I feel 400 years old writing this.

I mean, look at me. I am a woman writing about candles and wax melts ON HER BLOG. In 2021. Yeah…2009 called. It wants it’s jeans from The Buckle back. But it’s okay because like so many great trends of the 2000’s (hello Juicy suits!), candles, wax other smelly-goods are totally worthy of  this humbling effort.

This also necessitates a briefing on wax melts. First there’s Walmart wax, which offers a very wide variety, with prices ranging from .99  (Mainstays) to the $2 (Scentsantionals, Better Homes & Gardens) all the way up to bougie $4 and $5 bars from Yankee Candle and Woodwick.

I have tried all of these brands and there is definitely a difference. The higher priced waxes simply seem to last longer for me. Meaning, I can leave a Yankee wax melt in my warmer for 2-4 days (switched on for 8-10 hours) whereas the others will only throw for about 1-2.

Then there’s Scentsy, which is direct sales only. Scentsy wax bars tend to last the longest for me, about 3-4 days depending on the scent. They are also the most expensive at $6 a bar, but I have gotten some great deals from my Scentsy dealer Ashlee. Click here if you are interested!

Let’s start with this grouping, before I started ordering from Scentsy.

Yankee Candle Pink Sands – SUCH a nostalgic, holy grail scent for me. If you have never smelled Pink Sands before, get on it. Because it will change your life.

Yankee Candle Warm and Cozy – I thought this was going to be a dupe for marshmallow fireside and womp womp…it isn’t even close. It is woodsy, smoky and musky. Not my favorite.

Better Homes & Gardens Sugared Lavender Twist – I am not a huge lavender person, which is why I decided to try this “sugared” version. I actually did like it in the bathroom, but got a little  tired of it after awhile.

Better Homes & Gardens Vanilla Cookie Crunch – This is SUCH a great vanilla bakery scent. When I first melted this, David walked in the house and said, “Oh my god you are making cookies!” It was that authentic.

Scentsationals Iridescent – This smelled great in the packaging but was such a light performer. Would not repurchase.

And my first Scentsy order! *Notice the samples included here (the scent circle, bath soak and tester cubes). She also gave me extra bars to try for free.

Christmas Cottage – This is a lovely spicy, citrusy scent that is the PERFECT Christmas smell. I gave one to my sister for her birthday.

Silver Bells – I think this is my favorite Scentsy bar so far! It is a mixture of (brace yourself) candy canes, pear, vanilla and caramel. Sounds weird but is SO amazing. And this scent lingers for days.

Breakfast in Bed – This smells like pumpkin and raspberry pastries, cinnamon sugar and vanilla. SO amazing!

I’m Snow Over It – Definitely a winter-berry scent. I love this in the bedroom but it did not perform the best in a larger space.

Amazon Rain – Love this for the bathroom. I mostly get notes of melon , coupled with a soft floral. Very pleasant, soothing and perfect for the bedroom or bathroom.

My latest Scentsy order came with a new Spring/Summer 2021 catalogue and this adorable sparkly pen!

This time, I ordered:

Sweet Plum Pastry – I was not sure I liked this when I first smelled this, but it is amazing when warmed. It really smells like a plum tart baking in the oven and there is a slight coconutty finish. I am obsessed.

Cutie Pie Cupcake – This smells like orange dreamsicle cake with fluffy frosting. Makes you want to lick the air.

Dancing Sugar Plums – I am not surprised I love this. Basically, it smells like a rich plum mixed with cinnamon spice. Perfect for the holidays!

Next up are the candles we have tried out:

Bath & Body Works Cereal Marshmallow Bar – This has such a uniquely sweet scent to it. Yes it smells like a Rice Krispie Treat, but I also pick up a limey note. I also just noticed this candle is going for like $50 on eBay. Haha!

Thymes Fraiser Fir – Our Aunt Sandi had this candle going in her bathroom one night in December when we came over for dinner. I was instantly in love! I said “What is that amazing candle!?” and she pulled one out and gave it to me. It is a staple in her house each holiday season and for darn good reason. This is the BEST tree scent I have ever smelled. It is so lovely and if Aunt Sandi likes it, you know it’s good!

Which candles and wax bars should I try next?