I'm a big fragrance girl. Sure, I have my favorite perfumes (they span floral and citrus to gourmand), but my appreciation for scent goes deeper. I have fine fragrance deodorants and scented hand soaps. I own fragrant body lotions and hair products, too. But my fragrance wardrobe is never complete without a healthy roster of the best luxury candles. Because yes, my home does, in fact, need a signature scent.
Courtesy of fashion houses like Loewe and Bottega Veneta to fragrance-first brands including Trudon and Hotel Lobby Candle, these elevated waxes and wicks transform my home into a beach in New England or a verdant European garden ripe with juicy tomatoes. Luxury candles are often home decor in their own right, with stunning sculptural containers and reusable vessels (I use fully-burned candles as makeup brush holders.)
Ahead, you'll find my personal favorite luxury candles—along with a few that Marie Claire editors were quick to offer up as their top picks. Whether you're looking to upgrade your candle arsenal (can you ever have too many?) or gift a few this holiday season, I have you covered.
The Best Luxury Candles
- Best Luxury Candle Overall: HomeCourt CeCe Candle
- Best Luxury Holiday Candle: Trudon Gloria Holiday Scented Candle
- Best Fragrance-Inspired Luxury Candle: Maison Francis Kurkdijian Baccarat Rouge 540 Candle
- Best Designer Luxury Candle: Loewe Mimosa Scented Candle
I love nothing more than a candle with five wicks. It's no longer just a candle—it's an experience, an accessory, and a mood-maker. No, I'm not being dramatic; I'm simply describing the power of this Courtney Cox-designed candle. "It’s unique, warm, and also grounded with a little attitude—it’s spicy,” the Friends actress exclusively told me last month.
Notes: Cedarwood smoke, sweet cardamom, cinnamon, and white leather
Size: 38 ounces
Burn Time: 80 hours
Wax Type: Soy wax blend
What I Love: Stunning accessory that lasts a long time; giftable
What I Don't: Not an amazing throw when unlit
Review for MC: "I was lucky enough to snag a jumbo-size of these candles, and keep so many of the regular ones on hand. It manages to be warm and light simultaneously, so it's ideal for all seasons. That being said, the handmade ceramic dish is so pretty, I'm hesitant to light it!" — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender uses this candle as home decor.
Fact: There is nothing more regal than a Trudon holiday candle. Inspired by the King at the Château de Versailles, every aspect of this candle—down to the 24-carat gold leaf interior—is fit to gift to your fanciest friend. The second I took this candle out of it's elaborate container, I'm hit with a sweet, spicy mix of java, cinnamon, and amber; exactly what I want my home to smell like on a snowy day.
Notes: Russian coriander, cardamom, incense, Brazilian orange, java nutmeg, clove leaf, cinnamon, cedar, patchouli, vetiver, amber
Size: 105 ounces
Burn Time: Over 300 hours
Wax Type: Paraffin wax
What I Love: Perfect holiday gift; great throw
What I Don't: The packaging might clash with someone's home
Review for MC: "Honesty hour: I'm the world's worst gift giver. My saving grace for holiday season is a hefty collection of candles. I bring one to every holiday party or home I enter. Trudon's limited-edition candles are a consistent hit. This particular option is a warm and cozy mix or coriander and cardamom that serves as the perfect scent-scape for a tree decorating day." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
This Trudon candle double as the perfect gift—but trust me, you'll want one for yourself, too.
The Baccarat Rouge fan club is loyal. I know, because I'm a long-time member. While the fragrance is pretty pricey, the candle offers the same warm and addictive smell at a third of the price. I live in a studio apartment, so lighting this fills up the whole room—it's my go-to before I have company.
Notes: Jasmine grandiflorum, saffron, bitter almond, cedar wood, musky woody accord, ambergris accord
Size: 9.8 ounces
Burn Time: 55 hours
Wax Type: French mineral and vegetable wax
What I Love: The scent really envelops an entire room; allows you to capitalize on a signature scent
What I Don't: Some reviewers feel like the scent isn't powerful enough
Review for MC: "I will never, ever get jaded by the smell of Baccarat Rouge. I don't wear the eau de parfum every day, but when I do, I commit. I layer on the body lotion, use the hair perfume, drip on some scented body oil, and light this candle for a Baccarat Rouge takeover. The candle is my favorite little treat on nights when I'm staying at home to curl up with a book." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
I light this every night in the fall, and it's still going strong.
The Marie Claire team came together to test Loewe's three new candles last week, and Mimosa was the unanimous favorite. Beauty Director Hannah Baxter described it as the perfect addition to a girl's night, while I couldn't get over how fresh and delightful scent was. Who knew an evergreen tree and melon were the perfect combo?
Notes: Evergreen tree, melon, yellow flowers
Size: 5.8 ounces
Burn Time: 55 hours
Wax Type: Natural wax
What I Love: Light and refreshing scent; truly smells like a mimosa; reusable jar
What I Don't: This vessel may clash with some home decor
Review for MC: "Don’t be fooled by the name: Loewe’s new Mimosa candle has no relation to the boozy brunch beverage. The inspiration is actually the Mimosa Tree—I’ve admittedly never seen nor smelled one—known for its bright yellow flowers and their strong and sweet aroma. By that definition, they hit the mark. It smells a bit like a day at the beach; a hint of sunscreen, a hint of salt, a hint of the sugary wave spray you spritz on after a dip in the ocean. I was a bit apprehensive about lighting it in my home because of the intensity of its sweetness, but it mellows out once it’s lit. It’s the kind of candle I’d tuck away until the first warm day of the year, then light to celebrate spring's start. You don’t have to keep it lit for long before the smell fills up a room, and I’d argue it smells even better when combined with a natural breeze through a cracked window.." — Lucia Tonelli, Former Associate Social Media Director
How great would this jar be as a makeup brush holder?
"There is no worse feeling than post-vacation blues, but thanks to Lindsay Silberman, it's possible to bring a little bit of your travels home with you with her Hotel Lobby collection," says MC's Entertainment Director Neha Prakash. "Taking inspiration from the scents of the poshest resorts worldwide, the candles will infuse your own space with the designer smells of Miami, Paris, and beyond. Now you can pretend to be sipping martinis in a dimly-lit Parisian bar—no pricey plane ticket needed."
Notes: Black musk, spicy pepper, waxed wood, rum, smoke
Size: 9.75 ounces
Burn Time: 65 hours
Wax Type: Soy wax
What I Love: Sensual scent; warm and cozy; fills a large space
What I Don't: Some feel like smells like citronella
Customer Review: "Sophisticated and luxurious scenting that travels through my home. Burn slowly and evenly (I've changed my own life with a candle warmer). Beautiful packaging, such a great gift. Purchased Linen & Paris Nuit and am obsessed with both." — Neiman Marcus
Fashion E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla calls this Maison Margiela scent the epitome of coziness. "It has a smoky undertone but also includes notes like vanilla and pink pepper to round it out. Keeping it lit for even a little while will make my entire space feel like I'm sitting next to a woodsy fire just as the weather begins to change. My family knows to give me this candle as a gift year after year.”
Notes: Pink pepper, orange flower petals, clove oil, chestnut accord, guaiac wood oil, cade oil, vanilla accord, Peru balsam, cashmeran
Size: 5.82 ounces
Burn Time: 40 hours
Wax Type: Mineral wax
What I Love: Has a sweet smokiness that's perfect for a night in; can burn for four hours at a time with an even wax melt
What I Don't: While a positive for some, a handful of reviewers feel the fragrance is actually too strong
Customer Review: "We recently replaced our wood-burning fireplace with a gas one and I got this candle to have a fireplace smell. Though it does not smell like our wood-burning fireplace did, I nevertheless like the smell, which is a wintery, spicy smell. This is my fourth candle and as long as they keep making them I will buy more!" — Nordstrom
If you're just starting your luxury candle journey, Tonelli has the perfect pick: Jo Malone's Blackberry and Bay candle, her very first luxury scent. "The fact that I remember this detail with such clarity should be enough of a testament to its quality," she says. "It's my most frequently-complimented candle (a universally beloved scent!), it's the candle I've re-purchased more than any other (which says a lot, because it burns slow!), and it's the only scent that manages to fill a big, open space (but doesn't overwhelm a small room)." Sold.
Notes: Blackberry, bay leaves, cedarwood
Size: 7 ounces
Burn Time: 45 hours
Wax Type: Blend of natural waxes
What I Love: Sweet and nostalgic; box comes wrapped in a bow that's perfect for a quick gift; scent lasts for a while after the candle has been blown out
What I Don't: Faintly scented while burning
Customer Review: "This candle and scent smells so good, your entire house will smell amazing. It is not too strong but certainly makes its scent known. Definitely recommend." — Nordstrom
Every candle hoarder has heard of Diptyque. But have you actually made the investment into one of the bigger sizes with five wicks, handmade in the South of France? Earth signs will appreciate the beloved Figuier scent, emulating the smell of figs and fresh leaves. Bonus: Zoey Deutch and Victoria Beckham have professed their love of the Figuier scent to New York Magazine, so your home's signature scent is in good company. "I love the warmth of fig wood so much that I often have one for my office," Posh told the outlet.
Notes: Fig tree, fresh leaves, fruity sap
Size: 51.3 ounces
Burn Time: 60 hours
Wax Type: Parrafin and vegetable waxes
What I Love: Multiple size options; green vessel is great home decor; celebrity fans
What I Don't: Scent fades after two hours of burn
Customer Review: "It’s a really nice creamy fig scent that has pretty good projection when lit. The glass container looks so nice to reuse as well. Definitely a splurge but great for a gift or a special occasion. Bought the small size but will be looking to buy the bigger size." — Bloomingdales
I love a fancy NYC cocktail bar—but I love staying home and having my apartment smell like one, so much more. Harlem Candle Co. makes a gorgeous candle that releases a blend of vanilla, dark chocolate, palo santo, bourbon, and tobacco—it smells like a sexy drink. Plus, the jar doubles as its own cocktail glass after it's fully used.
Notes: Vanilla, dark chocolate, palo santo, bourbon, tobacco, licorice, plum blossom
Size: 8 ounces
Burn Time: 80 hours
Wax Type: Soy blend waxes
What I Love: Black-owned business; double wick; incredibly long burn time
What I Don't: Gold detailing on the jar can fade
Customer Review: "This is the most incredible scent you have ever smelled. It evokes wonderful memories." — Bloomingdales
With 100 (!!) hours of burn time, Voluspa's paraben-free and sulfate-free candle smells like summer flowers in a glass. It's a clean scent that comprises orchid, lily, and moss, an intoxicating blend that has quickly become a part of my aromatherapy routine. The gorgeous design of the jar and lid is also noteworthy—it's covered in a floral latticework inspired by Japanese art.
Notes: Mokara orchid, white lily, spring moss
Size: 18 ounces
Burn Time: 100 hours
Wax Type: Coconut wax blend
What I Love: Pesticide-free manufacturing; incredibly long burn time; a pleasant smell that guests will appreciate
What I Don't: Not necessarily what I would pick for the fall/winter season
Customer Review: "Bamboo, musk, and cypress really balance so well to create such a dramatic and elegant scent. The onyx vessel adds the perfect scent to any environment and this is a perfect gift for men and women alike." — Nordstrom
With white jungle flora, patchouli, sandalwood, and vetiver, Costa Brazil's vela jungle candle screams, "Let's take a trip to the rainforest." It's made of natural plant-based waxes and is sustainably sourced, so you can feel good about enhancing your mood.
Notes: Patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver
Size: 16.5 ounces
Burn Time: 60 hours
Wax Type: Plant-based wax
What I Love: Sustainably sourced; aromatic and mood enhancing; interesting and unique scent
What I Don't: Jar shows fingerprints easily
Customer Review: "It's a very different smell. It fills the room, even when it's not lit. I smell a hit of cinnamon with a very floral, jungle feel. Chrome Candleholder feels expensive, too." — Bluemercury
For a luxury candle that's not so in-your-face, might we suggest Acqua di Parma's Luce Di Colonia? Its yellow glass jar is like a ray of sunshine for your bookcase, shelf, or bedside table. Scent-wise, this candle is a summer fragrance with citrus top notes and woody base notes. Light it, and your day will be brighter in more ways than one.
Notes: Orange, lemon, petitgrain, neroli, patchouli, vetiver
Size: 7 ounces
Burn Time: 50 hours
Wax Type: Refined parafin wax
What I Love: Refreshing to light in a kitchen; perfect to light after cooking a heavily scented dinner
What I Don't: Heavy jar
Customer Review: "Have repurchased this one many times, it's a classic fragrance. 30 mins of burn time can fill up an entire house!" — Bluemercury
Sometimes a candle's packaging is almost better than the scent but for new brand Circus you get the best of both worlds. This warm, comforting, and silky-scented blend is transportive to a fresh and relaxing spring evening. It's also rare to want to get to the end of a candle so you can repurpose.
Notes: Amber, muguet, coconut, vanilla, tonka, white musk, freesia, and moss
Size: 10 ounces
Burn Time: 60 hours
Wax Type: Premium soy wax blend
What I Love: Phthalate-free fragrance oils, lead-free cotton wicks, ridiculously fabulous tassels, comes with an accompanying playlist for each candle
What I Don't: The fabric necessitates keeping a close eye on this candle
Customer Review: "I still can't get over this chic candle packaging! It's a statement piece in and of itself, and the luscious scent fills my apartment with lush, refreshing vibe. I also love that every candle comes with a playlist to really set the mood, however you're feeling that day." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
What Makes a High-Quality Candle?
According to Mei Xu, founder of Blueme, there are a handful of elements to a great candle: the vessel, the wax (more on that later), and the wick. "A vessel not only carries the wax but the shape and the entire experience of a candle," she says. "While most brands like to use glass for the lighting that it affords, you have to be mindful of how hot it can get."
Most candles also use cotton wicks, but per Xu, you can tell the quality of a candle by how thick the wick is, since that's more likely to determine how it burns. "Being too thin, you risk not consuming enough of the wax and the candle could tunnel burn, meaning the candle burns like a hole down," she says. "When the wick is too big, there is a big flame and it produces soot. A perfect cotton wick and wax blend should allow candles to form a complete pool of liquid in two to three hours."
What Is the Most Luxurious Candle Wax?
Quality wax is also essential to luxury candles. Xu says that a good candle will typically use "a blend of vegetable wax and some petroleum wax that is 100 percent refined and very clear." This will ensure that the wax can burn evenly and can hold an optimal amount of fragrance oil.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Mei Xu is an entrepreneur who has worked in the fragrance world for over 30 years. Years after founding Chesapeake Bay Candle, she launched Blueme in 2022, a brand rooted in fragrance science, Zen philosophy, and the transformative power of olfaction.
