Characteristics of A Luxury Candle?
What Makes A Candle “Luxury”?
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase… “In this world, you get what you pay for.” This phrase couldn’t be more accurate when purchasing a scented candle; not all candles are created equal. It’s my “expert” opinion that a luxury scented candle must prioritize the quality of the wax, essential oils, wick, aesthetic design, and most importantly the health and safety of the consumer. Keep reading and by the end of this article you will have a full understanding of what differentiates a “luxury” candle from a “economy” candle.
Wax Type
Widely popular and inexpensive petroleum-based waxes have been revealed to release harmful toxins when burned. Ethical candle brands have moved away from these inexpensive waxes and have chosen to embrace more expensive, non-toxic, natural waxes such as soy, beeswax, coconut, or their own proprietary blend. We offer our customers the creme de la creme of candle waxes; YouTopia Candle Co. luxury scented candles are made of a luxurious Coco Apricot Creme Wax (soy, coconut, apricot wax blend).
Soy Wax: Natural, mid-tier, price conscious wax; however, it’s a great value and is clean burning.
Beeswax: Natural, high-end, more expensive wax; eco-friendly, helps to ionize the air and has a long burn time.
Coconut Wax: Natural, luxury, more expensive wax; holds a high fragrance load and is clean burning.
Understanding the pros and cons of each wax type is important when purchasing a scented candle that is right for you. While economy candles may appear to be a bargain, the health effects may be very costly.
Essential Oils
Unlike economy candles, luxury scented candles tend to utilize more complex fragrances comprised of high quality all-natural essential oils. A master perfumer must find the perfect balance of notes; it is this artistry that determines the allure and exclusivity of a fragrance. While luxury candles utilize high quality essential oils, economy candles tend to use low grade fragrance oils, which are made from petroleum by-products. Essential oils have been proven to have therapeutic properties that can help alleviate headaches, relieve stress, clear sinuses, and boost the mood.
Wick Type
Similarly, to the widely popular and inexpensive waxes, some wick types have been revealed to release harmful toxins when burned. Although U.S. (CPSC) regulations prohibit wicks that contain lead and other metals, it is important to be vigilante and understand the ingredients and materials that are used to manufacturer your favorite candles. More conscious luxury brands have moved away from these harmful and toxic wicks and chose to embrace 100% cotton, hemp, and wooden wicks.
100% Cotton Wicks: Bright and tall flame; toxin free.
Hemp Wicks: Lead and zinc free; comes from sustainable and renewable sources.
Wooden Wicks: Clean and even burn; comes from sustainable and renewable sources.
You can’t go wrong with either choice of wick; however, luxury candle brands are gravitating towards crackling wooden wicks. Wooden Wicks have increasingly become more popular; over 90% of consumers polled have concluded that wooden wicks outperform the competition in creating a relaxing and soothing atmosphere.
Aesthetic Design
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; however, luxury branding and aesthetic packaging design must convey expert craftsmanship, quality materials, and provide the consumer with an engaging and memorable experience. Economy candles are sorely lacking in this area; most economy and mid-tier candle brands don’t prioritize or invest in building emotional relationships with their customers via the aesthetic-usability effect.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve been enlightened (pun intended), it’s my hope that you’ll consider more than just price when purchasing a scented candle. Ask yourself (3) three very important questions:
Are the ingredients and materials natural and non-toxic? Your health and safety are paramount.
Are the ingredients and materials high-end? Luxury waxes and exotic fragrances are more expensive and come at a premium price.
Does the branding and aesthetic packaging design reflect luxury? Unboxing your scented candle should be engaging and memorable.
Follow the above-mentioned suggestions and you will have all the necessary tools to make an informed purchasing decision. Visit our Online Store if you wish to join the family and support an ethical luxury candle brand that promotes health & wellness.
Key Vocabulary: proprietary blend, aesthetic-usability effect, master perfumer, renewable sources
Additional Resources: Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils | Wooden Wicks vs. Cotton Wicks | Top 5: Best Candle Wax Type?
