The 15 Best Scented Candles to Burn When You Just Need a Minute

The scent aficionados at Diptyque dreamed up this blackcurrant- and rose-tinged candle, one of my favorites to burn during get-togethers at my apartment. It's a cult-favorite candle for its lush, earthy scent and stylish, modern design, presented in a glass jar that’s easy to reuse to hold small essentials like bobby pins or Q-tips once the wax is finished.

Even if you’re not a fan of cannabis, I highly encourage you to indulge in this kush-inspired candle’s earthy and herbaceous notes of limoncello, basil, and patchouli. It’s one of my favorites for mood-setting—seriously, your nose will thank you.

Since I’m a ride-or-die Aesop fan (yes, I own their culty Resurrection Hand Wash and Balm Duet), the second the brand dropped a candle line, I knew I needed to add it to my list of go-tos. The cedar- and cypress-scented paraffin and vegetable wax candle from the collection features a wise reminder from Greek philosopher Epicurus on its rim, and has a streamlined design that complements any side table or counter.

Brooklyn Candle Studio is one of my favorite home brands, mainly because they have yet to create a room spray or candle that I’m not completely over-the-moon about. This candle from their Escapist Collection channels the Hawaiian island of Maui, and literally smells like a tropical vacation, with its rich notes of sea salt, driftwood, and bergamot.

I love the ginger and cedarwood scent of this double wick candle, which is one of my go-tos to use during bubble baths. The soft glow of flame in its amber jar adds a special, rustic effect to my bathroom, and helps me decompress after a long day.

If I had space in my apartment (and endless cash), I'd probably buy just about every Byredo candle, including this one, at least twice. It features a slightly woodsier take on the classic rose scent—combining the flower with notes like leather and birch tree—and burns for up to 60 hours.

More often than not during a Target run, I find myself reaching for this beach-scented candle that’s designed in partnership with author and designer Joanna Gaines. It contains calming notes of sage and bergamot, and smells as refreshing as an ocean breeze.

This minimal yet powerful soy candle is one of my regulars for mornings and afternoons, since it's light and fresh and smells like a bouquet of wildflowers with bright notes of lily, yarrow, and tonka bean.

This fresh, herbal, and citrusy perfume is one of my favorites from Jo Malone, so it’s no surprise that the candle version is heavy in my rotation. It feels like my space gets a tiny upgrade every time I light this candle, especially since its lid includes an elegant black bow.

While I’ll always love New York, there’s something special about California, which is why I enjoy taking in this scented candle from the olfactory experts at D.S. & Durga, which perfectly captures the coastal vibe. It’s powered by notes of Pacific spray and magnolia that channel the scent of rain in eucalyptus groves off California's Highway 1.

Not only does this graphic candle look cool on my bedside table, but it also smells like the great outdoors, since it includes notes of tennis balls (different, but I promise it works), cucumber, and freshly cut grass—basically summer in wax form.

I was fortunate enough to be gifted this handsome cement candle from Brooklyn-based company Reisfields NYC, which features a blend of spearmint, eucalyptus, and citrus, and up to 90 hours of burn time. Now that it’s fully burned down, the candle makes for a cool sculpture, and looks amazing on my coffee table.

Here’s a bonus pick from Brightland (one of our favorite food brands) that’s beloved by Team SELF exclusively during meal prep. The neroli and black pepper-scented candle is designed to burn during or right after cooking, covering any overly powerful food smells, and includes Brightland’s signature olive oil to enhance its lifespan and scent range.