Don’t have time for a deep clean? One (much) easier way to make your space smell better is to light a candle. Some are cozy, others more sensual, but our personal faves have simple, fresh fragrances like this bestselling Target candle. It has a light floral scent that smells like you just opened the window to let in some cool spring air. Even better: It’s only $6.
Target
Hundreds of Target shoppers vouch for the fragrance of this popular pick.
Milky Glass Peony & Cherry Blossom is the most popular candle at Target based on reviews. More than 560 people have weighed in, with many raving about its refreshing but not-too-overpowering scent. It has more people talking compared with most other candles on the retailer’s website, and 80% of shoppers say they’d recommend it.
If you love all things floral, take note: The candle has top notes of peony flowers and cherry blossom trees, mixed with lighter base notes of vanilla. (“The aroma is truly heavenly,” one shopper said.) Plus, the palm- and paraffin-wax-based candle comes in a pretty white glass jar that goes with just about anyone’s decor.
“I LOVE peonies,” wrote one Target reviewer. “This candle is like wandering through my mother’s garden! The cherry fragrance is a lovely subtle tone with the peony and blends perfectly.”
“This is my absolute favorite candle,” wrote another impressed shopper. “It’s got the best sweet to floral balance. It’s my home’s signature scent.”
Another person added: “In my opinion, this scent is a mixture of Bath & Body Works’ Champagne Toast and Japanese Cherry Blossom, but subtle and not overbearing. This candle burns slow and lasts long.”
While it has only one wick, plenty of reviewers say it fills their entire home with a spring scent.
“I love the smell of this candle and the size was amazing as well as the price,” wrote another buyer. “I have since purchased a couple more! The candles are long-lasting, and the smell lingers throughout the house, which I love.”
This popular pick also has up to 35 hours of burn time, as long as you properly care for it. Yes, there is a right and a wrong way to burn a candle: First, always trim the wick before use so it’s one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch. This can help the wick burn in a clean, controlled way, not only for your safety, but so smoke stains don’t form. The first time you light your candle, let it burn for at least two hours or until all the wax has melted on the top — this will prevent tunneling and prolong use. When you’re ready to extinguish the flame, resist the urge to blow on it. Simply put the lid on the candle or use a snuffer — this keeps the ash from spreading. Finally, make sure your space is well ventilated, but avoid drafty areas like next to an open window, fan or air conditioner. Any wind will make a candle flicker, which can lead to soot or stains on the glass and in your home.
If you’re not a fan of floral fragrances, Target’s next-best-selling candle is Red Mandarin & Guava. This candle has almost as many five-star fans, with some comparing it to Anthropologie’s signature scent, Volcano by Capri Blue.
Target
Target shoppers’ No. 2 pick has notes of oranges, guava, raspberry and grapefruit. “If you like crisp, refreshing citrus smells that don’t overwhelm your space or senses, this is the candle for you,” a buyer wrote. “I absolutely love it and get several compliments when guests are at our home.”
Another standout Target candle: Water Mint & Eucalyptus. This fresh pick has notes of spearmint, eucalyptus and geranium.
Target
“I’ve always preferred a more clean and citrusy smell over something softer or savory, and this candle really gets it,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “It’s a super refreshing minty smell but it isn’t overbearing or have that cheap, overwhelming smell. I love to light this when I need to clean — it really sets the mood.”
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Signup bonus from
