Whether you’re looking for a last-minute holiday gift or simply want to treat yourself, a luxe candle might be just the thing. Read on to find the perfect one for you.
Flamingo Estate lies in the hilltops of Los Angeles and describes itself as a “pleasure-obsessed home of sun-worship, folk mythologies, and psychedelic remedies” accompanied by a lush garden. Its candles come in a variety of herbal-inspired aromas. The brand’s icon (and my favorite) is Roma Heirloom Tomato, tarragon, black pepper, and, of course, its namesake fruit. It does indeed smell like a tomato, so keep that in mind (in the best way).
Influencer and entrepreneur Stephanie Ledda’s fragrance brand, Ledda, makes a candle version of their most popular scent, 22 Orris, a unique blend of buttery iris, sandalwood, musk, pink pepper, and wild freesia. It smells both opulent and comforting.
Harlem Candle Company offers scents inspired by the richness of Harlem, New York. You’ll find scents inspired by Nina Simone, musician and civil rights activist, and Lady Day (a.k.a. Billie Holiday), jazz and swing music singer. The scents themselves are extremely high quality, arriving in gorgeous vessels you will want to save once the wax has dissipated.
For a rustic, all-American (and more affordable!) candle experience, check out family business Milkhouse Candle Company. Their scents are made from pure beeswax and soy wax from soybeans grown in the Midwest. Warm, homey scents like Milk & Sugar and Balsam & Cedar make up the collection, but my personal favorite is the delicious Oatmeal Milk & Honey.
Mizensir is known for its high-end perfumes, and the house also makes stunning candles. Sapin de Noel is a resinous, green, woody scent – and also the first creation of the house by founder Alberto Morillas more than 20 years ago.
In a similar vein, the iconic house of Creed also offers a collection of home fragrances. They just launched beautiful, hand-poured candles encased in custom porcelain vessels. My favorite is Aventus For Her, a mixture of pink pepper, rose and sandalwood which is also a bestselling perfume for women.
Athena Club candles are perfect for gifting – they come basically already gift-wrapped. The company sells four scents made from soy wax, but my pick for this time of year is Athena, a woody, sweet fig and rose scent reminiscent of a crackling campfire that comes in a glossy black holder.
Finally, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a Ranger Station candle. Each one comes in a reusable cocktail glass with an artisan cocktail recipe card. All scents are unisex and crowd-pleasing, but my favorite is Santalum (sandalwood, amber resin, iris, and leather). Fun fact – the founder is a musician who founded the company in a refurbished ranger station, hence the name.
