Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I’ve always loved candles—the soft flicker, the warm glow and the comforting way a signature scent can make a home feel instantly put together genuinely sparks joy. But recently, I’ve discovered a new obsession, incense. I always used to disregard it, with memories of an overpowering, cloying aroma that used to define a yoga class I regularly attended. These days, however, much like incense perfumes, home incense is fresh, modern, and incredibly versatile. From light, airy florals to crisp, green notes that feel like spring in a jar, there’s something for every mood and moment.
What I love most is how effortlessly incense can refresh a space. While a luxury candle slowly fills a room, incense gives an almost instant lift—a quick, fragrant reset for when your home needs a clean, revitalised energy post-clean or pre-visitors. It’s also a little ritual in itself: lighting a stick or a cone, watching the smoke curl into the air, and feeling the space subtly transform around you. Unlike candles, which often demand a long burn to fully release their scent in a few hours, incense can make a noticeable difference in minutes, whether I’m winding down after work, setting up a cosy evening, or just wanting my home to smell clean-smelling and inviting.
What Is Incense?
Traditionally, incense is made from aromatic plant materials, essential oils, resins and wood powders that release fragrant smoke when burned. The resulting aroma can be calming, energising, or simply a way to quickly make your home smell instantly clean and cosy. Cultures across the world have used incense for centuries, but it’s found a place in modern wellness, home décor, and self-care routines.
When it comes to form, the two most common types of incense are sticks and cones. Sticks are long, thin and usually bound around a bamboo core. They burn slowly, usually for 20 45 minutes, and offer a consistent, gentle aroma that can fill an entire room. They’re ideal for meditation, winding down in the evening, or layering scents over time. Cones, on the other hand, are small, pyramid-shaped incense that burn much faster—usually 10 20 minutes—and tend to release a slightly more intense scent in a concentrated area. Because of their size and shape, cones are perfect for when you need a short burst of fragrance without committing to a long burn.
How Do You Use Incense?
First, choose a safe, heat-resistant surface or an incense holder designed for your sticks or cones—this prevents ash from falling onto furniture and allows the incense to burn evenly. Light the tip of a stick or cone until it glows and a small flame appears, then gently blow it out. You’ll see a thin wisp of smoke rising.
Sticks work best in larger rooms or open spaces where their scent can drift slowly, while cones are ideal for small corners, bathrooms, or desktops where you want an immediate fragrance boost. Don’t leave burning incense unattended, and ensure the room is ventilated enough to avoid overpowering the space. You can layer scents by burning different sticks or cones together, or keep it simple with one fragrance at a time.
The Best Incense, Tried Tested
- Best Overall: Aesop Marasaki Aromatique Incense
- Best Luxury Incense: Astier de Villatte Opera Incense Sticks
- Best Affordable Incense: MUJI Hinoki Incense
- Best Incense Selection: Pigmentarium Bon Voyage Incense Discovery Set
- Best Long-Lasting Incense: Perfumer H Wood Land Incense Stick Set
1. Aesop Marasaki Aromatique Incense
For me, this scent epitomises the quiet luxury version of a Sunday reset. It’s a warm blend of hinoki, clove, and cinnamon that feels grounding without being too cloying and makes your space feel instantly calmer.
Pros
- Elegant scent
- Premium packaging
Cons
- May be too subtle for some
2. Astier de Villatte Opera Incense Sticks
Opera smells like varnished wood, antique velvet seats and the warm glow of an old theatre—rich, cosy, slightly nostalgic. Astier de Villatte is known for its artisanal, Parisian approach, and it shows: these sticks are pure luxury (I only burn them on special occasions). They’re definitely a splurge, but they make your home smell like a luxury hotel in the best possible way.
Pros
- Luxury packaging
- Wide range of scents available
Cons
- Expensive price point
3. MUJI Hinoki Incense
These incense sticks burn a delicate smoke that smells like Japanese cypress—crisp, woody and spa-like—instantly creating a sense of stillness and peace. If you like your scents subtle, grounded and not too perfumey, these are perfect. They're also light on your wallet, so you don't have to think twice about burning them.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Clean scent
Cons
- May be too subtle for some
- Not overly long-lasting
4. Pigmentarium Bon Voyage Discovery Set
Think of Pigmentarium’s discovery set as a selection box of incense sticks. There's a real variety of scents— some floral, some woody, some resinous—and they’re all bold, perfumey and beautifully crafted. It’s the ideal choice if you’re picky about scent or simply want to experiment without committing to a full box.
Pros
- Contains a mixed variety of scents
Cons
- Expensive price point
5. Perfumer H Wood Land Incense Stick Set
Wood Land is the incense for people who love a lingering scent. It'll leave your home scented like a cool, resinous forest with hints of cypress, eucalyptus and creamy woods. It’s an earthy but elegant scent, smoky, clean, and genuinely meditative.
Pros
- Long burn
- Lasting scent
Cons
- On the expensive side
6. Rituals Royal Tea Incense Cones
If you like your scents fresh and uplifting, try Rituals’ Royal Tea cones. They smell like green tea with a hint of citrus and fig—crisp, calming and perfect when you want a quick burst of fragrance rather than a long, smoky burn. Each cone lasts about 15 minutes, which makes them ideal for morning routines or post-cleaning resets.
Pros
- Fast burn
- Fresh fragrance
Cons
- Short burn
- Not quite as powerful as sticks
7. Earl of East Japanese Incense Sticks
Earl of East’s incenses are bold, transportive, and available in a range of scents, both modern and traditional. They lean heavily into forest, mineral and spa-inspired notes, and they fill a room fast. They’re beautifully packaged too, making them my go-to for gifting.
Pros
- Strong throw
- Wide range of scents
Cons
- None
8. Vyrao Verdant Incense Sticks
Verdant is one of the freshest incense scents out there—a blend of leafy greens and soft florals with a bright, breezy lift. Vyrao labels this scent as 'energetically cleansing', and I agree, it definitely smells clean, modern, and mood-brightening. The sticks burn quite cleanly and with minimal smoke, so the scent stays airy instead of heavy.
Pros
- Bright, uplifting scent
- Minimal smoke
Cons
- Often sold out
9. P.F. Candle Co. Smoked Cherry Hi-Fi Incense Sticks
Smoked Cherry Hi-Fi is a bold mix of juicy cherry, warm woods and a hint of smokiness that keeps it from going overly sweet. It’s cosy, nostalgic, and definitely a modern take on incense. Fans of P.F. Candle Co.’s candles will appreciate that the incense has the same powerful throw.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Strong throw
Cons
- Sweeter than traditional incense
10. Evermore London Smoke Incense
This is smoky incense done right—and perfect for winter. A blend of birch tar, cedar, cardamom and dark patchouli creates a smouldering, fireside vibe that’s cosy without being overpowering. If you love smoky candles or want something atmospheric for evenings, choose this.
Pros
- Clean burn
- Strong scent
Cons
- May be too intense for some
11. Esteban Néroli Bamboo Incense Sticks
Esteban’s Neroli incense leans citrusy at first but dries down into a soft, sunlit floral that feels fresh rather than powdery. It’s one of those scents you can burn during the day without it taking over the room. Affordable but still luxurious, it’s a solid pick if you want something light and floral.
Pros
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Light throw
12. L'Objet Mojave Palm Incense Sticks
Mojave Palm is luxurious and summery. Think: warm, dry woods with a soft sweetness underneath. It has that high-end polish L’Objet is known for, plus packaging that’s absolutely display-worthy. The burn is smooth, the scent is distinctive, and it fills a room with a golden, sun-soaked warmth.
Pros
- Luxury packaging
Cons
- Expensive price point
How We Tested
We burned dozens of incense sticks and cones, paying attention to scent throw, burn quality, smoke level, and how long each fragrance lingered. We also compared ingredient lists, price and packaging, and cross-checked our notes with verified customer reviews. The result: a shortlist of the best incense for every mood and budget.
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.