By Jennifer Hussein and Sarah Madaus
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Tired: Candles. Wired: Reed diffusers. Not only are they flame-free (read: safe for college dorms and forgetful people), but the best reed diffusers will last for weeks, if not months, before you need to replace them. Whether you're on the hunt for spa-worthy, Allure Best of Beauty-winning favorites for your bathroom or warm, Amalfi Coast-inspired blends that are staples in our staffers' home offices, these fragrant reed diffusers will surely become your new favorite air fresheners.
In case you're not familiar, these gorgeous diffusers are much more than your usual home decor. Usually, they consist of a glass bottle that's filled with a fragrance oil blend (commonly essential oil-based) that disperses into the air through its accompanying reed sticks. In a sense, they're kind of like cordless, heatless versions of your average essential oil diffuser. And like your favorite scent diffusers, there are practically endless aromatic concoctions to choose from — but, our editors may have found the top picks on the market. Below, take a peek — and maybe a whiff, too — of the very best, high-quality reed diffusers for a subtle boost of aromatherapy in your home.
Why It's Worth It: If there was one scent that dominated just about everyone's fragrance collection over the past few years, it's santal. (It's also one of Taylor Swift's favorite scents.) There are hundreds of sandalwood-infused scents to choose from, but when it comes to our homes, we're cracking open Voluspa's Santal Vanille Reed Diffuser.
Editor Tip: This scent features a warm, spicy note paired with sweet vanilla and woody oud for a scent-ual experience unlike any other. (Sorry, had to!)
Key Notes: Vanilla, sandalwood, oud
Why It's Worth It: You may not know it by name, but Capri Blue's Volcano Signature Reed Diffuser is one of the most iconic home fragrances out there. "If you want your home to smell like an Anthropologie, this is the diffuser to grab," says associate director of social media Kassidy Silva. (Yep, this is the retailer's signature scent.)
Editor Tip: It's a mainstay in most swanky boutiques for its aromatically pleasing, bright notes of citrusy lemon, orange, and a dash of sugar for sweetness.
Key Notes: Lemon, orange, lime, greens, sugar
Why It's Worth It: Lift your spirits with the Brooklinen Good Intentions Reed Diffuser. This uplifting mix of citrusy bergamot, warm cedarwood, and invigorating eucalyptus is bound to put anyone and everyone in a good mood.
Editor Tip: "I've had this diffuser on the top of my tallest bookshelf for literally an entire year, and I can still smell the subtly bright fragrance when I walk into my bedroom," says Allure contributor Sarah Madaus. Just flip the diffuser sticks (and replace 'em once you've used both ends) and you're set for months.
Key Notes: Bergamot, cedarwood, eucalyptus
Why It's Worth It: If you're searching for a tried-and-true, Allure-approved fragrance reed diffuser, look no further than Nest New York's Wild Mint & Eucalyptus Reed Diffuser. This Allure Best of Beauty winner's glass vessel is gorgeous, but it won our highest accolade for its invigorating yet subtle notes of mint, eucalyptus, basil, and ginger.
Editor Tip: It's a perfect addition to your bathroom and one that Allure's deputy digital director, Kara McGrath, can't get enough of. "The scent is strong enough to fill a room, but not so overpowering that I get a headache — and they last about half a year before you have to refill them," she says.
Key Notes: Mint, eucalyptus, basil, and ginger
Why It's Worth It: Allure's manager of special projects Talia Gutierrez says the ultra-luxe Acqua Di Parma Home Insieme Diffuser has become a staple in her living room. This warm, fruity scent comes with rattan reeds that fill the air with notes of neroli, lemon, amber, and musk.
Editor Tip: As if this home fragrance wasn't impressive enough, it has a lifespan of 10 to 12 weeks, and the luxurious vessel will instantly make your space look more expensive.
Key Notes: Neroli, lemon, amber, and musk
Why It's Worth It: Maison Margiela's Replica By the Fireplace Diffuser lets off the woody, smoky scent you've been aching for in your cozy WFH hideout. Poking through the crackling embers of this fireplace fragrance are notes of orange flower and vanilla that contrast beautifully with the scent's base.
Editor Tip: This one (which also comes in an eau de toilette), earned Best of Beauty status in 2023 for its instantly recognizable, vibe-transforming quality.
Key Notes: Chestnut, gaiac wood, cashmeran, pink pepper, clove, vanilla
Why It's Worth It: When Neom says "bedtime hero," they meant it. Allure contributor Sarah Madaus was first introduced to this scent in a hotel room in Brooklyn. "I don't know if there's an entire bottle of melatonin in that vessel, but I slept like a baby that night," she says.
Editor Tip: It's blended with 11 relaxing essential oils that promote sleep, like lavender and chamomile. It has a strong, long-lasting scent, and it's still Madaus's go-to for nighttime fragrance.
Key Notes: Lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang, cedarwood
Why It's Worth It: If you're anything like Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein, you probably have a fragrant love affair with basil — which is why she'll wax poetic about Jo Malone London's Lime Basil & Mandarin Scent Surround Diffuser any chance she can get. "This scent is nearly as intoxicating as the drink it reminds me of, a glorious gin and tonic," she says.
Editor Tip: Along with basil, this herbaceous yet fruity fragrance is also spiked with thyme to counterbalance the citrusy scent of lime.
Key Notes: Lime, basil, mandarin, thyme
Why It's Worth It: Yes, Diptyque's Baies Reed Diffuser Set may be the priciest option on this list, but boy is it worth every penny. As you can expect from Baies, a French word that translates to "berries," it's infused with the delectably fruity note of blackcurrants, but you'll also notice a hint of floral rose.
Editor Tip: Once the glass jar is empty, you can use it as a bud vase or to spruce up your interior design. Or you can fill it up with homemade fragrance oils if you're the DIY type.
Why It's Worth It: When Silva is in the mood for a true floral fragrance for her home, she opens up the Floral Street Wonderland Bloom Reed Diffuser. It's like a bouquet that doesn't die within a week, and will instantly brighten up your space.
Editor Tip: This blend will make your home smell like a field of peonies that's been spiked with sweet cotton candy and a touch of guava.
Key Notes: Candy floss, peonies, pink guava
Why It's Worth It: Madaus appreciates a green scent for her living room or bathroom space. "I have a ton of houseplants, and I wish they had any sort of fragrance, but they don't, so this is the second best option," she says. It has notes reminiscent of verdant, lush fields. Sage adds a herbal, woody note, while lavender brings a bit of sweetness.
Editor Tip: Place one or two reeds in this fragrance diffuser at a time, Madaus suggests. "The aroma is surprisingly potent, especially in a smaller room like a bathroom, so to make it last longer I only add one reed at a time."
Key Notes: Sage, lavender, spruce, and pine
Why It's Worth It: Your living room may be missing the breezy bay windows of your dreams or the airy, vaulted ceilings of a gorgeously renovated lake house (one day), but you can manifest some of that magic with Lake & Skye's 11 11 Reed Diffuser.
Editor Tip: Another 2023 Best of Beauty Winner, this diffuser is the epitome of ethereal, with a mélange of white ambers and musk to add a crisp openness to any space.
Why It's Worth It: This sensual, romantic fragrance is one of Maison Louis Marie's bestsellers. This one is inspired by the founder's family home, where there's a gorgeous trail nicknamed "Lover's Lane." While its woody notes come through strong, spicy cinnamon and earthy vetiver make it well-rounded and a little sweet.
Editor Tip: Drop a few new diffuser sticks in this one before a romantic date night to set the mood, or take a whiff before you head out on one to feel sexy and uplifted. And if you love it that much, it comes in an eau de parfum, too.
Key Notes: Sandalwood, vetiver, amberwood
Why It's Worth It: The floral, herbaceous scent of lavender is at the top of the P.F. Candle Co.'s Ojai Lavender Reed Diffuser scent profile, but there's more to this fragrance than this relaxing note. It's also spiked with hints of invigorating tangerine and mint for awakening your olfactory senses.
Editor Tip: You could keep this option bedside or in your bathroom for a gentle wind-down ritual that'll prepare you for relaxation.
Key Notes: Lavender, mint, tangerine
Why It's Worth It: Sarah Han, Allure's commerce editor, says there's something about Tocca's Florence Profumo d'Ambiente that aromatically transports her back to strolls in the gardens of Paris, thanks to its notes of bergamot and gardenia. "Florence is one of the very first scents I ever took a liking to, which is unsurprising since I adore Paris, the city that inspired this fragrance," she says.
Editor Tip: Han placed this diffuser in her room and it brings her back to Paris whenever she's feeling a bit wistful. "This diffuser is the perfect way to make my cozy little room smell like the Tuileries Garden," she says.
Want more? Here are some of our favorite home fragrances:
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