Increase Your Candle IQ

If you’ve seen one candle, you’ve seen them all, right? -Wrong. Though the basic concept (wax and wick) is pretty much linear throughout the product category, there are huge differences among candles. Read below to increase your candle IQ. You’ll never look at that candle aisle the same again.

Differences in candles include:

- Base composition – Saying that a candle is made from wax is an obvious statement. As long as a material has waxlike properties, it is assigned the general term 'wax' or 'wax-like.' In the beginning, candles were made of tarrow, the rendered fat of animals. Needless to say, these “scented” candles did not increase the quality of a room’s aroma! Tallow candles can still be found, but most candles today are made from paraffin. It is also possible to find candles made of a semi-solid wax, and hydrogenated vegetable oils, the new cult favorite. Candles made of these oils are considered to be soy candles, and they last longer than traditional candles and offer a cleaner burn.

- Wick – Think length here. It is always advisable that you trim the wick of your candle if it seems too long. A long wick presents a fire hazard.

- Size – This is an obvious differentiation. Find candles in nearly any size or shape. Due to the ability of wax to be easily manipulated, candles are molded into a variety of different shapes. Jar candles are a good bet for scented candles that will be burned often, and votives may be placed inside different structures to emit a pleasing glow.

- Aroma – The candle has become an aromatherapy staple. Infused with essential oils, the candle slowly releases these into the air, invoking states of calm or energy. They also can inspire an appetite. Look through your local candle store, and you are just as likely to see candles scented like sugar cookies or chocolate cake than you are to find classic aromatherapy blends like vanilla lavender.

With so many candles to choose from, the inevitable question asked is: Which one is better? The answer is not much help: It depends. Think of your own preferences while you are candle shopping. If your main focus is to fill a room with a scent, you will want a scented candle. Those who light candles mainly for ambience and who do so often will be best served by a long lasting soy candle.

Article Source: Increase Your Candle IQ

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