If you don't need a romantic dinner or a special moment to light a candle, we might be on the very same page. I wish you were my friend. I believe, and I am sure you will agree with me, that candlelight is something that soothes your senses, especially if it is paired with a magical scent that fills your entire home. And when I'm saying scent, I don't refer to artificial chemicals that smell like burned sugar or cheap perfume. No, I think of natural fragrances that bring you closer to nature.
Fragrances that inspire you and transform your home into a cozy and welcoming place even when the gloomiest days hit your town. I think of fruity or spicy aromas with flower notes that are familiar, yet extraordinary. But how do you choose the right candle? Undoubtedly, many things can influence your choice, from the quality of aromatic compounds to burn time. You might be already familiar with the best candle brands, but as it usually happens, the candle industry is also continuously developing as newer and better companies arise on the horizon.
Tips to choose the right candles
Choosing candles can be a fun activity or an exhausting job. It really depends on where you shop, who you shop for, and how much you know about candle production. Luxury candle brands offer a large scale of wonderful candles. But is the name the only thing you should consider when purchasing? The truth is that there are so many factors you should be conscious about. Obviously, one key thing to consider is what you or the person you want to surprise prefers. But also: is the candle brand ethical? How does the production happen? And after all, what does that beautifully packed candle contain?
Let me help you out. As a candle maniac, I tried so many brands, both famous and small. Below, I will walk you through each and every main aspect I think people should consider when choosing candles. From sourcing the compounds to production, packaging, and shipping, there are so many things to talk about. And I promise that I will share my insights in a way that will help you to choose the right candle and be 100% content in your decision. So come, let us dive deep.
1. Candle Brands
Now, I don't necessarily want to point out the best candle brands. I can give you some inspiration on where to look, but my main goal is to share with you what I believe makes a brand one of the best brands to shop from. For instance, always try to look behind production and see how ethical and sustainable it is. Eco-friendly production is not a matter of compromise anymore. Try to find out where the brands source the materials from and how the candles are made. Candles made in China are more likely less reliable, while countries like Italy or the UK are famous for their ethical and eco-friendly candle production.
Never forget that the name is not everything. After all, it is questionable how sustainable can mass production be. Look for small, artisanal sellers. Many times these pay extra attention to creating high-quality candles from fewer ingredients, prioritizing natural fragrances and compounds. For instance, the British Atkinsons, the Italian Mirvana, and the French Diptique brands are worth your attention.
2. Packaging materials
When choosing candles another thing to consider is the packaging materials. This is a dealbreaker when it comes to eco-friendliness and sustainability. First of all, try to buy candles in reusable jars that you can give a second purpose once it is empty. Be creative, and find new ways to reuse the jars. Reuse them as organizers for your makeup brushes, include them in your coffee table decoration, etc. Or you can stick to so-called naked candles that don't come in a jar. This way there's nothing left once you used up the candle.
I hope it is needless to say, but please, please, stay away from any candles that come in a plastic jar. Even if it is recycled or you think you could find a way to reuse it. It won't last. Over time the paint will come off and you will be left with a cheap plastic jar that you will need to throw away. You can also inform yourself about the packaging the brand ships its candles. Prioritize brands that wrap their products in eco-friendly packaging and use sustainable ways to ship your order.
3. Ingredients
Now, one thing is not up for debate. We cannot talk about the best candle brands without looking at the candle ingredients. One of the key takeaways is to look for nontoxic candles that contain natural ingredients. For a start, there are significant differences between waxes. For instance, soy wax and beeswax are among the top nontoxic choices, but also coconut wax is a commonly used nontoxic wax alternative.
Look for brands that use essential oils and natural fragrances. These are not only cleaner and healthier, but purify the air and offer a pleasant aroma therapy experience. Avoid synthetic chemicals as these can lead to health issues such as headaches, nasal congestion, or allergies. On the other hand, natural waxes have health and environmental benefits, and these are things that you should not compromise on.
4. Candle Burn Time
Another thing to consider when choosing a candle is the burn time. Burn time is typically measured in grams per hour and it shows the time it takes the candle to be consumed. Needless to say, if you want to make a sustainable and eco-friendly purchase, you should look for longer burning times. In this, the wax and the candle wick play a significant role. Both the wick size and material influence the burning time.
While smaller candles with wicks burn slower, large candles with longer wicks tend to have a faster burning time. The hardness and quality of the wax are also key factors. Additives, components in the wax, and fragrances used in the candle can also determine the burning time. That's another reason why you should always go for high-quality as natural as possible candles you can find on the market. And don't forget, not only luxury candle brands can offer the quality you are looking for.
5. Scents
One of the most important aspects that can distinguish candle brands from each other is the candle scents. While there are popular scents that are commonly used in candles, each production gives a distinctive and special result. Some of the top fragrance notes are fruity, spicy, flowery, woody, and leather. These are all wonderful, but what you should look at is the source of these fragrances.
Are they natural, made from real ingredients or do they fill your home with toxic chemicals? An enjoyable, sweet scent is not everything, don't let cheap candle brands fool you. Even luxury candle brands can sell candles that contain toxic additives. Buy pure, nontoxic candles that are not only inspired by nature but also sustainably use the treasure of nature to create their perfumes and fragrances. And before I forget, always make sure to support brands that are ethical and don't test on animals.
Wrapping up the tips to choose the right candle
So, here we are, wrapping up the list of tips I can first think of when it comes to choosing the right candle. I truly hope I can offer you useful insight and help you navigate the magical world of candle brands. The main takeaway that I want you to always keep in mind is to do some research before buying a candle. There's an endless list of brands selling candles, even fast fashion brands do it.
It is not easy to find the right candle, especially if you take into consideration things like environmental aspects or health benefits. Luckily, there are reliable, fantastic brands that communicate clearly about their production, testing, and ingredients. Choose these and let their beautiful, high-quality, ethically-made candles mesmerize you. Now, I will light a candle and I encourage you to do the same. And in case you need more inspiration, dive deeper into our blog section and find more tips and recommendations on candle brands and remarkable fragrances.