Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Scented Candle
There’s something timeless and irresistible about lighting a scented candle. It softens the atmosphere, awakens your senses, and creates a feeling of calm and comfort. But with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect scented candle for your home or personal ritual? At Bougie Hermit, we believe that scent is deeply personal — and with the right knowledge, you can find the fragrance that feels just right.
1. Understand the Basics of Fragrance Families
When choosing a scented, start by exploring the different fragrance families. Each category has its own mood and energy, and understanding them helps narrow down your choices:
- Floral – Think rose, jasmine, peony, or lavender. Soft, romantic, and soothing — ideal for bedrooms or baths.
- Citrus/Fresh – Scents like bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit. Uplifting and energising, perfect for kitchens or morning routines.
- Woody – Warm and grounding. Notes like sandalwood, cedar, and amber work well in living spaces or reading nooks.
- Spicy/Oriental – Rich with depth, including patchouli, vanilla, musk, or incense. These are great for cozy, indulgent evenings.
- Herbal/Green – Eucalyptus, sage, and green tea bring clarity and calm, often favoured in workspaces or wellness corners.
2. Match Your Candle to the Mood You Want
Scent has the power to influence your mindset and enhance your environment. Think about what kind of mood you want to create:
- For relaxation, go for calming notes like lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood.
- For a burst of energy, try citrus, peppermint, or lemongrass.
- Want to feel cozy and warm? Choose vanilla, amber, or cinnamon-based candles.
- To inspire focus and clarity, look for green tea, eucalyptus, or rosemary.
Every Bougie Hermit scent is designed to capture a specific mood or emotion — a journey in a jar.
3. Consider the Room and Occasion
The room you're scenting can also influence your decision. You might want a lighter fragrance for smaller spaces and something more complex for larger ones:
- Bathroom – Fresh, clean scents like eucalyptus, mint, or marine blends.
- Bedroom – Soft florals, powdery musk, or gentle amber.
- Living Room – Richer blends with depth, like patchouli, tobacco leaf, or sweet woods.
- Kitchen – Clean citrus or herbaceous scents to neutralize cooking odour.
You can also rotate fragrances by season — floral and citrus in spring/summer, woodsy or spicy in autumn/winter.
4. Look for Quality Ingredients
Not all candles are created equal. For a clean, long-lasting, and safe burn, always look for:
- Natural waxes – such as coconut or soy wax, which are eco-friendly and clean-burning.
- Phthalate-free fragrance oils – for a pure scent that doesn’t irritate.
- Cotton wicks – to reduce soot and improve burn quality.
At Bougie Hermit, we hand-pour every candle using high-performance, clean ingredients, so your home remains beautiful and breathable.
5. Test and Trust Your Nose
If you're not sure which scent will suit you, start with smaller candle sizes or wax melts. You can also consider layering scents in different areas of your home — like pairing a floral in your bedroom with a citrus in the bathroom for contrast and balance.
Remember, your scent preferences may evolve. What felt fresh last year might feel too sharp now. That’s part of the magic — finding a signature scent is a journey, not a destination.
6. Don’t Overlook Aesthetics
While scent is the heart of any candle, design matters too. Choose candles that reflect your style — minimal, bohemian, romantic, or luxurious. At Bougie Hermit, our vessels are designed to double as home décor, bringing light and elegance even when unlit.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect scented candle is a personal experience, rooted in your own preferences, mood, and space. By understanding fragrance families, moods, ingredients, and presentation, you can select a candle that speaks to your spirit.
Whether you're gifting a loved one or curating your own sanctuary, let your candle tell a story — one of comfort, beauty, and self-care.
Explore our Bougie Hermit collection today and discover your next favourite scent.