I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m something of a fragrance obsessive in all its forms—perfumes, body mists and, of course, candles. I have an embarrassingly large collection on hand at all times and I burn through them at a frankly alarming rate, regardless of the season. There is, however, something about autumn that moves candles from a nice-to-have to an absolute essential in my home. The colder temperatures and earlier nights mean that the ritual of lighting a candle feels even more important.
But while I have somewhat expensive taste when it comes to the candles that I adore, I am well aware that my job as a beauty editor means that I have access to some of the most wonderful candle brands without cost being a barrier. And if I was purchasing them myself? I would definitely hesitate before dropping upwards of £60 on a candle if I wasn’t sure whether I’d like it once home. After all, sniffing a candle in its jar doesn’t always give you an accurate depiction of what it will smell like once it has been lit.
That’s where candle discovery sets come in—the perfect entry point to some of the pricer brands that I adore, without having to commit to a full-sized purchase.
Ahead, I’ve rounded up 10 of the best candle discovery sets out there.
In my opinion, Boy Smells are one of the coolest candle brands around. From the distinctive pink-labelled glass jars to the complex and unusual scents that can’t be duped, I am truly obsessed. This trio of mini votives provides the perfect introduction to the brand’s warmer, spicier fragrances. Cedar Stack is a woody blend of cedar, white musk and juniper berry, Hinoki Fantome contains spicy cardamom alongside earthy moss and jasmine, while St. Al mixes warm and creamy sandalwood with lush florals.
If you’re new to the world of Diptyque candles then this discovery set is the perfect place to start, and if you’re already familiar then you’ll likely be a fan of these three hugely popular scents. It contains Baies (my personal favourite) which is a fruity blend of blackcurrant leaves and roses, Figuier, a rich woody fig scent, and Roses which is a homage to the feminine floral.
Ask any beauty editor and they will likely have a Le Labo fragrance they they adore and this set contains three of the most iconic in candle form. The brand’s cult Santal 26 is leathery and smoky, Petit Grain 21 is a sunshiny orange blossom scent, while Encens 9 is. warm blend of amber, clove and frankincense. There is truly something for everyone here.
Transform each room in your house with a different atmosphere thanks to these ambience-building scents from Maison Margiela Replica. By The Fireplace has a cosy chestnut scent with hints of warm woods, Lazy Sunday Morning is just like clean linen and freshly-laundered sheets, and Bubble Bath has a creamy coconut milk base with soft floral highlights.
If you like your candles with a side of aromatherapeutic benefits, then Neom come highly-recommended from me. These luxurious candles are rich in essential oils and this discovery set has a scent to suit whatever mood boost you’re in need of. From the sunny, mood-brightening, citrus notes of Happiness to the dreamy lavender and chamomile-infused aroma of Perfect Night’s Sleep, they’ve all been expertly blended to promote good wellbeing.
These candles may look small, but the tin-clad tea lights actually boast 16 hours burn time which is more than enough to make your mind up about upgrading to a full-size. All inspired by florals, there are four different scents with widespread appeal. For something light and bright, Grapefruit Bloom is a vibrant, citrus-fresh scent and Wonderland Bloom is a cotton candy-sweet peony fragrance. Prefer something a little more heady? Vanilla Bloom is a rich, juicy plum and amber fragrance while Midnight Tulip is a deep patchouli and incense aroma.
I love the chic minimalism of Jo Loves candles—and the scents inside match the elegance of their exterior. This trio contains some of the brand’s best-selling fragrances for the home, including my favourite White Rose & Lemon Leaves which is a wonderfully, fresh and modern floral with a hint of zest. Inside you’ll also find Fig Trees—a warm, sweet, cassis-tinged scent—and Gardenia which celebrates the white bloom in all its heady glory.
ESPA’s all-encompassing aromas are like transforming your space into a mini spa for a few hours. Hand-poured with natural soy wax, they’re brimming with expertly-blended essential oils to uplift the senses and calm the mind. This limited edition set contains some of the brand’s signature blends—Soothing, Restorative, Energising and Positivity. Just pick whichever one you’re in need of and soak up the scent.
I have a weakness for Byredo candles and always ask for them for birthdays and Christmases—particularly the scents Bibliothèque and Burning Rose which are amongst my favourite candles of all time. (Fun fact: Bibliothèque was actually my wedding perfume.) If you like warm, woody and rich fragrances then this discovery set will be right up your street. Bibliothèque is a fruity, leathery scent, Burning Rose is an expensive-smelling floral with woody notes, and Tree House is a fresh bamboo and hay aroma.
Whether you’re already a fan of Jo Malone London or not, chances are you will have heard of at least one of the iconic scents in this candle discovery set. There’s every beauty editor’s favourite winter home scent, Pomegranate Noir, the feminine floral notes of Peony & Blush Suede and the citrus-fresh scent of Lime Basil & Mandarin. These are three real crowd-pleasers when it comes to candles. Up Next: I’m a Fragrance-Obsessed Beauty Editor—This is How I Found My Signature Scent.
