Local candle makers infuse their creations with the unique notes of the Southwest.

The fragrance of the Sonoran Desert in full bloom is an experience you’ll never forget, and while April is peak season for experiencing olfactory euphoria, we Valley residents are spoiled by the numerous artisans around the state who capture spectacular scents in candles we can savor all year long. 

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1. Housed in reusable copper vessels, these eye-catching candles look as good as they smell. Try No. 121 Gardenia + Rainwater for a fresh, floral scent (16 ounces), or No. 170 Palo Santo and Sage (4 ounces) for a mystical yet earthy aroma. $28-$52 (vimandvigorcandleco.com)

2. The 26-ounce Arcadia Orange candle from La Grande Orange is a local favorite for a reason: It’s singular citrus note captures the pure essence of a juicy Valencia or navel. $39 (lagrandeorangegrocery.com)

3. Poured into a repurposed wine bottle, the Sunrise Margarita candle imparts a refreshing hint of lime that’ll make you hope for happy hour. A portion of the proceeds benefits local animal rescue charities. $25-$30 (pinkhoneycandle.com)  

4. With a crackling wood wick and delectable blend of scents, Wild Vanilla Ginger brings a hint of spring’s warmth and sweetness to your home. $15 (mikaconcepts.com)

5. Each candle from this maker is inspired by and named after a hiking trail in various Arizona mountain ranges. Lost Goldmine Trail achieves a slightly spicy profile thanks to a masterful blend of tonka bean, vanilla, wild coriander and tobacco. $25-$45 (camelbackcandle.com)

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1. Scottsdale boutique Leela Market created Blush, a delicious grapefruit-scented candle featuring original artwork by local artist Paige Poppe, in an effort to support St. Mary’s Food Bank of Arizona. Each a 12-ounce glass provides 18 meals to hungry children. $28 (paigepoppe.com)

2. Pink Peppercorn, Black Dahlia & Rosewater blend together in a sweet-and-spicy perfume that’s worthy of becoming your home’s signature. $25 (mamesoycandles.com)

3. Sparkling rose gold mercury glass elevates the Cactus Blossom candle from simple decoration to statement piece. $30 (mamesoycandles.com)

4. The light and airy Saguaro Blossom is housed in a raw ceramic vessel that can be repurposed into a succulent planter or desktop container once the wax is gone. Available in 3.5- and 10.5-ounce sizes. $18-$35 (standardwax.com)

5. Featuring a quote from Southwestern artist Georgia O’Keeffe and a happy, bright fragrance, the Spring Citrus candle will light up a room in more ways than one. $15 (mamesoycandles.com)

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1. Housed in a convenient 8-ounce travel tin, this simple and sophisticated candle is great for taking the fragrance of home wherever you go. The Blue Agave & Bamboo scent is particularly evocative of cool Sonoran evenings. $10 (burncandles.co)

2. Celebrate your spirit animal with Roadrunner Medicine, a fragrant bouquet of rhubarb, vanilla, berry, melon and citrus notes that will remind you of the desert in bloom. $35 (enlightencandlesarizona.com)

3. A mysterious and alluring aroma, Smoke + Mezcal captures the feeling of late-night cocktails and conversation around a flickering fire pit. $23 (galeana39.com)

4. There’s nothing better than a cup of freshly brewed coffee enjoyed in the quiet of a dewy spring morning, and Grounded perfectly emulates that feeling through its simple espresso scent. Five percent of proceeds are donated to Feed My Starving Children. $12-$20 (gratitudecandlecompany.com)

5. We’re convinced this Leather & Merlot candle is an uncanny duplicate for the unmistakable redolence of Texas mountain laurel blossoms. Pair it with matte black wick trimmers ($13) for the perfect gift for an out-of-towner. $16 (burncandles.co)