The Best Santal 26 Candle Dupes that Smell Like Luxury
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Le Labo is a renowned fragrance brand known for its sophisticated scents, including Santal 26, a comforting blend of warm sandalwood, creamy vanilla, and sensual spicy notes. The name itself conjures up images of chic apartments and effortlessly cool vibes.
But the price tag? Not quite as dreamy. If you're obsessed with that musky, sandalwood scent but don't want to spend a fortune, I’m sharing the best Santal 26 dupes out there. We're talking candles that smell just as luxurious at a fraction of the cost.
If you're a fan of DIY projects, I'm also sharing how you can make your own Santal 26 candle. Lately, I've been enjoying crafting my own scented candles inspired by luxury fragrances. It's a simple way to repurpose old candle jars, and I’m saving money on high-end candles. I'm planning to experiment with this fig essential oil that's rumored to smell like Diptyque’s Philosykos!
Continue reading to discover the best Santal 26 candle dupes that won’t break the bank.
In this Article…
Best Le Labo Santal 26 Candle Dupes
I’ve found some amazing alternatives to the coveted Santal 26 so you can infuse this luxe scent into your own space without breaking the bank. Here's the lowdown on some of the best dupes for the Santal 26 candle.
1. Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt, $38
Maison Louis Marie, a French brand known for its luxurious fragrances, elevates everyday rituals with their candles, perfumes, and skincare. No.04 Bois de Balincourt is no exception. This warm, woody blend rivals Le Labo's Santal 26, offering a sophisticated and inviting aroma. The base of sandalwood and cedarwood creates a smoky depth remarkably similar to Santal 26, but at a more budget-friendly price. Plus, the minimalist aesthetic of the No.04 candle complements your home with the same sleek style as the iconic Le Labo jars.
2. Apotheke White Vetiver Candle ($44)
Apotheke is all about simplicity when it comes to their scents, and their White Vetiver candle is a fantastic Santal 26 dupe. This candle offers a more herbal take on the smoky sandalwood theme. The vetiver adds a touch of earthiness, while the hints of eucalyptus and lilac keep it from becoming too heavy. It's a perfect choice if you're looking for a Santal 26 dupe that's a little more invigorating and fresh.
The best part is that the White Vetiver fragrance is available in reed diffusers, hand soaps, lotion, and more, allowing you to fill your entire home with this unique and elegant scent.
3. Velvet By Graham And Spencer Number One Candle, $35
Velvet by Graham and Spencer's Number One candle offers a luxurious, comforting take on the Santal 26 vibe. This candle is all about warmth, with a rich blend of sandalwood, cardamom, mango and amber. It's perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere on those chilly nights in. While it doesn't have the same smoky edge as Santal 26, the smooth sandalwood and amber create a beautiful, enveloping scent that's just as captivating.
4. Otherland Rattan Candle ($40)
If you love the warm, woody notes of Santal 26, then Otherland's Rattan candle is a delightful option that won’t break the bank. This unique blend combines sandalwood with notes of golden amber and warm musk for a truly inviting scent. It's a perfect choice for those who want a Santal 26 dupe that’s not as heavy but still fills your space with a warm and delicious fragrance.
5. Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Candle ($49)
Salt & Stone is all about creating sensorial experiences for your body and home, and their Santal & Vetiver candle is a fantastic Santal 26 dupe that delivers on that promise. This candle combines Australian sandalwood with earthy vetiver, creating a calming and grounding scent. It's perfect for unwinding after a long day or creating a relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom. While it doesn't have the same smoky intensity as Santal 26, the vetiver adds a beautiful depth that's just as enveloping.
6. Dossier Woody Sandalwood Room Diffuser, $34
Looking for a more budget-friendly option that still captures the essence of Santal 26? Look no further than Dossier's Woody Sandalwood Room Diffuser. While it’s not a candle, it’s one of the closest dupes on this list, taking heavy inspiration from Le Labo Santal 33, which leans slightly spicier and more masculine than Santal 26. Regardless, this diffuser offers a similar sophisticated and cozy scent with creamy sandalwood, warm amber and a touch of musk. It's a fantastic option for those who prefer a subtler fragrance that fills the room without being overwhelming.
If you’re a fan of luxury home scents, but don’t love to splurge, I’d highly recommend browsing the selection of candles and diffusers from Dossier. It’s not as extensive as their perfume collection, but you can shop candles inspired by Le Labo Rose 31 (my personal fave), By Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy and even YSL’s Black Opium!
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How to Make Your Own Le Labo Santal 26 Candle
Love luxury candles but don't want to break the bank? Why not try making your own Le Labo Santal 26 candle? Crafting your own candle inspired by this iconic scent is easier than it might seem. In this section, I’ll guide you through the process of creating your very own Santal 26-inspired candle with just a few supplies.
Gather Your Supplies
Before we dive into the crafting process, let's gather the necessary supplies. Here's a checklist to ensure you have everything you need:
Double boiler or a heatproof bowl and saucepan
Glass jar or container (Instead of purchasing new glass containers, I prefer to recycle old candle jars or use other items like seashells.)
Choose the Right Fragrance
Finding the perfect fragrance oil is key to replicating the same sensual smell of Santal 26. While the exact formula for Le Labo's fragrance remains a secret, many reputable fragrance oil suppliers offer blends that mimic the original. Look for oils that list sandalwood as a prominent note, often accompanied by hints of leather, amber, or spice.
I cannot recommend enough this santal diffuser oil that’s under $30 on Amazon. You get a lot of fragrance out of the tiny bottle, and you can even use it in your diffuser, cleaning products, dryer sheets, and more!
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Instructions
Now that you have your supplies, let's get started on creating your very own DIY candle!
Prepare the candle container. Clean and dry your chosen glass jar or container for the candle. Ensure that it's heatproof and suitable for holding a candle.
Secure the wick. Using adhesive or glue dots, affix the wick included in your candle-making kit to the bottom center of the jar. Ensure it stands upright and centered. You can use a popsicle stick or pencil to hold the wick in place.
Melt the wax. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan with simmering water, melt the wax included in your candle-making kit. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it doesn't exceed the manufacturer's recommended melting point.
Add the essential oil. Once the wax is completely melted and reaches the recommended pouring temperature (usually around 175°F (79°C) for soy wax), remove it from the heat. Let the wax cool slightly (around 5-10 degrees) before adding the fragrance oil. This prevents the fragrance oil from burning off. Add a few drops of your essential oil. Gently stir to distribute the scent. Adjust the amount of oil according to your personal preference.
Pour the wax. Carefully pour the scented wax into the prepared jar, being mindful not to disturb the wick. Leave a small space at the top to allow for expansion during cooling.
Let it set. Allow the candle to cool and solidify completely. This may take a few hours, depending on the size of the candle and the ambient temperature. Avoid moving or disturbing the candle during this time.
Trim the wick. Once the wax has fully solidified, trim the wick to a length of approximately ¼ inch (0.6 cm) using scissors. This will help ensure a clean and even burn.
Personalize. If desired, add labels or decorative elements to the jar to give it a personalized touch. Now, light your homemade Santal 26 candle and enjoy!
FAQs
What is the difference between Le Labo Santal 26 and 33?
Believe it or not, Santal 26 came first! This smoky sandalwood home fragrance actually inspired the now-iconic Santal 33 perfume.
Both fragrances share a warm sandalwood base, but Santal 33 is a bit more complex. With a few additional notes, like cardamom, iris and violet, it’s slightly more intricate and floral. Santal 26, on the other hand, leans a touch sweeter and simpler.
In my opinion, they smell almost identical. If you're already a Santal 33 fan, you won’t regret blind-buying Santal 26 for your home.
Read More: The 15 Best Everyday Perfumes You Won't Get Tired Of
What are the Santal 26 notes?
Santal 26 is described as having notes of amber, cocoa, vanilla, cedar, spices, musk and sandalwood. These notes create the signature smoky, leathery scent that we all know and love.
What is the best Le Labo scent?
This is a totally subjective question! Le Labo is known for its unique and characterful fragrances, so the "best" one really depends on your personal taste. If you love smoky and woody scents, the cult-favorite Santal 33 is a must-try. But, Le Labo has a whole range of other fragrances to explore, from fresh and citrusy to warm and spicy.
One fragrance not to miss is AN0THER 13. This collaboration between Le Labo and AnOther Magazine is musky, leathery, and slightly sweet; a great alternative to Santal 33 if you prefer something less common. It’s warm, sophisticated, and a standout choice for everyday wear.
If you’re in the market for something bright and citrusy, Thé Noir 29 might be your perfect match. It blends fresh bergamot and fig with earthy cedarwood and smoky black tea leaves to create a sophisticated and energizing aroma; another wearable fragrance for everyday.
Rose 31 is my personal favorite from the NYC-based perfumery brand. It takes the classic rose and gives it a modern twist with earthy and spicy notes like cumin and cedar. The result is a unique and unisex rose scent that's both romantic and even slightly masculine.
Ultimately, the best way to find your perfect Le Labo scent is to head to their store (or a retailer that carries them) and do some sniffing!
So there you have it! With this list of Santal 26 candle dupes, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect scent to elevate your home fragrance game. For the ultimate DIY enthusiast, you now have a fun activity, crafting your own version of this iconic scent. Now light that wick, and enjoy this luxe aroma (without sacrificing your financial sanity).
Which Santal 26 dupe from this list are you most curious to try? Do you have a favorite dupe that wasn't mentioned? Let me know in the comments below.
