Beeswax Candles
Summerfield Beeswax Candles
Compared to other ingredients, beeswax candles are virtually non-toxic, far more dripless and smokeless, and can burn for long periods of time. For some of the best beeswax candles, look no further than Summerfield Beeswax Candles, which has been making beautiful beeswax candle creations in the Sierra Nevada foothills since 1982.
The family-run company crafts candles from 100-percent beeswax sourced from beekeepers throughout the Golden State. All of the candles—including holiday season-themed ones—are also handmade by artist Mitch, his wife, and their three kids. You know Christmas- or Hanukkah-themed candles are at the top of your holiday gift guide, so order them while you can.
Soy Candles
California Candle CompanY
California Candle Company promises to always prioritize quality. Made from American-farmed and renewable soy, all of the candles are biodegradable and water-soluble. Why soy? Soy burns with zero petro-carbon soot, allowing for a cleaner burn without toxins or pollutants.
Choose from an array of familiar homey scents such as banana nut bread, candied apple, chocolate chip cookie (yum), and Christmas tree—all at very affordable price points.
LAIT Candles
Jennifer Rhee, an Orange County native, is the entrepreneur behind the soy candle company LAIT Candles. Aiming to create a luxurious experience without compromising the earth, this minimalist, chic, cruelty-free, and eco-conscious California candle company will please even the pickiest candle-lovers.
Although it's challenging to pick a favorite, we absolutely love the N°09 Fleur De Sel. Inspired by the beauty of Los Angeles, this breezy candle has hints of amber and fresh sea salt. For customized candles, you can also design and create your own scent.
Holiday Candles
L and M Candle Company
Every candle at L and M Candle Company is hand-poured with love in Visalia. The company has a range of candles inspired by the holidays that’ll fill your house with cheer. The Joyful Christmas candle combines fresh balsam, orange spice, and cloves to make a merry aroma. Another favorite of ours is the Cozy Sweater candle, which has notes of juniper berries, sweet mint, and eucalyptus. Can’t decide which candle to choose? Sign up for the company’s monthly subscription box—you’ll never have a candle shortage again.
Voluspa
This luxurious candle company from California was founded nearly 20 years ago in Traci and Troy Arnsten’s home. Inspired by the mess in the kitchen that eventually gave birth to beauty, the founders named the company Voluspa—a word from an ancient Norse poem about the creation of the world from chaos. Today, Voluspa sells candles made with rare ingredients sourced from all over the world. The candles are poured into beautiful containers that are worth reusing (you’ll reduce your carbon footprint, too).
The White Cypress candle will have you feeling very merry with notes of juniper berry, mint leaves, white cypress, and evergreen wood. If you’re seeking a warmer scent to fill your house with, Crushed Candy Cane is another holiday candle we can’t get enough of. It has notes of, you guessed it, peppermint and freshly baked cookies.
Flameless Candles
Joshua Tree Candle Company
Joshua Tree Candle Company was created with the passion of capturing the true essence of the desert. All four founders are Joshua Tree residents who share a common love for candle-making and California. The business is still based in Joshua Tree and the candles are hand-poured in small batches to ensure the best quality every time. Although Joshua Tree Candle Company offers amazing scented candles, we singled out this brand for a different reason—flameless LED candles.
If you thought flameless candles couldn't be aromatic, think again. All of the flameless candles this California company sells have replaceable scent rings around the LED bulb that provide ambient fragrance. We love the Joshua Blossom candle, which features earthy notes as well as hints of coconut and white flowers. Get your flameless candle now and light it wherever you want, however long you want.