It's time to light up a summery votive to usher in the sunniest time of year.
If you ask someone to describe the scent of summer, you’re sure to get quite a few different replies—some might say salty air or the ocean breeze, while others may associate the season with blooming flowers or fresh cut herbs, or perhaps zesty citrus and lush greenery. Fragrance is personal, but no matter what bouquet you prefer, a luxurious scented candle is a perfect way to bring that summery feeling into your home.
A chic scented candle instantly transforms the atmosphere; it’s such an easy and seamless option to update your home for summer. You can also opt for different scented candles depending on your mood; you might want a more uplifting, sunny scent during the daytime, and then light up a soft woodsy or amber-focused bougie for a dinner party or cozy evening at home.
There’s an elegant summer scent out there for every perfume preference, whether you’re into floral, fruity, woodsy, herbal, citrus or anything in between. Below, see the best scents to light up this season—you’re sure to find your new favorite candle here.
Carrière Frères’s special candle collection with the Paris National Museum of Natural History is so chic for summer. This lovely waterlily candle is both floral and fruity, and it comes in a gorgeous vessel that adds a pop of color to your home decor atmosphere.
Get into the summery mindset with this dreamy glass jar candle, which is inspired by the desert heat of Palm Springs. The two-wick candle exudes an aroma of bergamot, mint and anise, plus white tea, fig and lily of the valley, with base notes of woods and musk.
Just the name of this Byredo candle is enough to get it on our summer wish list, but the combination of scents is even more enticing—basil, spearmint, ginger, sandalwood and tonka beans. We can already feel the summer drizzle.
This luxe candle is inspired by perfumer Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s childhood in the French countryside, which comes through thanks to the warm and nostalgic amalgam of lavender, thyme and rosemary.
Sage is believed to be cleansing, so bring on the fresh starts with this candle that brings to mind the feeling of a fresh sea breeze.
Lafco’s dreamy essential oil-based fragrance is perfect for summer; it’s fresh but complex, with rosemary, casaba melon, cantaloupe and lime.
Get in the mood for peach season with this fruity candle, which is inspired by all things summer fruit. Made with a soy wax blend and essential fragrance oils, it gives off an aroma of peaches, bergamot, jasmine, cedarwood and amber.
This aptly named hand-poured candle will fill your home with a the aroma of a bouquet of wildflowers, golden poppy and herbs, complemented by a touch of citrus and blue agave.
Oribé has long been a haircare favorite, and now the brand has released their first candles, including this captivating scent inspired by the French Riviera; it’s a mixture of Calabrian bergamot, white butterfly jasmine and la mariposa blanca, with an underlying note of sandalwood.
If you’re always dreaming of the ocean, you’ll adore this sea salt votive, with additional hints of oakmoss and cedarwood.
For an elegant orange blossom aroma, try this candle that’s inspired by the Caribbean isle of Mustique.
For a citrusy, almost spicy summer vibe, try this candle, which features notes of lemon, rosemary and ginger with more unexpected hints of oak moss and cardamom.
You simply can’t go wrong with anything from Diptyque, but for summer, definitely try out the French fragrance house’s rose geranium candle—it’s sure to be your new favorite scent for the season.
Nette’s hand-poured, coconut and soy wax candle is all about the height of summer; it will perfume the room with a mixture of white musk, amber and orris.
For a more unexpected summertime candle scent, try Boy Smells unique take on their classic Kush aroma. It’s a mixture of classic citrus and pepper alongside basil, oregano and cannabis, with base notes of patchouli and cypress.
Trudon’s latest sophisticated votive is all about the Mediterranean, because even if you can’t spend your summer jet-setting, at least you can make your home smell like vacation. The Oro candle is focused on all things bergamot and orange blossom, even down to the sunny orange-yellow color.
For a more unexpected scent, try this candle that’s inspired by those quick summer storms—think damp grass and peonies.
Le Labo’s Petit Grain 21 is hand-poured with potent fragrance oils, for a heady scent of bergamot, orange blossom and delicate white florals.
Citrusy scents are so lovely for this season, and we love the combination of mandarin and grapefruit, along with a touch of sandalwood, in this petite bougie.
Aerangis’ votive is a unique mixture of a wood and floral scent along with musk, for those that prefer a headier bouquet, even in the warm months. The cashmere wood and musk are offset by cassis and lemon, for a bright yet warm aroma.
Those that can’t get enough of fruity medleys won’t be able to resist this juicy watermelon, cucumber dew and palo santo-focused coconut and soy candle, which also has a 50-hour burn time.
