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Those who’ve spent any time at a Bath & Body Works know the brand has mastered the art of making delicious-smelling stuff. Their stores are loaded with decadently fragrant hand soaps, body creams, and shower gels — and perhaps most inviting is their array of rich, luscious candles. Step into a Bath & Body Works, and you’ll soon realize the challenge isn’t finding a candle worth buying — it’s deciding which of the many worthy Bath & Body Works & White Barn candles you’ll be spending money on today. (For those wondering, there are literally hundreds of candles for sale in Bath & Body Works’ online store right now. And if reviews are any indication, just about all of them are delightful.)
Given the sheer number of lovely candles Bath & Body Works has on offer, choosing which scent you want to commit to can actually be kind of hard. Which fragrance is worth filling your room with? Which aroma do you want to come home to at the end of a long day? Which smell is so delightful that you won’t grow tired of it — even after burning it for hours on end?
These questions become even harder to answer when you’re shopping online. Candles are often cute enough to serve as decor, but their chief function is fragrance. If you can’t smell the thing in person, how could you possibly be expected to know whether or not you like it?
Thankfully, Bath & Body Works boasts a robust review system — one that makes sifting through all that abundance a whole lot easier. Customers who have bought these candles, lit these candles, and smelled these candles first-hand are all over the Bath & Body Works website describing exactly what these fragrances are like in real life. And since all the ratings are pooled, figuring out which Bath & Body Works candles are best is a generally easy question to answer — these candles that have received more than 4.5 stars after 10+ ratings should be a pretty great place to start.
Fresh Balsam
Rating: 4.9 stars, after 77 reviews
Smells like: Woodland balsam
If you love the smell of Christmas trees, this Fresh Balsam candle is about to become your new obsession. It’s got notes of balsam, eucalyptus, fir branches, and cedar wood. “I have an artificial tree so this scent has been a staple in my home for years to give me that Christmas tree scent,” shared one reviewer, while another said it’s the “best Christmas tree fragrance ever.”
Twisted Peppermint
Rating: 4.5 stars, after 101 reviews
Smells like: Sweet peppermint and balsam
This candle smells like a combination of Christmas trees and sweet peppermint. According to reviewers, “If you like peppermint you’re going to love this candle,” and lighting it “definitely makes it feel like Christmas.”
Vanilla Bean Noel
Rating: 4.6 stars, after 126 reviews
Smells like: Vanilla baked goods
Vanilla Bean Noel is one of Bath & Body Works’ signature Christmas scents, and it’s easy to see why — it’s got a pure, sweet, creamy vanilla scent that will remind you of cupcakes and sugar cookies. Reviewers love it, too, saying “smells like yummy cookies in my kitchen,” and “this scent makes me feel happy.”
Frosted Cranberry
Rating: 4.7 stars, after 106 reviews
Smells like: Cranberry and apple
Those who like fruity scents will fall for this Frosted Cranberry candle, which has notes of iced cranberry, apple, and “blonde woods.” Reviews say “it makes a room smell so good” and that it’s a “favorite smell all year long.”
Eucalyptus Spearmint
Rating: 4.8 stars, after 427 reviews
Smells like: Eucalyptus and spearmint
Reviewers love the crisp, clean scent of this balanced candle, which offers eucalyptus and spearmint aromas in equal measure. “After just a few moments of lighting this candle, I truly feel more at ease,” one reviewer notes. Another says the candle makes her home smell (and feel!) like a “fancy, overly expensive spa.”
Mahogany Teakwood Intense 3-Wick Candle
Rating: 4.7 stars, after 229 reviews
Smells like: Rich mahogany, black teakwood, dark oak, and frosted lavender
Reviewers note that this elegant, woodsy candle smells a little bit masculine — and they love it. “Yes, it does remind me of a good-looking man — that’s just my take on it,” one reviewer writes. And it seems the scent is just as popular among men. “Gentlemen, I found there is no shame in burning a candle as long as it’s this one,” one reviewer writes. “Want to make a good first impression for that special lady friend? When she comes over make sure the house is picked up, the toilet seat is down, and [that you] have one of these candles burning, at least you will be off to a good start.”
Champagne Toast
Rating: 4.7 stars, after 621 reviews
Smells like: Bubbly champagne, sparkling berries, and juicy tangerine
Is it possible to make a candle smell exactly like champagne? Apparently, it is. And Bath & Body Works has managed it with this candle. One reviewer notes that this “refreshing, romantic, and just a bit fruity” smells exactly like champagne “spiked with strawberry.” Another writes, “It definitely smells like you’re in a room filled with people counting down to a new year and holding up champagne glasses.”
Black Cherry Merlot
Rating: 4.7 stars, after 242 reviews
Smells like: Dark cherry, black raspberry, and sumptuous merlot
Reviewers love that rich dark cherry and black raspberry notes combine to create an aroma that’s at once “light and fruity, yet deep and rich.” One reviewer notes that this cozy fragrance lends itself particularly well to cold winter days, while another notes that the scent is sophisticated enough to burn at a dinner party.
Midnight Blue Citrus
Rating: 4.7 stars, after 222 reviews
Smells like: Juicy citrus, fresh spring water, and sweet mango
Reviewers love that this “bright, fresh, clean” candle fills their homes with a “citrusy sweetness.” One reviewer notes that the candle is not only balanced and refined but is also warm and uplifting. “It smells like mangos, but in a sophisticated and balanced type of way,” the reviewer notes. “It’s cheerful, and it’s nice for sunny weather.”
Pumpkin Pecan Waffles
Rating: 4.8 stars, after 24 reviews
Smells like: Maple syrup, golden waffles, pumpkin spice and brown sugar
Reviewers love that this scent has a pleasant smell without being too overpowering. “This is the first time I’ve bought this scent bc my husband hates pumpkin-scented candles. My sister buys it every year, and it always smells so good. So this year I bought four of them. The cold smell is great! You can actually smell the different scents in it, and burning it was no different. It smells incredible.”
Cactus Blossom
Rating: 4.8 stars, after 371 reviews
Smells like: Cactus flower petal, sun-kissed coconut, vanilla, and fresh sparkling lemon
Reviewers love that this scent fills their homes with “fresh, yet very cozy” aromas. “Boy, oh boy, [this candle] is a JOY to light,” one reviewer writes. “The soft but bold scent lingers so perfectly and blends into its surroundings.” Another notes that the candle genuinely does smell “exactly like a cactus blossom.”
Leaves
Rating: 5.0 stars, after 10 reviews
Smells like: Spiced and fruity (imagine the season of fall in a candle). Also, notes of crisp red apple and warm clove spice.
One reviewer said that it was “love at first sniff” when they got this candle. “This scent reminds me of walking into a local family-owned small shop in my town — that only opens around the fall season. They have baked goods, different fall, scented candles, and other things. It always smells so good in there. I never thought I would find a candle that smells like walking into that place. It is heavenly.”
Island Margarita
Rating: 4.6 stars, after 26 reviews
Smells like: Sweet mandarin, island mango, and sea salt
Reviewers are somewhat divided about whether or not this candle smells like an actual margarita, but most of them agree: It smells “very juicy and delightful.” One reviewer calls the scent a “tropical getaway as a candle” and promises that it will leave you feeling like you’re “sitting on a beach with a cocktail” every time you light it. Others point out the candle’s strong lemon, lime, and mango aromas—while also noting the distinct “twist of salt.”
Gingham
Rating: 4.7 stars, after 217 reviews
Smells like: Blue freesia, white peach, and fresh clementine
Many reviewers note that this fragrance is so fresh, clean, and versatile that it’s an excellent choice for gifting. “It’s clean and simple, but so amazing,” one reviewer writes. Another notes a “very strong, irresistible, cottony floral smell.” And another promises just a “hint of fruit.”
A Thousand Wishes
Rating: 4.5 stars, after 164 reviews
Smells like: Sparkling champagne, crystal peonies, and almond crème
One reviewer says this candle smells so nice, she “can’t even explain” it. Reviewers note that this fragrance is “creamy yet perfumed,” and “perfect for a milky atmosphere if you want a soft smell for your room.” Some liken the scent to a “very nice, high-end floral perfume,” while others note that it puts off a silky sweetness that will last all day.
Coffee & Whiskey
Rating: 4.5 stars, after 30 reviews
Smells like: Irish whiskey, vanilla, and a hint of coffee
If you love cozy scents, then you’re going to want to add this one to your collection. One reviewer said that the candle smells “absolutely delicious,” before adding, “Ooooh, so yummy and cozy. This is what I really want my home to smell like in the fall, but who can wait!?! I burned it this morning, and it was the perfect rainy Sunday morning vibe. I’ll definitely be getting a few more to continue this atmosphere in my home.”
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