Best Scented Candles

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Aspen Bay
Test Winner: Aspen Bay
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Scents have a powerful way of impacting our moods. Unknown to many, scents increase our productivity and changes the feel in the atmosphere. It is important to note that our sense of smell is extremely powerful that the tiniest hint of it can alter or trigger emotions as well as memories. This is one of the many reasons why scented candles are very popular nowadays. If you are on a quest to discover the fantastic world of scented wax then this buying guide could be helpful to you.

On the other hand, if you are already enjoying the world of scented candles, then you can still grow your collection with some of the best-scented wax in the market today. Who knows, you could still find that one scent that genuinely defines your personality and that of your space.

Standout Picks

Aspen Bay
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a compact product that has a long burning time.
Amazon Link
$22.00
Bath & Body Works
This is the best choice if you are looking for a product that has a spa-like feel that could be helpful in clearing your mind.
Amazon Link
$34.29
Seracon
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a product that will not only mask the scent of your house but will also affect your taste buds.
Amazon Link
Nest Fragrances
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a product with enhanced scent diffusion.
Amazon Link
$48.00
Trapp
This is the best choice if you are looking for a product with a premium wick that burns slowly and evenly.
Amazon Link
$36.00
Chesapeake Bay Candle
This is the best choice if you are looking for a product that releases a calming radiance and an overall design that can complement any type of environment.
Amazon Link
$11.89
Our Own Candle Company
This is the best choice if you are looking for a product that offers a fantastic mix of fragrances and a bit of sarcasm.
Amazon Link
$15.99
Wax Oils Est. 2014
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a product that offers a nice scent of nature.
Amazon Link
$12.95
LA JOLIE MUSE
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a product that offers scents for women, for men, and for your home.
Amazon Link
Old Factory
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a set of premium wax that any man will love.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Materials

The most important factor that you should consider before buying a scented candle is the quality and the type of wax that is used. To the majority of us, the wax is just a substance. However, wax could be made using various types of wax. There are four major types of wax that are used in most of the wax today. These are vegetable wax, beeswax, soy wax, and Paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is not usually used in making indulgent candles, but it is used in crafting scented types. Paraffin wax is the most affordable type of material but it is also the fastest material to burn. There are some makers that combine paraffin wax with Vybar. This is to prevent the candle from burning at a fast rate. Unlike other types of wax, paraffin creates more soot. There are several studies that claim that paraffin harmful chemicals like benzene. This material is not recommended to those who have allergies.

Another type of material in making scented candles is the beeswax. However, this type is not really used much since it already has a scent similar to that of honey. Because of this pre-scented property, it is hard to combine with other scents. When it is set to fire, waxes made of this type of wax give off a lovely and warm radiance. This attribute makes staining or coloring it very unnecessary. It is free from drip and among other waxes; it is the slowest to burn. These attributes make this type of wax one of the most costly materials for making candles.

Next, soy wax is made from oil that comes from the soybean. It is eco-friendly and biodegradable and could be the perfect choice for environmentally conscious consumers. In terms of burning, it has a clean, even, and longer burn compared to other types of wax. Soy wax is soft, so most often they are encased in solid containers. It is hard to find one that could fit in your candle holder if you are using one. Usually, some crafters combine soy with paraffin wax to create a harder version. In terms of consistency and look, a vegetable wax is much similar to soy wax. This type is made from vegetable oil that is hydrogenated. It is a more sustainable option than paraffin wax. In addition, this wax has a lavish color and unlike another type of wax, it is very unlikely to soot. Compared to paraffin wax, vegetable wax has a less scent throw. This means that in terms of dispersal of the fragrance of the candle, it does not spread that well.

Features

Burn Time
Another important criterion that you should check is the burn time of the candle. Burn time is the length of time that you candle burns. All of us would like to buy something that will give us our money’s worth. That means we will not spend so much on a candle that will not last for a long time. With candles, the burn time is caused by many things. This includes the type of materials used to make the wax, the type of the wick, the size of the candle, additives like dye, the shape of the candle, and fragrance. Aside from these, the right maintenance and care of the candle can also affect the length of its burn time.

If a wick wasn’t placed in a good position, the candle may burn unevenly. The wick can get clogged if there are too many additives that were used in making the candle. Of course, the size of the candle also affects burn time. Also, the proper care and maintenance of a candle can lengthen its burn time. The wick is another important factor that affects the burn time of the candle. If the wick is of poor quality or if it is unevenly placed, the wick can cause uneven burning and may lead to more wax left over. In addition, too many additives could congest the wick and could cause a dim and unstable flickering light. Moreover, having too many additives could quickly burn your candle that could be very dangerous especially if left unattended. An ideal candle will leave you a strong and lasting flame but not the extra-risky ones. It should have less soot, has a great scent, and evenly burns.

Scent
We always connect scent to our feelings and to our memories. For us, a sweet or comfortable smell may trigger bad feelings or emotions to some others. Like, beauty, scent depends on the preference of every person. So if you are not certain where to begin, according to experts, you should ask yourself first on the type of fragrance that cheers you up. Starting there, you can see other scent families to check similar fragrances that suit your needs well. If you want a scent that brings back memories of fun summer escapades, you can select fruity aromas. If you are the type, however, who likes the heavy scent of sandalwood, you might also want to choose moss, patchouli, and cedar. You may also want to experiment on other scents like the spicy ones.

There are saffron, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg scents. If you are not into this type of fragrances, you can also choose something that changes your mood or soothes the kind of vibe that you want to achieve. Go for grapefruit, mint, orange, or lemon if you want to feel energized. If you want peace and serenity, you may want to pick fragrances that contain bamboo extracts, lavender, and vanilla. For some romantic mood, scents like amber, chocolate, or patchouli can help you achieve that. For an invigorating type of environment, you can go for chamomile and bergamot.

Scent Throw and Capture
In addition to the scent, another characteristic that consumers want to have in a candle is having a great scent throw. This refers to the ability of the candle to spread its scent. It is also the characteristic that allows the candle to fill the room or the house with its aroma. It is important to note that a small room requires a small candle and a bigger room requires a bigger one.

Size

The size of a candle is important to note so that you will know how it will fit in with the rest of your decor. Unless it is your intention, you don't want the candle to be the centerpeice of your coffee table. Knowing the size will also help you decide exactly how many you will need. Typically, the larger the candle, the more wicks it has. The extra wicks help the wax to burn more evenly, helping with the longevity of your candle.

Along with size, we also noted the weight of the candles. Many people like to send candles as gifts and if you will be adding it to a care-package, knowing the weight of the item can be very useful.

Top 10 Picks

1. Aspen Bay

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$22.00
Aspen Bay
Amazon Link

This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a compact product that has a long burning time.

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Materials
This product is made of a blend of natural soy. Since the soy wax is a little softer compared to another type of wax, it is placed in a travel tin canister made of galvanized steel. The tin has an attractive design and does not get too hot even if the candle is burning for hours.

Features
This product features various fragrances that you can easily match to your mood and needs. This includes Volcano, Aloha orchid, Modern Mint, Pomegranate Citrus, and Paris.

Most of the users love this product because of the variety of its scents. It also sets them off to different places while enjoying its relaxing feel in the comfort of their homes.

Size
This has a product dimension of 3 –inches x 2.5 –inches x 3 –inches. It has an item weight of 8.8 –ounces only.

Amazon Link
$22.00

2. Bath & Body Works

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$34.29
Bath & Body Works
Amazon Link

This is the best choice if you are looking for a product that has a spa-like feel that could be helpful in clearing your mind.

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Materials
This product is made of a special blend of vegetable wax. It has a good quality wick that will not burn out. It is packed in a classic glass container that makes it versatile and could fit in any type of environment.

Features
This features a eucalyptus spearmint fragrance that has a soothing and relaxing effect. It has a burning time of 25 to 45 hours. It is also infused with highly concentrated fragrance oils that allow it to produce a heavy and lingering scent.

This product could be your best option if you want to relax in a cool and soothing environment. It produces a natural scent but does not make you feel sleepy. The fragrance also helps your mind to stay sharp and focused.

Size
This has a product dimension of 3.9 –inches x 3.1 –inches x 3.9 –inches. It has an item weight of 1.6 –pounds.

Amazon Link
$34.29

3. Seracon

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Seracon
Amazon Link

This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a product that will not only mask the scent of your house but will also affect your taste buds.

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Materials
This product is made of 100 percent organic wax made of soy. It utilizes an all-natural wood wick. Since it is organic, it burns clean and evenly. The wood wick allows this product to burn its authentic scent for several hours.

Features
Aside from being made of organic and all-natural materials, this product from Seracon features a calming effect that changes the mood of your environment. It also stimulates the taste buds and makes you crave for pancakes. It is packed in a unique and artistic tin that can complement any type or motif of the house.

Unlike other products available in the market today, this one is not made of harmful chemicals so you are assured that you breathe a non-toxic air. It also relaxes your senses so it’s good therapy for a bone-tired and weary body.

Size
This has a product dimension of 4.1 –inches x 3.4 –inches x 3.3 –inches. it has an item weight of 1.12 –pounds.

Amazon Link

4. Nest Fragrances

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$48.00
Nest Fragrances
Amazon Link

This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a product with enhanced scent diffusion.

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Materials
This product is made from a combination of paraffin and soy wax blended with several cosmetic quality materials. Its glass container is crafted to add an aesthetic appeal to its environment. It has an archetypal shape and a contemporary stripe design that will compliment any type of setting.

Features
In addition to its cosmetic quality wax, this product from NEST features a burning time of approximately 50 to 60 hours. Its premium material components enable it to burn efficiently so it could have an enhanced way of diffusing the scent.

This product has notes of pink pomelo grapefruit and nuances that are watery mixed with coriander blossom and lily of the valley. Its enhanced diffusion offers a great scent throw and capture. This allows the scent to diffuse at a faster rate and lingers for a long time. This product relaxes the mind, relieves stress, and changes the mood of any house.

Size
This has a product dimension of 3.8 –inches x 3.8 -inches x 4 –inches. It has an item weight of 1.3 –pounds only.

Amazon Link
$48.00

5. Trapp

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$36.00
Trapp
Amazon Link

This is the best choice if you are looking for a product with a premium wick that burns slowly and evenly.

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Materials
This product is made from soy blend wax and is placed in a glass container. It has a good wick that slowly burns to make you enjoy the product longer and producing a more concentrated scent. It has a house-shaped packaging that makes it an easy and quick gift item.

Features
This item features 50 hours burning time making you enjoy the product for a long time. It comes in French Tuberose, Fresh Green, and Heady White Floral notes. The makers of this product are concerned about the scent that it produces and guarantees that it will fill the room of its scent within minutes.

This product aims to offer unparalleled and high-quality fragrance. It is available in various scents so you can easily match the mood that you want to project or achieve. This product changes the mood and relaxes the mind and body.

Size
This has a product dimension of 3.5 -inches x 3.5 –inches x 5 –inches. It only weighs 4 –pounds and comes with a house-shaped packaging.

Amazon Link
$36.00

6. Chesapeake Bay Candle

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$11.89
Chesapeake Bay Candle
Amazon Link

This is the best choice if you are looking for a product that releases a calming radiance and an overall design that can complement any type of environment.

Read more

Materials
This product is made of natural soy wax and placed in a soft colored jar that is frosted. It has a natural wooden lid that adds a rustic look to its overall appeal. This product has a wick that is self-trimming which makes it a more efficient product to use.

Features
This item features a scent that is delicately infused with natural essential oils to enhance its fragrance and to allow it to release a long lasting scent. The soft colored jar with a frosted coat allows this item to produce a relaxing glow that de-stresses and calms. The wooden lid adds a distinct look to the entire product.

This product has a burning time of 50 hours, which means that you can enjoy using it for a long time. Its design, size, and shape add up to make it a beautiful wax that could also a great gift. For its top notes, it has herbal, lavender, and marine while its middle notes are sea moss and geranium. Its base notes are Amber, Oriental Spice, and labdanum while it uses essential oils such as patchouli, fir, copaiba, and lemon.

Size
This has a product dimension of 3.2 –inches x 3.2 –inches x 4.6 –inches. it has an item weight of 8.8 –ounces.

Amazon Link
$11.89

7. Our Own Candle Company

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$15.99
Our Own Candle Company
Amazon Link

This is the best choice if you are looking for a product that offers a fantastic mix of fragrances and a bit of sarcasm.

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Materials
This is not made of 100 percent natural components. Instead, it is made of a combination of premium quality of paraffin and soy wax. Its wick is free from lead so you are assured that it will not emit harmful chemicals. It has also undergone the company’s patented straightener to ensure that the wick will burn properly for a long time.

Features
This product features a 13 ounces jar filled with scented wax that has a great scent throw and capture. It is available in Hazelnut, Toasted Coconut, and Banana Bread Butter fragrances. This product will burn for 100 hours, which means that you can enjoy its scent for a prolonged time.

This product combines various scents that give a different take on the type of fragrances released by scented candles. It is made of premium quality materials and longer burning time to ensure that you get your money’s worth.

Size
This has a product dimension of 3 –inches x 5.5 –inches x 3 –inches. It has an item weight of 1.7 –pounds.

Amazon Link
$15.99

8. Wax Oils Est. 2014

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$12.95
Wax Oils Est. 2014
Amazon Link

This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a product that offers a nice scent of nature.

Read more

Materials
Unlike other products, this one is made of non-GMO soy wax. Since it is pure soy, it needs to be placed inside a container. This product is enclosed in a galvanized steel container to keep the wax in place and to protect it. Its wick is made or 100 percent pure cotton. It does not contain toxic additives. This product has a foam insert made from 65 percent recycled polyethylene.

Features
This is an 8-ounce wax that has a burning time of 20 hours. It features a scent that is infused with essential oils that are natural. Since it is an aromatherapy wax, it relaxes and invigorates you. It contains a floral and herbaceous fragrance. This product will definitely help you remove stress and tension from your body and changes the mood inside your home.

This product has a great scent throw and catch. The scent it emits lasts for a long time. The scent is great and last for a long time.

Size
This has a product dimension of 3 –inches x 3 –inches x 2 –inches. It has an item weight of 8 –ounces.

Amazon Link
$12.95

9. LA JOLIE MUSE

Where to buy
Amazon Link
LA JOLIE MUSE
Amazon Link

This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a product that offers scents for women, for men, and for your home.

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Materials
This product is made of 100 percent pure soy. It is made from environmentally-friendly and biodegradable materials. The wax is infused with essential oils. It is placed in rose gold colored ceramic that adds elegance and sophistication to its overall look.

Features
In addition to its sophisticated look, this product features a burning time of 125 hours. It comes in cilantro and gardenia scents that will definitely fill any home with lingering and heavy scents. It has a durable construction that will not only protect and hold the candle but could also serve as an ornament in any space.

This product could be an excellent choice if you are looking for a product that could add an aesthetic appeal to your house while offering a longer lasting authentic fragrance. It is packaged in a patented box with gold and cream details.

Size
This has a product dimension of 5 –inches x 5 –inches x 5 –inches. It has an item weight of 3.65 –pounds.

Amazon Link

10. Old Factory

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Old Factory
Amazon Link

This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a set of premium wax that any man will love.

Read more

Materials
This is handcrafted in the USA using natural soy wax. It has wicks made of cotton and superior perfume oils. In addition, this product is safe for use and free from toxic substances. This item burns its scent without getting very overwhelming. Unlike other products, this one does not have rough scent after burning. The cotton wick is also free from chemicals and is very easy to trim.
This makes it easy to maintain and easy to take care. It also offers a natural scent because of the quality of the wick. It also gives off a natural scent and an interesting glow when lit. It offers longer burning time allowing you to enjoy your wax for a long time.

Features
This wax features three various aromatherapy wax perfect for any man. It has masculine fragrances consist of rich mahogany, straight razor, and leather. This product can burn for a period of 25 up to 30 hours. Aside from its premium material components, this product burns clean and does not emit lead to the air.

In addition to its superior quality and long-lasting burning time, this product is packaged in artistic boxes. The soy wax is placed in three premium glasses that could also be used for other purposes.

Size
This has a product dimension of 3.3 –inches x 2.6 –inches x 7.5 –inches. It has an item weight of 1.8 –pounds only.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Michelle Darrisaw, 27 Scented Candles That'll Make Your Home Smell Better Than Pie, Oprah Magazine
  2. Jenna Rosenstein, TheLIST: The 12 Candles You Need Right Now, Buying Guide