We are spoiled for choice when it comes to buying candles. There are so many wonderful brands and varieties on the market that, when it comes to selecting the candle that is perfect for you, it can be quite overwhelming! The last thing we want for you is to feel anxious about shopping for candles.

After-all, aren’t candles supposed to help alleviate the tensions in your day and calm and relax you? Our candle connoisseurs have compiled this easy-to-follow guide to help you navigate your way to buying the perfect candle for your needs and wants.

A Guide to Buying Candles

Are All Waxes Equal?

When it comes to candles, the most commonly used type of wax on the market is Paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is a colourless, soft, solid wax. It’s made from saturated hydrocarbons. It is cost effective and can be used for a variety of styles of candles such as tea-lights, pillars and containers. Furthermore, Paraffin wax is often referred to as being able to ‘hold’ the most fragrance and has terrific glass adhesion which is part of the consideration when it comes to selecting the vessel your candle is homed in.

Soy wax is made from the oils of harvested soybeans and is a completely renewable, 100% all-natural product. Soy wax candles will burn cleaner and produce less soot.

Very interestingly, candles made of natural Beeswax are said to help neutralise pollutants and in-turn eliminate mould, dust and odours. Beeswax candles also have the highest melting point of candle waxes. Due to this, Beeswax candles throw out the brightest, most warm-toned flame of all candle waxes.

All the above waxes make for excellent candles so, it really comes down to personal choice regarding which wax is best for you and your needs.

What Wick Should I Choose?

Candle wicks can be polarising, most probably you’re either on team Cotton or Wood.

Cotton wicks are strands of cotton that are braided together and dipped in wax to hold their shape. Wooden wicks are crafted using thin veneers of wood. Both types of candle wicks have their pros and cons. However, it’s important to note that regardless of the type of candle wick, if there is too much wax the flame will flare, soot, and smoke.

Oppositely, if there is too little flame, your candle wick will find it difficult to burn and will splutter and most probably burn out. Wood wicks can help create more ambience as they produce a crackling sound when burning. However, they tend to blow out more easily in draught or wind conditions.

A cotton wick will be a better choice if you’re using your candle outdoors. However, be aware they will burn faster.

Overall, cotton wicks tend to be slightly easier to maintain than wood wicks. Regardless of your choice, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s care label as this will help preserve the life of your candle and make it burn as best it can.

Fragrance or Fragrance Free?

An unscented candle is the perfect opportunity to create that lovely ambience without being overwhelmed or distracted by fragrance.

The warm light and flicker of a candle can be quite meditative and is the perfect addition to a space that you are trying to create a welcoming mood. Furthermore, fragrance is such a personal choice and by using a fragrance-free candle – you’re not polarising anyone you welcome to your space.

A fragrant candle can create an instant impression and transport you to another place and time. They can be an escapism, a multi-sensory experience that can really elevate one’s mood. A fragrant candle is a wonderful enhancement to a space and can help complement or intensify other smells that may be circulating.

Fragrance can also be incredibly sentimental. As such, by burning a fragrant candle that has a scent that is significant to you, you can recreate wonderful memories and trigger emotions.

In our opinion, both fragrance and fragrance-free candles have their roles and are wonderful additions to your space and can help create that desired harmonious sanctuary.

Is Burn Time Important?

Perhaps other than fragrance, the burn time of a candle is probably the number one question we find customers asking. The majority of candles on the market will be accompanied with a label (if not we suggest you ask the maker first) that indicates its burn time. This will give you a great indication as to the longevity of your candle. However, how you care for your candle will really impact the burn time of your candle. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and your candle will continue to perform time and time again for you.

We hope this guide of what to look for when buying your candle will help make you feel confident with your next purchase.