Let me start by saying that if you have yet to ever experience a Diptyque candle, it’s very important you know that they are, without question, the very best variety of home fragrance. I’m a beauty editor of over a decade; I specialise in all things fragrance; I burn hundreds of candles every year and I’ve smelled every single Diptyque candle and Diptyque perfume that exists—so I’d like to think you can take my word for it.
However, if you don’t want to, rest assured that every other fragrance expert and beauty editor I know agrees with me: Diptyque produces the most impressive and luxurious candles on the planet. The blends are second-to-none; the throws are so strong that, in the case of most of the scents, you needn’t even burn them to feel their impact and they burn so cleanly you need never be concerned about wasted wax or plumes of black smoke.
But if you’re not investing for the scent alone, you might be buying a Diptyque candle for its iconic vessel, which in itself has become a mainstay in the homes of the world’s chicest individuals thanks to its monochromatic, minimalist design.
And this makes sense, given that everything Diptyque touches is grounded in design and art. The brand was founded all the way back in 1961 by interior designer Christiane Gautrot, theatre set designer Yves Coueslant and painter Desmond Knox-Leet. The trio opened their shop of curiosities—think far-flung fabrics and exotic treasures—at 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris.
It was unlike anything Paris had seen before, and as demand grew, in 1963, the founders launched their own scented products—a selection of three candles (Aubépine, Thé and Canelle—all still available). Since then, Diptyque’s vast candle collection has grown to be one of the most revered in the world. (Even Sienna Miller considers herself a long-time fan of Diptyque Baies.)
But earlier this year, something started to change in the brand’s iconic design, and it may have gone unnoticed by many. Back in April, the jars underwent a reimagining. Reinvented by Julie Richoz, a Franco-Swiss designer, the vessels became embossed with an oval-shaped ridge. The typeface also underwent a subtle redesign. At the same time, the brand also announced the launch of five new scents to its classic candle collection—Rhubarbe, Café, Shiso, Ortie and Sésame Noir.
And whilst the design changes were subtle, Diptyque was leading up to a bigger moment—a moment that is now here. The reimagining was all part of wider efforts to reduce waste, and now the final piece of Diptyque’s sustainability puzzle is falling into place: Classic Candle Refills. Right now, seven of the brand’s classic scents are available in refills, with three more due to launch imminently.
So, as Diptyque enters its new chapter and we head into autumn-candle season, I figured now is as good a time as any to spotlight what team Who What Wear UK believes to be the nine best Diptyque candles that money can buy. Trust us, we’ve tried them all, and we have very high standards.
The Best Diptyque Candles, According to Editors
1. Diptyque Tubéreuse
“I’m going to put it out there and say I don’t just consider Diptyque Tubéreuse the best candle ever made; I consider it one of the best fragrances ever made, full stop. There is, in my opinion, no scent out there quite like it. Sure, it possesses that rich, floral creaminess so associated with the white petals of tuberose, but it goes beyond that. It has a biting, green freshness that doesn’t just smell like powdered petals, but like the entire flower complete with crunchy stem. This candle is responsible for everyone who knows me repeatedly complimenting the smell of my home. Just one candle fills the whole house with the single most luxurious aroma to have ever crossed my nose.” – Shannon Lawlor, Beauty Director
2. Diptyque Baies
“Diptyque Baies is the only candle I would happily have in every single room of my house. In fact, I currently have the classic size in my bathroom and the large size burning on my coffee table. The fresh, berry scent is crisp and tangy, but it soon reveals soft, powdery rose. It’s green, floral and just utterly delicious.” – Grace Lindsay, Deputy Beauty Editor
3. Diptyque Feu du Bois
“Perhaps it’s because I’m an autumn baby and have always been drawn to anything that elicits a cosy feeling, but I’ve long preferred warmer, mustier, even smokier fragrances to anything light, fresh or overtly floral. In fact, it was Diptyque Feu de Bois that made me realise just how much I gravitate towards these richer, moodier scents. It’s one of the only candles I’ve consistently repurchased, and it’s become my go-to regardless of the season. Smoky, rich and woody, its evocative, earthy scent has a grounding quality that I never tire of.” – Natalie Munro, Fashion News Editor
4. Diptyque Figuier
“If you like Diptyque’s Philosykos fragrance, then I highly recommend you try Figuier. It captures the whole essence of a fig tree, from the milky flesh of the fruit to the smooth woodiness of the tree itself. It’s bright and fresh, but also smooth and woody, making it a great scent to burn throughout all seasons.” – Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor
5. Diptyque Ambre
“After falling head over heels for the gentle, pleasing warmth of Ambre, it has become my go-to gift for every birthday and Christmas present. The slightly spiced and toasty fragrance smells like sipping vanilla chai by a crackling fire (without being too sweet for those opposed to all things gourmand)—exactly the mood you want for a cosy autumn.” – Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor
6. Diptyque Noisetier
“”Whilst Baies is often the first introduction to Diptyque’s candle for many, Noisetier was mine, and it remains one of my all-time favourites, but particularly for autumn. Drawing inspiration from the hazelnut tree, it has the nutty creaminess akin to the inside of a Kinder Bueno, but is given that elevated Diptyque touch of greenness that captures both the woodiness and the leaves of the tree.” – Eleanor Vousden
7. Diptyque Le Matin
“The most recent candle addition from Diptyque, Le Matin is part of the brand’s Les Rituels de Soin bodycare collection. Designed for morning and evening, the collection features both a Le Matin and Le Soir candle. Whilst Le Soir prioritises soft relaxation with chamomile and sage, Le Matin is, in my opinion, the star of the entire collection. With a blend of mint and ginger, it invigorates the senses and fills you with joy from the moment its aroma first tickles your nose. Since the launch of Les Rituels de Soin, every beauty editor I know has been waxing lyrical about Le Matin, and I have a strong feeling it’s destined for cult status.” – Shannon Lawlor
8. Diptyque Rhubarbe
“If you don’t like an overwhelmingly floral or sweet scent, Diptyque’s new Rhubarbe candle is a mouthwatering aroma of rich berries with a hint of peppercorns. It’s fresh, juicy and perfectly autumnal.” – Jane McFarland, Editor-in-Chief
9. Diptyque Café
“When Diptyque launched its redesigned candles, it also launched five new core scents—not something the house is famed for doing often. Whilst Rhubarbe was, no doubt, the icon of the additions, my personal favourite comes in the form of Café—a rich, cosy, creamy take on coffee. Lighting Café on a dreary autumn/winter day is a tonic for the soul. It makes me want to wrap myself up in a blanket and indulge in a day of shelter from the outside world.” – Shannon Lawlor
Shop Diptyque Refills
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