From Zara to Diptyque, This is Our Ultimate List of the Very Best Candles
There's no denying the power of fragrance—we're all familiar with the way that a certain perfume can transport us to a certain time or place, lift our spirits, or get us in the mood for a night out, but what's often overlooked is the fact that the same effect can be achieved in the way we scent our space. Whether you want to create an atmosphere of relaxation or refresh the energy of a room, then you truly can't go wrong with a scented candle. Ideal for bringing ambience to your bedroom, masking lingering odours in your dining room, or creating spa-like vibes in your bathroom, the best candles serve not only to make your home smell amazing, but also to boost your mood—and of course, multitask as decorative features.
For me, arriving home after a long day, washing my face, changing into comfy clothes, and lighting a candle is one of life's simplest but most enjoyable small pleasures. The right candle at the right time can do anything from helping me to focus when working from home, to getting me in the mood for a deep clean, or creating an atmosphere of calm to relax my mind before sleep.
When it comes to choosing the best candles, there are tonnes of options to choose from—spanning the offerings from luxury fragrance houses to more affordable budget home fragrance ranges—altogether, making it a tough category to sift through. Fortunately for you, between my career as a beauty editor and the genetic predisposition towards buying candles that I seem to have inherited from my mum, I've tried my fair share of candles over the past few years...
To help you to narrow down your options, I've rounded up an edit of the best candles I've tried. From cult classics (think: Byredo, Jo Loves, and Diptyque) to not-so-well-known candles from some of my favourite indie fragrance brands (such as Ostens and Good Candles), I can guarantee that every single one of these candles will make your home smell incredible.
Shop the Best Candles:
1. Byredo Bibliothèque
2. Diptyque Baies
3. Glossier
4. Jo Malone London Basil & Neroli
5. Loewe Tomato Leaf
6. NEST New York Lime Zest & Matcha
7. Beauty Pie Clean House
8. Jo Loves Christmas Trees
9. Sana Jardin Sandalwood Temple
10. Malin + Goetz Dark Rum
11. The White Company Seychelles
12. Penhaligon's Anbar Stone
13. & Other Stories Arabesque
14. Marks and Spencer Warmth
15. Paul Smith Sunseeker
16. Soho Home Trento Leather & Oud
17. Zara Home Absolute Linen
18. NEOM Tranquility
19. Ostens Illumination Rose
20. Miller Harris Tabac
21. D.S & Durga Big Sur After Rain
22. Trudon Odalisque Candle
I have to admit that I've never actually burned this candle, but I have smelt it (in store) enough times to know I'd love it. Trudon candles make for a luxury addition to any stylish home, and it's not due to their design. They're notoriously strong-smelling and long-lasting, so you get what you pay for.
23. Le Labo Santal 26
24. Maison Crivelli
25. Urban Apothecary Coconut Grove
I'm yet to burn this candle for myself but if the description is anything to go by, I think I'm going to like it: "Go island hopping in the Indian Ocean with this memory of sparkling seas, white sands and palms. Coconut Grove gives a shout-out to wanderlust and brings adventure to your mood." Sold.
26. Habitat Geranium & Basil
Habitat's candles (also available in Sainsbury's) are not to be missed, and this is one of my favourites for burning during summer. Fresh green geranium, warm basil, and a touch of sweet mint come together in this divine candle, which smells far more expensive than it is.
27. Dasein London Fig
28. Good Candles School Dinners
29. Glossier Orange Blossom Neroli
30. Venom Cult Firefly
31. Space NK Tuscan Vines
32. Floral Street Wonderland Bloom
33. True Grace Library Candle
34. Aromatherapy Associates Relax Candle
35. Zara Dark Amber
Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.
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