I Own Over 100 Candles and These Are the Ones I Burn Every Day

Courteney Cox's brand, Homecourt, might be known for its chic cleaning supplies, but I have to admit the real-life Monica Geller knows how to make candles. For starters, the quality here simply can't be beat. The cotton wick and soy wax are conducive with an even, soot-free burn, while the kiln-fried ceramic vessel looks good.

But perhaps the most impressive thing about this pick is the throw. I bought the Mini Candle Discovery Set and was blown away by how fragrant all the candles were for such a tiny, 2.25-ounce votive. All the scents are excellent, but my favorite is CeCe, which has a homey blend of cedarwood smoke, sweet cardamom, and white leather.

Thanks to Boheme's delicious candles, it's possible to get a whiff of wanderlust without leaving your home. The fragrance brand's Wanderlust Collection features candles inspired by destinations in all corners of the world such as Goa, Havana, and Notting Hill. If you're looking for something that will transport you to an idyllic seaside retreat, try Amalfi. Light, refreshing notes of bergamot, lemon, and petitgrain leaves prove candles can be lit year-round.

Calling all sustainable shoppers: If you're looking for a gorgeous candle that's non-toxic and deliciously nuanced, Maison Louis Marie has you covered. The fragrance brand uses a natural soy wax blend that's free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. (Bonus points: The all-white packaging keeps this candle from upstaging any of your home decor.) Maison Louis Marie has lots of solid scents, but No. 12 Bousval has a mix of bergamot, orange, and white ginger flower that's earthy without smelling like...well, dirt.

Though I firmly believe there's a time and place for every type of scent, it's always a good idea to have one candle you can burn year-round. For me, that's Brooklyn Candle Studio's Santorini. Figs, amber, sandalwood, and currants make this a soothing scent to suit many occasions. One caveat: Since this candle has two wicks, it does burn relatively quickly so you'll want to stock up if you ever see this scent on sale.

Did you know the 1 Hotel has a signature scent that it quite literally pumps through a series of HVAC diffusers? Fortunately, thanks to the candle version, you don't have to book a stay at one of its buzzy locations to get a whiff. I'll be the first top admit I don't light this candle often—I mean, it's not exactly cheap—but its mix of eucalyptus leaves, cedar, and oakwood smells like a spa. Translation? If you want to bring some relaxing vibes to your home, this is certainly worth it.

What better way to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year than with a pine candle? There are a lot of festive fragrances out there, but I'm partial to Alben Lane's The Cottage scent. The Canadian brand's take on the woodsy staple is not only vegan and cruelty-free, but it's also available for under $15. Plus, the candle's mix of spruce, musk, amber, and vetiver has an excellent throw that will make the whole room smell like the holidays.

If a pine candle feels too on the nose for the holidays, try this option from WoodWick. Key notes of ginger and turmeric have a spicy, slightly citrusy effect that reminds me of mulled wine. In other words, it's festive without being too predictable. Best of all? The wick here emits a crackling sound akin to a roaring fireplace.

I love a bougie candle as much as the next person, but the ones I burn daily are budget-friendly. Check out Bath and Body Work's three-wicked candles to get the best bang for your buck.

These $25 flames last a while and are made with ultra-rich essential oils, so they're incredibly fragrant. In fact, I once lit the brand's Cookie Butter Truffle in my living room and could literally smell the confectionary cocktail at the opposite end of my apartment. Vanilla extract, cookie batter, and whipped cream might seem too sweet, but trust me when I say it smells like someone's making homemade cookies. And who wouldn't want that?

Florals? For spring? Not exactly. Though this candle's name might suggest a flowery, somewhat powdery aroma, it has slight nuances that give it a year-round appeal. Mimosa petals are paired with tropical fruits like casaba for a sniff of summer, while vanilla-tinged musk makes it winter-friendly, too. Oh, and it's under $20? That's exactly why DW Home is one of my favorite places to buy affordable candles.