In quarantine life, a candle can make your home (aka office) feel refreshed and cozy. But when it burns out as quick as you bought it? A terrible, terrible thing. That’s why looking for long burning candles is key.
The first step is understanding the wax. This is where soy reigns supreme. Paraffin wax tends to be cheaper, and burns at a much faster rate than soy wax. In comparing two candles of the same size, a paraffin candle will usually have a lifespan of 35 to 40 hours whereas a soy candle can burn for 50 to nearly 80 hours. Because soy wax is softer and doesn’t take as much heat to melt, soy candles usually can use a cooler-burning wick, meaning that the wick is not burning as hot and as a result, the wax is not burning away as quickly. To prolong your fragrant love affairs, these are the 8 best long burning candles that are sure to end up on your wick wish list.
1. Otherland Rattan Candle, $36
With five classic scents, the Otherland core collection has a scent that suits everyone. This soy and coconut wax blend candle is hand poured and comes in a handy reusable tumbler, that is… after it burns for over 55 hours. The Rattan has a perfect cozy winter aroma with notes of sandalwood, amber, and musk.
Shop now: Otherland Rattan Candle, $36
2. Malin+Goetz Dark Rum Candle, $55
Malin+Goetz candles are loved by everyone from Instagram influencers, to SoulCycle locker room changers, to hotel lobby dwellers. This best-selling scent fills a room in just a few minutes, so it’s 60 hour lifespan goes far. The notes of bergamot, plum, leather, and rum combine to create a uniquely warm aroma.
Shop now: Malin+Goetz Dark Rum Candle, $55
3. Homesick Book Club Candle, $34
This past year has many of us feeling homesick or longing for a holiday that is looking (and smelling) rather different through pandemic-tinted glasses. Homesick candle’s natural soy wax blend burns for 60 to 80 hours, making it one of the best long burning candles on this list. Because scent is so closely tied to memory, for their original line of state-based candles, Homesick polled people around the United States, inquiring what their home state smelled like to them to develop customized state and city smelling long burning candles. Now, they’ve expanded to other scents as well.
Shop now: Homesick Book Club Candle, $34
4. The Black Home Aphrodite Candle, $40
Imagine Aphrodite. Then imagine what the Greek goddess of love and beauty and pleasure and passion would smell like. With opulent notes of tuberose, lilac, and sandalwood, this 60 hour burning candle is truly goddess-tier.
Shop now: The Black Home Aphrodite Candle, $40
5. Maison Louis Marie Antidris Lavender Candle, $34
The style is in the simplicity with Maison Louis Marie. With no artificial dyes or ornate labels, when it comes to why this brand is as adored as it is, the proof is in the pudding. Each candle burns for over 55 hours and its earthy and herbal fragrance is totally sulfate and paraben-free, even winning it the Clean at Sephora label.
Shop now: Maison Louis Marie Antidris Lavender Candle, $34
6. Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle, $75
Le Labo Santal 26 is a candle with notes of musk, vanilla, and sandalwood. It burns for up to 60 hours and its sophisticated warm and woody notes even make it a favorite of many.
Shop now: Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle, $75
7. Byredo Bibliothèque Candle, $85
Remember the library scene in Atonement? This candle is that in a jar… minus the iconic green dress. Bibliothèque is Byredo’s best selling scent and with top, fruity notes of peach and plum with base notes of leather and vanilla, it makes sense as to why. The candle comes in the brand’s signature black wax and burns for over 60 hours.
Shop now: Byredo Bibliothèque Candle, $85
8. NEOM Happiness Candle, $64
If you’re feeling low, NEOM has created the perfect mood boost in a small package. The Happiness candles is made with a blend of 8 pure, essential oils that have been curated to raise your spirits—neroli, mimosa, and lemon, just to name a few. This three-wick model burns for up to 50 hours which means that the aroma of positivity will linger in the air for as long as you need it.
Shop now: NEOM Happiness Candle, $64
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