-up spa...and who doesn’t want that? This guy also lasts up to 45 hours.

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10
the west coast one

Homesick Los Angeles Candle

Los Angeles Candle
10
the west coast one

Homesick Los Angeles Candle

Now 21% Off
Credit: Courtesy

A candle that reminds you of warm, sunny days is one you’ll want to light 24/7. This jasmine and citrus situation smells like a summer breeze in Los Angeles and can burn for up to a whopping 80 hours.

11
the summery one

Otherland Rattan

Rattan
11
the summery one

Otherland Rattan

Credit: Courtesy

Speaking of summer, here’s another one that channels the season. It features notes of bright amber and earthy moss, and all your friends will ask, “OMG, what candle is that?!” when they come over. It’s really *that* good.

12
the fresh laundry one

Lulu Candles Luxury Scented Soy Candle

Luxury Scented Soy Candle
12
the fresh laundry one

Lulu Candles Luxury Scented Soy Candle

Now 15% Off

The smell of clean sheets fresh out of the dryer is heavenly, and if you want to enjoy the smell without the pain of actually doing laundry, you gotta get yourself this candle instead.

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13
the sweet one

Library of Flowers Honeycomb Luminary Candle

Honeycomb Luminary Candle
13
the sweet one

Library of Flowers Honeycomb Luminary Candle

Sugared fig, ambrosia honey, and royal bee blossom? This trifecta of sweetness will have your mouth watering for dessert all day long.

14
the tiny but mighty one

Voluspa Bourbon Vanille Petite Tin Candle

Bourbon Vanille Petite Tin Candle
14
the tiny but mighty one

Voluspa Bourbon Vanille Petite Tin Candle

Credit: Courtesy

When sweet meets spice, you get this bourbon vanilla combo that's the perfect mix of both worlds.

15
the musky one

The White Company Highland Escape Votive Candle

Highland Escape Votive Candle
15
the musky one

The White Company Highland Escape Votive Candle

Credit: Courtesy

This pristinely white candle has an intoxicating musky smell with notes of saffron, vetivert, patchouli, and whiskey—perfect for people who don’t love sweeter scents.

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16
the tin can one

Brooklyn Candle Studio Santal Gold Travel Candle

Santal Gold Travel Candle
16
the tin can one

Brooklyn Candle Studio Santal Gold Travel Candle

Keep the peaceful vibes going with a fragrant santal candle that's only 15 bucks. That gold tin is cute enough to keep (maybe as a jewelry holder?) even after the candle burns out.

17
the classic one

Good Day Scents Black Love Candle

Black Love Candle
17
the classic one

Good Day Scents Black Love Candle

Credit: Courtesy

Vanilla is a standard scent for a reason. It's a year-round favorite that pairs well with many other scents, including cream and cinnamon, like in this delicious-smelling candle.

18
the plant-based one

228 Grant Street Botanical Garden | Amber Jar

Botanical Garden | Amber Jar
18
the plant-based one

228 Grant Street Botanical Garden | Amber Jar

Credit: Courtesy

Vegan friends, here's a soy wax candle for you to light up when you're trying to bring out your inner zen.

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19
the calming one

Soyyo Bliss Candle

Bliss Candle
19
the calming one

Soyyo Bliss Candle

Credit: Courtesy

We can't get enough of this inspiring combo of agave, pachouli, and teakwood. This magical aroma stays with you long after you're done burning it.

20
the vacay-inspired one

Yankee Candle Beach Walk 2-Wick Tumbler Candle

Beach Walk 2-Wick Tumbler Candle
20
the vacay-inspired one

Yankee Candle Beach Walk 2-Wick Tumbler Candle

All about that ocean breeze smell? Get yourself this popular fragrance that’ll make you feel like you’re walking along a seaside boardwalk. Sign. Me. Up.

Headshot of Mekita Rivas
Mekita Rivas
Editor

Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather totes and books she can't put down to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has been published in dozens of publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, Women's Health, Refinery29, and others. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you'll typically find a mix of her snapshots from fashion week and various editor travels.

Lettermark
Associate Fashion Editor

I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago. 

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