The Real Chic Life

I used to think candles were just for cozying up in the colder months—but now, I’m fully convinced they’re a year-round essential. In the summer, they don’t just make your space smell fresh and inviting—they shift the energy. The right candle can lift your mood, set the tone, and offer a little mental escape (and really, who couldn’t use a mini vacation now and then?).

Whether you’re basking in the sun by the coast (or just daydreaming about it), sipping coffee on a quiet patio, or winding down after a golden evening, lighting the perfect scent can transform the moment. From sea breezes and sun-soaked florals to lush greens and bright citrus, these luxury candles capture the spirit of summer beautifully.

Otherland “Canopy” – Lush Summer Escape

I love this scent so much I subscribed to it for my Pura diffuser refills. Green bamboo, lush fig, and dewy fern make Canopy feel like a tropical forest after a warm rain. It’s fresh, slightly sweet, and ideal for grounding your space while still leaning into that warm-weather vibe.

Mood: Cool and verdant

Best for: Bedroom, entryway, or winding down on rainy summer nights

Byredo “Cotton Poplin” – Crisp Linen Cool

Clean and powdery with notes of chamomile, white cedarwood, and musk, Cotton Poplin is like freshly laundered sheets on a summer breeze. It adds a whisper of luxury to any quiet moment.

Mood: Clean, calm luxury

Best for: Bedroom, dressing area, or spa-inspired spaces

Trudon “Salta” – Grapefruit Sophistication

Trudon candles are a splurge, but many consider them to be the most luxurious and complex candles on the market. Salta is one of their simpler offerings, but it’s gorgeous. If summer were a fruit, it would be grapefruit—bright, zesty, and just a bit bitter. Trudon’s Salta brings a refined French interpretation of citrus with a twist of verbena and hyacinth. Elegant and energizing, it’s perfect for sunlit mornings or alfresco meals.

Mood: Breezy citrus mornings

Best for: Kitchen, bathroom, or garden brunches

Loewe Home Scents “Tomato Leaves” – Garden Bliss

Earthy, green, and wonderfully nostalgic. Loewe’s cult favorite Tomato Leaves candle captures the scent of a garden at golden hour—fresh, herbal, and slightly woodsy.

Mood: Green and grounding

Best for: Kitchen, sunroom, or balcony

Flamingo Estate “Roma Heirloom Tomato” – Wild Summer Garden

For a slightly more budget-friendly garden candle, try Flamingo Estate’s take on tomato. This lush, herbal tomato candle is layered with green vines, crushed basil, and sun-drenched soil. It smells like summer in the Italian countryside—untamed and vibrant.

Mood: Rustic and green

Best for: Kitchen, patio, or weekend dinner parties

Cire Trudon “Cyrnos” – Glamour in the South of France

This is one of my all time favorite candles. With notes of lemon, thyme, lavender, and pine, Cyrnos is a glamorous ode to the French Riviera. It’s fresh and timeless—perfect for long, breezy evenings with a chilled drink in hand.

Mood: Vintage Mediterranean escape

Best for: Dining room, balcony, or cocktail hour

Carrière Frères “Orange Blossom” – Sunlit Floral Grace

This elegant candle from the heritage French brand Carrière Frères highlights orange blossom at its most radiant. It’s soft yet sunny, with a floral-citrus heart that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly chic.

Mood: Floral sunshine

Best for: Entryway, living room, or reading nook

Maison Margiela “Replica – Beach Vibes” – Seaside Realness

I’m currently burning this candle in my bedroom. It’s salty, creamy, and sun-warmed in the best way. Think coconut milk, ocean mist, and soft musk. This candle is for those who want to bottle the feeling of walking barefoot on the sand at golden hour.

Mood: Vacation in a jar

Best for: Bathroom, bedroom, or vacation prep

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Whether you’re drawn to breezy citrus, earthy greens, or nostalgic beachy blends, these luxurious summer candles deliver a world of escape.

Share your summer candle favorites (at any price range) in the comments!

Xo,

Courtney