How to Choose a Candle Online (Without Smelling It First)

How Do I Choose a Candle Without Smelling It First?

We’ve all been there—you light a candle you bought online, and the scent isn’t what you imagined. Maybe it’s too sweet, too earthy, or just not you.

Choosing a candle without smelling it in person can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. With a few tips and a little fragrance know-how, you can confidently pick a scent that suits your space, your mood, and your energy.

Let’s break it down…

Start With the Season

The time of year can be a great guide when choosing your next candle. Here’s how scent and season often align:

Winter

Cold days call for warmth and comfort. Look for fragrances that feel cozy and grounding, like vanilla, wood, oudh, or spices. These scents help you feel snug and calm as the temperature drops.

Think: warm leather armchairs, flickering firelight, and your favourite blanket.

Spring

As nature reawakens, fresh and floral scents feel just right. Choose candles with peony, honeysuckle, or citrus to match the light, uplifting energy of spring.

Think: fresh sheets, open windows, and flowers just beginning to bloom.

Summer

In the heat, clean, citrus, and tropical scents help refresh and energize your space. Look for notes like lime, coconut, or green tea.

Think: beach days, chilled drinks, and late sunsets.

Autumn

This season is about slowing down. Look for candles with chai spices, tea leaves, or earthy woods to anchor your energy.

Think: crisp air, cozy jumpers, and grounding rituals.

Choose by Mood or Intention

Sometimes, scent isn’t about season—it’s about how you want to feel. Scent has the power to calm your nerves, lift your spirits, or help you focus. Ask yourself:

Do I want to feel relaxed, energised, or protected?

Am I seeking a scent that’s cozy and comforting, or clean and fresh?

Do I need help unwinding at night, or a fragrance to get me going in the morning?

Our Core and Mood Collections were designed around this idea—each one includes a carefully blended fragrance and a complementary crystal to support that intention.

Fragrance Families Explained (Quick Guide)

If you’ve ever enjoyed a certain perfume or body lotion, chances are you’re drawn to specific fragrance families. Here’s how to spot them in candles:

Floral – Peony, Jasmine, Waterlily

Citrus/Fresh – Lime, Lemon, Cucumber

Woody/Spicy – Sandalwood, Black Tea, Cardamom

Sweet/Gourmand – Vanilla, Caramel, Marshmallow

Green/Earthy – Chai, Fig, Herbal notes

Pair this with your preferred mood, and you’ll start to see what you're naturally drawn to.

Not Ready to Commit? Try the Fragrance Library.

If you’re still unsure, the Fragrance Library is your best friend.

This set includes all 20 fragrances from our Core and Mood collections in 10ml mini room sprays. They’re made with the same oils as our candles, so you get the real scent experience. Test them in your space, layer different scents, and find your signature blend—before buying the full size.

It’s like a fragrance wardrobe. Spritz and see what you keep coming back to.

Final Tip: Trust Your Senses

When shopping online, look for detailed scent descriptions, customer reviews, and seasonal/mood guides like this one. The more info you have, the easier it is to match a candle to your taste—and your space.

If in doubt, start with one scent that resonates and build from there.