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There is nothing better than a deliciously scented candle and there are so many amazing options to choose from. When it comes to candles, it’s hard to find the right one for you. Whether you’re looking for a super fragrant scent or pretty canister, there are so many options to choose from.
To help you find the right scented candle for you, we rounded up all of our favorite picks below. From a 100% soy wax candle to candles hand-poured in the USA, there are a variety of choices.
Below, we rounded up all different scents and types of candles – from jasmine to fresh linen, to cruelty-free, vegan, soy wax, to pretty glass canisters and more. No matter what type of scented candle you’re looking for, there is something for everyone which you can see in our top picks!
Detailing the Leading Scented Candle in 2024
Yankee Candle Large Jar Candle Pink Sands — Best Overall
Turn your house into an island vacation with this delicious citrus, floral, and spicy vanilla candle. The candle burns for 110 to 150 hours so you can keep it lit all day long without having to worry about lighting a new one. It’s made with paraffin grade candle wax so the smoke is always clear and never black, plus it comes in a pretty, clear glass jar.
Pros
- It burns for 110 to 150 hours
Cons
- It’s large
RITUALS Scented Candle — Pleasant Scent
Celebrate the beginning of spring with this Scented Candle from Rituals, which was inspired by the fleeting beauty of Hanami, Japan's season for seeing cherry blossoms. The candle will fill your home with the gentle flowery fragrances of Sakura and rice milk, which will help you relax and enjoy a more pleasant state of mind. The candle comes in a ribbed white jar with an embedded gold plaque, making it an abundant and fragrant addition to the interior spaces of your home. Let it burn for around three to four hours when lighting for the first time or until the top layer has melted away. It ensures that the fire will burn evenly.
Pros
- Gentle flowery fragrances
- A ribbed white jar adds to your home interior
- Helps you feel relaxed
Cons
- Melts quickly
Lulu Candles Luxury Scented Soy Jar Candle — Runner Up
Made with soy wax, this delicious candle is completely vegan, paraben-free and cruelty-free, plus it has a long-lasting burn. Even better, each candle is made in the USA. There are 20 scents available, which are super fragrant, and you can get a gift set with 3 candles to give as a gift.
Pros
- It’s cruelty-free
Cons
- It’s small
LA JOLIE MUSE Jasmine Scented Candle — Honorable Mention
Each candle is made with essential oils that work to give off a scent in every room, all while changing your mood. It burns for 50-65 hours and comes in a beautiful glass jar that can be reused once the candle is done or makes a perfect gift. Even better, the brand provides full refunds and returns if there are any problems with your product.
Pros
- It comes in a pretty glass jar
Cons
- It only burns for 50-65 hours
DecoCandleS Urban Concepts Tranquility Highly Scented Candle — Contender
Hand-poured in the USA, this long-lasting candle is available in 9 scents that provide a luxurious fragrance to any room in your house. It has a pretty and simple design of a clear glass jar with a cork top, which makes it perfect for any room in the house. The scent is super fragrant.
Pros
- It’s highly fragrant
Cons
- It’s small
Buying Guide: Scented Candles
Scented candles can turn a turbulent space into a place of calm and tranquility. The soft glowing light can make a room seem cozy and a beautiful fragrance will help you feel relaxed. You may want to purchase a scented candle for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.
Whatever reason you are purchasing a scented candle, we are here to help. Candles come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and with different fragrances. In this article, we will discuss the different types of candles and fragrances available.
We also discuss a few things you should consider before investing in a new scented candle. To gain a better understanding of scented candles and make the best purchase for your needs, continue reading below.
What Different Types of Candles Are There?
There are several types of candles available. These include:
Pillar candles
Pillar candles are tall and often wide. They make excellent table centerpieces. Scented pillar candles are rare but available.
Votive candles
Votive candles are small and well-balanced. You will need to place these in a candle holder or on a small dish.
Container candle
Container candles are available in different sizes but are mostly around the same size as a votive candle. No candle holders are needed when using this type of candle.
Tealight
A tealight is small and will usually have about an hour of burning time. These are an excellent way to test new fragrances. We recommend purchasing some tea lights with a fragrance you are interested in if you are not sure which fragrance to choose.
Unscented candles
There are also a couple of candles that are rarely scented. If you want a scented candle, you should probably avoid taper and chime candles. These are often used for prayers and are tall thin candles.
What Things Should You Consider Before Buying Scented Candles
There are several things you need to keep in mind before purchasing a scented candle.
Type of wax
Scented candles are often made from paraffin wax. However, if you are asthmatic, paraffin wax can agitate your lungs. Paraffin wax produces smoke and releases toxins into the air. Beeswax, soy wax, and coconut wax are healthier options:
- Beeswax
Beeswax candles clean the air by combating free radicals that can cause lung issues. However, beeswax is more expensive than coconut and soy wax.
- Soy wax
Soy wax is cheaper than beeswax and doesn’t produce smoke like paraffin wax. Soy wax is vegan friendly but beeswax is not.
- Coconut wax
Coconut wax candles are often a mixture of soy and coconut. Coconut has some of the free-radical fighting properties of beeswax with a smaller price tag. It is also vegan-friendly. However, a coconut wax candle will often smell of coconut and this is not to everyone’s taste.
Color
Consider the color you want your candle to be. All the colors of the rainbow are available. You can also purchase a single candle containing two or three mixed colors. This can be done with a marble effect or with each color stacked on top of the other.
You can choose to match the color to the fragrance; for instance, a blue candle with an ocean breeze fragrance. Alternatively, you can choose contrasting colors and fragrances.
Glitter and crystals
Some candles contain glitter and crystals to create a shimmer effect under the flame. You can purchase candles containing meaningful stones and crystals for a loved one. This makes a lovely thoughtful gift.
Theme
You can choose a candle based on a particular theme. Some candles will create a fragrance that is supposed to symbolize an emotion such as love or happiness. Some candles try to recreate a place like a magical forest, or a stormy night. Other candles may simply reference a subject you find interesting, like a mythical animal or a famous person from history.
Examples of Different Scented Candle Fragrances
There are several types of fragrances you can choose from, sometimes referred to as fragrance notes.
Fresh notes
Fresh notes include the scent of fruit, greenery, herbs, and the sea.
Woody notes
Woody notes include the scent of wood, smoke, leather, and moss.
Floral notes
Floral notes include the scent of various flowers, the most common being rose. However, some flowers are also found in oriental notes.
Oriental notes
Oriental notes include the scent of patchouli, orange blossoms, incense, amber, and sweet spices.
Some candles mix and match their fragrances to create a unique scent. You never know - you may find a candle that combines all your favorite scents in one product.
