These Are the Best Candles, According to House Beautiful Editors

It feels like we've been waiting years for something like this to drop, and today, our dreams have come true. Assouline has finally released candles (in beautiful ceramic vessels, of course) that pair with the iconic travel-inspired coffee table books. There are six, but our favorite is Marrakech Flair, which smells of cypress, sweet cedarwood, and juniper berry. And if you really breathe deep, you'll notice a haze of black tobacco leaves, bergamot, neroli, and citrus. This is one of the most escapist candles on the market!

Director of Content Strategy Alyssa Fiorentino is loyal to this unexpected combination. "I don't think I've ever even smelled a pear, but I love this," she admits. As its name implies, it's a delicate mixture of warm vanilla, fresh pear, whipping cream, and a hint of apple peel. The glossy ceramic jar is just as appealing.

Otherland has been crafting luxuriously scented and beautifully decorated candles since its inception in 2017. It seems like every collection, which features an always-beloved theme, gets better and better. "I couldn't pick just one favorite," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner says. "I shamelessly have four from this collection. If I'm working from home, I'll have one burning from the moment I open my laptop in the morning until I (gently) slam it shut at the end of the day."

Executive Visual Director Christina Weber feels transported by this candle, which comes in packaging as pretty as its scent. There are not-so-subtle notes of amber, black vanilla, and incense that will make you feel like you're enjoying a cup of mint tea on a rooftop overlooking the north African city. Did we mention it's made of soy wax and can burn for more than 40 hours?

"I've never smelled a better candle than this one," Editorial Director Joanna Saltz shares. "It also burns so cleanly and seems to last forever—I had it burning for eight hours and it barely made a dent."

Style Director Robert Rufino knows a classic when he sees one. That's why he's been burning this Diptyque scent for years. Baies is French for "berries," so expect a slightly sweet aroma that isn't overpowering in the least. In fact, you may smell the fresh rose bouquets before you get the blackcurrant foliage.

As you may have seen on House Beautiful's Instagram, Senior Shopping Editor Isis Briones couldn't get enough of Brooklinen's scents. While there are several to choose from, her favorite ended up being the bourbon and blood orange aromas of Night Cap.

"I’m super in to this one—or I should say, I’ve been in to it for some time, since it lasts so long," says former Creative Director Marc Davila of Voluspa's amber scent, whose jar would make a pretty storage container once it's done burning.

Former Visual Assistant Emilie Benyowitz decided to go for an understated vibe with this teakwood and tobacco scent, presented in a simple amber-hued jar, which is available in three sizes. Personally, we're also obsessed with the gentle and beachy aroma, so we're going for the big one!

"I'm obsessed with this candle but it's very summery," says contributing writer Nathalie Kirby. "The others are gorgeous too, and I'll probably try them after I finish this one." The key scents are sea salt, violet, and vetiver, the combination of which is meant to recall morning walks along a misty beach. Count us in.

Itching for something more smoky? Look no further than this favorite of Executive Editor Amanda Sims Clifford, who says, "It's super woodsy and smoky." Plus, just look at the romantic jar it comes in! That's reason enough to add it to your cart.

Former Deputy Art Director Alice Morgan, meanwhile, opts for a fresh and clean option: this White Jasmine scent from Zara. It's available in three sizes, the biggest of which is a whopping six and a half inches tall. It smells exactly like its name promises.

Take it from Senior Market and Partnerships Editor Medgina Saint-Elien: "This one will actually make you feel like you're listening to 25 by Adele. It's very stormy, stare out the window, suddenly I want to write a book" vibes." We'll definitely be saying this one for a rainy day.

And if you're feeling in the Christmas spirit already—no judgement; we're always in the Christmas spirit—nothing ushers in the winter season quite like Ralph Lauren's classic holiday candle. With its iconic red-check packaging, this candle is beloved by former Digital Director Hadley Keller.

Assistant Video Producer for House Beautiful's social media Kaitlin Kemp says, "This candle has me thinking I’m a wealthy real estate investor who only drinks the finest Scotch and indulges in two puffs of an Arturo Fuente cigar. I've never been a country club member but thanks to Elsewhere, now my house is the country club!" Well, there you have it. This is an aspirational candle worthy the investment.

"Have you ever heard of a 'cold throw?' That is the scent a candle gives off when it is unlit and I often prefer the gentle perfume of the cold throw over a highly scented burn," says Deputy Managing Editor Olivia Hosken. "My current favorite is Mojave by L'Objet, which not only smells like you are at a luxurious party in some far off locale, but comes in a beautiful porcelain vessel designed in collaboration with the Haas Brothers."