The Best Scented Candles

Imaginary Authors is known for making scents that are fun and unique, and I loved the combination of notes in this candle. The artwork is stunning, both on the box and on the label. (That’s a theme you’ll notice with all Imaginary Authors products.) The company creates made-up books to go along with its fragrances, which pushes the envelope past face value and manages to put more facts behind the evocative ways we describe and associate different smells. There are even sections about what memories each fragrance may conjure—or create. That may be a little whimsical for some, but I think it’s a fascinating way to put more weight behind why something “smells good.”

And smell good, this candle does. It’s got notes of tropical punch, coconut palm sugar, raspberry, and “stardust.” It’s got notes of a dimly lit arcade, of a disco ball, of staying out late with your best friends that you just met for the first time. It’s fantastical and amazing. I also loved The Abandoned Mansion, which smells like a room full of old books. It’s worth checking out if you’re looking for a more unisex or masculine scent, or if you’re not a fan of sweeter smells.

The only thing I didn’t love about this candle was its single-wick design, which can lead to tunneling. Make sure you burn it for the first time when you’ll be around it long enough to ensure the whole top melts.

This sweet, fruity candle could probably cure my seasonal depression. (For legal purposes, that was a joke.) It smells like summer on a boardwalk or under a shady tree, with notes of fruit, sugar, and a hint of vanilla. I was especially stoked to see the underutilized papaya getting some love in the fruit blend. This candle is downright mouthwatering.

Smell House says this candle smells like “mango fruit chews, umbrella drinks, guava rind, [and] a melting creamsicle.” That about sums it up. If you love fruity, slightly gourmand smells or you want to bring the sunshine inside, this is an easy way to do it. Like the other Smell House candle we recommend in this guide, the wicks arrive a bit longer than on some other candles, so be extra sure to trim them down before burning for the first time. (And every time!)

Cherry is one of my favorite scents in the world, and this candle balances it perfectly. P.F. Candle Co. says its products are designed for people with fragrance sensitivities, and I noticed that immediately upon burning this candle. It’s sexy and grown-up, not too sweet and not too spicy, and the scent fills up my room without being too powerful. This candle also burns quite slowly, so you’ll get a lot of use out of it.

The maraschino cherry is noticeable, but I get more of the top and base notes than an overwhelming sense of sweetness. And as much as I love a good cherry-tobacco pairing, I like that this candle uses cedar and clove for the smoky note. This would be perfect in a book nook or bedroom.

This candle is expensive, and it smells like it. It comes from Fur, a company best known for its ingrown-hair prevention body oil. The candles are hand-poured by Joya Studio in Brooklyn. I didn’t love this scent as a deodorant (on my body), but as a candle it really works. It’s fresh, green, floral, and unisex. It reminds me a little bit of summer nights—sort of outdoorsy and wild. It would be a great option if you usually find scented candles to be too sweet or cloying. The single-wick design is prone to tunneling, so be prepared to burn the candle for a couple of hours when first lighting it. I love the chartreuse wax color and the shape of the candle, which is not too skinny and not too wide. The vessel looks nice and would make a cute bud vase or painting rinse cup once it’s empty.

Vellabox is one of our favorite subscription boxes. Starting at $18, each month you can get an artisanal candle and a bonus goodie in a scent matched to your preferences (based on a quiz you take when subscribing). I’ve received a few different candles from Vellabox, but Après-Ski has been my favorite. The label says it “smells like a warm bar, a cool drink, smoked marshmallow, [and] palo santo.” That description is spot-on. The scent is very winter-appropriate. It’s a little sweet, a little smoky, and a little cold. I love the large glass jar, which filters through a beautiful amber glow when the candle is lit. And I like that the metal lid screws on. You can purchase this candle separately, or take your pick of other scents, bundles, and premade boxes if you don’t want to subscribe and try your luck.

I love Formulary55’s sleek, understated packaging. The candles ship in a small box with plain paper as padding. There’s a printed paper insert on top of the candle with safety information, and a small sticker label on the bottom with scent notes. Otherwise, the outside of the jar is completely gorgeous and unbranded, meaning it can be reused for a myriad of purposes without a tiny advertisement sitting on your counter or windowsill. I’m not usually a marine scent enjoyer, but this candle nails the smell of fresh sea air without any overly soapy, in-your-face notes. There’s a hint of floral lavender, but the overall scent is still unisex. I do wish it smelled a little stronger, but if you’re seeking a simple candle that will accent the room without overpowering it, this is what you want.

You know the feeling you get when you walk past a candle store at the mall (remember those?) and your senses are overwhelmed with hundreds of way-too-strong smells? Years ago, this candle managed to lure me in with a siren song amid all of those notes. I hunted it down and it’s been in my rotation ever since. It smells. So. Good. It’s masculine, but not in a cologne way. More like in a study-with-leather-wing-chairs-and-a-fireplace kind of way. It’s available in many sizes and the larger ones have a sturdy metal lid and pretty colored glass that makes the burning candle look as good as it smells.

This scented candle immediately appealed to me. How could it not? The whole top is covered in biodegradeable glitter (honestly, all of the candles from this company are stunning). The outer label is emblazoned with a cutesy, girlboss-heavy message that may be fun or annoying, depending on your personality. But the stunning finish and delicious scent are enough to make me ignore whatever printed empowerment this product wants to offer me. The notes include a juicy, frankly mouthwatering blend of citrus, pitted fruits, and a little vanilla, lending it a sweet tinge without hurting your teeth. Did I mention the glitter?

Voluspa’s candles are exceptionally giftable. The box art is stunning, and the glass containers have little etches and whorling patterns that make them far prettier than some other candles I’ve tried. They come in many sizes, and there are even refills available for the Classic candles. They smell nice and strong, with plenty of notable scents—I also like Kalahari Watermelon and Panjore Lychee. But Mediterranean Lemon was my favorite of the few I tried. It’s bright and strong but not too in-your-face. It smells like what I imagine a balcony on the Mediterranean would smell like. It’s very White Lotus but also very “Italian grandmother imploring you to eat more at the breakfast table.” It’s zesty, fresh, wind in your face and a day full of opportunity ahead. It belongs on your kitchen windowsill, preferably with the windows open so the cross-breeze wafts it in your direction every so often. Exceptional.