Wicked Good: Candles That Match Your Vibe

Inked is curating a lineup of candles that are anything but basic for World Candle Month. Forget vanilla and linen. These are bold, unapologetic creations made for people who live off script. Think scents with names like Emo Bitch, The Abyss, Ceremony, or God of Crossroads. Each flame tells a story, setting the mood with rebellion, mystique, and attitude.

From gothic elegance to fantasy realms, from witty cult classics to candles shaped by memory and ritual, this lineup channels the same energy as Inked culture itself: raw, creative, and unafraid to burn differently.

Evil Queen Candles

Founded in 2016 by Ida-Sofia, Evil Queen proudly claims the title of “the original candles with attitude™.” Hand-poured in Traverse City, Michigan, each 100% soy candle is vegan, non-toxic, eco-conscious, and packed with bold personality. Known for witty names, monthly drops, and a loyal “Evil Squad,” this woman-owned brand has become a cult favorite. Among its standouts is Emo Bitch, a sultry blend inspired by Le Labo’s Thé Noir 29. Notes of bergamot, fig, and bay leaves meet black tea, cedar, vetiver, musk, and tobacco for a burn that’s equal parts playful and luxurious.

The Gothic Lord Candle Company

The Abyss is a blend of briny oceanic accords, shadowy musk, and smooth sandalwood, casting an airy yet enigmatic presence throughout your space. Subtle whispers of mystery and allure shape its seductive character, a fragrance that stirs the soul. From the depths, The Abyss beckons… a black sea of the forgotten, calling you into the unknown.

The Gothic Lord Candle Company creates candles shaped by grief, guided by memory, and devoted to those who find beauty in the shadows. Darkly elegant and seductively refined, they are made to enchant the senses and awaken the soul. Each flame is a quiet tribute to the ones we have lost and the darkness we embrace.

Ritual Candle Co.

These aren’t your average candles. Where soy fails, Ritual Candle Co. excels with rich coconut wax that holds and disperses fragrance effortlessly, crackling wooden wicks that add ambiance, and a shimmer that draws the eye. Every detail is crafted for a multi-sensory experience unlike any other. Unapologetically different, like ink itself, Ritual isn’t here to play small. Bold, earthy, natural fragrances inspire self-care and wrap the senses in nostalgia. Walk in the Woods tells its story through scent: a sunlit forest path, evergreen and pine filling the air, sandalwood and eucalyptus grounding each breath. Grounded. Revitalizing. At peace.

Witch City Wicks

Witch City Wicks is a woman-owned candle company based in historic Salem, Massachusetts, and one of the longest-running alternative candle brands in the industry. For over a decade, the brand has crafted hand-poured soy candles that embody gothic elegance, witchy mystique, and a deep reverence for Salem’s past. Each fragrance is designed to feel both luxurious and otherworldly, transforming spaces into moody sanctuaries. Inspired by folklore and ritual, Witch City Wicks has become a trusted name for candles as meaningful as they are beautiful. One of their signature creations, Ceremony, is a smoky, sacred blend of sandalwood, musk, amber, cedar, clover, lavender, fennel, ginger, and cardamom.

Cantrip Candles

Cantrip Candles creates fantasy-inspired scents that elevate your space and your story. Hand-poured in their Hollywood studio, each candle evokes a moment from another world. Their newest fragrance, Cairn: God of Crossroads, blends tobacco, scotch, and heather for a warm and welcoming fragrance. Lighting it feels like stepping into the Scottish highlands for a new adventure. Whether you’re deep in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign or just want something evocative and edgy, this brand has tons to choose from. Plus their larger candles come with a metal dice at the bottom!

Formulary 55

Handmade in Colorado, Formulary 55 elevates the daily ritual with intention. The limited-edition La Nuit candle glows within a reusable black glass jar with an etched icon. French for “the night,” La Nuit blends amber, myrrh, vanilla, Egyptian musk, and French lavender for a rich yet balanced fragrance that is comforting, floral, and alluring. Hand-poured in small batches with an exclusive phthalate-free botanical fragrance blend in apricot, coconut, and soy wax, it burns evenly for over 80 hours, filling any space with captivating warmth. It is also available in the best-selling shea butter soap and hand and body creme.

Habersham Candle

Capture the essence of autumn. Handcrafted in Northeast Georgia, Habersham Candle’s Pumpkin Bourbon is a warm and inviting blend that includes sweet, earthy pumpkin infused with a delicate hint of warm spices. The smooth, deep notes of rich bourbon add a touch of sophistication and a hint of sweetness. The blend is rounded out with the essence of vanilla bean. Essential oils elevate Pumpkin Bourbon’s fragrance, including woodsy notes of guaiacwood oil for a hint of smokiness, patchouli oil provides a robust earthiness, and the warm tones of nutmeg oil evoke the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods.