Candles are a “hot” topic. They’re one of the most popular gifts and because they’re adored so much by consumers, they make up an industry worth more than $3 billion annually. But with an estimated 10,000+ different scents in the U.S. alone, how could you possibly pick the best scented candles? That’s where we come in! We at Study Finds found out what experts had to say. And from their tests, we found the consensus on the five that really lit their fire and impressed them. Because, after all, candles are more important than you might think.
In a recent survey, sixty-nine percent of respondents admitted they worry their homes smell bad to others. That may be why seven in 10 will do anything to ensure they have a good scent — even spending an average of $221 per year on items to improve their home’s aroma. Especially before inviting guests over. The study revealed that when hosting company, 72 percent say their homes must smell good. And 61 percent hold off from having guests over entirely if their homes aren’t smelling so nice.
But does your idea of cleaning the house revolve around doing a quick clean? It turns out the average American admits to using five different “cleaning shortcuts” while tidying up their homes. The survey of 2,000 people delved into some of these dubious shortcuts and found the second most common popular “cleaning shortcut” that 37 percent use is lighting a scented candle. So fresh and so clean (scented).
Another way to use scented candles? In a poll about the best “me-time” practices, respondents noted feeling calmer when having a candle lit nearby. A quarter add that candles make them feel rejuvenated, while 30 percent believe no “me-time moment” is complete without one. With 61 percent of people saying they would do almost anything for more “me-time,” that “anything” could be as simple as lighting a candle.
So, maybe you just want your house to smell like fresh linen without actually doing a load of laundry. Or maybe you’re tired of putting “me-time” on the backburner yet need a simple solution. Using a candle could be a small “me-time” indulgence, or it could be the I-just-cleaned-my-house scent you’ve been looking for. Either way, we rounded up the recommendations from 10 experts on which are the best scented candles you can get. Find out the results in the list below!
The List: Best Scented Candles, According To Experts
1. P.F. Candle Co. Amber & Moss
According to Real Simple, “P.F. Candle Co.’s signature golden jar definitely catches the eye, but even if it weren’t for the packaging, the Amber and Moss candle would still be one of our favorites. The standard 7.2-ounce jar is filled with soy wax scented with an earthy blend of sage, lavender, and moss; it’s like you walked into a soothing forest rather than your bedroom. The wax, along with its cotton wick, burns smoothly and slowly for up to 50 hours, and the fragrance oils are paraben- and cruelty-free.”
The New York Times highlights all of the features that make this scented candle worthy of the No. 1 spot: “The P.F. Candle Co. Amber & Moss candle has an even-keeled smell of pine resin and earthy moss, peppered with notes of minty eucalyptus and rich vanilla. P.F. Candle Co.’s signature vessel (an amber-colored jar with a gold lid and brown paper label) is unfussy, allowing it to blend in seamlessly with most decor. The lid is also practical for containing any lingering smoke after you snuff out the candle.”
2. Chesapeake Bay Candle Reflection + Clarity Scented Candle
Good Housekeeping says Reflection + Clarity has a calming fragrance for your home, and writes, “Here’s a fragrance that smells like a combination of sea salt and sage. It’s a natural soy wax blend and has a 50-hour burn time. One reviewer raved about its soothing, delicate scent.”
“One simple way to achieve balance and harmony in your home is through Chesapeake Bay’s Mind & Body collection. The combination of eucalyptus, lavender, and sea salt with hints of sage blend perfectly here, emitting a light aroma and providing a sense of calm,” Oprah Daily writes.
If you love this one, Real Simple also names Chesapeake Bay’s Serenity + Calm candle as another great option “to create a therapeutic environment.” Expect the same thoughtfully crafted soy wax, but scented with lavender, thyme, bergamot, and rosemary.
3. Mrs. Meyers Basil Candle
PureWow says this is more than a candle, it’s kitchenware: “Mrs. Meyer’s is known for its clean, garden-inspired scents, which smell as close to its namesake fragrances as possible. For example, this basil-scented candle will have you asking yourself, ‘What did I cook using basil today?’ each and every time you come in and out of the room. It won’t break the bank, and when you’re finished using it, you can add the glass jar to your kitchenware.”
“Mrs. Meyer’s Soy Candle is the perfect way to end a deep-cleaning session around your home. There is nothing more satisfying than placing this candle on your kitchen countertop, lighting a match, and allowing the decadent basil scent to burn whilst you sit on your sofa and watch a cozy romantic comedy,” Allure says.
Looking for the perfect movie to pair with your candle-burning me-time? For a list of the best rom-coms according to critics, click here.
4. Boy Smells Kush Candle
The Strategist is a huge fan of this scented candle, writing, “I’m a longtime fan of Boy Smells’ Kush because it’s one of those instantly recognizable scents that doesn’t smell like anything else. I credit Kush’s uniqueness to the heady mix of amber, floral, and green notes. At the top is cannabis leaf, lemon peel, and rhubarb — which you smell immediately. Then there’s almond, tulip, sage, and eucalyptus. Finally, when you blow it out or let it burn for a while, you start to smell the suede, musk, and amber. It’s intoxicating; the scent evolves like a conversation with an old friend: bright at the surface and then increasingly complex as the hours stretch on.”
Vice adds, “Get stoned sans a trip to the dealer by enjoying the best aromatic notes of the devil’s lettuce via Boy Smells’ now-iconic Kush Candle. The coconut wax and beeswax blend is imbued with the herbaceous, warm scents of cannabis, white musk, and amber for a full-blown stoner moment without any skunkiness.”
This candle is a cult classic according to Cosmopolitan, writing, “The name says it all. No, literally—this candle has notes of cannabis in it.” Plus, it has a burn time of 50 hours, so you’re getting the bang for your buck.
5. Otherland Chandelier
Forbes describes this scented candle as divine, and here’s why: “This clean-burning, vegan candle definitely doesn’t fall short on scent. The warm and spicy combination of champagne, saffron and leather is sexy, classy and intoxicating (in the best way ever). Plus, the sleek packaging makes it look divine on just about any countertop.”
It’s so unique, it might just be otherworldly. Cosmopolitan says, “Featuring a unique blend of rich and spicy scents, this candle is ‘sophisticated’ and ‘smells like nothing else out there,’ according to a reviewer.”
Real Simple claims this candle is “ideal for lighting while getting ready for the night or adding ambiance to a party.” The also rave about their 100 percent cotton wicks and 55-hour burn time. Plus, “you can try one of Otherland’s scent sampler packages before getting a full size.”
Did the experts leave out your favorite candle scent? Feel free to share your favorite scented candles down in the comments.
Sources
- Real Simple
- The New York Times
- Good Housekeeping
- Oprah Daily
- PureWow
- Allure
- The Strategist
- Vice
- Forbes
- Cosmopolitan
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
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