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January 7, 2020

Best Scented Candle Brands

No sponsored content. No fake reviews. No paid-for posts

Now that we’re in the thick of winter, you’re probably spending a whole lot of time inside. Sure, you might spring for some ice skating, building a snowman, or taking long ski weekends, and those are some like ideal winter activities, but let’s be honest — it’s freezing outside, and you can only spend so much time out there before retreating indoors to the warmth and safety of your home. And when you’re looking to warm up and get cozy, there are few more welcoming atmospherics than a sweet-smelling, long-lasting scented candle. In just a few minutes, a fragrant candle can fill a room with blissful aroma, turning it into a comfy haven from the cold.

The market for scented candles has lit up in recent years, and now there are a ton of great scented candle brands producing some of the best aromas you will ever smell. There’s a fragrance for every preference, from sweet and fruity to fresh pine forests, beachy sandalwood and musky fire scents. The best scented candle brands produce fragrant candles that burn clean, natural ingredients and last a very long time, allowing you to escape to your happy place — or turn your home into a happy place for visitors — time and time again.

In fact, there are now so many scented candle brands, it can feel a bit overwhelming — how can you find the best scented candle brand for your tastes and needs without walking through an overly fragrant store, sniffing each and every candle until your nose goes numb? You trust your friends at MASSE for great aroma advice, that’s how! We make it easy to find the best candles without feeling burned by bad brands and unwelcome scents by bringing you scented candle recommendations from real people.

Our MASSE shoppers are fragrance enthusiasts just like you, and their candle reviews are completely candid, because we don’t allow sponsored posts or paid reviews. Scented candles should make you nice and relaxed, and shopping for them should be part of that journey.

  • Blue Volcano Candle

    $26.48

    By Capri Blue

    Capri Blue’s Blue Volcano candle has a smoky name but burns sweet and soothing, with a refreshing mix of tropical fruit scents and sweet island aromas. It’s a scented candle that’s been beloved for many years, long before scented candles came back en vogue, because it’s equal parts calming and rejuvenating — or, as one MASSE shopper put it, “cozy and refreshing!”

    Capri Blue’s Blue Volcano candle has a smoky name but burns sweet and soothing, with a refreshing mix of tropical fruit scents and sweet island aromas. It’s a scented candle that’s been beloved for many years, long before scented candles came back en vogue, because it’s equal parts calming and rejuvenating — or, as one MASSE shopper put it, “cozy and refreshing!”

    Most Popular

    Best scent ever. Both cozy and refreshing.

    - @junglejill

Capri Blue’s Blue Volcano candle has a smoky name but burns sweet and soothing, with a refreshing mix of tropical fruit scents and sweet island aromas. It’s a scented candle that’s been beloved for many years, long before scented candles came back en vogue, because it’s equal parts calming and rejuvenating — or, as one MASSE shopper put it, “cozy and refreshing!”

  • Portable Fireplace Candle

    $65.00

    By D.S. & Durga

    Sure, if you happen to live in a big home with a fireplace, working chimney, access to either lots of wood or expensive forever-burning logs, and you have a ton of patience and are willing to clean out ashes and debris on the regular, you should definitely enjoy an IRL fire (just remember to put it out!). For everyone else, we suggest you take the easier and just as delightfully cozy route, with a portable fireplace candle by D.S. & Durga. It burns a smoky, rich aroma that reminds you of a forest in the morning, with top notes of dwarf pine wood and atlas cedar along with heart notes of smoke, oak ash, and cedar. One MASSE shopper says it “transports me to the woods in winter” and another smartly calls it “just like a fireplace without the hassle.”

    Sure, if you happen to live in a big home with a fireplace, working chimney, access to either lots of wood or expensive forever-burning logs, and you have a ton of patience and are willing to clean out ashes and debris on the regular, you should definitely enjoy an IRL fire (just remember to put it out!). For everyone else, we suggest you take the easier and just as delightfully cozy route, with a portable fireplace candle by D.S. & Durga. It burns a smoky, rich aroma that reminds you of a forest in the morning, with top notes of dwarf pine wood and atlas cedar along with heart notes of smoke, oak ash, and cedar. One MASSE shopper says it “transports me to the woods in winter” and another smartly calls it “just like a fireplace without the hassle.”

    Most Popular

    All of their fragrances and candles smell amazing but this is my fave. Transports me to the woods in winter

    - @blthibs

Sure, if you happen to live in a big home with a fireplace, working chimney, access to either lots of wood or expensive forever-burning logs, and you have a ton of patience and are willing to clean out ashes and debris on the regular, you should definitely enjoy an IRL fire (just remember to put it out!). For everyone else, we suggest you take the easier and just as delightfully cozy route, with a portable fireplace candle by D.S. & Durga. It burns a smoky, rich aroma that reminds you of a forest in the morning, with top notes of dwarf pine wood and atlas cedar along with heart notes of smoke, oak ash, and cedar. One MASSE shopper says it “transports me to the woods in winter” and another smartly calls it “just like a fireplace without the hassle.”

  • Beach Cottage Scented Candle

    $23.78

    By Homesick Candles

    Now that it’s winter, the freezing cold days and extra-long nights probably have you dreaming of summer (or a tropical vacation) about 10-15 times per day. We can’t book you a plane ticket or help you time travel, but what we can do is recommend this incredible beach cottage scented candle from Homesick Candles, which smells like a warm, relaxing day under a mild sun by the seaside. Top notes of bergamot blend with base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, tonka Bean, amber, and musk, creating a cozy aroma that’ll have you feeling like the sand is beneath your toes and the tide is gently pulling you in.

    Now that it’s winter, the freezing cold days and extra-long nights probably have you dreaming of summer (or a tropical vacation) about 10-15 times per day. We can’t book you a plane ticket or help you time travel, but what we can do is recommend this incredible beach cottage scented candle from Homesick Candles, which smells like a warm, relaxing day under a mild sun by the seaside. Top notes of bergamot blend with base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, tonka Bean, amber, and musk, creating a cozy aroma that’ll have you feeling like the sand is beneath your toes and the tide is gently pulling you in.

    Most Popular

    We lived by the ocean so the smell of the sea air and salt spray brings me home

    - @Yasmin

Now that it’s winter, the freezing cold days and extra-long nights probably have you dreaming of summer (or a tropical vacation) about 10-15 times per day. We can’t book you a plane ticket or help you time travel, but what we can do is recommend this incredible beach cottage scented candle from Homesick Candles, which smells like a warm, relaxing day under a mild sun by the seaside. Top notes of bergamot blend with base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, tonka Bean, amber, and musk, creating a cozy aroma that’ll have you feeling like the sand is beneath your toes and the tide is gently pulling you in.

  • No. 04 Teakwood & Tobacco Soy Candle

    $32.92

    By P.F. Candle Co

    PF Candle Co. boasts that its No. 04 Teakwood & Tobacco Soy Candle is a perfect scented candle for both men and women, with aromas that are musky, sexy, and seductive. It starts off with notes of leather, pepper, and tobacco, then introduces fragrances like teak and sandalwood with a hint of orange & patchouli. One MASSE shopper calls its very unique and great for living rooms and bedrooms.

    PF Candle Co. boasts that its No. 04 Teakwood & Tobacco Soy Candle is a perfect scented candle for both men and women, with aromas that are musky, sexy, and seductive. It starts off with notes of leather, pepper, and tobacco, then introduces fragrances like teak and sandalwood with a hint of orange & patchouli. One MASSE shopper calls its very unique and great for living rooms and bedrooms.

    Most Popular

    This candle is my LIFE. SO sexy and hey so cozy! They come in many sizes too (this is either the biggest or one of the biggest). It’s very unique- I know the tobacco sounds scary but it’s really not! I promise you’ll love this. Great for living rooms or bedrooms.

    - @malzbeauty

PF Candle Co. boasts that its No. 04 Teakwood & Tobacco Soy Candle is a perfect scented candle for both men and women, with aromas that are musky, sexy, and seductive. It starts off with notes of leather, pepper, and tobacco, then introduces fragrances like teak and sandalwood with a hint of orange & patchouli. One MASSE shopper calls its very unique and great for living rooms and bedrooms.

  • Baies Candles

    $36.00

    By Diptyque

    MASSE shopper Katie Kiefner calls Diptyque’s Baies Candles her “all-time favorite candle scent,” and we can’t blame her! It’s a zesty, fruity aroma that makes your whole home smell fresh with scents of roses and blackcurrant leaves, a fragrance that’ll energize and relax you (trust us, it’s possible to do both).

    MASSE shopper Katie Kiefner calls Diptyque’s Baies Candles her “all-time favorite candle scent,” and we can’t blame her! It’s a zesty, fruity aroma that makes your whole home smell fresh with scents of roses and blackcurrant leaves, a fragrance that’ll energize and relax you (trust us, it’s possible to do both).

    Most Popular

    This is my all-time favorite candle scent. In fact, I went through the smaller ones so quickly that I started buying the largest one for cost efficiency! I've introduced so many people to Baies and everyone goes gaga!

    - @Katie Kiefner

MASSE shopper Katie Kiefner calls Diptyque’s Baies Candles her “all-time favorite candle scent,” and we can’t blame her! It’s a zesty, fruity aroma that makes your whole home smell fresh with scents of roses and blackcurrant leaves, a fragrance that’ll energize and relax you (trust us, it’s possible to do both).

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