It’s that cozy time of year again. Wait, is it ever not a cozy time of year?
I’m back from vacation and I’m ready to enjoy the falling leaves and the cooler weather. But what about shopping for candles? If you’re like me, you’re on the hunt for the perfect candle.
Which leads me to my question: have you ever bought a beautiful, smelling candle, only to be disappointed when you get it home? Maybe the scent was off-putting, or artificial, or it burned strangely, leaving a huge tunnel in the middle. Or perhaps there was no smell at all.
We know the feeling.
The market is flooded with mass-produced candles that promise a lot but deliver very little. As pointed out above, if you’re anything like me, you can find something special, something that adds a sense of warmth and authenticity to your home, but how do you know what you’re getting?
Here are five key things to look for that will help you spot a truly special, artisan-made natural soy candle.
1. The wax: from petals to PETROLEUM
You read that right, petroleum.
One of the biggest secrets in the candle world is the wax. Most mass-produced candles are made with paraffin wax, a cheap byproduct of petroleum. While it’s good for creating a strong scent throw, it burns faster and can release soot and chemical byproducts into the air.
Artisan candles are typically made from natural waxes like soy or beeswax. Soy Wax, for instance, is made from hydrogenated soybeans. It burns cleaner, lasts (significantly longer, 30-50% longer than paraffin!), and it’s a renewable resource. One of the many reasons why I use it in all my Rustic boutique Candles. But if you are buying from the store, a quick peek at the product description should tell you what you’re buying.
2. The Wick: The Hidden Core
Have you ever wondered why a wick sometimes seems to stand perfectly stiff even as the wax melts? In the past, many mass-produced candles used lead-cord wicks to maintain their shape. While these have been banned in many countries, some still use wicks with metal cores that are stiffened with other metals. A good indicator is a thin wire you can see in the wick.
Hand-poured, artisanal candles use wicks made from 100% natural fibers like cotton, hemp, or wood. These wicks might be a little less rigid, but they provide a cleaner, steadier burn and are safer for your home.
3. The Scent: A Natural Bouquet vs. A Chemical Bomb
A strong, one-dimensional scent that hits you the moment you walk into a store is a tell-tale sign of a mass-produced candle. While some can be safe, they lack the complexity and subtlety of natural oils.
Artisanal natural soy candles, like the ones you’ll find in our shop, are often scented with high-quality, phthalate-free fragrance oils or pure essential oils. These scents tend to be more nuanced and layered. For example, a lavender-scented candle might also carry a subtle hint of chamomile or rose, creating a gentle and more authentic experience that feels like it came from a real garden.
4. The Price Tag: A Reflection of Quality
A surprisingly low price for a large candle is a clear red flag. Mass-produced candles are able to cut costs by using inexpensive paraffin wax, synthetic fragrances, and automated machinery to produce millions of candles.
Small, hand-poured batches might have a slightly higher price. This reflects the cost of high-quality natural ingredients and the time, care, and attention that go into every single pour. The price tag is an investment in a cleaner-burning, longer-lasting, and more authentic product.
5. The Story: A Personal Touch
Behind every truly special candle is a story. It’s not just a product on a shelf; it’s a creation with a purpose. A quick search for a brand’s “About Us” page will tell you everything you need to know. Mass-produced candles have no story. They come from a factory.
Artisanal natural soy candles are made by a person with a passion. You can feel the love and intention that goes into creating each one. When you buy from a small business, you’re not just getting a candle; you’re getting a piece of someone’s vision.
Next time you’re searching for that perfect candle to light your cozy night in, remember these five tips. A truly special candle is out there, waiting to be found.
Ready to find your next special scent? Explore our hand-poured candle collection, crafted with all-natural soy wax and a whole lot of love.
Until Next time
Christina
