Natural Wax Scented Candles

There is no doubt that scented candles continue to be very popular when trying to find that perfect gift for yourself or for that special person. But with so many different products available to choose from how, do you know where to start and how do you know which scented candle brand is the right one for you?

The market for these products has grown incredibly quickly over the past ten years with so many variations now available: beeswax scented candles, natural wax scented candles or paraffin scented candles to mention but a few. Perhaps the information below will aid you in the selection of your perfect scented candle.

Whilst the demand for paraffin-based scented candles continues to be very strong, over the last two decades society has been alerted to the "toxic air agents" that they omit when burned. Paraffin scented candles can contain additives and chemicals, that are a by product of petroleum and there can be up to a dozen carcinogenic compounds found in a paraffin scented candle. Another downside of the paraffin scented candle is that they produce soot; this soot contains some of the compounds given off by burning diesel fuel. This can be an irritant and harmful when inhaled. Taking all of this into consideration, paraffin wax scented candles are still the most in-expensive scented candles on the market and therefore for many people still provide the perfect solution.

If the comments above concern you then beeswax scented candles offer a fantastic alternative to paraffin-based scented candles. Beeswax scented candles have health benefits as they are non-toxic, hypoallergenic and release negative ions into the air. These ions cleanse the air leaving it feeling fresh and highly scented which has proved incredibly popular with asthma sufferers and anyone with respiratory problems.

Consumers who use beeswax scented candles also love the fact that the scented candle omits a warm, natural colour and optimum clear flame which generates a good source of light. Obviously the major benefit of a beeswax scented candle is the fact that they last much longer than paraffin based scented candles as they burn slower: the negative side however is that of supply and demand; the bees cannot produce it fast enough! This unfortunately has resulted in the price of beeswax scented candles costing significantly more than paraffin candles; in fact in some cases 10 times more!

As a result of the increased demand for natural scented candles entrepreneur Michael Richards realised there was a need for a cheaper natural alternative to beeswax scented candles. In 1992 he invented soy wax which is a blend of hydrogenated soy bean oil, coconut oil and palm oil. One of the main advantages of scented candles made from soy wax aside from the cost is that they are manufactured from a renewable source. Soy wax candles tend to be a little cheaper than beeswax candles but in turn don't burn for as long.

As a result of consumers being more environmentally aware and wishing to purchase greener products we have seen the sales of natural wax scented candles dramatically increase as an alternative to paraffin wax scented candles.

However, probably the most important consideration once you have decided whether to choose paraffin, beeswax or soy is the "burn time". There is a significant probability that a candle which retails at four times the price of another will burn for at least four times as long. When shopping for that perfect gift always ensure you know how long that special candle will keep your room smelling beautiful.


Scented Candles • Scented Soaps • Scented Products

Making Scented Candles

Candle making has long been a popular hobby, but each generation seems to put its own twist on the process and final product. Today candle making is a fun hobby or craft. For some, it is a very profitable business venture. Candle making provides you with the ability to create wonderful designs and crafts out of your candles. There is no limit to the shapes, sizes, and colors you can make your candles in.

A candle is a device to provide light or fragrance. Candles have become very popular for the wonderful aromas more than for their ability to produce light. Some candles give off a popular smell such as vanilla or jasmine. Others smell like a chocolate cake or cinnamon rolls.

For candle making to be fun instead of frustrating, start with making simple candles. This is a great opportunity for you to discover what works well with your set up and gives you the chance to make necessary changes. Initially, work at implementing good safety habits and melting your wax at the proper temperatures. You will also want to experiment with your cooling process. Once you have these areas down, you will start to relax and the process will become more natural to you. This is the right time to start experimenting with dyes, scents, and shapes for your candles.

The candle making process is easy to follow if you take your time and learn from your mistakes. Those who are impatient and take multitasking to an extreme will most likely not enjoy the art of candle making. However, it is very enjoyable by those who have plenty of time to take with the process and who enjoy creating things. Candle making supplies aren’t expensive so use the best you can. This will also help ensure your candles form well and burn properly.

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Popular Candle Scents

Do you make your own candles or buy them? Do you collect them and keep them or give away as gifts? Do you frequent thrift shops looking for special jars and glasses for your hand made candles, or candle stands for your growing collection? Do you burn a scented candle every night because it smells good, looks good, and is comforting?

If so, then you probably know a lot about scented candles. It seems like they have been increasing in popularity, and I have noticed there are candle scent trends and fads, haven't you?

For a long time there were some standard candle scents being sold everywhere. Remember those days when all you could buy was strawberry, rose, pine, or mint? There has been a virtual candle scent explosion and I defy anyone to come up with a scent that is not already being used in a commercially available candle.

Popular today are dessert scents in candles. In this line you will find cheesecake scented candles, cookie scented candles, chocolate scented candles, mint chocolate scented candles, white chocolate scented candles, lemon mirangue pie scented candles, chocolate chip cookie scented candles, and the list goes on and on.

Of special interest are the multi-layer jar scented candles. My personal favorite is called 'Death by Chocolate' and has three scented layers! The top layer is chocolate kiss, the middle layer is hot cocoa, and the bottom layer is hot fudge icing. It's like getting three candles in one!

Another popular line of candle scents these days is based on our favorite coffee drinks. Besides plain coffee scented candles, you can buy or make candles which emit the familiar scents of your favorite boutique cafe blend. Love your custom cappuccino the barista at your coffee hang out has created for you? I'll just bet if you search online you will be able to buy a candle to match it.