Plenty of men say they do not "do" candles, then quietly light one every night once they find the right scent. The trick is to skip the sugary and powdery fragrances and go for something woody, fresh or warm. Here is how to choose.
What scents do men like in candles?
There is no rule, and scent is personal. But these families tend to work for people who usually skip candles:
Woody
Cedarwood, sandalwood, teakwood and oud feel grounded and calm. They are a natural fit for a living room, a study or a bedroom.
Fresh and herbal
Eucalyptus and mint is clean and crisp, great for a bathroom or a home gym.
Spicy and resinous
Ginger, myrrh and amber give warmth and energy without being sweet.
Coastal
Sea salt and citrus feel like a beach house. Paired with wood, they read as clean and modern.
Our picks, by personality
The minimalist: Eleganza
Eleganza opens with citrus and sea salt, deepens into oud and teakwood, and settles into amber, dark musk and coconut milk. Refined and masculine-leaning, in a 6oz travel tin with a matte black lid that looks good on a desk.
The homebody: Mon Amour
Mon Amour has lime and coriander up top, lavender and violet leaves in the middle, and cedarwood, musk and amber underneath. Warm, woody and easy to live with.
The bold one: Dubai Nights
Dubai Nights combines bergamot, rose, jasmine, oud, cedarwood, sandalwood, leather and amber. It is rich and memorable. Read more in our guide to what oud smells like.
The early riser: Serenity
Serenity is eucalyptus and mint. Fresh, clean and good in a bathroom or home office.
The traveler: Revive
Revive mixes lemon, myrrh, ginger, jasmine and honeysuckle. Energizing and compact enough for carry-on luggage.
Choosing the right size
A 12oz double-wick candle (up to 84 hours) suits a living room or large bedroom. A 6oz travel candle (up to 30 hours) is right for a desk, a bathroom or someone trying candles for the first time. For a full breakdown, see the best candle size for every room.
Make it a complete gift
- Add the Candle Care Tool Kit (wick trimmer, snuffer and dipper in black or silver). It is the kind of tool-based gift a lot of men appreciate.
- Or add the Hillight Candle Warmer Lamp for someone who forgets to blow candles out.
- Not sure of the scent? The Luxury Travel Candle Collection lets him try all six.
Where he will actually use it
The desk or home office
A travel candle fits next to a laptop and burns up to 30 hours. Fresh or coastal scents keep the room feeling clear.
The living room
A 12oz double-wick candle with a woody scent turns a TV night or a game night into something a bit more relaxed.
The bathroom
Serenity is fresh and clean, a natural match after a shower.
The car or gym bag
Candles are not for cars, but a reed diffuser in the hallway or a travel candle in the bedroom carries the same scent he likes.
Gift ideas by occasion
- Birthday: a 12oz candle in his favorite scent family, plus the tool kit.
- Father's Day: Mon Amour or Dubai Nights, with a note.
- New job or new apartment: a travel candle for the desk, or Eleganza for the new place.
- Holidays: the six-scent travel collection, so he can find his favorite.
- Just because: one travel candle and a handwritten card.
Is he new to candles?
A few basics to share: trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting, let the first burn melt to the edge, burn for no more than four hours, and use a snuffer to put it out cleanly. Our guide to putting out a candle the right way covers the last step. If he would rather skip the flame, the warmer lamp melts wax with no fire.
FAQ
What candle scent is best for men?
Woody scents like cedarwood, oud and teakwood are the most popular, followed by fresh scents like eucalyptus and mint.
Is a candle a good gift for a man?
Yes, if you pick a scent that matches his taste. Woody and fresh scents are a safe start.
What size candle should I give?
A 6oz travel candle for a first candle or a desk, a 12oz double-wick candle for a living room.
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