We're all about keeping it simple. We do the research and testing so you can simply enjoy.
On our candle product pages you may have noticed some terms that you're not familiar with. Have no fear - we're here to provide that knowledge! Below is some terminology the industry uses to make sure we're all talking on the same page.
Notes
Most complex scents can be described as having a top, middle, and bottom note. These three categories indicate what someone may detect as the initial, ongoing, and final scents when they take a sniff. We provide these descriptors to help you make an informed selection and bring you as close as we can to the candle before it reaches your doorstep.
Suggested Space Size
Cold Throw
Candles perform differently before and after they are lit for the first time. The relative distance that scent carries in a room is referred to as the "cold throw". We test our candles on this metric and provide guidance on what size spaces we suggest for each candle.
Hot Throw
After a candle has been lit, the properties of the top layer of wax change. The relative distance that the scent carries in a room is then referred to as the "hot throw". We also provide space suggestions based on our testing for this metric.
Wax Types
Soy Wax
Soy wax is made from a blend of soybean oil and other organic materials. Soy candles are generally referred to as being "natural" and consequently are subject to "natural" imperfections. These candles sometimes show "frosting" on the surface or sides of the candle, which is due to natural crystallization that occurs during heating and cooling. The "frosting" looks like a white, cloudy buildup on the surface. Don't worry - it is harmless and is a good indicator of the organic nature of the candle materials. Another natural side effect of soy wax is cavitation that occurs during cooling. This happens because the wax shrinks slightly as it cools. Depending on the speed of cooling and the temperature difference between the candle and the jar, small air pockets may appear in the candle. These are also harmless and only have an aesthetic effect.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is made from petroleum based oils. Due to this, some people have a negative perception of the material. In reality, there is little to no evidence of a difference between soy and paraffin candles when it comes to air quality during burning. On the positive side, paraffin wax candles typically have few troubles during production and show very few blemishes. For this reason, some people find paraffin candles to be more aesthetically pleasing.
FSC Certified Wood
FSC certification is a statement of support for responsible forest management. Read more about it on the FSC website.