4 Uplifting Scented Candles Sure To Freshen Your Home This Spring

The days are getting longer, and the weather is warmer, which can only mean one thing: Spring is almost here! This is an excellent time of year to freshen up your home by adding some new decorations and a scented candle or two.

In this blog post, we will discuss four scented candles that are sure to give your home a fresh springtime smell. You'll also learn what to look for when buying quality candles, the different types of oils used to make candles smell, and some answers to commonly asked questions about the candles we use in our homes.

Spring Candles Coming March 1st!

Our Spring line includes fragrances that are light and airy, fresh and bright. Think about blooming flowers, revitalizing citrus, and garden-fresh herbs! Here's our list of uplifting soy wax candles launching this March.

• Fresh Flowers: Dance amongst cascades of wisteria vines, fragrant lilac blooms, and splashes of fruit juice.
• Olive Oil and Bergamot: Uplifting citrus peel, invigorating bergamot, highlighted with subtle earth notes.
• Cucumber Tea Leaf: A fresh fusion of cucumber, hints of citrus, soft florals, melon, and cedarwood.
• Citrus Agave: Zesty orange and lemon peel, sweet agave enhances a luscious fruit medley, garnished with lime and peach slices.

Now that you're excited for March, let's discuss how scented candles are made and what to look for when shopping for a quality scented candle.

How Scented Candles Work?

Our candles are made of three components: a wick, wax, and fragrance. The wick is made with braided cotton or wood, and the wax is 100 percent soy wax made from domestically grown soybeans. And the oils we blend into the wax to add fragrance are of the highest grade free from toxins.

Scent is released into your home when you light the candle's wick, and the flame turns the solid wax into liquid. The melted wax allows the fragrance molecules to release into the air and fill the entire room with scents of orange blossom, tropical fruits, or another fragrance of your choosing.

Why Do We Use Different Scents To Transition Seasons?

Scents create an atmosphere that we can't see but are very much a part of our lives. When you think of fall, the smell of apple cider sometimes comes to mind, or the scent of pumpkin spice may bring back memories from last year's Thanksgiving dinner with your family. In the springtime, many people enjoy the smell of flowers like jasmine or something light like lemons.

A candle is a great way to change up the feeling in your home without having to redecorate. For example, if you have a citrus-scented candle, you can create a sense of rejuvenation. Bergamot sets the sage to be alert and productive, while lavender is the perfect fragrance to create a serene space for you to relax after a long day.

Not only do you want your candle to transform the atmosphere in your home, but you also want to know that you're burning a safe candle; and how do you know it's a good quality candle?

What to Look For In A Soy Wax Candle?

Not all candles are the same, and some are used with the cheapest ingredients possible to make the most profit. This does not equate to a safe or burn clean for you, your family, or your four-legged friends.

When you shop for hand-poured candles, look for a candle that uses 100 percent natural wax such as soy wax, coconut, or apricot wax. Next, ethical companies will talk about the type of oils they use to scent their candles. It's essential to look for oils that are phthalate and nitro musk-free.

Why Are Phthalate And Nitro Musks Harmful?

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in various household products, even personal care items such as soap, nail polishes, and shampoos. When phthalates are used in candles, the fumes from burning can be harmful. Some of the chemicals in phthalates are toxic and can cause cancer. Breathing these fumes can also cause headaches, skin problems, and dizziness.

Nitro musks are a class of synthetic aromatic chemicals used as fragrance ingredients in perfumes. Nitro musks have been produced since the 1940s and are linked with cancer, reproductive problems, and allergies. Skip a candle that has this ingredient mixed in.

How Are Fragrance Oils Made?

Fragrance oils are liquids that have been made to smell like a particular plant. These oils can be extracted from the plant itself or synthesized in laboratories. Our oils are produced in cruelty-free ways and are free of harmful toxins that we should not be burning and breathing inside our homes.

Why Is Soy Wax A Good Choice For A Scented Candle?

Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from soybeans. It is biodegradable and burns cleanly, without leaving soot or other residues. It also has a high melting point, giving candles a long burn time.

Another benefit of soy is how nicely the wax and oils bend together. This means when you light your candle, the scent will release and fill your home perfectly. These are a few reasons why we use soy and top-of-the-line oils for every jar candle we pour.

Are There Some Oils Not Safe To Burn In Candles?

Yes. You should avoid burning candles that contain the two chemicals discussed above, phthalates and nitro musks. These chemicals may be harmful to our breathing or cause other health problems when inhaled for long periods.

Some essential oils are also not safe to burn in candles, such as citrus oils like lemon and lime, because they will become acidic when burned at high temperatures. Here is a detailed list of essential oils that may be harmful to our four-legged pets: Harmful Essential Oils For Pets.

Are Essential Oils Or Fragrance Oils Better?

Both are excellent options, and the answer is based on your personal preference. There are, however, some key differences between the two types of oils.

A main key difference is that essential oils tend to be volatile and evaporate quickly, giving candles blended with this type of oil a weaker hot throw. On the other hand, fragrance oils are less volatile and have higher flashpoints, producing a long-lasting, powerful scented candle.

Which Scents Are Best For Springtime?

Now is a great time to experiment with new scents because the weather changes, and you're probably ready to switch up your fragrance. Spring differs from other seasonal candles because they tend to be light, airy, and full of life.

Springtime represents fresh flowers, open windows, and bright and sunny days. That means your home fragrance line will most likely include some florals, pops of lemon, and fresh herbs.

When choosing your soy wax candle for spring, there are a couple of things to consider, what room do you want the candle in and what type of mood you're trying to set.

For example, if you're looking for a kitchen candle, you may consider a floral candle or one with zests of orange peel. But if you want a candle for your home office, consider one that contains uplifting bergamot to help you focus, or to create a spa-like experience in your bathroom, choose a candle blended with fresh herbs.

What Are The Most Popular Spring Scented Candles?

Decision paralysis is real when we are given too many options and can become overwhelming. Below we have compiled a list for you of the most popular types of home fragrances for spring.

Jasmine - A fresh, floral scent that is both sweet and exotic.

Lavender - This scent is often associated with relaxation and calming effects. It can be used to promote a sense of peace and tranquility in your home.

Lemon - This citrus scent is perfect for injecting some freshness into your living space. It has a bright, refreshing aroma that can help wake you up and energize your day.

Bergamot - A refreshing and uplifting aroma used to help lift your spirits and help you focus.

Eucalyptus - This is an excellent choice if you're looking for a refreshing, minty scent, and it can help open up your airways and improve breathing.

Vanilla - This sweet, classic scent is perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in your home. It has a calming effect and can help you relax after a long day.

Herb - This is a great option for those who want to enjoy the fresh scents of springtime without going too floral. The herb scent can be earthy and grounding, perfect for creating a relaxed mood in your home.

Which Scented Candle is Right For Me?

With our spring line launching next month you might be wondering which candle is right for you. Below we've put together a mini guide that can help you find the perfect scent for your needs:

• If you're looking for a relaxing and calming effect, Olive Oil and Bergamot
• If you need a refreshing and energizing scent, try Citrus Agave
• If you want to create a spa-like atmosphere, Cucumber Tea Leaf
• If you're looking for a floral springtime smell, Fresh Flowers

Common FAQ About The Best Scented Candles

We wanted to take an opportunity to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about scented candles to help you enjoy your shopping experience.

Are Scented Candles Safe To Burn?

The answer to this question is not a simple one. Scented candles can be made with various ingredients, some of which are safe to burn and others that are not. The most important factors for safety are the type of wax and oils used in the candle. Do your research and make sure you are shopping from a candle company that uses ingredients that meets the criteria discussed in this post.

Can Scented Candles Cause Headaches?

Yes. There is evidence that suggests scented candles can cause headaches. This can be from the ingredients used, such as paraffin wax, a petroleum-based product that can release harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) when burned or it can be from the scent itself.

Vanilla and cinnamon are two fragrances that are known to cause headaches. Another factor to consider is the power of the fragrance itself. This alone can overwhelm your sensory system and give you a headache.

Which Scented Candles Are Safe For Dogs?

Many people like to burn scented candles in their homes, but what about our furry friends, are scented candles safe for dogs?

The answer to this question is a bit complicated. A good rule to follow is buying candles made using ingredients safe for you and then doing additional research on the types of oils that could be dangerous for your furry friends.

Scented Candles without Paraffin:

The next time you are looking for a scented candle, consider one made without paraffin. Paraffin is a petroleum by-product, and it can release harmful toxins when burned. A soy wax candle is a great alternative because it's made from soybeans which are a renewable resource. They also burn cleanly and don't produce soot like paraffin candles.

When shopping for your next scented candle, make sure you check the label for 100 percent soy wax. Many candle makers use a soy blend to lower their cost of raw goods, and that still has paraffin mixed in with the soy wax.

Do All Scented Candles Have A Good Hot Throw?

No, not all candles have a good hot throw (how well a scent fills the room when the candle is lit). Hot throws are strongly affected by the candle wax used to make the candle. For example, soy wax holds onto the scent perfectly and releases it into the air while burning flawlessly. However, not all waxes perform like that.

The oils used to scent your jar candle can also affect their hot throw strength. Essential oils are best suited for cold throws (how much a fragrance fills the room without being lit) because they are very volatile and can evaporate quickly. If you're looking for a strong hot throw, buying a hand-poured candle made with essential oils may not be your best option. However, fragrance oils will give you the strongest hot throw possible when crafted by quality candle makers.

Best Scented Candles to Gift

The best-scented candle to gift is the one that appeals most to the recipient's tastes. And if you don't know their tastes, we suggest going the safe route and choosing a milder scent. This can be an everyday fragrance or one from a seasonal collection.

For example, if I were buying a candle for my boss and had no idea her taste, I wouldn't buy her Citrus Agave because it's potent and could overwhelm her sensory system. I would go with Olive Oil and Bergamot. It has the perfect amount of hot throw, not overwhelming, making it a better candle to gift.

If you have no clue what scent to gift, you can never go wrong with a classic that has a vanilla base or, if it's for relaxation, lavender.

Best Scented Candles to Relax

There is nothing better than coming home after a long day and lighting a scented candle to relax. Here are some of the best-scented candles to help you unwind:

Sandalwood: This scent is perfect for relaxing and promoting peace and tranquility. It has a woodsy, earthy smell that is sure to calm your mind and body.

Lavender: This is a very relaxing fragrance that you can light in the morning to help unwind before starting your day or at night to help you fall asleep more easily. Lavender candles are one of the most popular types of relaxation because they have such soothing properties! Quick tip, lavender is offered in room sprays; consider spritzing this on your pillow for added sleep benefits.

Vanilla: This sweet and comforting scent is perfect for those times when you need a little bit of TLC. Vanilla candles have been shown to help reduce stress levels, so they are ideal for use before bedtime or during times of high anxiety. It's also a great scent when trying to set the mood for a romantic date night.

Eucalyptus: Perfect for wintertime relaxation. The earthy, woodsy aroma of eucalyptus helps open up the sinuses and promote deep breathing, which is great for easing tension headaches and clearing the mind.

Jasmine: This sweet and floral scent is perfect for a relaxing aromatherapy session. The aroma of jasmine has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve moods, and promote calmness and relaxation.

Which Is Better Scented Candles or Diffuser?

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to this question. Some people prefer the ambiance of scented candles, while others find that using a diffuser is more relaxing—the best thing is to try both methods and see which one you prefer.

Set Your Alarms For Our Spring Launch!

Now that you know what goes into making a scented candle, the components of a safe and clean hand-poured candle, you are all set to shop! If you're in the market for some fresh scents, make sure you check out our next VIP event!

Transform your home into a spring oasis with the aroma from Fresh Flowers, give your home office a pick-me-up with Olive Oil and Bergamot, brighten up your kitchen with Citrus Agave, or create a spa-like experience in your bathroom with Cucumber Tea Leaf.

Our Spring launch party is a private event, so you must be on the guest list. To join us, text: FRESH to 833-567-5484 today! Don't forget to set your alarms for our Spring launch on March 1st!

Surround Yourself With Likeminded People

If you enjoy laughing, tips on how to practice self-care while managing your busy life, and of course candles, we invite you to join our Candle Family. We host monthly challenges game nights and regularly post our private Facebook group Bella Vida Family. Join our family today and be surrounded by supportive, positive people in 2022!