Why is everyone waxing lyrical about luxury candles? From Celine to Diptyque


Candles hold a magnetic appeal with their captivating aromas and opulent ambience – and their popularity only seems to be growing.

The luxury candle market has been growing steadily, especially post-Covid-19. Photo: Loewe

According to Business Wire, the luxury candle market is projected to reach a value of US$525.28 million by 2028. This growth reflects a shift in the beauty industry towards well-being and sensory experiences. While budget-friendly candles still dominate a significant portion of the market, the focus has expanded to include the beauty, wellness and fashion sectors embracing the candle phenomenon.

The beauty industry is shifting towards well-being and sensory experiences. Photo: Byredo

Candles have taken on a greater significance particularly in a post-Covid-19 landscape, as people have formed stronger connections with their living spaces. This has led to a candle-market renaissance, with luxury brands pushing the boundaries of design and formulations, with many fashion labels such as Gucci and Loewe offering opulent alternatives that eclipse the reigning candle brand titans.

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Luxury fashion labels are designing their own candles to compete in the market. Photo: Alexander McQueen
Take Alexander McQueen’s inaugural candle trilogy: Ghost Flower, Pagan Rose and Savage Bloom. Encased in egg-shaped black lacquered glass with silver, dark or gold metal lids, these candles are not just decorative – they become architectural elements within your living space.

Loewe has introduced artful terracotta creations while maximalists are drawn to baroque options from Gucci and Versace, and Celine’s signature elegance extends to candles that effortlessly complement marble mantelpieces and modern furnishings.

Below, discover an array of options that epitomise luxury in the realm of candles.

1. Diptyque – Baies Candle

Renowned Paris brand Diptyque’s iconic Baies candle. Photo: Diptyque
An iconic and all-time bestseller, Diptyque’s Baies candle captures the essence of freshly picked berries, combining rich blackcurrant and Bulgarian rose notes.

2. Maison Francis Kurkdjian – Baccarat Rouge 540

The marriage of these two luxury houses gives us this scented masterpiece, Rouge 540. Photo: Maison Francis Kurkdjian

The result of the synergy between Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Maison Baccarat, Rouge 540 casts a captivating spell in a harmonious blend of amber, floral and woody notes.

3. Celine – Palimpseste

French luxury fashion brand Celine created a scented candle to augment the ambience at home. Photo: Celine

With notes of French rose, pear, ivy and moss, this unique candle offers an earthy interpretation of the timeless rose aroma, catering to a more mature palate and creating an ideal ambience for serene evenings.

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4. Le Labo – Santal 26

Estée Lauder’s brainchild Le Labo’s Santal 26 was first created as a scented candle, which inspired the popular Santal 33 perfume. Photo: Le Labo

With Santal 33 being one of the most renowned fragrances in the fashion world, it’s a nice surprise to find that the iconic scent had been inspired by a candle. Le Labo’s Santal 26 is an alluring fusion of amber, cocoa, vanilla, cedar, spices, musk and sandalwood that infuses a touch of irresistible charm into any environment.

5. Jo Malone London – Fresh Fig & Cassis Townhouse

Britain’s fragrance darling Jo Malone London has added scented candles as a part of its Townhouse series. Photo: Jo Malone London

Infused with the essence of luscious fig and cassis, complemented by delicate notes of verdant foliage and winding vines, this fragrance offers a vivid olfactory experience indeed.

6. Byredo – Apocalyptic

Byredo’s scented candle Apocalyptic conjures moody vibes. Photo: Byredo

A luxurious, woody essence combining fire iron, black raspberry, dark woods and papyrus, this candle conjures a deep and captivating aroma that’s both warm and bold.

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7. Cire Trudon – Abd El Kader Classic

Trudon’s smoky scented candle takes inspiration from North Africa. Photo: Cire Trudon

A timeless gem by the oldest candle maker in the world, the Classic candle captures the leafy essence of mint, the fiery allure of ginger and the aromatic symphony of tea and tobacco from the Ouled Naïl tribe of Algeria.


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