There are few things more widely well-received than a chic, well-crafted candle. Any why? “Niche brands enable you to gift something that is unique, and therefore, more thoughtful – which everyone appreciates,” says Ash Huzenlaub, CEO and Co-Founder of Commodity, a luxury fragrance and lifestyle brand based in the U.S. and U.K. “You want to elicit the ‘oh wow’ factor in any gift you give, and high-end candles tend to do just that.”
And what are the key things to look out for when selecting one for yourself (or a giftee)? “It’s about love at first sight and smell, as scent and appearance are always the first drivers to candle selection,” explains Huzenlaub. “But beyond that, you want a candle that smells great while it’s burning, but still has lift (meaning: you can smell it) while it’s cold.” Also, take note of burn time. While that’ll range depending on size, Huzenlaub recommends finding one with a 50 to 60 hour burn time for seven ounces of wax “for the best overall experience.”
Below, six beautiful candles you (or someone special) will love burning all year long.
Commodity Book Candle
Master Perfumer Ketrin Leka created this nostalgic scent to evoke being in the New York Library, where “you can imagine turning the pages of a fantastic book and breathing in the scent of clean, dry paper mingling with woods and fresh air.” Though it skews woody (thanks to Caledonian Sandalwood), the unexpected addition of fresh cucumber prevents everything from feeling too heavy. $55; sephora.com