Sometimes, all you need to brighten your mood after a long, hard day is light a deliciously scented candle. Plus, nothing gets us more into the holiday spirit quite like a pumpkin-scented fragrance flickering in the window does. But what makes for a great candle? For us, it comes down to three things: The best candles have a nice, long burn time, a strong enough throw that you’ll be able to smell them throughout the room (without being overpowered) and containers that can double as décor on your coffee table. And while everyone has their own scent preferences, there are a few brands that stood out from the pack after doing extensive candle research. (Think: Diptyque, Le Labo, Voluspa and TikTok’s favorite Baccarat Rouge scent in candle form.)

Below, a definitive ranking of the 20 best-scented candles (and scroll down for some info on what to keep in mind while you’re shopping).

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First, and most importantly, you want to look for a candle scent that you not only like, but one won't irritate you if burned for an extended period of time. This is an especially important point for those with allergies, who may be sensitive to certain fragrances. Options with natural essential oils may be less aggravating, and beeswax candles, which are largely free of toxins, can cut down on chemical reactions.

Beyond that, however, the best way to narrow down a scent is by considering mood and season. If you’re looking for something cozy in the winter, opt for more masculine notes of amber, cedar, sandalwood or vetiver. Otherwise, for floral or fresh candles (better for spring and summer), you want to look for fruity and floral notes, like rose, grapefruit, jasmine or lily.

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