Don’t burn your money on luxury candles—try these $13 Kmart candles instead

There's something undeniably soothing about lighting a candle—the way the flame dances and the fragrance slowly fills a room.

For many Australians, candles have become a small daily ritual of comfort and self-care.

But what if you could enjoy that luxury without the hefty price tag?

Since 2006, Glasshouse Fragrances has been the benchmark for premium candles in Australia.

Founder Nicole Eckels moved from New York to Sydney and was inspired by the exotic scents of the Australian bush, creating her first candles in her home kitchen.

The brand became renowned for its soy wax candles, perfumed by an in-house team of expert perfumers, with triple-scented formulas that justified their premium price points.

Yet, for many, the reality is simple: candles costing upwards of $50 often feel like a treat rather than a regular indulgence.

Enter Kmart's new candle range, shaking up the market entirely.

Australian shoppers are buzzing about the collection, with candles priced at just $13 each.

Social media user Jazzi Jorja captured the excitement perfectly while unboxing the Vanilla Cherry Cake candle: 'So who was going to tell me that Kmart candles are actually popping off right now, because why does this smell through the packing?'/

Kmart’s clever presentation also plays a part in their appeal—candles come in attractive cardboard boxes themed to their scents, housed in frosted glass jars that rival more expensive brands.

Standout Scents and Customer Favourites

The Buttery Croissant scent has been the standout favourite, often compared to Glasshouse’s A Tahaa Affair fragrance.

Another social media user, Shadi Noertemann raved: 'It's so good and strong!! And burns slowly too I had it on for HOURS!!'

The current range includes four scents: Buttery Croissant (butter, pastry and vanilla), Vanilla Cherry Cake (cherry, vanilla and butter), Vanilla Jam (blueberry and vanilla), and Tropical Punch (tangerine and berry).

Two additional in-store-only scents are available at $6: La Dolce Vita (violet, musk and wood) and Amalfi Citrus (bergamot, grapefruit and vetiver).

Understanding the Value Proposition

Glasshouse candles are hand-poured in Sydney, with weighted bases, exquisite lids, and burn times up to 65 hours for 380g candles and 100 hours for 760g versions.

Can a $13 Kmart candle deliver a similar sensory experience?

Early reports suggest many users are impressed, especially with scent strength and initial impact.

The Bigger Picture on Candle Trends

Kmart’s success also reflects changing trends in Australian homes.

With cost-of-living pressures, shoppers increasingly value products that offer genuine quality rather than prestige.

Glasshouse remains popular for its luxurious feel and exceptional fragrances, but high-quality scent experiences can be found at lower price points if formulation and execution are right.

The difference between a $13 and $50 candle often comes down to marketing, packaging, and brand positioning.

For $13 versus $50+, you could buy nearly four Kmart candles for the price of one premium option.

This allows for experimenting with scents, having candles for multiple rooms, gifting without guilt, or swapping fragrances seasonally.

Familiar, comforting scents also provide psychological benefits—reducing stress and creating a sense of home—without premium pricing.

The Verdict

While Kmart candles may not match hand-crafted longevity, they prove that good fragrance doesn’t need to break the bank.

Impressive scent throw, attractive presentation, and value are what many shoppers care about—and Kmart delivers.

If you enjoyed discovering budget-friendly candles that deliver luxury-level scent, there’s another find that might pique your interest.

This time, it’s a $12 Kmart perfume that shoppers are saying rivals much more expensive options.

It’s a perfect reminder that great fragrance doesn’t always require a big spend, and you might be surprised by what you can find.

Read more: Could this $12 Kmart perfume really rival luxury scents? Shoppers say yes

Could your next favourite home fragrance be hiding on the budget shelf?