From Diptyque to D.S & Durga, welcome to your ultimate guide to the best luxury candles money can buy
“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats,” wrote the novelist Iris Murdoch. And we can’t think of a littler treat with a bigger impact that one of the best luxury candles.
Not only are they an instant mood booster, great luxury candles (be that a designer perfume candle or an aroma candle) are a transformative interiors accessory, too. Whether you want to add some ambience to your living room mantle, have a relaxing candlelit bath, or turn your house back into a relaxing sanctuary after a long day of using it as an office/school/children’s playground. (Oh the joys of Tier 4.)
In fact, we think having a luxe candle in your arsenal is as essential as having one of the best eye creams in your skincare routine. (Yes, really.) Because although they might be deemed a luxury, these days we need all the self-care treats we can get.
So we thought we’d go ahead and round up the best luxury candles money can buy – because let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a minefield out there. Whether you prefer the light fragrances of clean cotton, or the rich aromas of neroli and spices, we’ve got a divine-smelling candle for everyone. And, yes, if anyone asks, you absolutely DO need another one.
What to look for in a luxury scented candle
When splurging on a designer candle, you want to know that it will last. Aside from this ingenious candle hack that will ensure you burn your new candle properly (and thus ensure it has a long lifespan), there are a number of things to take into account when shopping for a luxury candle that will go the distance.
Wax: The three most common types of candle wax are paraffin, soy and tallow. Though a lot of candles are made with a combination of all three, luxury candles don’t tend to contain tallow – the beef industry byproduct common in budget picks.
Paraffin is an ingredient widely present in candles, and although it’s less environmentally friendly than, say, beeswax or soy, it’s great for diffusing scent throughout a room. Where burn time is concerned, soy candles are almost unrivalled – so ensure to read the make up of a candle’s wax before making the splurge.
Wicks: Wick count can intensify a candle’s scent – so if you’re a fragrance lover, try opting for a luxury candle with multiple wicks. Most wicks are made from braided cotton, but if you’re after a lovely, crackling sound (self-care ASMR, anyone?), look for a designer perfume candle or aroma candle with a wooden wick.
With all that in mind, are you ready to shop some of our all-time favourite luxury candles? From cult-classics to coveted new releases, here are the designer candles you absolutely need in your home.
Happy unwinding!
Loewe Large Honeysuckle candle – £305 | Liberty
Burn Time: 80 hours
"I would argue that Honeysuckle is the most beautiful fragrance on the planet," says Marie Claire's Digital Beauty Editor Katie Thomas. "In Summer, it's all you can smell on the streets of Rome, as the buildings are covered in its tendrils. This aroma candle is a close second."
Byredo Cotton Poplin Candle – £59 | Liberty
Burn Time: 60 hours
This clean, fresh scent makes for a lovely daytime fragrance in any room – not to mention it would make a failsafe gift for someone you love. Because who doesn't love the smell of freshly washed cotton? Summer is coming...
Matthew Williamson Extra Large Luxury Candle Jaipur Jewel – £140 | Harvey Nichols
Burn Time: 120 hours (approx)
"It's not just the beautiful aromas that I look for in a candle, I also look for a beautiful exterior. Why? Because I like to reuse the pot. I've got loads around my house - holding my toothbrushes, makeup brushes and even my pens."
Fornasetti Metfisca scented candle – £265 | Selfridges
Burn Time: 180 hours
"Fornasetti create stunning candles, which are packaged up in this beautiful pots. A total style statement and one that should definitely be made," says Marie Claire's Digital Beauty Editor Katie Thomas.
Cinderose Scented Candle – £36 | Liberty
Burn Time: 55 hours
"It’s rose but not as you know it. A much more current version of the flower that sometimes has a bad rep - this is young and fresh. It's also the ideal prop for those Insta moments and is achingly cool – but thats to be expected from Boy Smells," says Marie Claire Associate Editor-At-Large Sunil Makan.
Jo Malone London Green Tomato Vine scented candle – £90 | Selfridges
Burn Time: 70 hours
"God I just love this smell - it's green and luscious and I just want to dunk my head into this ceramic pot," says our Digital Beauty Editor Katie Thomas.
Bella Freud Peace and Love scented candle – £95 | Matches
Burn Time: 90 hours
While this is a popular choice at Christmas for those sick of the typical cinnamon sticks fare, Bella Freud's Peace and Love candle is one of our firm favourites all year round. A blend of Patchouli, Pink Pepper and Clary Sage, it's just what the doctor ordered at the end of a long day.
Aganice Aromatique Candle – £80 | Aesop
Burn Time: 55–65hours
Named after Aglaonice – the first female astronomer of Ancient Greece who was renowned for her knowledge of the moon and its cycles – this floral, spicy blend of cardamom, mimosa and tobacco is our top choice for cosy nights in. And in typical Aesop style, its matte finish, minimalist pot would make a chic addition to any interiors set-up.
Neom Bedtime Hero 3 Wick candle – £46 | Lookfantastic
Burn Time: 50 hours
I don't know about you, but owing to the global situation and the lack of separation from work life and home life, switching off at the end of the day has never been more difficult. Enter Neom's Bedtime Hero. A blend of 11 pure essential oils including chamomile, ylang ylang and cedarwood, this is my go-to come 8pm every single evening.
Acqua Di Parma Caffe in Piazza candle – £55 | Selfridges
Burn Time: 50 hours
While we can't actually spend an afternoon in an Italian cafe at the moment, this Acqua di Parma beauty is almost just as good. Blending cardamom notes with a hit of coffee, sweet vanilla and hazelnut cremino, this one will have you living your Call Me By Your Name fantasy from the comfort of your living room.
Saint Fragrance Late Night Fig candle – £42 | Selfridges
Burn Time: 45–50 hours
If self-care could come in candle form, it'd be Saint Fragrance's Night Fig. Its rich notes of bergamot and cedarwood are offset by a tart green mandarin for an uplifting scent that makes for excellent company while wfh.
Bella Freud Psycho Analysis Candle, £45 | Matches Fashion
Burn Time: 40 hours
D.S. & Durga Portable Fireplace Candle, £60 | Liberty
Burn Time: 60 hours
"This aroma candle is called a portable fireplace for a reason; it's smoky and woody and will give off that lovely lingering aroma that a real roaring fireplace leaves behind. A lovely addition to just about any living room on a cold winter's night," says Marie Claire Associate Editor-At-Large Sunil Makan.
Women Candle, £92 | Baobab Collection
Burn Time: 60 hours
This Women candle from Baobab Collection is made in support of BIG (Breast Cancer International Group) and breast cancer research. Combining notes of magnolia, rose and musk, it has a delicate scent of powdered rose and ultimately is a celebration of women. Making your home look and smell amazing AND helping a great cause - the ultimate win, win right?
Diptyque Baies Coloured Candle, £68 | Space NK
Burn Time: 90 hours
It wouldn't be a luxury candle round up without this Diptyque classic. Made from Bulgarian roses, ambergris, and blackcurrant buds and leaves, this calming candle is a firm favourite among fragrance lovers everywhere.
