We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Including some major high-street bargains

The best scented candle? That’s a matter of opinion. Just like finding your favourite perfume, picking a signature scented candle can be tricky. Maybe you’re big into powdery rose notes, or lured by the sleep-inducing properties of lavender. Or perhaps it’s cosy, leather-spiced scents that have you handing over your hard-earned cash.

Whatever your fragrance preferences may be, we’re sure you’ll agree that there’s nothing quite like a flickering flame to set the mood at home – especially when you're spending an increasing amount of time stuck to the sofa.

We’ve put some serious research into digging out the very best scented candles out there, from the big-budget blockbusters to boast about on your Insta grid, to the cheap candles that don’t scrimp on quality.

On top of the obvious shelf appeal, these fragrant winners all impress when it comes to intensity of scent and burn time, too. (Any candle addict will know there’s nothing more frustrating than one that doesn’t burn evenly.)

Scroll down to discover the Cosmo team’s eternal flames (so sorry).

The most iconic scented candle of all time? We think so. Jo Malone's Pomegranate Noir smells so good it's sparked countless copycats - but none of them quite match up to the original.

The scent brings together rich juices of Pomegranate, Raspberry and Plum, spiked with Pink Pepper and laced with Casablanca Lily and Spicy Woods. Divine.

Not to sound dramatic, but this might well be the prettiest scented candle we've ever clapped eyes on. I mean, just look at it.

The holographic jar houses a fresh, delicious fragrance, think: freshly bloomed peonies, sweet raspberries, a dash of rosewater and a pinch of kaffir lemon leaf.

Um, stay calm, but Damselfly just combined our two favourite things... Horoscopes and scented candles. Yes, really.

Available in all 12 signs (phew), each one designed to reflect the zodiac traits. The Aquarius formula features notes of amber, white jasmine, green leaf and fresh fig.

Of course we can rely on Ouai to bring the most chic scented candles into our lives... This floral-musk coconut and soy wax blend candle is housed in an incredibly chic, minimalist jar.

The perfect scent for a Sunday morning - made with delicate top notes of lily of the valley and white musks. Designed to smell just like ‘soft skin and bed linen’, it's become a firm favourite with the Cosmopolitan beauty team.

It may be small, but this H&M candle sure is mighty. Scented with black tea, raspberries and sandalwood, it is perfect for a cosy winter evening at home.

Each one of Beauty Pie's ridiculously priced candles is hand-blended in Grasse – the home of fine perfumery – using the same grade oils as some of the spenniest alternatives out there.

This is exactly why they sell out almost as soon as they arrive on the site.

A genius new addition to the line-up, this candle is the perfect birthday gift. Sugared almond and vanilla blends with black pepper and patchouli, smelling like a very sophisticated cake.

Sometimes, you just really *need* a spa day. Failing that, lighting Cowshed's famously calming Sleep scented candle in your living room will help those shoulders relax just a little. With chamomile, geranium and jasmine, it's a potent mind-soother.

Serious aromatherapy fans will know that no-one beats this iconic brand when it comes to mind-soothing blends.

This newly launched candle throws the unbeatable Deep Relax scent – a combination of petitgrain and chamomile – and quietens even the most frazzled of minds. The cream ceramic votive will look chic in any room, too.

Proving (once and for all) that you don't have to drop a small fortune to get an amazing scented candle, Revolution Beauty's Patchouli & Cedarwood scent is just dreamy.

32 hours of burn time for under a tenner? Yes, please.

This supersized gold candle is the centrepiece of Bella Freud's ridiculously coveted candle line. A love letter to the 1970s, it burns with an ultra-cosy blend of patchouli and incense. Plus, it's destined to store your make-up brushes in a future life.

Neom has long bridged the gap between home fragrance and aromatherapy, and our favourite candle from the brand’s offering ticks the bodycare box, too.

Recently reformulated to include extra-indulgent babassu and jojoba oils, this clever candle melts at a lower temperature than others, meaning you can pour the silky oil straight onto weary limbs as a nourishing treatment. The lavender and jasmine scent is a mind-soothing treat, too.

Don't be fooled – despite its provocative name, this one does not smell like a 90's teenage bedroom. Instead, it's a herbaceous, mellow blend, featuring amber and white musk alongside the cannabis flower. Plaid shirt and Nirvana poster entirely optional.

This? Oh it's only the most cult cool-girl scent of all time, in candle form.

Evermore's luxurious candles are hand-poured in England using vegan rapeseed wax, wild-sourced essential oils, and sustainable packaging.

Really, every scent is sublime, but Grove has to be our very favourite. Bracing and mind-clearing, it combines pine needle and eucalyptus with a touch of moss to create a uniquely realistic scent that really brings the outdoors in. Consider it the perfect gift for anyone with a serious love for fine fragrance.

Floral Street makes some seriously beautiful scented candles, and Santal is the cosiest option for autumnal nights. With notes of eucalyptus, saffron and vanilla, it'll set the scene for those chilled nights in.

Diptyque's candles might be influencer catnip, but we're in love with more than just their (admittedly good) looks.

The extensive collection contains few duds, meaning you can't really go wrong, but Figuier is a classic stand-out. Sweet fig blends with earthy leaves, creating a uniquely sophisticated scent.

Byredo’s floral candle will leave even the stuffiest of living rooms smelling of roses. A feminine option with bite, it features petal-fresh top notes that are grounded by a woody, leathery base. Plus, do we really need to comment on the covetable black and white votive?

Need an escape from WFH? Look no further than this candle. If you close your eyes, the blend of citrus, coconut and sandalwood will transport you to a tropical paradise.

It might smell exotic, but this one was actually hand-made on home soil in Leicestershire, using vegan soy wax and a pure cotton wick.

Geranium, clementine, and positive energy; light this candle for extra good vibes while saying your daily affirmations.

Malin + Goetz is famed for its quirky scents. This Dark Rum candle smells exactly how you would expect; warm, rich and and sweet –like a dark 'n' stormy.

If you are a fan of sweet scents, this is the candle for you. Notes of caramel, tonka bean, coconut and, of course, vanilla will help you mellow out after a long, hard day.

If you could bottle the smell of a florist, this would be it. Lily of the valley and rose take centre stage, creating a trail that’s strong and fresh, rather than sickly sweet. Overrose crafts its candles using sustainably sourced rapeseed wax, and each one burns for over 50 hours.

Fresh and light, this candle has nailed that much-coveted "clean" smell – like crisp sheets, a bracing breeze and a lazy sunday morning.

Inspired by ancient Asian traditions, this Rituals candle will help inject a little bit of zen in your life. The glassware is oh-so-chic and will make a stylish addition to your sanctuary.