What better way to lift your moods and spirits in tough times than with a calming scented candle. Candles are sometimes scented to boost the ambiance of your space. And the best candles are those that strike a balance between mesmerizing lighting and soothing scent. With scented candles, you never run out of options. Most popular scented candles are one with floral scents (rose, lavender, crimson, etc.), or fruity fragrances (citrus, lemon, tropical fruits), sweet sugary smells (vanilla, chocolate, caramel), spicy or herbal smells (rosemary, ginger, thyme, etc.), plant fragrances (pine, juniper berry, seagrass, patchouli, fig, etc.), and musky smells as sheer musk, bergamot, etc.
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The fragrances of the scented candles stimulate the part of our brain associated with memory and mood. It relieves your stress after a tiring day and takes you back to someplace nostalgic long faded in memories. A mild violet fragrance might remind you of the warmth of lovey-dovey moments, while tangy lemon fragrance would give you tropical vibes from your last summer trip. Thus, fragrances enhance not only the coziness of your space but also lift your mood.
And they can be exchanged on special occasions. Just like their fragrance, the fragrance options never fade out if you’re thinking about buying scented candles as gifts. All you gotta do is choose their favorite scent. For example, floral or fall-scented fragrances can be a gift simply for your votive lover friend or a graduating family member. And if you’re not sure about their taste, you can choose something that goes well with the occasion, such as chocolate-scented candles for their birthday! Scented candles can turn a mundane routine at home into a self-care moment.
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Read on to find how scented candles are made and what scents are popular in scented candles.
HOW IS A SCENTED CANDLE MADE?
A scented candle has three main components: wick, wax, and essential oil. Scented candles have a wick made from either cotton or hemp because these wicks do not contain any toxic elements, such as zinc and lead. Natural candle wax like soy wax, beeswax, and coconut wax are all used to make scented candles. Unlike traditional paraffin wax, these candles burn clean, i.e., they don’t contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene.
As for essential oils, scented candles can be made using either natural or synthetic essential oils. Candles that are made with synthetic oils are labeled as “perfume” or “fragrance oil.” Natural essential oils are concentrated extracts from the flowers, leaves, stems, and bark of certain plants. They offer a range of healing opportunities to your body and mind. Since they are very potent in concentrated form, it is recommended to dilute them with carrier oil. A scented candle can improve relaxation, reduce stress, relieve muscle, and more!
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Thus, for the best results in aromatherapy, prefer organic essential oils for your natural-wax candles. Scented candles are slightly more expensive than regular paraffin candles but have the multifold advantage over the latter. They produce less soot, burn clean and slow at cold temperatures, and their major benefit; they’re environment and human-friendly.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SCENTED CANDLES
That is to say, scented candles are used, not just for their pleasant fragrances but also for their ability to affect our mood. They have gained global recognition for their health benefits. Scented candles emanate a real sense of well-being to the body, mind, and spirit. The multiple benefits of scented candles can be listed as follows;
- Fill your space with a sweet fragrance
- Increase the ambiance of your room well with its glorious light, color, and shape.
- These are 100% organic in nature.
- Unlike the other candles, neither do they fill the air with a poisonous gas nor produce soot.
- They are also used in aromatherapy or a spa for a refreshing atmosphere. Fragrances like citrus, rosemary, peppermint have been reported to boost energy, enhance concentration, or relieve stress and pain, respectively.
- Scented candles can benefit people with certain medical issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, lemongrass. Some scents can even lower systolic blood pressure.
- Some scents can help with improvement in sleep disturbances, lavender, for example.
- These candles also conjure up some good memories from your past.
- Scented candles show off your personality and likes/tastes. For example, if you’re the outdoorsy type, you would flaunt this hobby by choosing a candle with a floral or pine scent.
- Wick trimming is important to keep a steady flame.
- As a final note, scented candles shouldn’t be burned over four hours each time. This allows the flame to melt the wax evenly to the edges.
Scented Candles for Aromatherapy
Scented candles are a blend of natural and synthetic fragrances. The use of natural fragrances in baths and massages dates back to Egyptians. From boosting energy to relieving stress and enhancing mental clarity, scented candles have been used in aromatherapy for years. Their use in aromatherapy leads to a path of wellness.
Scented candles have been reported to trigger our olfactory senses and parts of the brain associated with memory. This is because scents can cross the blood-brain barrier and bring out changes in our physiological response.
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It stimulates our senses and relieves our nerves. This leads to overall improved mental health and well-being. Our moods and emotions are highly influenced by our sense of smell. A 2009 study proves that scented candles and essential oils can help reduce anxiety, fear, and mood swings.
The fragrance is the prime factor that affects the sale of the candles. The National Candle Association estimated that about 80% of the candles sold in the U.S. are scented candles. The fragrance diffuses around even when it isn’t lit.
The scented candles people use to positively affect their sense of well-being come in various natural and synthetic fragrances such as Lavender, Citrus, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Jasmine, sandalwood, and peppermint. Read on to find out which fragrances are most popular as scented candles.
Most popular candle fragrances
Coming to the popular fragrances of the scented candles, it largely depends on personal liking and taste. Some love the intensely perfumed scents, while others prefer a barely perceptible warm scent. The nature of the candle wax is also worth considering. Natural candle waxes like soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax blend well with the essential oils and give a fantastic scent throw.
Most manufacturers select from over 2000 essential oils and mix complementary scents into each layer. From the calming lavender to cleansing rosemary and sandalwood, from sweet vanilla to exciting cocoa-flavored scents, you have many options for scented candles. Some rare and expensive notes include wood-based essential oils like cedar, juniper, sandalwood, and pine. Among the grass-related scents, you have lemongrass and citronella. Spice-centered candles like cinnamon can be used in singularity or in combination to create a warm, nurturing environment.
Here I have listed some candle fragrances that appeal to all scent profiles and preferences.
Rose
If someone asks you about the popular fragrances of the scented candles, elegant floral scents would be the first to come in your mind. Sweet notes of roses are chic and classy, well-suited for any season or occasion. It’s refreshing to be relaxing in an environment full of fresh-cut rose fragrances. This floral scent is perfect for intimate dinners. Later, this scent will let you reminisce about the joyous springs of life.
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Lavender
When it comes to floral fragrances, there’s no end to the options available. Lavender is a staple among popular scents. Lavender is widely used to achieve a relaxed state of mind, just as imagery of a field of lavender feels. The soothing and relaxing smell wafting from strategically placed candles has been proven to treat anxiety and depression. It is also effective in treating headaches and insomnia.
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Lavender can be paired with lemon or vanilla for adding extra energy to it. The perfect fusion of lavender and lemon with a strong scent throw would make a lasting impression in your life. And the duo of lavender with vanilla is another relaxing fragrance with its sweet notes. So, if you’re looking for a fresh yet pleasant smell to fill your room and lift your mood, this wonderful aroma is sure to evoke peace, warmth, and serenity.
Vanilla scent
The sweet-scented vanilla is a vital ingredient in delicious desserts of all kinds. It blends gracefully with rich, slightly sweet lavender or lemon. This scent could be featured to increase the aesthetic appeal in your living room or guest room.
Chocolate Caramel Scent
This decadent fusion of chocolate and salted caramel scent is sure to have your moods up along with the cravings for goodies. The chocolaty sweet fragrances are so tempting and smell just like a day spent in the chocolate factory. With its luscious aroma, it will spark your desire to cheat on a diet plan.
Seasonal fragrances
There’s a special scent for every season. Be ready for summer with sweet and sunny fragrances of lemon, cherry, strawberry, blueberry, apple, and pineapple, often paired with another delightfully sweet vanilla scent for an exquisite finished product. And if you’re looking for a refreshing citrus scent, go for orange, lemon, and grapefruit. The fruit-forward refreshing candle scent is inspired by the natural refreshing aromas of tropical summers. These candles make a great aroma that brightens up the mood.
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Just like that, fragrances enriched with the essence of geranium, pine, juniper berry, or maple leaves fill your space with outdoor scents, the perfect fall fragrances. These scents leave a calming effect on nerves.
Apart from these, you can have an apple, cinnamon, sandalwood, and nutmeg grouped together for a cozy autumnal aroma. Cinnamon is known to lessen fatigue and exhaustion, and sandalwood soothes irritation and helps with depression.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a long list of fragrances for scented candles available in stores and online. Candle manufacturers are putting their creativity at work by blending different complementary scents ideal for your every mood and occasion. You can always use these popular energizing scents without worrying about your health and environment. I hope this has helped you identify what you’re looking for.
