Whenever we want to unwind at home, burning a scented candle has become our routine. It’s the easiest way to create a tranquil, luxurious, and cozy ambiance, besides infiltrating our space with a good fragrance and boosting our mood. We were delighted when we went shopping for candles at Target. The online retail chain has been our go-to shopping destination for all our candle needs, from earthy and floral to fruity and fresh. It not only had a whole range of scent families but also came in multiple options, like one-wick, two-wick, and three-wick mason jars. Moreover, some even came in the most aesthetically pleasing packaging we’d ever seen, like engraved metal tins and ceramic bowls. The best bit? Some of them cost as less as USD 20.
Just like our foundation shades, shopping for candles can be tricky. There are many things to consider, such as the types of wax, the size of the wick (for burn times), and, most important of all, the scent. Here’s a detailed and comprehensive guide to the best candles at this online retailer.
Being Frenshe Lavender Cloud Reset Candle
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We begin with the Being Frenshe Lavender Cloud Reset Candle, which featured mood-boosting scent technology that was exactly what we needed after a long week of work. Designed from a blend of soy and coconut wax, this single-wick candle boasts a burn time of up to 45 hours. What’s more, this scented candle is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from phthalates, parabens, and sulfates. We especially loved the “Lavender Cloud” scent, which was a dreamy blend of calm sage and lavender with cocooning notes of purple iris and coconut milk. Tested by dermatologists and backed by the brand’s MoodScience Technology, this candle is just what you need.
Pros
- The candle is very affordable.
- It’s cruelty-free, vegan, and free from harmful chemicals.
- The scent is calming and energizing.
Cons
- It comes in only one size.
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Everspring Mandarin & Ginger 100% Soy Wax Candle
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The Everspring Mandarin & Ginger 100% Soy Wax Candle was an 8 oz. clean-burning candle that ensured natural air care for us right in our own homes. We loved the fresh-smelling clean aroma of the spicy yet warming ginger note in ginger and mandarin blended with the sparkling, sweet mandarin orange fragrance. Featuring 2 wicks, the candle is made from a plant-based, dye-free soy wax made from 100% natural essential oils. Boasting a burn time of a whopping 35 hours, this candle is completed by the thick yet good-looking glass container with a wooden lid, thus complementing any decor.
Pros
- The candle is USDA Biobased-certified, making it sustainable and eco-conscious.
- It features 2 wicks and is 100% soy wax-made.
- It offers a burn time of 35 hours.
Cons
- It comes only in one size.
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Chesapeake Bay Candle Frosted Glass Relax + Restore Lidded Jar Candle
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Best lidded candle. We needed something relaxing to unwind, which is why we chose the Chesapeake Bay Candle Frosted Glass Relax + Restore Lidded Jar Candle from the brand’s Mind & Body collection. This candle brought about much serenity and calmness to our minds, bursting with notes of sweet mandarin, herbal sage, and clearing cardamom. Moreover, the relaxing blend of the cedar leaves, lavender buds, and fresh peppermint helped restore our tired senses. Completing this classic aromatherapeutic blend is the base of musk, vanilla incense, and soothing white woods. Aside from the pure essential oil-enhanced fragrance, the softly colored frosted glass in which the candle sat made for a tranquil, spa-like feel. Wrapping everything up is the wood grain lid, which allowed us to display this candle anywhere.
Pros
- This candle came in three sizes, all of which were very affordable.
- It made for a spa-like feel.
- The tones were very tranquil and serene.
Cons
- The wick needed trimming.
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Grove Co. Twilight Wonder Candle
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We’ve heard of limited edition, well, practically everything. But have you ever heard of limited-edition candles? That’s right, we bring to you the Grove Co. Twilight Wonder Candle, a soy wax-based candle with a limited edition “Frosted Sugar Plum” fragrance. Crafted from eco-friendly, clean-burning soy wax, this candle features 100% natural fragrances and has plant extracts and essential oils. We especially loved the classic fluted glass that the candles came in, drawing inspiration from the enchanting holiday season. The best bit? This limited-edition candle costs just USD 10.
Pros
- This candle was designed from clean-burning, eco-friendly soy wax.
- It was packaged in FSC-certified and fully recyclable paper.
- It boasted a burn time of 40 hours.
Cons
- It’s a limited-edition candle.
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Threshold Tinted Glass Lavender + Eucalyptus Jar Candle
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We’ll just come right out and say it – the Threshold Tinted Glass Lavender + Eucalyptus Jar Candle from Target’s most famous in-house brand is one of our favorites on this list. This candle is crafted from a plant-based palm and paraffin wax blend, which is what ensures the long 70-hour burn time. What’s more, we loved the blend of scents that included cinnamon and sandalwood alongside eucalyptus and lavender, which helped to spice things up. We’ve also been digging the stunning glass jar that came along with the round bamboo lid — a whole vibe altogether.
Pros
- The stylish glass jar made it easy to display too.
- The 70-hour burn time is good and long.
- We loved the mix of fresh and earthy tones.
Cons
- It sells out quickly.
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Yankee Candle Original Large Vanilla Cupcake Jar Candle
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Longest burn time. The Yankee Candle Original Large Vanilla Cupcake Jar Candle had the longest burn time we’ve ever seen – 110 hours! That makes sense since it’s a large, 22 oz. scented candle crafted from quality paraffin-grade candle wax. So, not only did it burn for a long time but it also delivered a consistent, clear, and even burn. We loved the soothing fragrances of lemon, cake, and vanilla, which felt like we were sitting in one of the best bakeries in the world. Moreover, the iconic Jar shape is a symbol of the brand’s half-a-century-long commitment to creating the finest candles in the world. Rounding things up is the natural-fiber wick which ensures the best possible burn.
Pros
- The candle features a natural fiber candle wick.
- We loved the tones of vanilla, cake, and lemon.
- The size of the candle ensured a 110-hour long burn time.
Cons
- The shipping and packaging was not so good.
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Love Beauty and Planet Beloved Coconut & Warm Vanilla 2-Wick Candle
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Most eco-conscious. Since we were looking for an environmentally friendly and sustainably made candle, we chose the Love Beauty and Planet Beloved Coconut & Warm Vanilla 2-Wick Candle. Crafted using ethically sourced essential oils, this sweet candle was not only cruelty-free but also vegan and approved by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Aside from the fact that it used ethically sourced essential oils, the candle also used the most heavenly scents: coconut, nutmeg, honey, and vanilla. The soy wax blend not only provided an even and clean burn but also delivered nearly 30 hours of burn time for lasting indulgence. In fact, they even gave us instructions on the best way to use this fragrant candle, asking us to first trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting, and trust us when we say that the fragrance filled the room.
Pros
- It’s a vegan and sustainably made candle.
- The soy wax blend ensured an even burn.
- It had a 30-hour burn time.
Cons
- It’s pricey for the size.
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Threshold x Studio McGee Clear Glass Santal & Ginger Candle-
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The Threshold x Studio McGee Clear Glass Santal & Ginger Candle does collabs right. Designed in tandem with Studio McGee, this Threshold candle spice up our space like nothing else did. Crafted from a soy wax blend, this three-wick candle featured an even and clean burn, providing just the right amount of light while dispersing the fragrance evenly. We especially loved the ginger and santal scents which made for a refreshing and lively atmosphere. So, we could use it every day as well as for special occasions. A clear glass open jar rounded up this product, which came in 2 sizes, 18 oz. and 40 oz.
Pros
- The fragrance was cozy, clean, and not overpowering.
- Thanks to the three-wick design, it filled our whole living space with a wonderful scent.
- The soy and paraffin wax blend ensured an even burn.
Cons
- We would have preferred having a smaller-sized option.
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DesignWorks Green Tea and Bamboo Bookish Era Candle
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Best budget. If you’re looking for an affordable candle for less than USD 10, consider the DesignWorks Green Tea and Bamboo Bookish Era Candle. This single-wick 6.5 oz candle features notes of earthy green tea and clean bamboo, helping set a relaxing mood for spending a wonderfully serene night. Crafted from a soy blend, this candle impressed us with a clean and even burn with a burn time of as long as 44 hours! Wrapping everything up was the sturdy yet gorgeous milk-glass jar, with the black screw-on lid securing the candle.
Pros
- It costs just USD 5!
- It has one of the longest burn times on this list.
- The jar was secure and sturdy.
Cons
- The milkglass might be a bit inaccurate, as it looks like clear glass with either a film/paint on the outside.
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Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Scalloped Ceramic Sandalwood and Terra Cotta Jar Candle
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The Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Scalloped Ceramic Sandalwood and Terra Cotta Jar Candle indulged all of our senses and was a visual treat as well. We’re still marveling over the candle’s ceramic container, which looked like something straight out of West Elm or CB2. The scented candle was crafted from paraffin and soy wax for an even glow, with a burn time of around 10 hours. It was encased in a scalloped, blush-hued ceramic container, with its sandalwood notes wafting throughout our space and transforming it into a tranquil sanctuary. What’s more, the candle itself had 1- and 2-wick versions, as well as 2 sizes, 5 oz. and 18.4 oz and both looked way more expensive than the USD 7 and USD 20 they cost us! After we’d burnt through the candle, we even converted the jar into a jewelry bowl.
Pros
- It comes in one- and two-wick versions as well as two sizes.
- The soy and paraffin wax ensure an even burn.
- The candles look more expensive than they actually are.
Cons
- The burn time is too short.
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Casaluna Tranquility Fashion Salted Glass Wellness Jar Candle
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We wanted to give our space some serious spa vibes, which is why we chose the Casaluna Tranquility Fashion Salted Glass Wellness Jar Candle. The candle was packed with calming notes of frankincense, chamomile, and lavender, lending it a slightly sweet and woodsy yet floral scent. What’s more, it had four wicks, which gave the scent a bit of an extra throw and had our entire apartment smelling like a serene sanctuary. Designed from soy and paraffin wax and coconut oil, this round glass jar candle could be placed anywhere, whether it was the living room or the bedroom.
“Imagine turning a space in your home where you love to unwind into a spa; that’s the Casaluna Tranquility Candle for you!”
Dizzzi
Pros
- The scents are a mix of floral, sweet, and woodsy, making for a perfect balance.
- The candle came in a nice round jar.
- Since the candle was made from soy wax, the burn was even uncleaned.
Cons
- Packaging was a problem.
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Opalhouse 3-Wick 28oz Glass Wildflowers Candle
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Behold the Opalhouse 3-Wick 28oz Glass Wildflowers Candle, which was just what we needed for a quiet, nice evening. Target’s famed in-house brand molds this candle into a gorgeous yet simple glass body, with the candle itself burning for up to as long as 60 hours. Moreover, the scent itself was the perfect stress buster, bringing warmth and making for a lovely ambiance as it was infused with floral notes. Not only could we easily display this candle on a side table or mantel but it also made for an amazing gift for friends and family. Did we mention that you could reuse the glass jar for other purposes? Yep.
Pros
- The candle has a long burn time.
- We loved the floral-infused scent.
- The glass body is as simple as it’s elegant.
Cons
- It’s slightly pricey.
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Threshold 15oz 3-Wick Ceramic Jar Wooded Sage Candle
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One of our favorite candles is the Threshold 15oz 3-Wick Ceramic Jar Wooded Sage Candle, which felt like wintertime in a nutshell. This earthy candle exuded notes infused with smoky charcoal, pine-like cypress, woodsy olive leaf, fruity rosewood, and sage, which made us feel like we were sitting fireside. While it had a shorter burn time of 20 hours, the glazed gray-colored ceramic container easily doubled it as room decor, so we were all for it. Moreover, the three-wick candle cast a cozy and warm flame and looked stunning atop our foyer table, coffee table, and mantle. If that wasn’t enough, Target has many reviewers requesting that they never discontinue this scent!
Pros
- The three-wick candle ensured a burn time of 20 hours.
- We loved the earthy, woodsy fragrance.
- It looked great as home decor.
Cons
- None, really.
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Our Verdict!
All the candles on this list are handpicked, and thus, our favorites. So, here’s a specialized, smaller list to help you choose.
- Best budget: DesignWorks Green Tea and Bamboo Bookish Era Candle
- Most eco-conscious: Warm Vanilla 2-Wick Candle
- Longest burn time: Yankee Candle Original Large Vanilla Cupcake Jar Candle
- Best lidded candle: Chesapeake Bay Candle Frosted Glass Relax + Restore Lidded Jar Candle
How To Choose The Best CANDLES AT TARGET?
Mood and Purpose
First, you need to think about why you want the candles. Are they for aromatherapy, decoration, or relaxation? That’s because different candles serve a variety of purposes. For aromatherapy, choose candles with essential oils as they create the mood that you’re looking for. In terms of decoration, look for eye-pleasing candles that match your room decor. Finally, if you’re in the mood to unwind and relax, consider soothing scents like chamomile and lavender.
Material
Candles can be crafted from various materials, with every one of them offering their own unique qualities. The commonest materials include coconut wax, beeswax, soy wax, and paraffin wax. Soy candles are known for their even and clean burn, while beeswax candles emit a natural honey scent. While soy and soy blends are eco-friendly options, paraffin is highly budget-friendly. So, consider your preferences, any possible allergies, and even the budget when selecting the candle material.
Fragrance
When opting for scented candles, the choice of scent is extremely crucial. Fragrances can range from floral and fruity to woody and spicy. One, we always consider the purpose of the room when selecting candle scents. For a cozy living room atmosphere, we choose spicy or earthy scents like sandalwood and cinnamon. For the bedroom, we lean towards soothing scents like lavender and vanilla. Are you looking for a soothing ambiance in the kitchen to whip up a meal? Go for citrusy and fresh aromas.
Size and Burn Time
The quality of the wax and the type and the size of the candle’s wick together determine its burn time. Usually, larger candles burn longer, making them perfect for extended relaxation sessions and gatherings. Do check the label of the candle to get an estimate of how long it will burn. Moreover, you should also consider the size of the candle with respect to where you plan to keep the candle. For instance, a smaller one might not provide enough scent or light, while a larger one might overwhelm a small room.
Ingredients and Safety
Finally, safety must be a top priority when you buy candles. Make sure the candle follows safety standards and is crafted from non-toxic materials. Look for labels indicating natural dyes and lead-free wicks. Also, make sure you place candles away from flammable objects and on heat-resistant surfaces.
You might also want to check out the detailed reviews for the Earthly Body edible massage candle and the Malin Goetz highly scented aromatic candles.
What are the best healthy candles?
Beeswax candles are the best non-toxic option as they have a longer and cleaner burn time and purify the air.
Are scented candles safe?
While scented candles can release chemicals, they’re usually low and don’t pose a health risk under normal use. However, people with allergies and sensitive skin should be careful.
Is it safe to burn a candle in a closed room?
No, candles should be burnt in well-ventilated rooms, away from anything flammable, shouldn’t be left unattended, and shouldn’t be burnt for more than four hours.