Our Favorite Warm and Woodsy Candles
Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Candle is our top pick. It offers an earthy and elegant scent with a combination of cypress smoke, warm amber, sweet vanilla, florals, and fresh moss. However, it has a few flaws like fingerprint-prone glossy exterior and crooked labels. Another great choice is the Kishmish Kashmiri Chai Candle, which provides a sweet and spicy blend of anise and cardamom. It's comforting but is only sold on the company's website. P.F. Candle Co. Amber & Moss Soy Candle has a rich, complex aroma of pine resin, moss, eucalyptus, and vanilla. It's an affordable option but has a flimsy label and a not-so-strong scent. Paddywax Tobacco Flower Form Candle comes in an eye-catching ceramic vessel with a smoky, sweet, and nostalgic fragrance. It has a slightly uneven wax pour and a not-so-potent scent. Apotheke Charcoal Candle has an upscale look and a sophisticated scent that fills a room, but its label can't be removed. Brooklyn Candle Studio Palo Santo Minimalist Candle is sweet, smoky, and ethereal, but its label is hard to remove. Voluspa Baltic Amber Candle is incredibly fragrant and offers a great value with a long burn time and various sizes available.
Our Favorite Fresh and Floral Candles
Bath & Body Works Rose Water & Ivy Candle has a surprisingly realistic rose scent and is budget-friendly but burns faster. Diptyque Roses Classic Candle is a romantic floral option with a potent rose scent but comes with a high price tag. Otherland Daybed Candle has a strongly scented bouquet and a bold look but may be too intense for some. Target Project 62 Lavender + Eucalyptus Candle offers a soft, natural-smelling scent but burns fast and has no lid.
Our Favorite Sweet and Citrusy Candles
Mala the Brand Cereal Scented Soy Candle is a fruity and nostalgic option but has a strict return policy and can tunnel. Peacesake Neroli and Musk Candle has a great scent and vessel but its lid can crumble.
Our Favorite Unique and Savory Scents
D.S. & Durga Pasta Water Candle has a strange but satisfying savory-and-salty smell but is very expensive. Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle has a fresh and green tomato scent but is pricey. Smell House Juice Hoax Candle is citrusy and fresh but has a label that can't be peeled off.
How We Picked and Tested
We gathered a panel of experts and testers to evaluate the candles based on various factors. We considered the scent, vessel design, burn time, and environmental consciousness of the candlemakers. We also gave preference to those using recyclable vessels or plastic-free packaging. To ensure a fair evaluation, we covered branding and logos while still allowing testers to assess the candles' appearance and feel. Once selected, we tested the candles' burn performance and followed proper burning guidelines like trimming the wick and giving the wax "memory" on the first burn.
How to Make Your Candles Burn More Evenly (and Last Longer)
Before lighting a candle, it's recommended to trim the wick to about ¼ inch for a more even burn and less soot. On the first burn, let the candle melt to the edges for about an hour to create wax "memory" and avoid tunneling. If tunneling occurs, making a vented tin-foil hat can help. Also, limit burning to three to four hours at a time, don't leave the candle unattended, and use a lid or cover when done to keep the scent potent and prevent dust accumulation.
Other Scented Candles Worth Considering
Capri Blue Cactus Pineapple Flower Petite Jar has a strong but not overly artificial fragrance and a nice-looking vessel. Capri Blue Volcano Petite Jar has an interesting scent and comes in attractive jars. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day candles have a synthetic but functional smell. Threshold candles offer balanced fragrances and a long burn time. Apothia Bronzed Candle has a strong orange flower scent but is pricier and burns faster.
The Competition
Keap candles smell good and use eco-friendly materials, but buying them is difficult. Yankee Candle has powerful but often artificial scents, and there were issues with the website and customer support.
In conclusion, our selection of the best scented candles covers a wide range of fragrances and styles to meet your diverse needs and preferences. Whether you prefer warm and woodsy, fresh and floral, sweet and citrusy, or unique and savory scents, there's a perfect candle for you. We've carefully tested and evaluated these candles to ensure you get the best quality and experience. So, light up a scented candle and enjoy the delightful aroma and ambiance it creates in your home.
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