There was a run on scented candles during the pandemic. No wonder, they have the unique ability to create instant atmosphere and a sense of cozy in the home. And with all of those Zoom calls, some opted not to wear perfume, but they were still craving the beauty and aura of scent.
Given my long-held love of fragrance, I’ve always been a fan of scented candles.
Typically, I gravitate to citrusy candles or ones that smell of campfire or wood-burning hearth, or an evergreen forest. Even better, I’m sold if I discover a scented candle that distills all of the above notes into one amazing olfactory expression.
It is one of my greatest compliments when a friend, family member or beloved neighbour enters my home and says, “wow, it smells so good in here.”
To me, that translates to “it smells warm and welcoming, generous and loving, safe and soothing.” Everything a home should be.
It goes to reason I’m always on the lookout for the new and wonderful in the scented candle category. Sharing a few for my like-minded readers below.
My Editor Picks for Scented Candles
Canvas Candle Company’s Luna hand-poured, soy candle from the Ritual Collection has tonka, teakwood and leather. It sounds very dark but it’s sultry with a resinous, almost citrusy edge. Beautiful.
The Maison Margiela Fireplace candle is perfect if you love campfires, cozy hearths and cuddling up in front of a fire on a cold day.
Nest New York’s Pumpkin Chai scented candle is delicious and I’m not even a fan of PSLs. The drink is too sweet for me, but the candle is not. Rich, warm, spicy: It’s terrific.
Tom Ford’s Oud Wood scent is killer sexy. And if you want your space to smell the same, light this baby. So fine.
And then Acqua di Parma’s Fico di Amalfi scented candle is both fresh and warm, a reflection of the Mediterranean place which inspired it. It smells chic and elegant but in a Boho kind of way. So good.
Then there’s Illume Winter White. I love, love, love this scented candle. It’s fragrance is a mix of citrus, amber and cardamom, so it delivers that best-of-all combo I was talking about before. I’d buy this is bulk if I was smart as I never tire of this one and light it year-round.
Please let me know your favourites too!