15 best scented candles to buy in 2024
Who doesn't love a good candle? Here are some top-rated fragrances you'll want to keep lighting for a long time.
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I think we can all agree that scented candles are one of life’s greatest yet simplest pleasures. There’s truly nothing like lighting one up to fill up the room with a subtle fragrance or create an ambience to match a mood and occasion.
When it comes to candles, there are endless options to choose from like ones with crackling wicks (like a log fire without the hassle) and ones with scents for every persuasion – ranging from fresh, fruity and floral to musky, woody, oriental and more.
And if you’re looking for a super simple yet thoughtful gift idea, look no further – because a luxurious candle is the perfect choice to impress just about anyone for any event from Mother’s Day to a birthday or house-warming. Or just buy one for yourself as a treat.
Our top picks include Ecoya's fun Guava & Lychee Sorbet Madison candle, one of Ecoya's most-loved scents on its website and boasting a five-star rating. Shoppers have called the fragrance "divine", with one writing, "This is the most beautiful smelling candle it fills your room with a fresh fruity scent that instantly makes you smile!!! Love it love it."
Interested? Scroll on for our top picks of the best scented candles from luxury to affordable, and everything in between.
BEST SCENTED CANDLES OVERALL
Circa Amber & Sandalwood Scented Soy Candle 350g, $39.95 at Myer
Why we love it: The jar is is beautiful, the candle burns evenly and doesn't produce too much smoke. Plus, the intensity is great for anyone who wants something in the middle.
What to consider: It's recommended you do not burn this candle for either less than an hour or for more than four hours at a time.
Type of candle: Soy candle with cotton wick | Burn time: Up to 80 hours | Fragrance notes: Top: orange and magnolia. Middle: amber, iris and tonka bean. Base: vanilla, sandalwood and musk.
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, Deputy Editor
I love candles! I’m one of those people who has a million candles (okay slight exaggeration) around the house so I consider myself a bit of a candle connoisseur.
My current fave is Circa’s Amber and Sandalwood one – it has a beautiful fragrance that fills up the room but isn’t too overpowering either. I love the warm and woody scent, which has a hint of zesty sweetness to it as well.
It’s the perfect scent for winter while snuggling up on the couch watching a movie. The Circa candles also burn for ages and the wicks are good too – you know how some candles create too much smoke when you blow them out? Not ones by Circa.
Highly recommend for an elegant and luxurious fragrance for the home.
Ecoya Guava & Lychee Sorbet Madison Candle 400g, $49.95 at Ecoya
Why we love it: Ecoya candles are great value for money, offering a variety of luxe fragrances that don't break the bank and are worth repurchasing. This soy candle can even burn for up to 80 hours, which is longer than many other pricier candles on the market.
What to consider: This candle is one of the brand's most full-bodied fragrances, so it might be a little too intense for those who prefer something more delicate.
Type of candle: Soy wax candle with cotton wick | Burn time: Up to 80 hours | Fragrance notes: Top: pink grapefruit, pineapple, lime and lychee. Middle: guava, passionfruit and strawberry. Base: vanilla and malt.
What You Need To Know
Fresh and fruity, keep the fun holiday vibes going all-year round with Ecoya's Guava and Lychee Sorbet Madison Candle. It boasts the perfect amount of sweetness with notes of lychee and guava, and balanced out by the zestiness of red berries plus the warm and comforting base notes of vanilla and malt.
With a five star rating, shoppers are absolutely loving the "divine" scent, calling it a "beautiful aroma" and "my favorite of all".
"The fragrance is just so beautiful and refreshing. (L)ove, love, love it!" praised a shopper.
"I absolutely love this candle! The smell is so fresh and beautiful. It’s also not too sweet which is great," another wrote.
Lumira Glass Candle - Cuban Tobacco, $80 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: The scent is rich, masculine and a total winner.
What to consider: The fragrance is luxe and so is the price tag.
Type of candle: Soy candle | Burn time: Up to 80 hours | Fragrance notes: Top: tangerine, cardamom and clove bud. Middle: clean floral. Base: mahogany, patchouli, musk vanilla and tobacco.
What You Need To Know
Tobacco may not seem like the scent you’d want lingering in your home, but trust us on this candle. A great unisex aroma, the spicy scent features tobacco, patchouli, cardamom, mahogany, and more, to create a sultry and luxurious environment. Reviewers say it lasts a long time, “smells expensive”, and “definitely not overpowering or cloying”.
Glasshouse Fragrances Marseille Memoir Gardenia Soy Candle 380g, $54.95 at Glasshouse Fragrances
Why we love it: This classic triple-scented candle lets you enjoy a mix of fruity, floral and a "powdery softness".
What to consider: The smell of gardenia stands out more than the other floral notes.
Type of candle: Soy wax candle with cotton wick | Burn time: Up to 65 hours | Fragrance notes: Top: hyacinth, neroli and apple blossom. Middle: gardenia, carnation and tuberose. Base: sandalwood, incense and clove bud.
What You Need To Know
Love the smell of Take a trip to the Cote d'Azur with this flora French-inspired candle from Glasshouse Fragrances. The Marseille Memoir Gardenia Soy Candle is on the bolder side but still not too overpowering, making it suitable for both small rooms and larger open spaces.
BEST LUXURY SCENTED CANDLE: $50 AND UP
Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Home Candle 200g, $116 at Myer
Why we love it: It has a fresh and clean feel.
What to consider: Some critics say the candle is very delicate and can be hard to detect, particularly if placed in a large and open room.
Type of candle: Made from a blend of different waxes. | Burn time: Up to 45 hours | Fragrance notes: Sweet and floral.
What You Need To Know
Jo Malone London is a master of fragrances, and this candle is one of their best. It has a 45 hour burn time, during which you’ll be treated to the scents of orange blossom, clementine leaves, and water lily. A reviewer wrote, “I have spent years trying to find a candle that is mild and soft. This one is it. It doesn’t smack you in the face like most candles out there.”
BEST MID-RANGE SCENTED CANDLE: $25 TO $50
Leo 2 Wick Scented Candle, $37.49 (down from $49.99) at dusk
Why we love it: This is a clever way to personalise your home with a scent tailored to suit your zodiac sign.
What to consider: Some dusk candles have been criticized for being too light, but this is objective and intensity will vary between each product.
Type of candle: Not stated. | Burn time: Up to 45 hours | Fragrance notes: Various.
What You Need To Know
If you have a friend who’s into astrology, a candle that represents their zodiac sign makes an awesome gift. With Leo season in full swing, this candle offers top notes of fresh mandarin, lemon and ginger scent, middle notes of freesia, jasmine and sage, and finishes with a sweet coconut and musk for the base.
With a decorated jar that features constellations and symbols related to the star sign, as well as common traits of our dear main character Leos – this is a thoughtful gift anyone is sure to appreciate.
Not a Leo? check out the other zodiac sign candles here.
Ecoya Lotus Flower Madison Candle, $49.95 at Myer
Why we love it: The fragrance has a nice balance of scents, featuring soft and powdery notes from the lotus flower and the strong sweet and musky notes from the patchouli. Fans love how the candle provides a strong yet light scent, making it perfect for those who want some intensity without the candle being too overpowering.
What to consider: Some critics complained about getting black marks in their candle or the wick burning too quickly. These are common issues that can happen with any candle and can be easily fixed my trimming the wick before every use.
Type of candle: Soy candle with cotton wick | Burn time: Up to 80 hours | Fragrance notes:Top: lemon and bergamot. Middle: lotus flower and jasmine. Base: patchouli, vanilla and musk.
What You Need To Know
For a warm and delicately spicy scent that is sensual yet relaxing, this Ecoya candle blends Australian white lotus flower with Pacific vanilla and patchouli. A reviewer said that it’s a “soft, peaceful and elegant fragrance that calms and soothes while enveloping the soul in overall peace and serenity”.
BEST AFFORDABLE SCENTED CANDLE: $25 AND UNDER
Crystal Infused Scented Soy Candle 200g, $14.21 (down from $29) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Each of these mini luxe candles pack up to 18 hours of burn time.
What to consider: The main difference between each candle is the gemstone.
Type of candle: Soy candle with cotton wick | Burn time: Up to 40 hours | Fragrance notes: Has subtle notes of mandarin, cedar and florals.
What You Need To Know
Heal your mind and body with these Hidden Secrets x Mestige scented soy candles that both smell good and look even better. The different fragrances are infused with natural gemstones, each of which have their own unique properties such as serenity, mental clarity, love, joy and success. You can choose from Rose Quartz, Citrine, Aquamarine and Amethyst.
A Tahaa Affair 60g, $22.95 at Glasshouse Fragrances
Why we love it: This classic fragrance is available in a variety of sizes between 60g and 760g, and alternatively in the from of a diffuser, body bar and more.
What to consider: The candle is a full-bodied fragrance and intense, making it ideal for large rooms.
Type of candle: Soy candle with cotton wick | Burn time: Up to 20 hours | Fragrance notes: Top: pineapple. Middle: coconut fruity and frankincense. Base: caramel and vanilla.
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
This mini candle is the perfect little sweet treat. Combining pineapple, coconut, caramel and vanilla, it’s an indulgent scent that will transport you straight to the beaches of Tahaa. I have one sitting in my living room, and can confirm that it fills the space with an intoxicating scent as though I’ve just been baking something delicious!
Matcha Do About Nothing Soy Scented Candle, $26.24 (down from $34.99) at dusk
Why we love it: Aside from having a fun scent, this candle comes with a silicone ring seal to help with longevity and its throw (i.e. how strong it smells compared to when it's sitting at the store versus after it has been lit).
What to consider: It's an intense fragrance.
Type of candle: Soy candle with cotton wick | Burn time: Up to 48 hours | Fragrance notes: Top: red berries, citrus and green tea. Middle: blackberry, jasmine and cyclamen. Base: vanilla and musk.
What You Need To Know
If you're a big fan of matcha lattes like we are, this cleverly named candle from dusk worth getting your hands on. This vegan-friendly and paraffin-free fragrance features strong layers of blackberry with hints of cleansing green tea and sweet vanilla for a youthful, bright and punchy aroma.
The Aromatherapy Company FLWR Forget Me Not Candle 100g,$11.96 (down from $14.95) at Myer
Why we love it: It's an affordable, budget friendly candle that looks luxe and shoppers say it produces a nice floral scent without being too sweet.
What to consider: Some reviewers say the smell is fairly light and delicate.
Type of candle: Soy candle | Burn time: Up to 20 hours | Fragrance notes: Top: coconut, jasmine and hyacinth. Middle: coconut, orange flower, rose and jasmine. Base: tonka, jasmine, orange flower and vanilla.
What You Need To Know
This soy wax blend candle offers notes of jasmine and orange flowers, met with sweet apricot and warm vanilla bean – making it a sweet yet refreshing scent. It also comes in a cute glass with a raised floral design on the outside that can be re-used once its empty.
BEST SCENTED CANDLE GIFT SET
Salt & Pepper Wanderlust Candle Gift Set 8pc, $34.97 (down from $49.95) at Myer
Why we love it: These triple-scented candle set makes a wonderful gift and the perfect buy for anyone who doesn't like having the same fragrance for long. They can also be used as votive candles.
What to consider: The burn time is fairly short compared to other scented candles.
Type of candle: Soy candle with cotton wick | Burn time: Up to five hours (each) | Fragrance notes: Various.
What You Need To Know
If you've got no international travel plans on the cards, this gift set will transport you across the globe from Kyoto to Marrakesh with its gorgeous and evocative scents. Each 30 gram candle has a five hour burn time, and a sensory-pleasing aroma crafted from natural European essential oils.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING CANDLES
Here are several factors we took into account when rounding up our top picks for best scented candles.
Natural waxes: The type of wax the candle is made from can affect things like burning time, quality and scent. You can find many candles containing natural waxes such as soy, coconut wax and beeswax, and others made using paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is not environmentally friendly, often used for cheaper products, and tend to produce soot and black residue (even if you trim it), unlike natural waxes like soy which usually burn cleaner.
Wicks: Many candles feature cotton wicks, although more suppliers are now using wooden wicks. Wood wicks give you that nice 'cracking' sound you often hear when you're sitting by the fire, but this type of wick should be used only indoors since it's likely blow out faster in drafty settings. Cotton wicks require less maintenance and can be placed anywhere since don't blow out as easily, however these don't burn as cleanly (i.e. more chances of getting soot).
Intensity: This all comes down to personal preference. Although it's worth noting that stronger fragrances tend to work better in large open areas, such as kitchens and living rooms, while delicate scents are great for bedrooms and bathrooms.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products worthy of including in articles. We discover what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews. Not to mention, we also scroll tirelessly on TikTok and Instagram to see what’s trending.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW TO REUSE A SCENTED CANDLE JAR
Most scented candles these days come in beautiful glassware, with brands like Glasshouse Fragrances producing theirs in gorgeously-designed jars with lids that make for excellent storage.
TikTok organisation queen Chantel Mila shared the "so handy” way she reused an old Glasshouse Fragrances jar in a video.
When the candle has burned to the end, simply pour hot water into the empty jar which will cause the excess wax to rise to the top.
To remove, simply wait until it cools and then use a butter knife to scrape out the leftover wax and wick.
The video has racked up more than 84,000 views, with TikTok users praising the “smart” and “great idea”.
ARE EXPENSIVE CANDLES WORTH IT?
This can be a bit of a case-by-case situation, but generally yes – you get what you pay for when it comes to candles. The more expensive ones are likely to have a more powerful aroma that fills a larger space and lingers the longest, and their fragrances are likely to be more complex and pleasant to smell.
WHAT CANDLE LASTS THE LONGEST?
Check the burn times on your candle to find out how long they last exactly, but a general rule is that soy wax and beeswax candles last the longest – so if you want your money’s worth, make sure you get your hands on one of those!
Want more home content? Check out our round up of the best weighted blankets to help you sleep and air purifiers to keep the air in your home clean.
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