Top 10 Cult Candles

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Of all the scents from this Los Angeles-based brand, Kush is the most iconic, by a landslide. As the name implies, this scent is giving lush green realness, with top notes of cannabis leaf, rhubarb, and lemon peel. Over time, the floral middle notes and sultry base notes blend in, creating an atmosphere that will turn any room into an herbal paradise.

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: There’s no actual CBD or THC in this candle. Any mention of cannabis “strictly denotes an olfactive accord.”

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: From the minimal packaging to the minimal accords, this dainty candle is for recreating the calming atmosphere of a luxury spa. The earthy scent (with a hint of spice) is a combination of sandalwood, vetiver, and amber wood. The candle is also eco-consciously made with vegan ingredients, including a soy wax blend. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: Maison Louis Marie has an illustrious legacy, dating back to the 18th century–consider this candle a piece of important beauty history. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Like most of Jo Malone London’s scents, this candle draws inspiration from British culture and in some cases, the British countryside. While many popular candles are floral-based, this one is known for its fruit-centric smell, complete with pomegranate, raspberry, and plum notes. Yum! 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: This candle is also so much fun to simply receive, as it arrives in an elegant box, complete with ribbon. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Santal 26 started out as a fragrance that become more popular than the brand even expected. So much so, they created the candle version so shoppers could drench their homes in that singular scent, a layer of heavier notes including amber, vanilla, cedar, and so much more. 

REVIEWER TIP: “Scent is a very powerful thing. It can completely change a mood. This candle does that. The scent is sophisticated and comforting all at the same time. Plus these make excellent juice or cocktail glasses after the candle is finished.”

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Voluspa candles are basically mini works of art, thanks to the Japonica engraving on all the candle tops. But that’s not exactly what sets this one apart. Instead, it’s the heavy scent, rich in amber resin, sandalwood and vanilla orchid that evoke a sexy night in. Plus, the color of the jar give the flame more of a golden glow. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: The wax is coconut-based and free of pesticides, parabens, and sulfates, ensuring the cleanest burn. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Few scents are more energizing than grapefruit. This candle, from one of the most popular names in home decor, feels like “diving into a cold pool in the middle of a heat wave.” Plus, the jar is designed to be reused as a glass or bud vase. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: The gift box is equally adorable, with a fun fruit pattern on the inside and a vibrant complimentary shade on the outside. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: The best thing about Nest candles is the size. The larger options are insanely huge and burn slowly, making the affordable pricing even more worthwhile. Their version of grapefruit is strong, but not so strong that it launches a full-on attack on the nostrils.

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: The reason the grapefruit scent is strong but not overpowering may have something to do with the complementary notes of coriander blossom and lily of the valley, that help balance things out. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: This candle is more popular than some of the brand’s perfumes, which are what first gained the attention of loyal shoppers. An homage to the timeless appeal of libraries, the scent imagines what would result if someone tried to bottle that euphoric feeling of opening a beloved book. Think fruits and florals mixed with patchouli and leather. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: The chic black jar and French moniker are too chic to not display. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: The jar alone is pretty convincing but let’s not overlook the equally tantalizing scent, which is a “volcano” of fruit notes combined with some light greens. It’s basically a nutritiously delicious fruit salad for the nostrils. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: Whenever the candle is lit, light floods through the lines in the container, emitting a pretty magical visual. 

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Lasting power matters, especially when buying luxury candles. Time and time again, Diptyque proves itself to be the standard with a burn as slow as a snail crawls. The Baies scent is a perfect combination of floral and fruit notes, which means gifting this is like giving someone a dozen red roses. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: In addition to the slow burn time, shoppers also love the strong scent, as it can be lit in just one room but fill the entire home.