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ByLois Alter Mark
Updated on Sep. 30, 2024
Whether you prefer the scent of Paris or your grandma's kitchen, we've got the perfect match for you.
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As the chill sets in, it’s time to pack away the summer gear, grab your throw blankets and cozy socks, and invest in quality slippers for women and men. With shorter days and colder nights, burning scented candles is a simple way to add warmth and a touch of luxury to any room, brightening up even the darkest winter evenings. Plus, many of the best scented candles come in beautifully designed containers, doubling as decor. Soy candles, known for being eco-friendly and offering a clean, long-lasting burn, are a great choice. Opt for those made with natural essential oils if you’re sensitive to fragrances or have allergies. These candles also make the perfect hostess or self-care gifts.
Best overall scented candles
City Candles from Homesick
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Best holiday scented candle
Holiday Scented Classic Candle from Nest New York
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Best stylish scented candle
Mansour Marrakech Candle from L’or de Seraphine
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Best budget scented candle
Jasmine, Oud & Sandalwood Candle from Lulu Candles
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Best warm and woodsy scented candle
Sequoia Smoke from Pigmint Arome
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Best sustainable scented candle
Tomato Candle from Carrière Frères
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Best personalized scented candle
Candle – Name Personalized from The Little Market
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Best destination-inspired scented candles
A Tango in Barcelona from Glasshouse Fragrances
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Best decorative scented candle
Palo Santo & Cedar Speckled Ceramic Candle from Aromatique
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Best luxe scented candle
Paris Scented Candle and Lid from Diptyque
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Best winter scented candle
Winter Pines Candle: New England Edition from Fernweh Editions
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Best spring scented candle
Peridot Candle from Joanna Buchanan
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Best summer scented candle
Summer Nights Scented Candle from Perpetual Bliss
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Best storytelling scented candle
Vinyl Records from Anecdote Candles
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Best scented candle set
The Threesome from Otherland
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Best fresh-scented candle
Sunday Morning from Brooklyn Candle Studio
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Best sweet-scented candle
Blueberry Pie Scented Candle from Stillwater Bath and Body
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Best floral-scented candle
No. 7 Seven Miles from Aerangis
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Best inclusive scented candle
LES from Boy Smells
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Best wood wick scented candle
Lavender Leaf and Balsam Candle from SoHum
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Best staycation scented candle
Hotel Lobby Island Candle from Hotel Lobby Candle
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Best rose-scented candle
No. 723 Candle from The Laundress
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Best scented votive candles
Colette Votive Candle Set from Rifle Paper Co.
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Best inspirational scented candle
Grounded from Lifetherapy
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Best clean-scented candle
Jake’s House from Henry Rose
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Best aromatherapy scented candle
Ecuadorian Rose from La Parea Wellness
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Best romantic scented candle
Velvet Peony from Urban Apothecary
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Best crystal-infused scented candle
Confidence Crystal Energy Candle from Chiji
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Best spa-like candle
Chesapeake Bay Scented Candle
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VIA MERCHANT
This brilliantly named company understands that smell can immediately transport you to a place or a moment in time, and it’s created a collection of hand-poured candles that acts as an olfactory scrapbook of your life. From the concrete of New York City to the coffee and sea waves of San Francisco, these evocative scents will bring back so many treasured memories. In addition to cities, Homesick also offers candles representing all 50 states, a variety of international destinations, and important occasions, experiences, and people.
Why we love it:
- You can add a personal message on the back of the candle.
- Natural ingredients
- 60- to 80-hour burn time
VIA MERCHANT
Celebrate the holidays any time of year with this best-selling candle, which has more than 5,600 five-star reviews. “I have had an artificial Christmas tree for years, and my fireplaces have gas logs, so this candle is what gives my home a holiday scent,” says verified buyer Julie Meier Wright. That scent includes pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber. It’s a warm, cozy gift for that person in your life who’s always cold.
Why we love it:
- The vessel itself is a beautiful holiday decoration
- Nest New York has been certified by PETA
VIA MERCHANT
You’ll be happy to know this candle smells as good as it looks—because it’s stunning. The ceramic container is laden with palm fronds, exotic fruits, and the palette of a tropical sunset. Top notes of bergamot, ginger-dusted citrus, green tea, and touches of apple, juniper, and clove mix with hints peppered jasmine and tobacco within. Made of a proprietary sustainably sourced palm wax blend, it’s a paradise for the senses. Carry on with cozying up your life by adding some fleece-lined leggings to your cold-weather wardrobe.
Why we love it:
- Reusable ceramic container with lid
- Available in two sizes
- Features essential oils chosen for their aromatherapy benefits
VIA MERCHANT
It’s such a treat to be able to get a candle this luxurious for under $20, so it’s no surprise that it’s an Amazon’s Choice best seller. The candle has more than 21,000 five-star reviews raving about its quality and long-lasting scent. Reviewer Thomas M. Johnson writes, “This candle is amazing! I have searched high and low over the years for the most appealing, fragrant candle. This is it.” Handcrafted from eco-friendly soy wax, it’s slow-burning and will become a fast favorite.
Why we love it:
- You get a free travel tin if you leave a review
- Every candle purchased helps rescue abused and abandoned animals
- Affordable
VIA MERCHANT
There’s something comforting about a good woodsy scent that’s reminiscent of tugging on your winter boots, nestling into your warmest hat, and walking through a breathtaking forest with centuries-old trees towering over you. Hand-poured from a soy and coconut wax blend, this candle has a stellar pedigree with top notes of outdoor air, apple, and rose petals; middle notes of vanilla orchid, oakmoss, and suede; and base notes of smoked cedar, juniper, campfire, and amber.
Why we love it:
- Female-founded company
- Gift-worthy packaging
VIA MERCHANT
Whether you pronounce it “to-may-to” or “to-mah-to,” you will agree that this unique scent is a delight. Tomatoes actually have air-purifying properties, which make them an excellent candle scent. Plus, Carrière Frères is all about respecting and protecting nature and the precious plants used in their exquisite fragrances.
Why we love it:
- Eco-friendly
- The company has been mastering the art of fragrance since 1884
VIA MERCHANT
Best personalized scented candle
Candle – Name Personalized from The Little Market
The Little Market hand pours scented candles with big appeal, and you can make them even more special by personalizing them with a name, a date, or a message. Women artisans who resettled in the United States as refugees will print it on a transparent label and place it on the recyclable glass vessel that holds the scented candle of your choice—peppermint, eucalyptus, champagne, birthday cake, or so many more. The women make the candles in small batches from a coconut-soy wax blend, then sign the bottom of the glass. The candle even comes with a little card that tells you about the woman who made yours and even lets you know where to leave her a message. If you love this, you’ll adore these flannel sheets, which will keep you warm all winter long.
Why we love it:
- The Little Market is a mission-driven nonprofit
- Purchases support underserved women and help break the cycle of poverty
- Ethically sourced
VIA MERCHANT
Best destination-inspired scented candles
A Tango in Barcelona from Glasshouse Fragrances
Glasshouse Fragrances is based in Australia but will transport you around the world—from the Hamptons to Kyoto to Milan and more—with their ambiance-setting candles. A Tango in Barcelona, with its notes of apricot, tuberose, and musk, is as distinct and sensual as the dance itself. It doesn’t miss a beat. Traveling this year? Pack a weighted eye mask to help you sleep soundly.
Why we love it:
- Sourced responsibly
- Female-founded company
VIA MERCHANT
Best decorative scented candle
Palo Santo & Cedar Speckled Ceramic Candle from Aromatique
With notes of coconut, cedarwood, sandalwood, amber, and musk, this candle pays homage to the best of nature. Although we agree it’s what’s inside that counts—and the candle inside could easily stand on its own—this pretty ceramic vessel is reason enough to try the candle. It’ll look great anywhere and is ready to be repurposed later.
Why we love it:
- The pine lid makes the container great for holding small items after the wax has melted
- Cotton core wick
VIA MERCHANT
It’s impossible to talk about luxury scented candles without mentioning this iconic French brand. Diptyque is world-renowned for its high-end candles, and its newest, Paris, pays tribute to the company’s heritage as it celebrates its 60th birthday. Sure, it’s a splurge, but with a heavenly scent rooted in the essence of myrrh, old books, wood patina, and stone, it will make you feel like you’re strolling along the Seine without having to get on a plane. Ooh la la!
Why we love it:
- Sculpted black wood lid
- Luxury samples come with each order
- Complimentary gift wrap
VIA MERCHANT
Best winter scented candle
Winter Pines Candle: New England Edition from Fernweh Editions
This beautiful candle heralds the first snow of the season through a warm blend of pine with top notes of mint, citrus, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove, mid notes of lavender and eucalyptus, and base notes of pine and vanilla. Hand-poured in small batches, it’s made of a soy wax blend that will burn for 110 hours to get you through the long winter. Also getting you through the winter? The best wool socks money can buy.
Why we love it:
- Also available in a travel tin
- Self-trimming wick for increased burn time and less soot
- 110-hour burn time
VIA MERCHANT
With notes of bergamot, vetiver, and white musk, this hand-poured, soy-based candle is like a breath of fresh air. It will awaken your senses to the greenery that slowly returns each spring and give you a feeling of renewal.
Why we love it:
- The bedazzled bug lid
- Peridot represents the color of nature and is associated with good health and harmony
VIA MERCHANT
The magic of summer nights comes to life in this sophisticated scent, which starts with apple and saffron, swirls around with black currants and blackberries, and is rooted in warm base notes of anise and amber. It’s rich and heady and steamy hot.
Why we love it:
- It comes in a gorgeous reusable container
- 65-hour burn time
VIA MERCHANT
According to Anecdote Candles, Vinyl Records/Black Oud “smells like crackling nostalgia and extravagant simplicity.” Amazingly, the company is right! This creative company hand-pours a coconut-soy wax blend to create truly original scents that define our lives. Then it describes them in a thought-provoking way that will make these scented candles your go-to gift. Anecdote Candles Ocean Escape “smells like salty air and shady beaches,” Self-Care/Mint & Eucalyptus “smells like face masks and do not disturb,” and Comfort Zone/Coffee & Cedarwood “smells like the joy of missing out.” You will relate to so many of these and have fun coming up with your own.
Why we love it:
- These are real conversation pieces
- Available in travel tins
- Natural ingredients
VIA MERCHANT
OK, we cheated a little here because it’s virtually impossible to pick just one of Otherland’s unique fragrances, and The Threesome lets you choose a trio. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but you’ll want to try one of the five candles in the core collection (Canopy, with notes of California fig, ivy greens, and summer dew is a favorite) and a couple of the vivid new Homestead candles, like Tomato Terrazzo and Sriracha Rose, all made from a blend of coconut and soy wax. Still can’t decide? Don’t worry, Otherland also offers a six-pack.
Why we love it:
- Female founded
- The glass tumblers are reusable
- 55-hour burn time
VIA MERCHANT
Full of weekend vibes, this refreshing candle is a bounty of fruits and flowers, including pear, bergamot, jasmine, and gardenia. Made of 100 percent soy wax, it’s vegan, cruelty free, phthalate free, and petroleum free and will leave you feeling rejuvenated and worry free. Think of it like a comforting weighted blanket for your entire home.
Why we love it:
- Female founded
- Brushed gold lid makes it travel-friendly
- Rewards program offers exclusive discounts and free shipping
VIA MERCHANT
Nothing makes a home more welcoming than the scent of something baking in the oven. This blueberry pie scented candle smells so yummy that it’s garnered more than 1,750 five-star reviews. “Don’t light while hungry,” warns verified purchaser Dan Purcell, who adds, “It’s not edible, but you’ll wish it was. The room is filled immediately with the scent of a fresh-baked blueberry pie, and that’s before you even light it.” Bonnie Lemaster agrees, saying, “These are the best candles I’ve ever lit, and I am a big fan of candles. Treat yourself! Whichever dessert you like best (gingerbread, apple pie, blueberry, etc.), know that the associated candle smells exactly like it’s baking in the oven!”
Why we love it:
- All-natural
- Small, family-owned business
VIA MERCHANT
In Taiwan, the orange jasmine at the heart of this candle is often called “seven miles” because its fragrance can be detected from that far away. Founder Alicia Tsai created this candle to remind her of her homeland, and its creamy scent, with notes of white gardenia, silky musk, and citrus blossoms, will surround you with a garden of fragrant delights. For more creature comforts, check out the best leggings on Amazon.
Why we love it:
- There’s a story behind each scent
- Female-founded company
- Eco-conscious
VIA MERCHANT
Some candles smell too traditionally feminine and some smell too traditionally masculine, but this one smells just right for everyone. In French, “les” is the plural article used for both genders, and in this candle, it also stands for the Lower East Side, one of New York’s most diverse and exciting neighborhoods. Reflecting the rich variety of scents on the streets, it offers an olfactory tour, featuring everything from jasmine rice and tonka beans to cardamom and peach blossoms. This best seller is made from coconut and beeswax to shine brighter and burn longer.
Why we love it:
- It comes in a glossy black glass tumbler
- Available in two sizes
- Appealing to all genders
VIA MERCHANT
Wood wicks crackle when they’re lit, making it sound like you’re sitting in front of a cozy fireplace on a cold night. SoHum takes that fiery authenticity a step further by literally shining a light on your intention with specific scents designed to uplift and inspire you. The 100 percent soy Lavender Leaf and Balsam candle features top notes of bergamot, lemon, and orange; middle notes of pine needle, lavender, and magnolia; and a base of balsam fir, anise, and guaiac wood, a combination intended to relax, calm, and ease stress and anxiety.
Why we love it:
- That satisfying crackle
- 60+ hours burn time
VIA MERCHANT
Best staycation scented candle
Hotel Lobby Island Candle from Hotel Lobby Candle
Pull up a lounge chair and take a tropical vacation in your own home with one of the best-smelling candles. Made of 100 percent soy wax, it invokes an island paradise through notes of coconut, almond, and vanilla. Pass the piña coladas. Make like a traveler and use these sleep products that help you drift into a deep slumber.
Why we love it:
- The instructions are written on a hotel key card
- 65-hour burn time
- Female-founded company
VIA MERCHANT
If you use No. 723 laundry detergent—The Laundress’ top-selling scent—you will immediately recognize this rosy fragrance. Even if you’ve never tried it, you will fall for the irresistible scent of the damask rose and its accompanying notes of geranium, jasmine, and lily of the valley. Grounded with guaiac wood and amber to ensure a rich, complex scent, this hand-poured soy wax blend version is a totally modern and fresh take on classic scented candles.
Why we love it:
- 60-hour burn time
- Created by acclaimed Brooklyn-based fragrance house, Joya
VIA MERCHANT
This boxed set makes a thoughtful gift, but it’s also a great way to try out a handful of signature scents inspired by classic travel destinations. There’s Champs de France, The High Peaks of the Adirondack Forest, Jardin de Paris, The Souks of Marrakech, and Amalfi del Mar. Each soy wax votive candle comes in a glass vessel and has a burn time of more than 15 hours. Between the five, it’s like taking a trip around the world.
Why we love it:
- Beautiful box is ready to gift
- Poured in the United States
VIA MERCHANT
Whether you want to feel energized, transformed, inspired, loved, or grounded, Lifetherapy has a candle to help. Start with Grounded, which will calm, balance, and uplift you with stabilizing amber and vanilla, earthy rose, and soothing heliotrope. Hand-poured in small batches, all Lifetherapy candles are made of soy wax and clean ingredients, so you can feel good about feeling good.
Why we love it:
- 75-hour burn time
- Female-founded company
- Reusable glass container
VIA MERCHANT
Henry Rose is all about using the cleanest, safest ingredients, and this candle features the best-selling fragrance from the brand (which was founded by actress Michelle Pfeiffer). Made from a blend of coconut, soy, and vegetable waxes, the hand-poured candle emits notes of fresh marine, honeyed neroli, and soft musk for a unique and comforting scent.
Why we love it:
- Smells seriously amazing
- A portion of proceeds benefits Breast Cancer Prevention Partners
VIA MERCHANT
Not only does this candle smell good, but it’s also good for you. La Parea Wellness handcrafts small batches of plant-based aromatherapy products (like this natural, pure soy wax candle) to lift your mood and foster self-care. Infused with essential oils, dried rose buds, and hibiscus flowers, it’s as intoxicating as a bouquet of roses itself.
Why we love it:
- The authentic petals add a lovely touch
- The candle burns long and clean
VIA MERCHANT
Flirty and filled with lush flora and fruits, this sensuous fragrance is abloom with delightful surprises like peach, raspberry, and violet. Crafted by a team of artisans in Leicestershire, England, all of Urban Apothecary’s soy wax candles are lovingly produced and hand-poured in-house. The signature black glass container is simple and sleek, so the candle itself shines.
Why we love it:
- 60-hour burn time
- Premium cotton wick
VIA MERCHANT
This enchanting soy wax candle is meant to empower you and make you more confident, whether you’re dressed to the nines, going business casual, or sporting some work-from-home sweats you hope your boss can’t see over Zoom. The candle includes miniature crystals, including lapis for self-awareness, citrine for prosperity, and clear quartz to amplify and heal. Combined with the warm scent of musk, tobacco, and vanilla, the beauty and energy of the crystals may improve your mood right away.
Why we love it:
- Ethically sourced crystals
- Includes larger lapis crystal to remove and use for meditation
VIA MERCHANTVIA MERCHANT
Spas offer unparalleled relaxation and wellbeing—until now. The Chesapeake Bay scented candle brings that same serene atmosphere to your home with its calming blend of pear, rose, violet, waterlily and cyclamen aromas, all derived from natural essential oils. Made with soy wax, this candle boasts a long-lasting 50-hour burn time and comes in eco-friendly, recycled packaging from TerraCycle. Ready to elevate your self-care routine? Light this candle and run a bubble bath for the ultimate aromatherapy experience.
Why we love it:
- Long-lasting 50-hour burn time
- 100% recycled packaging
What to look for when buying scented candles
Fragrance type
Fragrances in scented candles typically come from essential oils or synthetic sources. Essential oil candles are natural, safe for frequent use and provide a lighter, more aromatic scent. However, they burn faster than synthetic oils, offering a shorter lifespan.
Synthetic oils, while offering a stronger scent throw, contain chemicals and VOCs that can impact air quality and long-term health. Their aroma often feels less authentic, and they are more likely to trigger allergic reactions, which detracts from the calming experience scented candles aim to provide.
Wax type
Any seasoned candle user knows not all waxes melt or work the same. Common waxes include soy, beeswax, coconut, palm and paraffin, each with pros and cons.
- Soy: Made from 100% soybeans, soy wax burns cleanly, has a smaller ecological footprint and is unlikely to trigger allergies. With a burn time of over 45 hours, soy candles are versatile but often pricier due to farming and production costs.
Coconut: Coconut wax, made from odorless, colorless coconut oil, offers an intense scent throw and eco-friendliness without deforestation concerns. It has a low melting point, so it’s blended with other waxes and burns for about 56 to 58 hours.
Palm: Palm wax, sourced from palm trees, is hard and long-lasting (60 to 80 hours) but is linked to deforestation if not sustainably sourced.
Paraffin: A synthetic wax made from coal and petroleum, paraffin offers an excellent scent throw and burns 30 minutes per inch in diameter but can lower air quality and affect allergies.
Beeswax: Beeswax is natural, clean-burning and slow-melting, but due to supply constraints, it is expensive and difficult to source.
Wick material
Wick material greatly impacts burn time, effect, and smoke emissions.
- Wooden wicks crackle, burn slowly with a dim flame and help scents linger but can be tricky to light, emit more smoke and are pricier.
- Cotton wicks burn brightly and cleanly with less smoke but have a shorter burn time than wood.
Burn time
Burn time varies by wax type and candle size. Soy, coconut and beeswax candles last longer (50–60 hours), while paraffin burns faster (30 minutes per inch).
Container for packaging
Scented candles add ambiance but burn out quickly, often leaving behind glass or plastic containers that can pile up in recycling bins. When choosing a candle, check if the container is recyclable, reusable or eco-friendly. Some brands offer recycling programs to help reduce waste, but others don’t, which leads to unnecessary buildup. Repurpose candle containers or packaging to create new decor, candles or kitchenware to minimize environmental impact.
Allergens and safety
Scented products can irritate allergies if they contain harsh ingredients. Essential oil candles are less likely to cause discomfort, while synthetic scents may trigger reactions. Always consider your sensitivity to scents before choosing a candle.
Also, consider placement, smoke emissions and proper extinguishing. To prevent fires, keep candles away from flammable materials like paper and linens. Excess smoke or a strong scent can worsen air quality and irritate allergies, so use a snuffer or wick dipper to extinguish them safely. Avoid using water or your fingers to put out a candle, as this can lead to fires or damage.
Why you should trust us
Lois Alter Mark is an award-winning lifestyle writer with years of experience covering everything from luxury cruises to home essentials. As a contributor to Forbes, Reader’s Digest and USA Today 10Best, she’s developed a keen eye for discovering unique products that enhance daily life—including her passion for scented candles. With a deep knowledge of the shopping and lifestyle industry, she expertly shares her insights into fragrances and home décor.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Reader’s Digest, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
How we chose the best scented candles
We analyzed over 50 popular scented candles from top brands, considering customer reviews, industry reputation and expert recommendations. After narrowing it down, we tested 20 candles across various scents, wax types and price ranges to evaluate their fragrance intensity, burn time and packaging quality. Essential factors like natural ingredients, eco-friendly wax blends and overall safety standards (like wick material and allergen impact) were also key to our assessment.
FAQ
How long should a scented candle burn?
Several factors determine burn time, including wax type, size and wick type. Any quality candle between seven and 14 ounces should burn for seven to 10 hours per inch of diameter. For instance, a 12-ounce candle should last at least 60 hours. Paraffin candles burn quickly and may run out of wax or wick after a few hours.
Are soy candles better than paraffin candles?
Soy candles outperform paraffin in terms of environmental impact and effectiveness. Soy is all-natural, burns cleanly and slowly and throws scent more effectively. Paraffin candles, made with a chemical base, burn faster and may cause health issues or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
What makes a candle’s scent last longer?
Burning a candle for longer periods helps the scent linger. Letting more wax liquify releases the fragrance. However, avoid burning for more than four hours to preserve the scented materials for future use.
Author
Lois Alter Mark
Lois is an award-winning travel, lifestyle, shopping and entertainment writer. Her work has taken her to all seven continents and introduced her to new people, food and—her latest obsession—pickleball! An avid cruiser, she loves to share her joy for travel.
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