Scents Matter: My Top 5 Go-To Candle Brands
Nothing transforms the atmosphere of a room quite like a great scented candle. As someone who lives for cozy vibes and a calming ambiance, I’ve spent years curating a lineup of candle brands I truly trust not just for how they smell, but for their clean burn, beautiful design and consistency.
There are a ton of luxury candles out there, and I’ve tried plenty but these are the ones I keep coming back to. I’ve used most for over a decade and they’ve earned a permanent spot in my home for their quality, scent throw and the simple fact that they don’t tunnel (because let’s be rheal, that’s the worst). Even better? Every candle on this list is under $100. So while they feel like a splurge, they’re still in reach.
And I’ll be honest I grew up in an over-scented house (think Glade plug-ins, Lysol and Bath & Body Works overload), so I’m extremely particular about what I bring into my space. I don’t just burn anything and I definitely don’t burn a random mix of scents. I like to curate my candles by season, layering or rotating them depending on the mood, time of day or time of year. Yes, it’s that important to me.
Every brand on this list is clean-burning, phthalate-free and free of toxic additives, which is a must for my space. I am a little sensitive to fragrance and I care about what I’m breathing in. (Don’t even get me started on laundry detergent...)
So here are my top five must have candle brands. These are the ones I reach for when I want something timeless, signature or just the right mood-shifter. Whether it’s to unwind after a long day, re-energize a slow afternoon or set the tone for guests; these candles always deliver.
Because honestly? Scent is just as important as the visuals. You want your home to feel like you and scent, along with lighting, is one of the best ways to set the mood and tell the story of your space.
So here its a list of my go-to brands along with my top three scents from each, prices and where to buy them.
Malin+Goetz
Malin+Goetz candles are a LGBTQ candle brand I love for their minimalist glass design and how powerfully they throw scent without being overwhelming. These candles fill my space with unique, true-to-life fragrances that guest often ask "what is that scent?".
· Tobacco – 9 oz, $66 – A warm, smoky-sweet blend of smooth tobacco leaf, vanilla, and honey. It smells like settling into a dark leather chair with a good book. Cozy, nostalgic, and refined. Buy it on Malin+Goetz
· Cannabis – 9 oz, $66 – A high green, herbaceous scent with bergamot, black pepper and cedarwood. It's earthy, grounding and surprisingly fresh. Great for clearing your head. Buy it on Malin+Goetz
· Sage – 9 oz, $66 – Clean and calming with sage, lavender, eucalyptus and moss. Fresh, herbal and slightly woodsy. I love this scent in the bedroom or my office. Buy it on Malin+Goetz
Votivo
Votivo is one of those brands I have been using for a long time now. They are my go-to when I need a candle that will fill the entire room. Their scents are potent in the best way and the burn quality is excellent.
· White Ocean Sands – 10 oz, $44 – Crisp sea salt, bright ozone and juicy citrus. Clean, beachy and fresh This scent is a perfect mid-summer go-to. Buy it on Votivo
· Fresh Tomato Leaf – 10 oz, $44 – Smells just like crushing tomato leaves in a summer garden. Green, vibrant, and nostalgic. Buy it on Votivo
· Saint Germain Lavender – 10 oz, $44 – Crisp white linen and blooming lavender fields. Breezy and peaceful. Buy it on Votivo
Voluspa
Voluspa candles are beautiful inside and out. I love their signature embossed jars and clean coconut-soy wax blend. The scents are luxe without being overpowering. Bonus points for being able to reuse the jars.
· French Cade Lavender – 9 oz, $32 – Fresh lavender, lemon verbena and smoky cade wood. Herbaceous and calming. Buy it on Voluspa
· Baltic Amber – 9 oz, $32 – Honey sweet amber resin, sandalwood, cedar and vanilla orchid. Deep, sweet and cozy winter staple. Buy it on Voluspa
· Blond Tabac – 9 oz, $34 – Creamy vanilla husk, sandalwood and tobacco leaf. Sophisticated, warm and plays well with other candles. Buy it on Voluspa
Le Labo
Le Labo is a New York-based fragrance house known for its minimalist design and elevated scent profiles. Their candles are richly scented, hand-poured/hand labeled and feel like an indulgent ritual every time I light one.
· Santal 26 – 8.6 oz, $82 – Le Labo’s signature smoky sandalwood scent. Elegant, leathery and timeless. Great for fall and winter. Buy it on Le Labo
· Cade 26 – 8.6 oz, $82 – A deeper, smokier cousin to Santal with rich cade wood and leather. Bold and enveloping. Buy it on Le Labo
· Encens 9 – 8.6 oz, $82 – Resinous frankincense blended with clove and amber(my new favorite). Meditative, smoky and grounding. Buy it on Le Labo
P.F. Candle Co.
P.F. Candle Co. is a Los Angeles-based indie brand with a cult following. Their amber jars, clean soy wax and down-to-earth scents make them feel comforting and personal.
· Teakwood & Tobacco – 7.2 oz, $24 – Leather, teakwood and a touch of orange spice. Cozy and grounding. Buy it on P.F. Candle Co.
· Wild Herb Tonic – 7.2 oz, $24 – Lemon balm, thyme, fir and eucalyptus. Earthy and refreshing. Buy it on P.F. Candle Co.
· Golden Coast – 7.2 oz, $24 – Eucalyptus, sea salt, redwood and palo santo. Bright, herbal and grounding. Buy it on P.F. Candle Co.
Candles are a personal thing and these brands have become little staples in my home. They are a simple way to transport your environment and layer a bit of character into your space. I hope you find a new favorite here too! Feel free to share your go-to candles in the comments or let me know how you really feel about my selections. I always love swapping scent stories.
-Rheal