This article was updated on Nov. 4. HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability subject to change.
While candles have become much-mocked, last-minute gifts for that person whom you just don’t really know that well, the candle market has been, excuse us, burning up in recent years. And if you doubt the power of candles, there’s even a National Candle Association that’s been around since 1974.
Right now, it seems like folks are (shakily) reaching for their matchbooks and lighters more than ever. GQ staffers are igniting incense. Coveteur’s got a guide to calming candles. Even Elle has a wax gallery to help you escape.
Yeah, 2020 hasn’t exactly been a banner of a year — ending with an election that hasn’t even been decided definitively on Election Day. It all might seem too hot to handle, so you should get your relaxation candles ready. Or maybe an Anthony Fauci prayer candle.
It’s like the summoning circle meme from last year is coming to life, and everyone’s just trying to get some respite (while all of our monthly budgets must make room for our ever-expanding candle collection).
The trend of lighting up doesn’t seem like it’s going to be extinguished soon either, especially as it’s tied to the movement for more wellness and self-care. Candles are usually cited as stress-relieving, and scents like lemon and lavender might change the mood you’re in.
You probably know the standard wicks from Yankee Candle and Bath & Body Works already, but now there are “status” waxes that are au courant and come with a higher price tag, including from Diptyque, Jo Malone and Boy Smells.
Not to fan the flames, but some status candles wax and wane (let’s us try to forget this infamous candle that Goop still currently has in its store) and others stay lit and live up to their popularity.
There’s a candle out there for everyone. Tom Ford has what the brand calls its “Fabulous Candle” that’s — wait for it — $132. You can find a reassuring “Girl, You Need To Calm The F Down” candle at Urban Outfitters. And, of course, check out this “Schitt’s Creek” saint candle set on Etsy.
You might have your own go-to candles that are tried and true, especially after a long day at work or when you want the ideal scent to burn next to the bath for some self-care. The rose petal ice cream candle from Voluspa is a personal favorite, especially since it has a sweet and light smell that fills a small space. I order it every chance I get.
Our other shopping editors at HuffPost have their top wicks, too. The Capri Blue Iridescent Jar Candle at Anthropologie has “a comforting blend of citrus notes like oranges and lemons,” according to Danielle Gonzalez, our associate commerce editor.
Florida-based independent studio Yield Design Co.’s “Avilés” candle is a favorite of Brittany Nims, the head of HuffPost Finds. As she puts it, this candle “combines the mind-calming scents of jasmine, blood orange and white musk in a design-y container that can be reused as a stylish drinking glass.”
If you’re hoping to light up a different candle than your usual one so you can forget about the world, we looked beyond the flames to find candles that have a 4.5-star rating or more.
Check out these top-rated candles that are on fire:
Smells like: Notes of rosebud and peony blossom, plus, it's supposed to smell like silk sheets, too.
Burn time: 55 hours.
$$$: Find it for $36 at Nordstrom.
Smells like: Notes of fruity florals, including blackcurrant berries, rose petals and fresh lychee.
Burn time: 60 hours.
$$$:Find it for $68 at Sephora.
Smells like: Notes of sugared oranges, lemons and limes.
Burn time: 85 hours.
$$$:Find it for $32 at Anthropologie.
Smells like: There are four different scents, "Magic Hour," "Wake," "Dusk" and "Nightcap." The notes range from blood orange and bourbon to rose.
Burn time: 50 to 60 hours.
$$$:Find them for $35 each at Brooklinen. You can get the mini versions of all of them in an "AM to PM" set that's $59.
Smells like: Notes of grapefruit and lily of the valley.
Burn time: 50 to 100 hours, depending on the size you choose.
$$$:Find it starting at $42 at Sephora.
Smells like: Notes of pomegranate, raspberry and plum make it "ruby-rich." And there's some pink pepper and other spices in there, too.
Burn time: 45 hours.
$$$: Find it for $69 at Nordstrom.
Smells like: Depends on the scents, but one option is amber and moss, and another is a blend of teakwood and tobacco.
Burn time: 60 to 70 hours.
$$$:Find it for $28 at Urban Outfitters.
Smells like: These candles are hand-poured in Mississippi and feature notes of amber, sandalwood, cedar and musk.
Burn time: 60 hours.
$$$:Find it for $75 at Nordstrom.
Smells like: This candle comes in seven different scents, including French cade lavender, which has notes of lavender and verbena, and Goji berry.
Burn time: 40 hours.
$$$:Find it for $22 at Anthropologie.
Smells like: Notes of rose and black blackcurrant leaves.
Burn time: 30 to 60 hours.
$$$:Find it for $36 or $68, depending on the size, at Nordstrom.
Smells like: Take a trip to the library, bibliophiles, with notes of peach, plum and patchouli.
Burn time: 60 hours (according to Byredo's own site since Nordstrom doesn't say).
$$$: Find it for $85 at Nordstrom.
Smells like: Your hometown or current city! The city that never sleeps has notes of bergamot and lemon. And the city of angels, also known as Los Angeles, has notes of coffee and orange.
Burn time: 60 to 80 hours.
$$$:Find your city candle for $30 at Homesick Candles.
Smells like: Notes of clementine, orange blossom and water lily.
Burn time: 45 hours.
$$$: Find it for $67 at Nordstrom.
Smells like: You can opt for a spiced honey scent or honey apple.
Burn time: 40 to 80 hours, depending on the size.
$$$:Find it starting at $20 at Anthropologie.
Smells like: There are three different choices to choose from. "Daydream" has notes of coconut and hibiscus. "Getaway" has notes of jasmine and eucalyptus. "Violet Fields," of course, has violet petals in it.
Burn time: 60 hours.
$$$: Find it for $42 at Urban Outfitters.
Smells like: You have two options with this candle. Choose between tobacco and a pink grapefruit versions.
Burn time: 90 hours.
$$$:Find it for $30 at Nordstrom.
Smells like: Pick between "Bisou Bisou" (black currant), "Ojai Nuit" (balsam fir and sandalwood) and "Nocturne" (patchouli and violet).
Burn time: 40 hours.
$$$:Find it for $28 at Anthropologie.
