Anybody who argues that money can’t buy happiness has clearly never bought themselves a Le Labo Santal 33 candle. Like a pint-sized companion, your candle is there for you when you need it most, lovingly burning away in the corner of your newly fragranced apartment. Pure happiness, if you ask me.

Fun fact: smell is more closely linked with memory than any other sense. Fun idea: make some new memories with five of the most luxe candles on the market, which I ~selflessly~ reviewed for your sensory pleasure. You can thank me later when your apartment smells like literal heaven on earth…

Tom Ford Café Rose

One

I like to think Tom Ford perpetually burns Café Rose in his bedroom, which would mean him and I have at least one thing in common. This candle is the ultimate indulgence, with notes of rose, balsamic, coffee, and patchouli — an unusual mix, as is expected with any of Ford’s fragrances, but one I can seriously get behind.

Diptyque Tubéreuse Rouge

Two

Each and every one of Diptyque’s candles are lavish beyond compare. I’m head-over-heels in love with tuberose, and Tubéreuse Rouge is the best in the business. Even the packaging screams decadence, although I’d expect no less from Diptyque. Warm and sumptuous, with a subtle floral freshness, it’s my go-to for all seasons. Can’t. Get. Enough.

Maison Balzac

Three

There isn’t a candle from Maison Balzac I wouldn’t want by my bedside, but Sainte T will always be my first preference. It’s subtle enough to have burning constantly without it overwhelming the room, but strong enough to still be enjoyed from a distance. With notes of rose, freesia, musk, flower stems, and green leaf, it’s a year-round winner. Gimme!

Byredo Safran

Four

Byredo’s Safran is molten Shangri-La. Earthy, smokey, and complex, with an animalistic edge. There’s a real strength to it, without it being overpowering or sickly. The scent isn’t akin to your average candle, either, which I’m finding to be a good thing. It tends to change depending on where I am in my apartment, meaning I experience more than one fragrance while it burns. With notes of saffron, vanilla, dark amber, and violet, I’m convinced Byredo can do no wrong.

Cire Trudon Ernesto

Five

Are your nostrils in heaven yet? Well, they’ll be boldly sauntering through the pearly gates, slapping angels high-fives on their way if this candle has anything to say about it. Cire Trudon’s Ernesto scent is as divine as the casing itself. Once I light it up, I’m transported to the Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana, surrounded by men wearing expensive handcrafted leather shoes and well-fitted linen suits, blazing up the most grandiose cigars. Now, that’s a damn fine candle.