How to Choose a Candle Online Without Smelling It First

Shopping for candles online is wonderfully convenient, but it comes with one big challenge: how do you know if you’ll like the fragrance when you can’t smell it first? Luckily, there are ways to decode scent descriptions, match fragrances to moods, and choose candles with confidence. Here’s your guide to finding the perfect candle online.

1. Get to Know Fragrance Families

Candle scents fall into broad “families,” and once you know the type you love, choosing online becomes much easier.

• Floral & Soothing – Gentle, calming scents like Lavender or the rose-and-green-tea notes in Zen are ideal for bedrooms and winding down.
• Woody & Earthy – Think grounding, cosy fragrances such as Vintage Bookshop (cashmere, sandalwood, amber) or Fireside (smoky chestnut, clove, tonka).
• Fresh & Green – Crisp and uplifting, like Tomato Vine with its leafy sharpness, or Sage, which is floral and eucalyptus-fresh.
• Spicy & Gourmand – Warm, comforting fragrances that feel almost edible, like Cardamom Coffee or Honey & Molten Amber.
• Oceanic & Clean – Airy and refreshing, such as Amber & Rock Salt, inspired by sea breezes and driftwood.

Once you find your fragrance family, your options narrow down beautifully.

2. Read Descriptions Like a Perfume Label

Most candle descriptions list top, heart, and base notes. These layers tell you how the fragrance develops as the candle burns.

• Top notes are the first impression: citrusy and zesty, like the opening burst in Winter Clementine.
• Heart notes form the main character: the floral green tea in Zen gives the fragrance its personality.
• Base notes linger longest: deep amber, tonka, or vanilla (like in Velvet Tonka or Honey & Molten Amber) that provide lasting warmth.

If you love a certain perfume or essential oil, look for similar notes in candle descriptions.

3. Match Scents to Moods and Spaces

Consider not just what you like to smell, but where and when you’ll be using the candle.

• Bedroom - Relaxing florals and soft woods: Lavender, Drift, Velvet Tonka.
• Living Room- Inviting, atmospheric blends: Enchanted Forest with pine and cedar, or the nostalgic Fireside.
• Kitchen & Dining - Fresh and clean: Tuscan Olive, Sage, or the marine freshness of Amber & Rock Salt.

Thinking about mood and space helps avoid buying scents that don’t fit the environment.

4. Consider Seasonality & Occasion

Just as perfumes and wardrobes change with the seasons, so do candles.

• Winter & Christmas - Cosy, festive blends like Spiced Orange, Frankincense & Myrrh, or Chestnut & Ember.
• Spring & Summer - Light and uplifting: Tomato Vine or Wild Fig & Oakmoss, with grounding woods and fresh bursts of fruit.
• All-Year Comfort - Timeless blends that feel right anytime, like Vintage Bookshop or Honey & Molten Amber.

This makes gifting easier too - fresh scents in spring, warming scents in winter.

5. Use Reviews & Transparency

When shopping online, reviews are your best friend. Customers often describe candles as strong, subtle, cosy, or fresh - clues that help you gauge whether the scent suits your taste.

Look for brands that give clear, detailed scent descriptions and highlight whether their candles are eco-friendly, vegan, or sustainably made. Transparency builds trust when you can’t rely on your nose.

6. Trust Your Instincts

Choosing a candle online is about more than fragrance - it’s about finding a piece of comfort, a mood-setter, or even a memory in wax. By learning scent families, paying attention to fragrance notes, and matching scents to your lifestyle, you’ll discover candles you love without ever needing to smell them first.

Ready to explore? Our full candle collection includes detailed scent descriptions to help you shop with confidence - browse here