Your nose is a powerful tool. Not only can it help you sniff out the difference between tasty food and that which has turned bad, but your sense of smell is also said to be the sense most closely tied to memory. That also means your nose has the ability to somewhat shape your mood, impact your stress levels and potentially set the pace for the rest of your sensory experience on any given day. But you don't have to worry about being at the whims of whatever smell wafts your way if you don't want to. Rather, you can "hack" your sense of smell by actively picking out some aromatherapy home goods — candles, in this case.
Simple and time-tested, candles have been an easy means of setting a sensory mood for generations. And while once largely dominated by floral smells, the candle industry has, in recent years, expanded its horizons greatly. Now, there's a candle out there for every kind of person — from car enthusiasts to outdoorsmen, brutalist architects to backyard barbecuers and everything in between. Whether you're already on board with the idea of filling your home with candles or you're entirely new to the concept (or even need a gift), you'll be able to find one from one of the candle brands below. These are the best candles for men.
Interestingly, the founders of Boy Smells (who are partners in real life, as well as business) actually come from the world of design and product development. Well, whatever secret sauce they got out of their experiences, it translated beautifully over to this candle brand, which is one of the big movers and shakers of the last few years. The brand's popularity explosion has even resulted in partnerships with the likes of Kacey Musgraves, Ganni and Sky Ting.
Certainly best known for its watches, Shinola is far from being a one-trick pony and also offers a massive catalog of everyday carry gear and home goods inspired by Americana, especially as it relates to the brand's home city of Detroit. As it turns out, this staple brand also offers up some candles which are also inspired by Detroit — and they're wonderful.
It's probably safe to say most scent-focused candle brands find some inspiration in the world around them. But few, if any have a founder that actually went out and lived that inspiration. Well, Megan McLaughlin of Good + Well Supply Co. did just that, traveling from national Park to national Park, sleeping in a tent, and taking in the sights, sounds and smells therein. The brand's catalog of offerings is the direct result of those experiences.
Not everyone has the luxury or desire to remain in their hometown, but lots of us pine for the comforts of our past from time to time. Well, the folks at Homesick, as the brand's name implies, made candles for those times. Like bottled nostalgia, each of these scents is meant to transport you to another time and place to bring you comfort and peace when you need it most.
Believe it or not, it's actually somewhat odd to find what one might call a "legacy" candle brand that's delved into less floral endeavors. Diptyque, however, has been around since 1963 and appears to only be getting more adept at crafting memorable, unique scents with each passing year. If you want a candle brand that qualifies as time-tested yet still toes the line of what candle scents can be, trust in this one.
Independently owned and operated since 2008 by Kristen Pumphrey and Thomas Neuberger, this California company is both dedicated to outstanding scented products made with the highest-quality ingredients, as well as sustainability — meaning they don't cut corners for any reason. Creating a nexus between good design, quality products, environmentalism and community, this is a brand worth investing in.
Inspired by the "unexpected beauty found in life's simple moments," Apotheke is all about the comforts of home. The brand was founded back in 2011 by Chrissy Fichtl, who taught herself about soapmaking and essential oils in the comfort of her own home, as well as the importance of sourcing ingredients directly from farmers. And while they've expanded, the brand remains true to the same processes and ideals to this day.
Founded in Stockholm, Sweden back in 2006, Byredo is a force to be reckoned with in the aromatherapy industry. Built on the connection between scents and memories, this brand specializes in both perfumes and candles, all made with the absolute best available ingredients. And while the names of these scents are sometimes a touch esoteric (more often referring to ideas or experiences rather than tangible things), they're all quite spectacular.
This brand is certainly on the higher-end side of the spectrum, and its prices are reflective of that. Yet, we'd also go so far as to say that the prestige is certainly earned. Owned and operated by a real-life couple and with all of its offerings made in NYC, D.S. & Durga has captured the noses (and hearts) of thousands that know the power of a good scent. And while they have plenty of great standard offerings, the brand's collaborations are also something very special.
The first thing that catches your eye about La Montaña's candles is the 1930s-inspired travel-style artwork on each one. But the thing that will really stay with you is the intoxicating scents, each meant to capture some part of the brand's homeland of Spain. Refreshing and perhaps a bit more summery than many of the other options, these candles are great for sun-loving adventurers.
Headquartered in New York, Le Labo is one of the most renowned boutique fragrance brands in the world. And while this brand has an extensive catalog of perfumes, colognes, skincare goods and more, they also make some of the best candles around. Furthermore, the brand's minimalist aesthetic makes for a great home addition, regardless of which products you choose.
This brand was actually started by Courteney Cox — yes, of Friends fame. Turns out the Scream actress is actually quite the homebody and wanted to build a brand to share her love of home goods with the world. It also turns out that her brand makes some truly outstanding candles.
