Candles are the perfect mood setters for a space. As someone who lives in a studio apartment, I get to embrace the fullest effects of a lit scented candle given the smaller square footage such a scent is confined to. However, I’ve become very particular when it came down to determining what candle brands actually gave off a distinctive scent when burned, as so many brands end up being such rip offs.

Currently I’m going through a holiday candles phase (obviously) but for every other occasion of the year, I’ve been lucky to try out some brands I found to be terrific in terms of scent exposure. Here are some of my favorite candles I’ve tried & still using when I need a specific scent to reflect the vibes I’m feeling in my apartment.

FRESH & CLEAN

I’m not the biggest floral girl but I can’t deny how much I appreciate a clean & fresh smelling apartment. These scents are not your typical floral type candles & offer a more unique aroma when lit. They’ve proven to smell incredibly strong; I can sometimes smell the remnants of my last burn in my hallway! Don’t worry, it has since been blown out but that’s how powerful they are – the scent lingers on after the fact.

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Henri Bendel

Jasmine + Bergamot

Neroli + Mandarin

Nest Fragrances

Bamboo

Lemongrass & Ginger

DW Home

Fresh Cut Gardenia

Lilac Blossom

WARM & WOODSY

Who doesn’t love a scent that reminds them of coziness & comfort!? These are my favorite candle scents to burn during the fall/winter because they make me get the impulse to put on an oversized sweater and snuggle up under piles of pillows & blankets on my couch. I wouldn’t consider these scents to be too ‘musky’ but they’re definitely more on the masculine side if you’re looking for a candle that will please both yourself & your man-friend.

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Chesapeake Bay Candle

Fall in Central Park

New York City at Dawn

Fifth & Madison

Fig: Demerara Sugar & Figs

Couture

Manly Indulgence

Winter’s Edge

Warm Beachwood

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WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE CANDLE BRANDS?