| Soy wax, Paraffin wax, Palm wax, Natural wax | | | | truer imitation of the scent it's named for, and lacks |
| blends. A candle is a candle, and they're all the same - | | | | the "chemical" smell. Almost all Palm wax candles with |
| right? | | | | have a beautiful crystallized appearance, and tend to |
| Wrong. | | | | be long lasting. |
| A well made, 100% Soy Wax candle is very clean | | | | Natural wax blends are the best of both worlds. A |
| burning, and will give a pleasant scent throw that is a | | | | well made Natural wax blend candle has the benefit |
| truer imitation of the scent it's named for. However, | | | | of being clean burning, while maintaining the stronger |
| few Soy wax candles have a "strong" scent throw, | | | | scent throw of Paraffin wax. Most have a smooth, |
| and if it is 100% Soy wax, it will have at least some | | | | glossy, appearance, but there are so many varieties, |
| frosting on the top and sides of the candle. A 100% | | | | you could find anything from smooth and glossy, to a |
| Soy wax candle would be a perfect candle for those | | | | "feathered" appearance. |
| who love to burn candles, but find that most are just | | | | Now, the question is, how do you tell if a candle is |
| too overpowering. | | | | well made? |
| Paraffin wax has been the most popular type of | | | | It is actually fairly easy to pinpoint a well made candle |
| candle on the market, but it is quickly losing ground | | | | just by looking at it. Take off the lid, and look at the |
| to natural waxes. A well made Paraffin wax candle | | | | wax on the top of the candle. Is the top of the wax |
| will have a strong scent throw, but also tends to | | | | smooth and level, or is it sunk in around the wick (or |
| emit more smoke and soot than natural wax candles. | | | | wicks)? Is the wick (or wicks) longer than a half inch? |
| I haven't seen a Paraffin wax candle yet that didn't | | | | If the wax on top of the candle is smooth and level, |
| leave a heavy black film on the jar, and smoke while | | | | and the wick (or wicks) is approximately a quarter |
| burning. Unfortunately, Paraffin wax candles also tend | | | | inch to a half inch long, then you are looking at a well |
| to have a slight "chemical" smell while burning. For | | | | made candle. |
| those who love Paraffin wax candles, and have | | | | If the wax on top of the candle is sunk in around the |
| never tried a natural wax candle, they wouldn't even | | | | wick (or wicks), you run the chance of there being a |
| notice it, but it is there. To test this, go to your | | | | fairly sizable air pocket within the wax, that could not |
| favorite candle store, and pick up a Paraffin wax | | | | only shorten your burn time, but also be a possible |
| candle. Carry it around with you until you find a | | | | fire hazard. |
| natural wax candle (100% Soy wax candles can be | | | | If the wick (or wicks) is too long, it will cause the |
| found in most candle stores) that is the same scent | | | | candle to emit a lot of smoke and soot, as well as |
| as the Paraffin wax candle. Nine times out of ten, if | | | | decreasing the burn time of your candle. |
| both candles are well made, you will be able to smell | | | | There are many, many, types of candles on the |
| the difference without burning either candle. Paraffin | | | | market today, and all have their own pros and cons. |
| wax candles usually have a very smooth, glossy, | | | | When trying to decide what kind of candle to buy, it |
| appearance. | | | | all boils down to personal preference. Do you want a |
| Palm wax is my personal favorite. A well made Palm | | | | "strong" smelling candle, or do you want a "softer" |
| wax candle is also very clean burning, but unlike most | | | | smelling candle? Do you mind the black soot, or |
| Soy wax candles, Palm wax candles have a | | | | would you prefer something a little cleaner? |
| wonderful scent throw. Palm wax candles also have a | | | | |