The Best Scented Candles

Wick Appeal

A scented candle is the fail-safe hostess gift with universal appeal—or is it? We select the fragrances most likely to win you a return invitation.

By Aja Mangum
Published May 29, 2005

L’Iris, $100
More of a sculpture than a candle, this powdery-scented beauty is almost too pretty to burn. A perfect home-décor gift with a whopping burn time of 260 to 290 hours. (At Santa Maria Novella, 285 Lafayette St., nr. Houston St.; 212-925-0001.)

Diptyque, $52
A cult scent that appeals to both genders from one of the genre’s classic purveyors, but the experience is marred by sooty residue that streaks the glass as the paraffin wax burns. (At Home Gramercy Park, 234 Third Ave., nr. 19th St.; 212-673-4463.)

Molton Brown, $49
A slightly tropical bouquet—hints of jasmine and coconut—that doesn’t overwhelm, plus a gift-ready decorative blue box, makes an ideal unisex host gift (1098 Third Ave., nr. 64th St.; 212-744-6430).

Kenneth Turner, $35
A heady blend of fig, lavender, and a hint of patchouli. Not much burn time at twenty hours, but your knickknack-collecting grandma will love the charming bumblebee-adorned top. (At New London Pharmacy, 246 Eighth Ave., nr. 22nd St.; 212-243-4987.)

Tocca, $32
The clean, non-cloying grapefruit- and-cucumber blend is delicate enough to add to a nursery gift basket. A blend of paraffin and natural wax gives up to 60 hours of burn time. (At Bergdorf Goodman.)

Henri Bendel, $30
The tangy orange scent is light enough even for those who cringe at fruity notes. The downside: The 60-hour burn time can’t play out because the lead-free wick constantly tips over into the wax. (At Henri Bendel.)

Er’go, $24.99
Sophisticates may find the potent smell of apples and oranges, and the cheery red label, more suitable for their teenage sister’s bedroom. Environmentalists will love the all-natural-ingredients list. (At Ricky's NYC, 267 W. 23rd St., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-206-0234.)

Pacifica, $13.95
The citrusy nutmeg scent of Italian Blood Orange will work well into fall. Burns evenly, leaves no residue, and one can scent an entire apartment without overwhelming. (At Delphinium Home, 653 Ninth Ave., nr. 45th St.; 212-333-3213.)

(Photo: Davies + Starr)

Glade, $4.49
This three-in-one candle produces a blend of sweet scents as the waxes mix. To avoid looking cheap, snatch up several, from options like Berry Picking, Baking With Grandma, and Day at the Seashore. (At Duane Reade stores.)