Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve become a bit of a candle snob. I spend more time at home than ever and this little luxury makes it a more delightful experience.
Here are a few of my favorite brands and scents:
Favorite Luxury Candles
My first luxury candle purchase was Diptyque’s vanille and ambre scents–both I bought online without smelling first and lucky enough, these two are my favorite fragrances from the candle brand. My third favorite is the 34 Boulevard Saint Germain candle ($87, priced a little higher than my first two faves priced at $70.) I’ve tried oud, roses and baies, but didn’t like those as much. I gravitate towards a fragrance that is earthy, woodsy or spicy, not floral or sweet so rose and baies were the worst smelling to me while they’re probably the most popular and most purchased.
I also like Le Labo candles, specifically the Santal 26 candle. I love the glass votive of this and it looks pretty in my living room. These are $80.
Another more recent favorite is Anarkh’s VANITAS candle. This scent is calming and I’ve been burning it on my nightstand before bed. This comes in a ceramic votive with a matching lid. This one is $70.
The Koop New York’s winter collection is so so good. They’re priced from $24 to $40.
P.F. Candle Co. is a more affordable candle line out of California that is a go-to for my home and gift giving. My favorite scent is teakwood and tobacco.
Candle Burning Tips
Trim the wick! Trimming the wick ensures a brighter and cleaner burn, avoid smoky stains at the top of the candle jar. Shoot for 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch long. Here’s a gold wick trimmer and snuffer set just $14 or if you prefer black, here’s a black wick trimmer.
Next, burn a new candle for at least a couple hours to let the wax melt across the candle. If you don’t do this, your candle will tunnel and you’ll waste hours of burn time.
Avoid letting dust build up in your candle and put the lid back on after each use!
