Candles: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Scent

by Olivia Summers · November 12, 2023

Candles are a popular home decor item that can add ambiance and warmth to any room. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and scents, making them a versatile option for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy atmosphere for a night in or add a touch of elegance to a dinner party, candles can help set the mood.

When it comes to purchasing candles, there are a few things to consider. The first is the type of wax used. Paraffin wax is the most common type and is often less expensive, but it can release harmful chemicals when burned. Soy wax is a natural alternative that is non-toxic and eco-friendly. Beeswax is another option that burns slowly and has a natural, honey-like scent.

Another factor to consider is the scent of the candle. Some scents, like lavender and vanilla, are known for their calming and relaxing properties, while others, like citrus and peppermint, can be invigorating and energizing. It’s important to choose a scent that fits the mood you’re trying to create.

In this article, I’ll be exploring the world of candles and sharing my top picks for the best candles on the market. From soy wax to beeswax and everything in between, I’ve done the research to help you find the perfect candle for any occasion.

Best Candles

Candles are a great way to add ambiance and warmth to any room. Whether you’re looking to create a relaxing atmosphere for a bubble bath or add a cozy touch to your living room, there’s a candle out there for you. As a candle enthusiast, I’ve tested and compiled a list of the best candles on Amazon. From luxurious scents to budget-friendly options, you’re sure to find a candle that suits your needs. Check out my top picks below.

YFYTRE Amber Jar Candles

I highly recommend YFYTRE Amber Jar Candles for anyone looking for a long-lasting and high-quality candle.

Pros

These candles are made from premium soy wax and 8% premium oils without bad ingredients, which makes them eco-friendly and safe to use.
The cotton wick minimizes soot and irregular lump, providing a clean and smokeless burning experience.
The six-pack candles come in a vintage gift box, which makes them perfect for gifting to your loved ones.

Cons

The scent could be a little stronger for those who prefer a stronger aroma.
The candles are smaller than I was expecting, but they still last around 20 to 25 hours.

I was impressed by the quality of these candles. They are made from premium soy wax and 8% premium oils without bad ingredients, which makes them eco-friendly and safe to use. The cotton wick minimizes soot and irregular lump, providing a clean and smokeless burning experience. Moreover, the candles come in a vintage gift box, which makes them perfect for gifting to your loved ones.

One of the drawbacks of these candles is that the scent could be a little stronger for those who prefer a stronger aroma. However, the candles still last around 20 to 25 hours, which is more practical than general candles.

Overall, I highly recommend YFYTRE Amber Jar Candles for anyone looking for a long-lasting and high-quality candle. They are perfect for adding a cozy and warm atmosphere to your home or office.

Yankee Candle Vanilla Cupcake Scented, Classic 22oz Large Jar Single Wick Candle

If you’re looking for a candle that smells like a freshly baked vanilla cupcake, then this Yankee Candle is perfect for you. It has a long burn time, quality paraffin-grade wax, and a natural fiber wick that delivers the best burn for each fragrance.

Pros

The rich, creamy aroma of vanilla cupcakes with hints of lemon and lots of buttery icing
Long-lasting 110-150 hour burn time
Quality paraffin-grade candle wax delivers a clear, consistent burn

Cons

The scent may be too strong for some people
The candle may not burn evenly if not trimmed properly
The lid may be difficult to remove

I recently purchased this candle and was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it smelled. The vanilla icing and malted sugar notes were prominent, and the chocolate and cocoa scents added a nice depth to the fragrance. The candle burned evenly and lasted for several days, filling my home with a warm and inviting aroma.

One thing to note is that the scent may be too strong for some people, especially if you have a small room. Additionally, the candle may not burn evenly if the wick is not trimmed properly before each use. Lastly, the lid may be difficult to remove, so be careful when opening the jar.

Overall, I would highly recommend this candle to anyone who loves the smell of vanilla cupcakes. It’s perfect for lazy Saturdays, dinner parties, and any other occasion where you want to add a pleasant aroma to your home.

THORNWOLF Candle Set Gift

I highly recommend the THORNWOLF Candle Set Gift for anyone looking for a long-lasting, natural soy wax candle with a variety of scents to choose from.

Pros

Each candle burns without black smoke and can burn soy wax completely to the bottom of the jar.
The set includes various popular and pleasant scents, including lavender, cactus blossom, and white peach sandalwood.
Made from 100% natural soy wax and 8% premium essential oils with wicks made from lead-free cotton to provide a cleaner, longer burn.

Cons

The scent of the candles may not be strong enough for those who prefer a more potent fragrance.
The candles may burn too quickly for some users.
The apple-shaped jar may not fit in with all home decor styles.

I was impressed by how long these candles lasted and how clean they burned. The upgraded wick did not break easily, and the candles retained their fragrance for 45-50 hours. The set is elegantly packaged, making it a perfect gift for any occasion.

The various scents included in the set are all wonderful familiar aromas that bring a relaxing and soothing effect. The lavender candles are particularly calming and perfect for unwinding after a long day.

The fact that the candles are made from 100% natural soy wax and 8% premium essential oils with wicks made from lead-free cotton is a huge plus. It provides a cleaner, longer burn, and is a more eco-friendly option.

Overall, the THORNWOLF Candle Set Gift is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, long-lasting candle set with a variety of scents to choose from.

Stonebriar SB-SP-3548A Tall 3 x 6 Inch Unscented Ivory Pillar Candle Set

If you’re looking for high-quality pillar candles that can last a long time, then the Stonebriar SB-SP-3548A Tall 3 x 6 Inch Unscented Ivory Pillar Candle Set is definitely worth considering.

Pros

These candles are made of high-quality paraffin wax, which ensures a long-lasting burn time of up to 65 hours.
The lead-free and 100% cotton wicks make for a clean and smoke-free burn.
The set of six candles comes in a sturdy divided cardboard box that ensures they arrive neatly packaged and undamaged.

Cons

The candles may not burn all the way to the edges, leaving some wax unused.
The candles are unscented, so they may not be suitable for those who prefer scented candles.
The ivory color may not be suitable for those who prefer brighter or more vibrant colors.

I recently used the Stonebriar SB-SP-3548A Tall 3 x 6 Inch Unscented Ivory Pillar Candle Set for a dinner party, and I was impressed by how long they lasted. The candles burned evenly and cleanly, without any smoke or soot. I also appreciated the fact that they came in a sturdy box, which made it easy to transport them to my friend’s house.

One thing to keep in mind is that the candles may not burn all the way to the edges, leaving some wax unused. This may not be a big deal for some people, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for candles that burn all the way down.

Overall, I would definitely recommend the Stonebriar SB-SP-3548A Tall 3 x 6 Inch Unscented Ivory Pillar Candle Set to anyone who is looking for high-quality, long-lasting candles. They are perfect for any occasion, from dinner parties to weddings to emergency power outages.

Yankee Candle Balsam & Cedar Scented, Classic 22oz Large Tumbler 2-Wick Candle

If you’re looking for a festive and cozy scent, the Yankee Candle Balsam & Cedar Scented Candle is a great choice.

Pros

The blend of balsam, cedar wood, and juniper berry creates a pleasant forest fragrance that is perfect for the holiday season.
The premium-grade wax delivers a clean and consistent burn, ensuring that you get the most out of the candle.
With a burn time of 75-110 hours, this candle will last you through many cozy evenings.

Cons

The scent may be too strong for some people, so it’s best to test it out before committing to a large candle.
The 22oz size may be too large for some spaces, so consider the size of your room before purchasing.
The price point may be a bit high for some, but the quality of the candle justifies the cost.

I recently purchased this candle and was impressed with the quality of the scent and the burn. The combination of balsam, cedar wood, and juniper berry creates a festive forest fragrance that instantly transports you to a cozy cabin in the woods. The premium-grade wax burns cleanly and evenly, ensuring that you get the most out of the candle. I was also pleased with the burn time, as it lasted through several evenings of use.

One thing to note is that the scent may be too strong for some people, so it’s best to test it out before committing to a large candle. Additionally, the 22oz size may be too large for some spaces, so consider the size of your room before purchasing. However, the quality of the candle justifies the price point, making it a great investment for the holiday season.

Overall, I highly recommend the Yankee Candle Balsam & Cedar Scented Candle for anyone looking to add a cozy and festive touch to their home during the holiday season.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying candles, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to consider:

Type of Wax

One of the most important things to consider when buying candles is the type of wax used. There are several types of wax, including paraffin, soy, beeswax, and more. Each type of wax has its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, paraffin wax is the most common type of wax used in candles, but it can release harmful chemicals into the air when burned. Soy wax, on the other hand, is a natural and renewable resource that burns cleaner and longer than paraffin wax.

Scent

Another important factor to consider when buying candles is the scent. Candles come in a wide variety of scents, from floral and fruity to spicy and woody. When choosing a scent, it’s important to consider your personal preferences as well as the occasion. For example, a lavender-scented candle might be perfect for relaxing in the bath, while a cinnamon-scented candle might be ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere during the holidays.

Burn Time

The burn time of a candle is another important feature to consider. The burn time refers to how long a candle will burn before it runs out of wax. This can vary depending on the size of the candle and the type of wax used. Be sure to check the burn time before making a purchase to ensure that you get a candle that will last as long as you need it to.

Size and Shape

Finally, consider the size and shape of the candle. Candles come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small tea lights to large pillar candles. The size and shape of the candle you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a candle to use as a centerpiece, a large pillar candle might be the perfect choice. If you want a candle to use as a nightlight, a small tea light might be a better option.