Candle Care 101

Purchasing Candles Online

Buying candles online is a great way to find a wide variety and the right candle for every occasion. But it’s also not quite as simple as purchasing different kinds of candles directly in the store. In addition to different candle scents, you have to choose from the various types of candle wax and other candle characteristics, all of which can be hard to gauge online. That’s why we put together this candle guide to help you choose the right candle for your home! Read on to learn about types of scents for candles, candle shapes, what makes a candle luxurious, and more!


Different Types of Candle Wax

The first thing to address when choosing a candle is the best type of candle wax for your needs. Not all candle waxes are created equally, and some will be better suited to your space than others. You’ll also find expensive candles vs. cheap candles based on the type of wax used, so it’s important to know the difference. The best kinds of candle waxes are beeswax, soy, and paraffin.

Beeswax

Beeswax candles are all-natural and derived from honeycombs. They have a noticeable honey scent, which many people love, but this also means it doesn’t mix as well with other scents. Beeswax candles tend to be drip-free and slow-burning. Another characteristic of this type of candle is that it gives off less smoke than other waxes.

Soy

Soy wax is naturally derived from soybeans, and many people love it because it is an eco-friendly choice. Most candles that have a strong scent are made of soy, as it tends to hold the scent better than other types of wax. Soy wax also tends to burn more slowly than different types of candles, so it is a very long-lasting option.

Paraffin

Paraffin has been around the longest and is one of the most widely-used candle wax in the industry. And for good reason! Paraffin wax is non-toxic, non-reactive, clean-burning, and colorless. It’s the perfect canvas to create a custom fragrance. Additionally, that custom fragrance is going to last longer with a paraffin wax candle because the scent throw (how well the scent from a candle circulates throughout a space) is stronger in paraffin.

 

Depending on the types of candle fragrances and the kind of burning experience you’re looking for, any of these waxes will make a great choice for buying candles online. At Antica Farmacista, our luxury candles are filled with our soy-paraffin wax blend, which results in 60 hours of beautiful fragrance.


Candle Types and Sizes

You can find all different shapes and sizes of candles, each one meant for a different occasion or a different look. In this candle buying guide, let’s take a look at some of the most common candle shapes.

Votives
These are shorter candles that are usually between 2- and 3-inches tall and between 1- and 2-inches wide.

Pillars
These are thick candles that are often at least 2- or 3-inches wide. They tend to be round in shape, but you can also find some that are square or rectangular.

Tapers
These are the most common type of candles used in candlesticks on formal dining tables. They get their name from their tapered shape, which is thinner at the top than the bottom. These are generally ½-inch to 1-inch wide and anywhere from 6- to 18-inches tall.

Tea Lights
Tea lights are the shortest candles, usually shaped like almost-flat discs. They often go in chafing dishes or other specialty holders.

Container
Container candles are candles where the wax is poured directly into a glass or jar and works as a self-contained item. Shop our Container Candles!

Novelty
Novelty candles are candles in any other shape besides the ones mentioned here. They can be as simple as small cubes or intricate wax carvings or sculptures!


Finding the Right Candle Scents

Finding the perfect candle fragrance when you can’t smell before you buy can seem like a daunting task. Especially when you consider the wide variety of different aromas to choose from, like floral, woodsy, citrus, fresh, fruity, sweet, savory, and more. However, that doesn’t make it impossible to choose the right candle for your home. Here are some tips:

Understand Fragrance Categories

Fragrance categories, or descriptions, are common groupings of scents that candle makers use when mixing, matching, and classifying scents. The four most common fragrance categories are:

Floral
These scents really speak for themselves; think peonies, roses, tropical flowers, and more.

Oriental
These scents are exotic, rich, and warm; think amber, vanilla, spice, and more.

Fresh
These are your clean and bright scents; think citrus, herbs, fruits, and more.

Woody
Muted, earthy tones make up this category; think cedar, vetiver, fig, and more.

Read the Product Description

As simple as it sounds, reading the product description can be a great way in understanding the main fragrance category and any other scents. Oftentimes, candle makers will suggest which room, occasion, or use case is right for that candle.

Read the Reviews

When you can’t smell the candle yourself, look to others for their opinions! Look for comments that might meet your needs. For example, if you are looking for a light and bright fragrance, but a review says, “heavy fragrance, overwhelming in small rooms,” then you may avoid purchasing that candle. Looking for a place to start? Check out reviews for our highest-rated candles: Prosecco, Cask, and Ironwood.

Pick a Room for Your Candle

When you are purchasing a candle, it’s important to consider where you will burn the candle and how much space the fragrance has to disperse. A smaller room may require a lighter fragrance where a larger room may benefit from a bolder scent. Consider the room’s decor, aesthetic, and mood when deciding on a candle fragrance. Are you buying a candle for your beach house? Consider something bright or floral. Are you buying a candle for your grand seating area? Consider a rich scent that warms the space. Are you buying a candle for your kitchen? Consider a citrus fragrance.


Wick Type

The last thing to consider when buying candles online is the material of the wick. This makes a big difference in how well the candle burns as well as how to best care for the candle. Cotton wicks tend to burn most evenly and more slowly than wire-woven wicks. Cotton wicks are also convenient because they don’t smoke and they don’t require any trimming. Wire wicks are a little more high maintenance, but some people like them because they have an old-fashioned feel. All Antica Farmacista candles use 100% cotton wicks for the most even burn and lowest maintenance. Candles are important elements in the home, and finding the ones you love is a great way to make your house feel happy and luxurious. If you’re nervous about buying candles online, don’t despair! Just use our guide, and don’t be afraid of trying something new!


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