The prospects of buying, gifting, and or else making candles all come to a single factor, and that is the aspect of choosing the perfect and suitable candle scent for this purpose.
Let us all be very frank with one another; how often have you gone on candle hunting and have tried different candle scents… All the time, right!
Out of all the senses that humans have been presented with, a sense of smell is easily the most precious one and utterly unique. We humans often tend to formulate a sense of attachment with someone on the basis of how they smell or their smell. Everything in nature has a distinctive fragrance, and that is how we tend to remember them. The range and extent of your appetite also hugely lies on this sense of smell as it can ignite a flame of hunger within you.
This phenomenon is widely recognized as olfactory stimulation in which our brain and the neurons that are actively participating in our cognitive memory tend to make connections between the fragrance, memory as well as the associated emotions.
A fun fact:
Humans can actively differentiate a particular scent from a plethora of trillions of aromas… fascinating!
There is no surprise in the fact that one of the prime and defining characteristics of a candle is its scent. Candle scent is something that is remembered by our brain for a longer period of time. This also explains the fact that why we all are so fascinated and eager to fill out homes with candles all the time. It is not only because of how well they connect with the house vibe but also because of the fact that aromatherapy is a soothing experience.
Different candle scents can have unique effects on our emotions and can alleviate our mood no matter how sad or depressing our day is. The candle scents are said to have a better impact on our sore shoulders rather than music, color, or food.
How Do You Find Your Best Candle Scent?
Sniffing candle scents is definitely one way of finding your favorite one from the candle scent list but let us just not overburden your olfactory system.
You should, however, refrain from thinking that choosing a candle scent is not worth it. It has the same importance as choosing a perfume, body spray, or cologne. The choice of candle scents is often masked by your previous experience and what satisfies your sense of smell.
We have broken down some ways with which you can find the right candle scent for you.
Step 1: Choose Candle Scent According to Your House Vibe
One of the basic and initial steps, when you are out on candle scent hunting, is that you should always keep in mind the place where you intend to use it. Always consider the size and area of the location where you want to get benefitted from the candle scent.
Never ever make a mistake of using a highly noticeable and overpowering scent in a small or enclosed space, but you can make quite a difference by using the same scent in a large family room such as a drawing room or a lounge.
This aspect also extends to the type of candle scent that you prefer. For instance, if you are a fan of floral candle scents, then they are a perfect candidate for aromatherapy in your bedroom. But these types of candle scents do not go well with your whole kitchen vibe because they directly interfere with the food fragrances and thus let down your whole food vibe.
Therefore, go out and buy a different candle scent for different rooms because you can totally do it!
Furthermore, that is how you can make all the difference by using the right candle scent in the right space inside your house.
Step: 2 The Purpose of Candle Scent
Another aspect that often goes under the radar, but you should definitely pay attention to it is that what purpose is that candle scent that you have been eyeing is going to serve in the closed spaces of your house.
Let us discuss that in detail:
For Ambiance
The scent of a candle is one of the easiest, quickest, and fastest ways to uplift the overall ambiance of the house. The candle can provide your house with a warmth that is equal parts soothing and delightful, and the aroma is something that will heighten your senses.
Floral scents such as rose, jasmine, lilies should be on your candles scent list for the purpose of healing vibe inside your bedrooms, and lemongrass and citrus are the right ones for energizing the whole workplace.
Try sandalwood for an exotic bath experience and add juniper scents for an evening with the guest.
The Candle Scent that will Neutralize Odors
Most of the time, different candle scents are used to mask the odors of other activities. Tangy, zesty, and full of life odors are some of the perfect ones for this purpose and also the one that is widely used for this same agenda.
But maybe it is the right time for us to give another odor the rightful place that it deserves, and that is coffee. The fragrance and the warmth of coffee beans on crispy winter nights is something that we always remember and are highly drawn to.
However, this same irresistibility can be used for the greater good because this fragrance can also be used to mask the odors of those fragrances that make their presence count, such as seafood, garlic, pets, and even bathroom scents.
Step: 3 The Right Candle Scent Type
The next step that comes after the aforementioned ones is that you should try to look out for the type of fragrance that suits your buds from a long and tiring candle scent list.
Most of the time, people are wondering and are asking others that what is the best fragrance or what is the right fragrance oil for you. So well, according to my taste, I have complied three options, and each one of them has its own perks. So let us dive into the details without any further ado.
Natural Fragrance Oil
Most of the time, people are not even a lit bit appreciative of the way natural fragrance oil might work for them. But these fragrances are what should be on the top of your candle scents list. They contain a range of aromas that you are highly familiar with from the everyday life experience, and this similarity is something that alleviates the whole experience of aromatherapy tenfolds.
You do not have to worry about the fact that they are artificial or something else because they are free of phthalate, alcohol, and paraben. Them being cost-effective is also something to marvel at. But you have to look hard for them because they are not easy to find and are highly rare in existence.
Good luck hunting!
Essential Fragrance Oil
One of the best, easy, and most popular ones in this and, of course, an essential one is well the addition of essential fragrance oil for the candle scent. All of the available essential fragrance oil is one that is natural and is made up of nothing but organic plant material.
They are loved by a wider audience because of their therapeutic abilities and are adored because of the experience of aromatherapy that is one for the ages.
These are also considered to be one of the most expensive ones because we have documented that they are derived from nothing but plant material. Still, these essential oils are responsible for different candle scents that are bound to make the overall experience fascinating.
Standard Fragrance Oil
Another compound that is also widely used in the making of scented candles and is responsible for the proper candle scent is standard fragrance oil. They are commonly known as perfume or fragrances, but they are one of the most easily recognized scents out there when it comes to candle-making experience with soy wax. For a great cold and hot scent throw, these standard fragrance oils have been in use for a significant period of time. In addition to all this, the numbers, options, and choices are also unlimited, so bonus points there.
But they are not 100% natural. And thus sometimes contain artificial substances such as phthalates and parabens, which can lead to serious health complications. So make sure to make such a choice considering all the other options as well.
Step 4: Here Comes the Category
Finally, we all have arrived at the part where you can successfully find and debate on what is the best candle scent for you?
You will be surprised to know that all the available scents which are a perfect candidate for your scented candle can be broken down into specific categories, which you can then choose from.
Main Categories
Following are some main categories that should be on your candle scent list. Yankee Candle has a wide range of calming scents from bright citrus to orange blossom that falls under some of the following categories. From these main ones making the best of the scent notes to having subtle hints of sugared oranges or roasted coffee beans, they have it all.
- Fresh
- Woody
- Floral
- Exotic
Of all the above-mentioned categories, there are characteristics that are asserted to each one of the classic and primary scents.
We all have a soft spot for a particular scent that we love to have around ourselves. This is because we all have a certain attachment to that moment in which we might have been in connection with the scent. So let us have a look at this aspect in great detail.
Fresh Candle Scent
For all things lively and all the bright and invigorating as well as refreshing scent, this category is something that encompasses freshness in a bottle. Think about the sunshine and its magic in summers. And, the crispy touch of snow in the winters, this is what we are talking about.
Think of a fresh scent and reminisce about all the things that are full of life and are bright and magical.
The fragrance breakdown of fresh candle scents is as follows:
- Eucalyptus
- Bergamot
- Citronella
- Angelica
- Clary sage
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Tangerine
- Verbena
- Lime
- Sage
- Grapefruit
- Thyme
- Pink pepper
Fresh candle scents are well documented because they mix well with the following fragrances:
- Spicy or tangy fragrances
- Light or breezy florals
- Tropical notes
- Sweet, sugary, and warm tones of scents
- Citrus scent
Floral Candle Scent
Well, as the name depicts, florals are one such scent that owes its presence and its characteristic to flowers and their amusing and colorful scents.
In addition, this is one of the most popular and noticeable candle scents that have been used for centuries for the purpose of soap-making candle making. The use of florals in skincare items dates back to old Egyptians and Romanians.
Out of all the different candle scents that are used, rose, lilies, and lavenders are some of those that have a wider audience.
All the habitats of this flowery candle scent list are romantic, lovely, and calm, to say the least.
Signature Breakdown of Florals
- Jasmine
- Lilies
- Ylang-ylang
- Gardenia
- Neroli
- Hibiscus
- Chamomile
- Rose
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Lilac
- Lavandin
- Palmarosa
- Calendula
- Hydrangea
- Peony
- Yarro
- Hyssop
Blends With the Following
All the notes of florals agree with the following scents:
- The deep rich earthy aroma
- Full of life and cheerful, fruity scents of citrus
- Fresh herbs
Woody Candle Scents
This one is for all those romantics who go crazy over the light fragrances of soil after a swift rainy day. It has the liveliness of coniferous mosses, bitters, and all other earthy tones that are found in the mountainside. And, it is a safe haven for all those nature lovers out there.
Whenever one thinks about earthy notes, the aromas of sandalwood, pine, fruits, and cedar clouds the mind and warms the soil, just like nature’s hug!
Fragrance Breakdown of Woody Scents
Curious about the signature notes that are present in this one. Let us have a look at that:
- Musk
- Vetiver
- Juniper
- Oakmoss
- Palo santo
- Willow bark
- Black walnut
- Sandalwood
- Patchouli
- Black spruce
- Cypress
- Balsam fir
- Douglas fir
- Pine
- White oak
- Birchbark
- Cedarwood
But, it Harmonizes with What?
All the above mentioned earthy candle scents agree with the following fragrances:
- Dark rich florals
- Or, sweet-tangy or citrus aromas
Exotic Candle Scent
An experience of warmth, rich quality of life, stylized comfort, indulgence, and one for yourself is what this candle scent promises. Exotic scents entail those fragrances which you crave most of the time, such as vanilla, caramel, cinnamon.
These candles offer you healing and relaxation and the perfect blend of all this promise, luxury, richness, and one that you should not miss!
Fragrance Breakdown of Exotic Candle Scents
- Chai
- Fennel
- Myrrh
- Saffron
- Sea Salt
- Frankincense
- Honey
- Vanilla
- Coffee
- Cinnamon
- Rosewood
- Anise
- Clove
- Nutmeg
- Caraway
- Cardamon
- Caramel
- Benzoin
- Tarragon
- Elemi
- Balsam
- Ginger, and finally,
- Black pepper
Goes Well With
Candle scents of the above-mentioned category perfectly harmonize with some of the following blends such as:
- Earthy Undertones
- Bright and sunny citrus fruits aromas like lemon and lime
Find the One that is Right For You
Candles have some of the major and defining roles in the category of home ambiance. Finding the perfect candle scent can be quite a challenge, but for a place that you are calling your home, we think this is something worth investing in.
Finally, you can take inspiration from the above-mentioned notes and come up with a candle scent that compliments your olfactory stimulation.
