Considering that scent has such a major influence on my mood, I’ve admittedly developed a bit of a candle obsession over the last few years. As someone who now works entirely from home and spends the majority of the day confined to the walls of their apartment, I rely on a good home fragrance to make my space feel cozy, comfortable, and more joyous. Of all the popular candle scents out there, vanilla is by far one of my favorites.
There are plenty of reasons to love vanilla. For starters, it smells like freshly baked cake. More importantly, it’s been proven to make us feel happier, boost relaxation, and have an anti-anxiety effect. And while it’s traditionally sweet, blending it with the right notes transforms it from dessert-like to something totally different, whether it’s fresher, brighter, or more sensual.
I scoured the internet and rounded up the 28 best vanilla candles from some of my favorite brands out there. From sweet, gourmand scents that smell good enough to eat to more complex blends that pair vanilla with floral, earthy, and even spicy notes, there’s something for every mood and preference. Keep scrolling for my picks, and be sure to snag one (or two or three) for yourself.
