This introduction might be a bit personal, but this morning, a question arose among the magazine team—a question about scented candles: What does and doesn’t fall under the category of “beauty”? I’m speaking strictly about beauty as an industry gear, not as an abstract or intangible concept of what makes us beautiful.

Is “beauty” only what we put on or into our bodies? Creams and serums, sunscreens and perfumes, surgical enhancements and Botox parties… In short, the answer should be “no.” Beauty extends beyond what we wear. It’s also about what surrounds us.

Wearing mascara, foundation, and bronzer is great, but building the ideal environment for our self-care routines is just as essential. What do I mean by this? Scents, textures, and ambiance should be part of the ritual that shapes what we want others to perceive about us. Lighting a comforting scented candle while you shower is a good start; using a diffuser to prepare your home for 30 minutes of daily reading or your favorite series; even burning incense to transport yourself to another space while you’re at home getting ready—all of this plays a crucial role in creating an altar to a form of beauty we often overlook. This kind of beauty builds a bridge between the physical and the mental.

In this sense, there are a variety of brands you can turn to for crafting your “external beauty” world, from popular names to niche options. For example, Loewe’s Home Scents line offers both candles and room sprays tailored to every space. Similarly, Diptyque provides plenty of choices: from their candle of the month—Pomander for December—to their bath and décor items, there’s something for everyone. Even Glossier has a couple of candles and decorative items that can elevate your experience further. Meanwhile, Jo Malone offers an attractive array of diffusers and other products in this category.

So, now you know: start building an entire beauty environment. Focus on your body and what surrounds it.