Few things elevate a space quite like a luxurious candle. From rich Trudon classics to elegant Diptyque staples and earthy picks from Flamingo Estate, our editors buy and burn their favorites again and again. Each serves a different purpose: Some are reserved for ambiance at special occasions, others reliably draw compliments from guests. Then there are the few that can transport to a different space entirely, evoking everything from polished hotel lobbies to lush rainforests, hidden gardens, and even smoky campfires. Suffice it to say, the best luxury candles cover a lot of ground.

From festive scents with warm, woodsy notes to options that come complete with a beautiful (re-usable!) terracotta vessel, read on to discover the candles that ignite our souls.

Chloe Malle, head of editorial content

“Despite some opinions that candles are a boring gift, I strongly disagree and think those people are just not finding the right candles! The below all have personality to spare and make great escapist gifts, not to mention vessels that can be used and displayed long after the candle is gone.”

Talia Abbas, shopping director

“I generally prefer paper incense over candles, but if I am lighting one, I want the scent to remind me of a snowy February evening in the Alps. That means woody and warm top notes, with maybe a hint of vanilla for sweetness—Trudon’s Fir captures that ephemeral feeling perfectly. And in keeping with my love for daily treats, there’s nary a candle I want to try more than Flamingo Estate’s Prinsesstårta: It’s the scent equivalent of Sant Ambroeus’s beloved pink domed confection—a decadent lemon sponge cake with layers of vanilla cream and marzipan.”

Libby Page, executive director, shopping

“I’ve tried others, but nothing beats this candle and this scent. It’s a classic, and now I find it impossible to burn anything else!”

Christian Allaire, senior fashion and style writer

“I am a candle obsessee—it is my favorite holiday gift to receive! So I am also extremely particular about my scents. I usually fill my home with Trudon Ernesto and Loewe Tomato Leaves on rotation.”

Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, shopping

“Every single person who set foot into my apartment in the last month has asked about this candle—it’s so good that when it recently burned out, I went into mourning. I gravitate towards fresh scents and this one, which has notes of tomato, basil, and geranium (I promise it works) smells divine. Not too sweet, not too herby, and definitely potent.”

Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large

“I’m going global with fancy candles! I was just at Krigler’s Paris shop with my mother-in-law, Mary, sniffing their American One 31 candle (a scent worn by JFK and Hemingway). Its special wax, once melted, is safe to use on skin as a fragrance oil—and I will! On the D-Bar Ranch, my dad, who loves Sisley Paris, will be getting their new Campagne candle for a spa-adjacent experience in the heart of Texas. Since Acqua di Parma candles feel luxurious and classic for all (my husband is still hoarding one, unlit, that I gave him a decade ago) their new Bosco scent will be a perfect gift for Gia, the gorgeous host of our friends’ annual Nana Claus holiday party in Brooklyn. And as for myself, I’m lighting Loewe’s clever Candelholder series in my fireplace—next, I want it in Oregano.”

Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping

“The Nette x Sakara Serene State candle is aptly named for its aromatherapeutic blend. And this Costa Brazil Jungle candle is equally aromatherapeutic, transporting me to the Amazonian rainforest every time I light it. ”

Samantha Sussman, global director, social

“There is nothing more luxurious than an extra large Roses candle by Diptyque!”

Rose Carlisle, manager, special events

“Maybe I am partial to these because my name is Rose, but I keep going back to these scents. Burning Rose is the one I reach for when I want something a little moodier. It has the familiar rose softness, but the smoky woods make it feel more grown-up and atmospheric. I burn this at night when I have friends over, or when I want my space to feel a bit more interesting than ‘just cleaned my kitchen.’

Rose Noire sits firmly in my ‘special but not too precious’ category. The scent is a darker rose—warm, slightly tea-like, and very elegant—and the vessel is so chic that it doubles as decor even when it is not lit.”

Alexandra Ditch, associate commerce producer

“I have to say, I’ve never met a Diptyque candle that I haven’t loved, but the Santal scent tops the charts for me! I find the sandalwood notes so irresistible, and I can’t help but feel like I’m visiting a luxurious hotel every time I burn it. Another favorite of mine is the Tubereuse scent, which is an enchanting floral fragrance that instantly transports me to greener pastures.

On another note, I tend to burn taper candles all around my home (on tables, on window sills, and in hanging sconces), as often as possible. It’s an inexpensive way to achieve a luxuriously cozy ambiance. I have probably collected too many antique brass candlestick holders over the years, but nothing beats their quality and aesthetic, in my opinion.”

Sache Taylor, director, special events

“I am obsessed with this Loewe Cucumber candle. It smells exactly like a spicy cucumber margarita—bright, crisp, and with a perfect kick. I could smell it before I even lit it, and even though it’s long finished, my apartment still has that fresh, subtly spicy scent hanging around. If only all my candles aged this gracefully!”

Florence O’Connor, associate content manager

“No matter how cold and dark it gets outside, lighting the Flamingo Estate Heirloom Tomato candle will instantly transport you back to the summer months of garden parties, fresh produce, and sunshine. The dark green vessel is also incredibly chic—it’s my go to housewarming gift and let me tell you, it never disappoints!”

Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer

“I’ve finally gotten around to lighting Byredo’s Bibliothèque candle after my friend got it for me as a housewarming/birthday gift over two years ago, and I’m upset that it took me so long! I’ve been loving leaving it under a candle warmer and letting its comforting fragrance fill up my studio apartment. And because my ultimate favorite candle was a limited edition release from Diptyque that I purchased in 2021(!) when I lived steps away from the Nolita boutique, I’m instead sharing a classic of theirs that I love (almost) just as much: Feu de Bois. But if anyone at Diptyque sees this, please bring back the Rosemary Villa Noailles candle!”

Concetta Ciarlo, beauty writer, shopping

“I prefer more spice-forward scents with a moody, cozy vibe. Ambre and Musc from Diptyque are perfect for exactly that—and admittedly, I often burn them both at the same time, for my own unique blend. The good news? People always say ‘it smells so good in here!’ when they enter my apartment.”

Andrea Zendejas, fashion market editor, shopping

“The Trudon Abd El Kader candle is a go-to gift: The mint scent is truly unique and uplifting. Another favorite brand for candles is Xinú, a Mexican-based perfumery. Even unlit, their candles provide soft trails of luxurious scents. Once the candles burn out, the ceramic vessels double as vases or cups.”

Emma Specter, culture writer

“Boy Smells, all day long. I loved the Kacey Musgraves collab, but right now I’m into Broken Rosary. I also adore Vacation’s Royal Pine candle; it’s giving deck-the-halls!”

Lea Donenberg, associate producer, video

“My goal is to curate a life that looks like the world Aerin Lauder inhabits: feminine, elegant, and sumptuous in detail. This candle offers a small dose of that, with a Freesia scent that transports me from my one-bedroom apartment laden with a week’s worth of laundry to a pristine garden home in the Hamptons. When I run out of wax, I will definitely be repurposing it as a little vase for some hot pink blooms: Très Aerin.

When I had the wonderful realization that my favorite perfume comes in a candle, I was thrilled. The Delina scent never fails to amass a swath of compliments and questions on the street, and in the name of being a girl’s girl, I never gatekeep.”