If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Ugh, not another candle,” you’re either a) probably not someone that I want to hang out with (sorry not sorry) or b) lying. Because let’s be real, there’s no such thing as too many candles. Whether you gravitate towards floral, fruity, cozy, romantic, or super luxurious scents, falling in love with a new candle—and subsequently telling everyone you know about it—is one of life's simplest pleasures. And in this (somehow already wacky) year that is 2022, we could all use as much extra joy as we can get.
With that said, I went ahead and rounded up the best-smelling candles on the market, because as a longtime lifestyle editor, my nose has been privy to hundreds—if not thousands—of wicks and waxes from fragrance brands far and wide. Below, I’ve compiled a list of my all-time favorites (new goodies and cult classics!) with notes ranging from amber, vanilla, and patchouli to leather, lavender, and bergamot.
Read on for the 35 best-smelling candles you should add to your cart ASAP. You can thank me later.
Take it from me: This candle smells like that moment of bliss when you finally get home at the end of a long beach day and start showering your sunscreen off with perfectly warm water. That's it. That's the description.
This baby smells like a super-hot guy, and if you've never had the chance to nose dive your way into one, I urge you to go to the mall RN. It also has three wicks, so you know the scent fills the room.
Noteworthy notes: Rich mahogany, black teakwood, dark oak, frosted lavender
I love a hand-poured candle, and this chic little thing is no exception. Not only does it have an irresistible name (um, Coachella), but the scent is also to die for, boasting floral but woody notes. Plus, it's got a crackling wick, so it gives fireside vibes.
Noteworthy notes: Mandarin, black pepper, sheer musk
If you could wrap up the look of cherry blossoms blooming, blue skies, and the first day of nice weather and put it into a jar, it would be this candle.
Noteworthy notes: Rose garden, lily of the valley, ozone, sandalwood
This candle smells like taking a nap on a sailboat (I know that's what it says on the website...but I have one and it really, truly does). It also comes in a super-chic votive that you can reuse once the wax burns down.
Noteworthy notes: Island lime, ocean breeze, sea salt, blue lotus, water hyacinth
This bamboo-shoot-inspired candle comes in two-dozen different fragrances, but my favorites are the Cashmere Petal and the Gardenia (which is currently sold out). Beyond smelling fab, it's also just sooo chic.
This light fragrance is designed to neutralize kitchen smells. It's made with the brand's best-selling olive oil to "extend its lifespan and improve its throw."
This cult favorite "smells like a rich person's library," according to one reviewer. The glass votive is handblown and the wax is Byredo's signature black.
According to the brand, this candle "evokes the irresistible excitement of [Billie Holiday's] Harlem nights and joyful appetite for life." One reviewer said it pairs well with a glass of wine and some relaxing jazz music.
Hanna FlanaganHanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets.
Hannah ChubbAssociate Lifestyle EditorHannah Chubb is the associate lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more.
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