Yahoo Lifestyle 15 Stellar Scented Candles That Smell as Good as Your Favorite Cologne
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It wasn’t until I experienced Diptyque that I realized how unique, complex, and intoxicating a scented candle could be. That discovery opened a world of luxury candles, leading me to discover storied fragrance houses like Trudon and Astier de Villatte, fascinated by their intricate scent pyramids and captivating descriptions. A candle from these specialized brands transforms a space, setting a warm tone and offering a beautifully layered scent experience. With fall here and winter approaching (and the “Ber” months, AKA the best months), it marks the season for filling your home with the inviting and elevated aromas of the candles below. Once you’ve burned one, it’s hard to return to anything mass-market.
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I’m especially drawn to woodsy, spiritual fragrances that evoke the ambiance of an ancient monastery—scents rich in history with a hint of the otherworldly. While scent preferences are highly personal, tied to the notes that resonate with your unique palette, perfumers now devote just as much attention to the scent pyramids of candles as they do colognes. Luxury candles provide another olfactory canvas for crafting compositions that reflect a brand’s signature style. Though reviewing every aromatic category, from woods to florals, would be extraneous here, the takeaway is apparent: these candles are as meticulously crafted as fine fragrances and feature scent pyramids with top, heart, and base notes. Many specialized brands also use high-quality oils, enriching the scent throw and aroma.
It’s not just about the scent—the experience, from the vessel to the typography, elevates the candle’s presence and aesthetic. Think of it like a great vinyl record: the music is key, but when the album cover is just as impressive, it adds something special to admire. From Diptyque’s iconic typeset to Trudon’s regal gold emblem, Astier de Villatte’s ancient alchemical graphics, and Icelandic brand Fischersund’s rock ‘n’ roll, apothecary-style labels—each brand brings its distinct vibe. Beyond the packaging, the vessels themselves are often works of art. Trudon’s hand-blown glass containers are too beautiful to discard. The Maker’s ribbed glass feels like a whiskey tumbler, perfect for storing trinkets after the wax is gone, while Mad et Len’s instantly recognizable pewter containers with thoughtful lids have an alchemical feel. L’Objet’s porcelain vessels with gold lids make it clear you’re investing as much in the container as in the fragrance. These candles are as much a joy to admire as they are to burn, also making them luxurious gifts that feel as unique to give as they do to receive.
How to Get the Most Out of a Scented Candle
A few often-overlooked tips will help you get the most out of your candle and prolong its life. On the first burn, always let the wax melt evenly across the surface to create a full pool—this prevents tunneling (where unused wax gets left around the edges). Keeping the wick trimmed is essential for a proper flame, reducing soot, and maximizing scent throw. Aim to trim it to about ¼ inch before each burn. Instead of blowing out the flame (which also leads to extra soot and smoke), invest in a candle snuffer or a cloche to cover it and contain the smoke as it slowly extinguishes.
To preserve the candle’s fragrance, store it away from direct light, and when not in use, consider using a cloche to keep the aroma sealed in (plus, it’s fun to sniff the cloche when the candle is not burning). Many brands also recommend reusing the candle vessel after burning. Place it in the freezer overnight; the remaining wax should easily come out with a spoon or fall out. You now have a decorative container for items such as change, keys, or anything else. While many brands suggest burning the candle within the first six months after opened (as the scent might weaken), I’ve found that storing them in a cool, dark place will maintain their fragrance for much longer until you’re ready to light it up. Lastly, artful matches are always good to have on hand, with much more character than a Bic lighter.
The Best Candle Snuffer: Diptyque ($50)
The Best Candle Cloche: Trudon ($120)
A Stylish Box of Matches: L’Objet ($25)
A Hefty Match Striker: Craighill ($68)
A Sharp Wick Trimmer: Byredo ($25)
The Best Scented Candle Waxes
Perhaps no other factor, aside from the scent itself, is as personal yet often overlooked as the type of wax used in a candle. The choice of wax can dramatically impact a candle’s burn profile, scent throw, and even the scent itself. Each type of wax has its own strengths and weaknesses, affecting how well it disperses fragrance (aka the scent throw or how far the fragrance carries in your space), how long it burns, and how much soot is produced. These waxes are the carriers of the scent, and your personal preferences may guide you toward one type over another. We wouldn’t purchase a candle based on wax type per se, but it is helpful to consider if you want to get nerdy (which we are).
Soy wax, derived from soybean oil, has become popular thanks to its eco-friendly, renewable, and biodegradable properties. While its scent throw may be more subtle than other waxes, soy compensates by producing less soot and giving you a longer-lasting candle. Although not as widely used, coconut wax is newer and sustainable with an exceptional scent throw and an even burn.
Paraffin wax, once the industry standard and still commonly used in mass-produced candles, boasts a strong scent throw and clean burn but is often criticized for being a byproduct of crude oil.
Vegetal waxes, often derived from plant-based sources like coconut or rapeseed, are increasingly used by niche brands for their natural origins and smooth, clean-burning properties. Lastly, many candle makers may blend waxes for proprietary mixes that balance scent throw, burn quality, and environmental impact.
A unique and inviting aroma, scent throw, wax type, and vessel all work together to create a sensory experience that elevates the ambiance of a well-curated home. Plus, a luxury candle makes for a universally appreciated gift—a thoughtful and elegant gesture, especially with the holidays approaching. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite offerings from brands renowned for their fragrances or expertise in home goods. Some are new releases, while others are beloved classics, but each candle brings something distinct to the aromatic landscape. ‘Tis the season, so light one—or a few—and let its fragrance contribute to the vibe of your abode.
The Best Scented Candles to Burn Right Now
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Trudon Spiritus Sancti
Anyone familiar with luxury candles knows Trudon is synonymous with opulence and heritage. This distinguished Parisian house has been crafting candles for French cathedrals and nobility since 1643, making it one of the world’s oldest and most respected candlemakers. Manufactured in Normandy using a vegetal wax blend, each candle is housed in hand-blown glass vessels adorned with the iconic Trudon logo—an emblem of the brand’s commitment to heritage and craftsmanship. As someone who loves candles with a rich incense profile, I’ve smelled many takes on this note, but Spiritus Sancti by Trudon is, without question, one of the best. This candle combines incense softened by the lily of the valley, resting on a base of labdanum. A few notes combine to create a heady and holy masterpiece that transports you to the altars of a centuries-old cathedral.
Astier De Villatte Stockholm
I sometimes want to gatekeep the French brand Astier de Villatte (like an underground artist for those “in the know”). It creates some of my favorite scented candles—and you must burn one to fully understand. Its products boast some of the cleanest burns and scent throws, each with a warm undertone that hints at nutmeg. Each scent is an olfactory exploration of different locations worldwide, with intricate scent pyramids meant to interpret landscapes, cities, or historical scenarios. While I like almost all of them, I always return to the Stockholm scent. Inspired by the herbs and elixir King Gustav II gave his Viking warriors to make them invincible, its blend of clary sage, Haitian vetiver, Virginia cedar, Brazilian orange, lavender, petitgrain, and clove creates an intoxicating herbaceous yet crisp fragrance. It’s transportive, evoking the cobblestone streets of Stockholm’s old town, just as the perfumers intended.
Diptyque Patchouli
It’s impossible to discuss luxury candles without acknowledging one of the most renowned names in home fragrances—Diptyque. Established in 1961, this Parisian house has achieved iconic status with its exquisite fragrances and distinctive typography, often serving as the gateway for many into the world of luxury candles. There are many noteworthy scents among the Diptyque offering, but I am currently burning Patchouli. Forget the stereotypical “hippie” connotation. The note is a luxurious staple for many master perfumers. Diptyque’s version artfully blends a rich, spicy, herbaceous scent with woodsy and earthy notes that elevate the accord to a sophisticated and very fall-friendly composition.
Fischersund No. 23
Founded by members of the band Sigur Rós, Fischersund is a hip indie luxury fragrance house with an artfully moody vibe and a unique olfactory interpretation of Iceland’s raw landscape. Housed in an edgy black speckled vessel with apothecary-style labels and evocative scent descriptions, the candles have quickly built a dedicated following. No. 23 captures the rugged essence of working on the ships that frequented Reykjavik’s old harbor. It blends amber, leather, seaweed, smoke, anise seeds, black pepper, and pine into a smoky masterpiece that transports you to the cold, misty harbor—even from your living room. Keep your eye (or nose) on Fischersund—you’ll want to be the first to say you know them.
D.S. & Durga Big Sur After Rain
D.S. & Durga has quickly risen to prominence as a leading indie fragrance house, known for its meticulous sourcing of raw ingredients and captivating scent descriptions. As a big fan of the brand, I can say the perfumers put as much thought and care into their home scents as they do their fragrances. If you’ve ever stepped into a hip Brooklyn apartment or record store, there’s a good chance you’ve caught a whiff of Big Sur After Rain, the fan-favorite candle that captures the essence of standing in a foggy California grove. It blends redwoods, conifers, and eucalyptus into a sophisticated and downright addictive scent that shines in the fall or spring.
Santa Maria Novella Tabacco Toscano
Santa Maria Novella, the revered Florentine house founded in 1221, exemplifies the heritage and artistry of fragrance-making, focusing on aromatic, pure ingredients. Their fragrances possess an ethereal, minimalist luxury where each note stands out, and this same approach carries over to their classic candles. The packaging is exquisite—heavy, round cardboard containers adorned with herbal prints that evoke old-world luxury, as fitting in an Italian cathedral as on your home’s scent shelf. Tobacco Toscano combines a citrus accord with rich tobacco softened by a base of vanilla. Each note is distinguishable, creating a harmonious blend that is spicy, citrusy, and grounded.
Buy Now on Santa Maria Novella: $100
The Maker Writer Candle
Debuting in 2020 as an immersive and eclectic hotel in Hudson, N.Y., The Maker has since evolved into a curated collection of lifestyle products, garnering acclaim, especially for their niche fragrance line. The Maker’s candle collection, crafted from soy wax, is presented in exquisite vintage-inspired vessels to use as a tumbler after burning. “The Writer” is a creamy, captivating blend of fig, sandalwood, ink, and cotton. It’s a holiday take on the fig accord that beckons one to linger a little longer by the fireplace while typing (or writing) on a chilly night.
Aedes de Venustas Sian Ka’an
Since its founding in 1995, the Aedes boutique has become a trailblazer in niche fragrances, earning a loyal following among discerning scent enthusiasts. While it offers a thoughtfully curated selection of colognes, Aedes stands out with its award-winning in-house fragrance line, Aedes de Venustas. I’m a fan of all its signature candle aromas for different reasons, but right now, I’m burning the standout Sian Ka’an. It’s incense, but the kind that transports you to a jungle temple, not an old-world church. Frankincense and amber blend with spicy cardamom and patchouli, softened by sweet tonka bean and a hint of sea spray. This aroma proves that incense candles can explore diverse compositions, too.
L’Objet Grand Bazaar No. 30
L’Objet is as renowned for its home décor as it is for its home fragrances, so it’s no surprise that the vessels are just as chic as the wax they hold. The aromas are complex and rich and complement the eye-catching containers, which feature bold, intricate patterns and elegant porcelain. The standard vessel for its Grand Bazaar candle is white porcelain topped with a substantial gold lid. The fragrance is an exotic blend of cardamom, coriander, saffron, and cedar over a base of leather and amber, evoking the atmosphere of an old-world marketplace. The paraffin wax is an ideal diffuser for this scent, and the candle comes packaged in a luxe gift box, making a perfect present. Plus, you’ll want to repurpose this vessel as a home décor piece long after the wax has burned through.
Carrière Frères Cedar Candle
Established in 1884, the Parisian fragrance house Carrière Frères has flown under the radar in the States—until recently, as the scent-savvy have begun to take notice. Crafted in their Normandy workshop using 100% vegetable wax, the candles often highlight single-note fragrances like lavender, sandalwood, or even absinthe. But don’t be fooled by their simplicity—these scents are anything but basic. Take cedar, for example. While it captures the woodsy, dry warmth you’d expect, its floral undertones surprise with a spring-like freshness, creating a balanced fragrance that adapts beautifully to any season.
Buy Now on Carrière Frères: $69
Le Labo Cypres 21
When Le Labo burst on the scent scene decades ago, it redefined the niche fragrance world with its innovative use of raw materials, apothecary aesthetic, and refined sensibilities. And they are still releasing stellar colognes and candles today. You can’t go wrong with any of Le Labo’s candles, but noteworthy and new for this season is Cypres 21. Known for its unique interpretation of classic notes, Le Labo delivers another future classic composition with this one. Sharp and woodsy cypress sits atop juniper and clove, grounded by incense and patchouli. It’s like every iconic winter note dressed up for a log cabin soirée—sophisticated, warm, and undeniably stylish.
Tom Dixon Elements Earth
British designer Tom Dixon, renowned for his industrial aesthetic in lighting and furniture, is equally known for his remarkable home fragrance line. His candles, unsurprisingly, reflect his signature attention to detail, captivating both the eye and the sense of smell. The “Earth” candle, made from a vegetal-paraffin blend, combines Mint, Green Leaves, Galbanum, Guaiac Wood, Cedarwood, and an intriguing Hummus accord. This alchemical yet wonderfully aromatic creation offers a sensory interpretation of what exploring the essence of our planet might feel like. Encased in a beaker-like vessel, it’s a piece you’ll want to keep among your shelf curiosities.
Frédéric Malle Country Home
Frédéric Malle fragrances are an institution; the olfactory world takes notice whenever a new scent is released. While the brand is renowned for its exceptional colognes, don’t sleep on the artful compositions of Malle’s scented candles. One standout is Country Home, crafted to evoke the comfort of sitting by a crackling fire in a Scottish countryside house. With smoky notes, cedar, pine, and styrax, an almost honeyed accord subtly underlies the fragrance. This candle wraps your abode in warmth, comfort, and luxe nostalgia- perfect for the coldest winter nights.
Buy Now on Frederic Malle: $140
Mad et Len Terre Noire
Mad et Len, a fragrance house based in the south of France, is an “if you know, you know” kinda brand—though recent collaborations with designers like Lemaire have brought this insider favorite more into the spotlight. Their vegetal wax candles encapsulate everything you’d expect from an artisanal aromatic experience with nuanced compositions. Recognizable by their black cast iron vessels and medieval-style lids, they evoke an ancient, alchemical vibe. One of their bestsellers, Terre Noire, combines notes of damp earth, rich soil, ancient woods, and cold mushrooms. Yet, it reveals itself as a blend of pine, woods, and spice, where its earthy complexity subtly lingers.
Unifrom Winter Saga
Unifrom is a much-buzzed-about fragrance house known for its perfume oils and solid perfumes, conceptualized in Sweden, developed in Paris, and crafted in the olfactory hub of Grasse. Like many niche luxury brands, Unifrom excels at home scents as well. Their debut candle, Winter Saga, just launched, and it’s as experimental and intriguing as their perfumes. Blending frankincense, Japanese cypress, and cedarwood, it evokes a warm, cold-weather vibe that’s both crisp and comforting. The scent is a mysterious mix of fresh woods and amber warmth, perfect for setting a cozy holiday mood and keeping that feeling alive well into winter.
