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Your nose (and wallet) will thank you.
Whether your apartment still reeks of the pepperoni pizza you impulsively ordered last night at 2 a.m., or you’ve just had a draining, deadline-ridden day at work, the thing you need, my friend, is a candle. A candle! Yes, it’s that simple. We may not have the answer to world peace, but the answer to your space smelling truly amazing is a quick online search away.
See, a candle is a wonderfully magical item. The right candle can help you de-stress and unwind, clear away funky odors, and even set the mood if you have, erm, more ~sexy~ things in mind. But as you probably know all too well, candles often cost a small fortune—plus an arm, a leg, and your firstborn child, especially if you’re going for that SoulCycle-esque massive candle display look. Why does it seem like all the good things in life require a friggin’ down payment?!
And while I totally understand the appeal of treating yourself to a high-end, ultra-luxe product every once in a while, you really don’t need to drain your bank account for an expensive candle. In fact, these days, there are plenty of candles that A) smell like paradise and B) won’t make you go bankrupt. So here are 20 extremely chic (and, crucially, extremely cost-effective) candle options that won’t cost you a penny over $40. They smell great and are guaranteed to make your space feel cozy, warm, and oh-so aromatic. Plus: They’ll look quite ~aesthetic~ on your Instagram, just sayin’.
You can say goodbye to all bad vibes when you light this aromatic candle filled with purifying sage and calming lavender scents.
You can make like Mariah Carey all year long with Brooklyn Candle’s Christmas Tree scent.
If a stylish container is just as important to you as the scent itself, this floral jasmine and ylang-ylang candle with a copper finish is the perfect choice.
Take a deep breath in...now let it out and grab this candle for moments when you don't have time for the BS.
Because sometimes you need to take lush scents with you on the road. This one's got us lusting after its sensual flavors of vanilla and dark chocolate.
Forget the pumpkin spice latte fragrances. This cedar and suede scented candle is the moody candle your room needs this fall.
Tobacco probably isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of nice scents, but trust, this candle smells warm, spicy, and just generally amazing.
Calling all matcha lovers, this one's for you! Not only does it smell exactly like your fave tea, the green holder is impossibly chic.
Eucalyptus is so therapeutic—especially if you’re dealing with stuffy sinuses. Even if you’re not, this invigorating fragrance will make your room smell like a straight-up spa...and who doesn’t want that? This guy also lasts up to 45 hours.
A candle that reminds you of warm, sunny days is one you’ll want to light 24/7. This jasmine and citrus situation smells like a summer breeze in Los Angeles and can burn for up to a whopping 80 hours.
Speaking of summer, here’s another one that channels the season. It features notes of bright amber and earthy moss, and all your friends will ask, “OMG, what candle is that?!” when they come over. It’s really *that* good.
The smell of clean sheets fresh out of the dryer is heavenly, and if you want to enjoy the smell without the pain of actually doing laundry, you gotta get yourself this candle instead.
Sugared fig, ambrosia honey, and royal bee blossom? This trifecta of sweetness will have your mouth watering for dessert all day long.
When sweet meets spice, you get this bourbon vanilla combo that's the perfect mix of both worlds.
This pristinely white candle has an intoxicating musky smell with notes of saffron, vetivert, patchouli, and whiskey—perfect for people who don’t love sweeter scents.
Keep the peaceful vibes going with a fragrant santal candle that's only 15 bucks. That gold tin is cute enough to keep (maybe as a jewelry holder?) even after the candle burns out.
Vanilla is a standard scent for a reason. It's a year-round favorite that pairs well with many other scents, including cream and cinnamon, like in this delicious-smelling candle.
Vegan friends, here's a soy wax candle for you to light up when you're trying to bring out your inner zen.
We can't get enough of this inspiring combo of agave, pachouli, and teakwood. This magical aroma stays with you long after you're done burning it.
All about that ocean breeze smell? Get yourself this popular fragrance that’ll make you feel like you’re walking along a seaside boardwalk. Sign. Me. Up.