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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
This fall is about to be *lit*.
When I tell you I am wholeheartedly committed to this candle brand, I mean it. I was first introduced to them when I discovered their "OMG You're Engaged" candle in a boutique near my NYC apartment a few years ago. I've been gifting them to everyone I know (and myself) since. This small business is female-owned by an absolute badass who also writes poetry. My all-time favorites are the seasonal options — and this year's fall collection surely hasn't disappointed. Evil Queen recently went under a rebrand and the new labels are simply a 10/10. They still feature the sassy one-liners I've grown to appreciate but have a much cleaner look any candle fan will enjoy.
Get it from Evil Queen for $22 and check out the entire fall collection.
Get it from Evil Queen for $22 and check out the entire fall collection.
This candle features notes of orange, cinnamon, clove, vetiver, and pine. It has a lovely minimalist design that'll look great with all of your home decor! It's made by Sweet Water Decor, a small business based in Pennsylvania.
Promising review: "I love this candle...love it, love it, love it! I just wish it was bigger! I really prefer larger three wick candles, so this one being so small is a bit of a bummer but the scent definitely makes up for it. With the slightest hint of fireplace smoke combined with winter, pine, and a bit of citrus, you can't beat it. The snow is falling outside my window but I'm inside under a blanket, warm and cozy, with my Warm & Cozy candle making me smile. :)" —K.M. Helm
Get it from Sweet Water Decor on Amazon Handmade for $20 (available in 10 scents/designs).
I have had a few of these over the years and love to reuse the ceramic bowls to hold jewelry and other trinkets. I've yet to find another Earl Grey–scented candle that replicates the feeling of actually drinking a freshly steeped mug. My husband often tries to steal this one away from me — it's easily his favorite of all the candles I've hoarded over the years.
Get it from Amazon for $31.41.
As a diehard Disney fan, I couldn't help myself but order one of these pin-filled candles. I went with their Haunted Mansion–inspired scent (my favorite ride), "Regions Beyond," and can't wait to pull the surprise pin out of the wax once I'm done enjoying the candle! The scent is musky and perfect for fall and winter (or anytime you want a cozy but spooky vibe in your room). I also loved the extra touch of glitter in the top — it looks really magical as it melts. There are so many Disney-themed scents from this company that I already know I'll be back for more (uh yeah, I'm looking at you "Beautiful Tomorrow").
Get it from Wishes Candle Co. on Etsy for $21 or their branded shop for $20.
SaltedBurns is a woman-owned small business in Florida. I've had the pleasure of getting to know Rebecca Taylor, the owner, and she is absolutely lovely. I'm a candle fiend (truly, ask anyone that knows me) and these pass my test. They burn cleanly (yay soy wax!) and, of course, this cheugy-inspired candle smells like pumpkin spice. I have it and can't wait to light it!
Get it from SaltedBurns on Etsy for $20.
This lovely candle has notes of ginger, cinnamon, and clove and is said to burn for up to 80 hours.
Promising review: "Pumpkin everything, please! This candle smells amazing, long lasting, and perfect for fall — definitely will purchase again." —Megan Bennner
Get it from Amazon for $29.11 (originally $34).
Promising review: "This candle smells SOOOOO freaking good! It smells EXACTLY like a freshly cut Macintosh apple. You walk into the room and it smells like late October at the apple farm or pumpkin patch when they are making fresh hot apple cider. Such a warm and cozy smell, makes me miss home! I must get more if these!" —kid1carus
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in six sizes).
The listing describes the "Leather and Leaves" scent as: "Falling autumn leaves gather with dark oud, fragrant fir needles, and cracked peppercorn over notes of worn leather and woodland musk." Aaaand...I'm drooling.
Get it from Anthropologie for $68.
I actually snagged this candle from a coworker a few years ago during the holiday season after they received a few samples in the mail — I'll never turn down a candle. I loved it right away because of its packaging (this makes a great gift!) but loved it even more when I lit it and fully experienced the tart but savory scent. I gave one to my mom as well and it's the only candle she's actually asked me to buy her another of (she's very particular about her scents).
Get it from Amazon for $28 (available in 21 scents).
Get it from Anthropologie for $32.
I have many (many) candles in my stash and consider myself to be quite the candle expert. That being said, Otherland candles are some of my favorites! This "Tapestry" scent is inspired by countryside weekends and has such a cozy feel to it, making it perfect for warming up your home. The design is also a 10/10, IMO.
Get it from Otherland for $36 (available in six scents).
I don't know about you, but I always get the urge to start rewatching Gilmore Girls as soon as I see a crunchy leaf on the ground. Might as well do it with this candle alongside me! CE Crafts is a small business that sells hand-poured soy candles.
Get it from CE Candles for $17+ (available in two sizes and 21 scents).
When it comes to candles, you and I both know Bath & Body Works doesn't mess around. This new seasonal candle is diviiiiine. It smells musky, cozy, and looks super cool when its lit. The site describes the notes as "scary clary sage, moonlit mahogany, and vanishing verbena." I love the design of the candle and would absolutely keep it out all year long, not just during *spooky szn*.
Get it from Bath & Body Works for $24.50.
Bijou Candles is a queer-owned small business that sells, well, candles!
Promising review: "This is the perfect candle for fall and winter. It's deep, complex, and warm. It cozies up a room on chilly nights. I don't really get much citrus, but there's a heady patchouli and leathery vibe to it that is so rich. Imagine an old bookstore with a cute shop cat curled up napping. Sabrina takes you there." —Anne
Get it from Bijou Candles for $27 (also available as a tall votive candle).
This beauty was designed to smell like spicy pumpkin pie...yum. The back label reads: "When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, 'tis near Halloween with spiced pumpkin and cinnamon it’s such a delight, beware trick-or-treaters or you’re in for a fright." So fun!
Get it from Glasshouse Fragrances for $55.
You should also check out Yankee Candle's entire Halloween lineup for more exciting scents! I also have my eye on "Mystic Moon" and "Haunted Hayride."
Get it from Yankee Candle for $29.50.
I recently received this candle and cannot even begin to tell you how nice it smells. It features a balance of amber, citron, and oak — not exactly what you'd picture as a fall candle, but trust me it works. I can't wait to use it for both fall and winter. Added bonus? It's from Finding Home Farms, which is a family-owned business based in Hudson Valley, New York, that sells candles, maple syrup, pantry offerings, and home decor products.
Get it from Finding Home Farms for $28.
As you'll discover in this post, my husband cannot comprehend why I need so many candles. And yet, he loooooves Boy Smells. We've burnt through a slew of them — "Kush," "Petal," and "Ash." They were all wonderfully musky and we were disappointed when they flickered out. Which is why I purchased not one, but two of the "Slow Burn" candle. It's not outrightly a fall candle, but its musky smell just goes so nicely with the season.
Promising review: "Probably my favorite candle at the moment. If you love spicy darker scents, you’ll love this. The jar is a beautiful color too, so really this candle is just an-all around winner." —grandaddyimtired
Get it from Nordstrom for $39.
This is my most recent candle find and I can't say enough good things about it. It just smells so....warm! The notes include pomegranate nectar, fresh orange blossom, vanilla bean, and warm amber. At first glance you wouldn't categorize this beauty as a fall candle, but as soon as you smell it you'll *totally* see where I'm coming from.
Promising review: "This is a welcome change to the fall lineup (though I feel it could be a year-round scent) for those of us who are sick to death of apple, pumpkin, and pomegranate notes. To my nose, Fairytale is vanilla and amber dominant, but I do get a faint sense of the other notes. I would call it a close cousin to BBW's Iced Vanilla Woods candle, only a little more subtle and without the balsam-y notes. Throw is a 8/10, and wicks and pooling are great on this one, too. If you're looking for a deeper, non-pumpkin or apple scent for fall, take a chance on Fairytale." —BBW17
Get it from Bath & Body Works for $25.50.
What? Don't act like I'm not the only one who will be overcome with emotions! IT'S THE 10-MINUTE VERSION! Anyways, this candle has notes of autumn leaves, fall air, cashmere, jasmine, musk, vanilla orchid, and cedar wood. It even includes a dusting of gold glitter to top it off. It comes from Gold Thread Candle Co., a small business based in California that sells pop culture–inspired candles.
Get it from Gold Thread Candle Co. on Etsy for $20.
Promising review: "Really cute candle, looks just like the photos. Smells nice but not very strong. You have to be near it to enjoy it. I love how it looks and really did enjoy the smell, and would recommend it if you're looking for something with a jar you can save once the candle's burned out." —Chloe R.
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
And for whatever reason, the Internet seems to claim this candle smells like Louis Tomlinson. Do with that what you will.
Promising review: "I've been buying this scent for a year now and I always stock up because I'm worried they'll stop making it. Such a clean, yet warm scent. It's not too heavy, either. Its name says it all!" —Crystal
Get it from Target for $5.
Promising review: "Beautiful candle, great decoration, and smells delicious. For an instant boost of fall look no further. Beautiful orange-glass candle that looks so pretty when lit, lifts my spirits." —FashionFriday
Get it from Anthropologie for $34.
Something about the simple design of this candle and the amber-colored jar says "ah, autumn" to me. I've gone through many candles from this brand and have never been disappointed. The amber-and-moss version includes notes of musk, amber, lavender, sage, and orange. You could easily burn this all year if you wanted to.
Promising review: "Smells so great! Even when it’s not lit, it helps make the room smell good. Also takes a long time to burn through, worth the price." —smmmma
Get it from Urban Outfitters for $20 (available on four scents).
This small business is LGBTQ-owned and run out of Chicago. In addition to this sure-to-be good "Autumn Stroll" candle, they're also selling an entire fall collection, a set of Hocus Pocus–inspired candles, and a "Scream Queens" trio! I've personally tried out their Real Housewives of New York "Berkshires" candle and can attest that their candles are fantastic.
Promising review: "I love, love, love my candles. I got both the PSL and the Autumn Stroll. The packaging and quality were amazing. Shipping was fast. Highly recommend! I will buy again." —Maddy
Get it from The Sisters Stoned on Etsy for $18+ (available in two sizes).
Brittany Paige is a woman-owned small business based in New York that was founded in 2019 and sells an array of witty candles, cards, stickers, and enamel pins. This lovely candle is scented like tobacco leaves and features a playful design you won't be able to help but show off.
Get it from Brittany Paige for $20.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.