When purchasing candles, it is better to verify their origin in order to protect yourself from harmful counterfeits. Nowadays, paraffin candles are very often made to reduce production costs and simplify the process itself. But paraffin is a chemical product and cannot be called harmless, unlike natural wax, from which high quality wax candles are made.
Paraffin is a synthetic substance that is obtained from petroleum and a mixture of hydrocarbons. To produce paraffin candles, the following is added to the substance:
Because of this composition, paraffin candles are harmful to health. When burned, they release benzene and toluene into the air, which do not have time to burn due to the low combustion temperature. The entry of benzene into the human body is fraught with sleep disturbances, weakness and dizziness. When regularly entering the body through the respiratory tract, the functioning of the kidneys, liver, nervous and circulatory systems, diseases of the blood and bone marrow begin to develop. Toluene, when inhaled, also immediately affects nervous system, and then gets to the bloodstream.
Wax is a waste product of bees, produced by their glands to build cellular cells. The production of wax candles does not require the addition of any unnatural components, and therefore does not cause harm to health. Such candles burn evenly and do not emit any harmful substances into the air and do not smoke.
Candles have faithfully served people for many centuries. And if to illuminate a room, humanity has long been accustomed to using much more efficient devices, then each of us still strongly associates a candle with a romantic atmosphere, warmth, comfort, home - all that without which we cannot exist.
Let's plunge into the past
The history of the appearance of decorative candles is interesting. We will not go into the finest details and details, but note that the first candles appeared in Rome somewhere in the middle of the 1st millennium BC. There are also earlier references to candles made in Egypt and Crete from wax or resin. However, it is in Ancient Rome started making candles from hard types fat (mostly lamb), which were cheap, accessible, and therefore became widespread in everyday life.
In the 16th century, wax candles with wicks made of cotton and hemp fibers appeared. Wax candles smoke less, smell better and burn longer and brighter. But wax was more expensive than fat, and therefore only wealthy people and the church could afford such candles. Later, spermaceti (a waxy substance obtained from the fat enclosed in the sac on the head of the sperm whale; previously mistaken for whale sperm, hence the name) and paraffin were used to make candles. Spermaceti is no longer produced due to the cessation of sperm whale hunting, but candles made from paraffin, currently obtained from oil, are still widely used today.
In the 19th century, candle production was one of the most developed industries, but the advent of the incandescent lamp brought changes to everyday life. Nowadays, candles are rarely used as a source of lighting, but they are almost indispensable for creating a romantic or mysterious atmosphere. And in the age of computer technology, people still easily succumb to the magic of living fire.
Gel candles
Popular today decorative candles made from a special gel. For their production, a jelly-like paraffin gel is used. Such candles burn 3-5 times longer than paraffin candles, they do not leak, do not smoke and burn out completely. The gel is poured into any glass vessel, a special wick is inserted - and the candle is ready for use. It burns several times longer than a wax candle, does not smoke, does not float: as the candle burns, the gel simply evaporates. It is important to add that no substances harmful to health are released into the air. Another nice feature of the gel candle is that the vessel in which it was located can subsequently be used at your discretion.
Gel candles are not only amazingly functional, but also give unlimited scope for design ideas. In gel 
can be placed special fittings- dried flowers, berries, shells, and other items - and this allows you to create entire thematic compositions. It is worth noting that such an impressive rate of evolution of candles was influenced not only by the capabilities of the gel, but also by new glass processing technologies. Today the technology is widespread fusing(sintering of glass pieces), allowing you to endlessly play with colors and textures. Fusing is widely used in the creation of both stained glass and smaller glass objects - photo frames, plates, vessels, including containers for gel candles. All this means that gel candles have long turned into excellent interior decoration, an element festive table setting and, of course, as a universal high-class gift.
How to choose decorative candles
We choose by color. The choice of candle color is extremely important. For astrology lovers, the Mexican horoscope will help them choose a gift and the main note in the interior: it is recommended to give white candles to sensitive Cancers, red candles to energetic Scorpios and Aries, and orange candles to Geminis. Purple decorative candles will help Virgos become independent, and blue ones will give harmony to Sagittarius, Pisces, Capricorns and Aquarius. Give Leos yellow decorative candles - they help to win over others, which is so important for this royal sign, and to achieve success in commerce.
For those who believe in psychology more than in the movement of the planets, all the colors of the rainbow will come to the rescue, depending on their mood and planned activities. White decorative candles are the most traditional, they symbolize happiness, protection, spiritual cleansing and blessing. At the same time White color- one of the most solemn, so they are indispensable, for example, when decorating a wedding or New Year's table.
Silver or blue decorative candles are a symbol of healing, wisdom and clairvoyance; they will give you a feeling of peace and inner harmony.
Red color - sensuality and passion, the light on such a candle in the southwestern part of the bedroom will melt any ice in a relationship with a loved one.
Yellow decorative candles will fill your home with the energy of creative inspiration and fun. Discussing the latest trends in the field of art with friends, getting ready to travel and getting ready for tomorrow's exam is good with this cheerful color.
Greens decorative candles are a feeling of harmony. Green color will help solve problems with friends, family, loved ones. Candles lit in the south-eastern part of the room will listen to your dreams of abundance.
Purple, orange, gold And pink decorative candles clarify the impact of primary colors. Pink decorative candles represent love and tenderness, helping to establish contact with children. Violet will help you penetrate the world of mystery and self-knowledge. Orange, on the contrary, will allow you to throw out emotions on friendly party, and will push you to implement your plans. Golden candles are a feeling of celebration and the attention of higher beings, an invariable attribute of the New Year and Christmas.
Black decorative candles look a little gloomy, but serious and a little mysterious. In interior design, they are usually used together with other colors to give depth and a sense of infinity.
We choose by smell. To choose the right scented candle, you need to understand what effect a particular scent has. There are candles with a soothing and relaxing scent. It is good to light such a candle during relaxation so that your rest is as complete as possible. On the contrary, there are invigorating scents that can refresh, lift tone and mood. An aromatic candle with a delicate scent creates an atmosphere of peace, invites intimate conversation, and fills the room with a warm golden glow.
The following aromas relax: lavender, lemon balm, geranium, mandarin, basil, chamomile, patchouli, ylang-ylang, bergamot.
Calming: orange blossom, mandarin, marjoram, lavender.
Seduce: ylang-ylang, lavender, jasmine, verbena.
Refreshes: eucalyptus, pine, lemon balm, lemon.
Stimulate: basil, verbena, rosemary, eucalyptus.
Relieve fatigue: sandalwood, coconut, cinnamon, coriander.
Helpful for insomnia: basil, ylang-ylang, lavender, mandarin, neroli, Turkish rose, chamomile, sandalwood, thyme.
They have an antidepressant effect: basil, bergamot, grapefruit, ylang-ylang, lavender, neroli, Turkish rose, sandalwood, clary sage.
Tonify: rosemary, orange, grapefruit, mint.
Separately, I would like to highlight candles that do not emit odors, but on the contrary - with the opposite effect. For example, candles are produced that absorb tobacco odor. They are placed in a smoky room to purify the air. After this, you can light a scented candle.
As you know, candles differ in their composition. 95% of all candles are made from paraffin. Much less common are candles made from stearin, a substance consisting of oils and fats. The most expensive candles are made from beeswax. They have a wonderful aroma on their own, and with the addition of “love” scents they create a sensual atmosphere in the room. For a romantic evening that you want to spend alone with your loved one, choose candles with scents of apricot, vanilla, cinnamon, lavender and, of course, rose.
Choosing candles for the interior. Transforming a room with the help of decorative candles is an easy and incredibly exciting activity; it’s not for nothing that designers love experimenting with them. The color of decorative candles can repeat the dominant note in the interior or a bouquet of flowers, and harmonize with the tablecloth, napkins and other accessories. Same color in different quantities has a different effect - from fun to pleasant excitement and from achieving harmony to light thoughtfulness. The concentration of decorative candles of a certain color in one place enhances psychological impact colors, dispersion - weakens. Several pure colors will interfere with each other at the same time, and skillfully selected addition of shades to the main color will enhance its effect. A slight contrast will attract the attention of your guests, a strong contrast is interesting in an artistic sense, but will be very distracting when communicating.
There are several generally accepted rules when decorating the interior with decorative candles. A candle must burn, even the most beautiful composition with “dead” 
oh” with a candle in the center - a sad sight. Therefore, decorative candles are almost never used to decorate the table during the day - daylight will still make the light almost invisible. Only occasionally can they be used to decorate a table for afternoon tea.
Evening is the kingdom of candles. On a small table you can place individual candles near each place or 2-3 small ones in the center. Decorative candles look good in a composition with fresh flowers, and they should be higher than the flowers, but lower than the eyes of the people sitting, so that the lights illuminate the atmosphere well, filling the room with a warm, gentle light, but do not irritate the eyes with flickering.
On big table put at least six candles, often in large candlesticks and candelabra - in this case the lights can be higher than the eyes. For a formal setting, select candlesticks in silver, gold or bronze, and crystal and metal cutlery will ensure multiple refraction of light. Sometimes the table is decorated with decorative candles different heights and even shapes, but such design requires restraint and good artistic taste. Candles should be lit before guests sit down at the table; stew only after the very last guest has risen.
Don't forget about health
One candle is unlikely to cause harm. But scientists believe that if you burn paraffin candles every day for several years in a poorly ventilated bathroom or place them near your plate during meals, problems cannot be avoided. The fact is that the fire temperature of a burning candle is not enough to burn molecules of such dangerous chemical compounds as toluene and benzene. Candles made from beeswax or soy are much less dangerous in this regard.
However, the British Candle Manufacturers' Federation has already said that thorough research carried out two years ago showed that paraffin candles do not pose a health risk.
“We want to emphasize that occasional use of paraffin suppositories does not pose a serious risk,” says Dr. Noemi Yeiser, a lung specialist. “However, we advise you not to neglect precautions, such as ventilating the premises when using candles. This way you minimize the content of harmful substances in the air.”
At the same time, British oncologist Joanna Owens is skeptical about the warnings of her American colleagues.
“We have no direct evidence that the use of suppositories can provoke the development of cancer,” says the doctor. “I think it would be much better to focus on risk factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, lack of exercise, excess weight and unhealthy diets."
Price issue
Good scented candles of guaranteed quality are not cheap. Prices for branded candles sometimes reach €20-40. You should choose a candle with a smooth surface, which indicates the presence of mineral wax in the product, which promotes better transfer of aromas, especially light ones. When choosing candles in glass, it all depends on taste. But clear glass allows you to control the quality of the purchased product.
If the wick is not located exactly in the center, and even more so, it wriggles, you clearly have a low-quality product in your hands. Such a candle is unlikely to please you. After all, it will burn unevenly and will not burn out to the very end. Be sure to note that the wick is attached to metal base. Moreover, this base must be zinc. Cheap candles use lead that is harmful to the human body. The wick itself is made of cotton. None artificial materials not allowed. Please also take into account the fact that any tinting pigments change the structure of the wax. In any case, a tinted candle burns less evenly and gives off a worse aroma. Thick candles sometimes have multiple wicks, which must be spaced well apart.
A good quality candle burns for up to 60 hours, and a funnel should not appear on its surface. It releases the aroma evenly during the combustion process, without obvious “emissions” of odor. Of course, over time you will choose the most suitable candles for yourself.
It is best to purchase scented mineral wax candles. They do not emit harmful substances into the indoor air and are best able to convey the natural aroma. Of course, beeswax is the most environmentally friendly. But it is quite expensive, and its aromatization is very complex, due to which the price of such candles is too high. Eco-friendly vegetable wax burns out quite quickly and does not convey the aroma well.
When purchasing, it is best to choose products from European manufacturers, this guarantees the absence of many harmful substances in combustion products. Uncontrolled products very often create serious problems, from allergic reactions, to lesions of the mucous membranes.
Scented candles are a special product. It is better to use them less often so that the feeling of the holiday is preserved. And for these infrequent holiday evenings, it is better to purchase expensive, but guaranteed quality candles.
Candles are the same constant participant New Year's Eve, like a garland, Olivier and the hundredth viewing of “The Irony of Fate...”. But really beautiful holiday specimens can “drag in” so much that it’s a pity to even light them up. But manufacturers of wax accessories hide one trick that will make the candles burn twice as long. And that's the minimum!
Candles in the house create a special festive coziness and mood. But all good things come to an end. IN in this case well very quickly. To extend the life of candles twice, or even more, use three little tricks.
First, before you light the candles, be sure to place them in freezer. At least for an hour and a half. Frozen wax will thicken and burn much longer. This trick alone almost doubles the life of the candle. Especially if you freeze it before each use.
It turns out that the longer the wick, the faster the candle burns. This is such a paradox. Therefore, all lovers of high-quality candles know the golden rule: the wick should rise above the wax by no more than 1 cm. Cut off any excess without hesitation. Use manicure scissors- it is more comfortable.
Another paradox: to make a candle last longer, let it burn longer. At least for the first time. And all because upper layer The wax should melt evenly. If this does not happen, a “tunnel” will form in the middle, the wick will sink and the candle will quickly lose its presentable appearance. Don't know how long to give the candle its first burn? You'll have to practice some math: in 1 hour, approximately 4 cm of the diameter burns. So a candle with a diameter of 8 cm should not be extinguished for at least 2 hours, 12 cm - 3 hours, and then according to the same formula.
How to easily light a candle in a deep glass? And why can't you blow out the candle? 6 secrets on how to handle your favorite candles to enjoy every second!
1. If you are lighting a paraffin or vegetable wax candle, let it burn longer the first time, at least an hour: this will allow the wax to melt evenly and avoid forming a hole near the wick. – very tender, they begin to melt immediately and evenly.
2. Before lighting a candle, be sure to trim the wick to avoid unpleasant odor first moments. It is the decayed wick that distorts the smell of your favorite candle and creates soot.
3. If the candle crackles, the wick does not burn, but smokes and chars, the candle must be extinguished and the wick trimmed. You can do this with a special wick trimmer. By the way, you can buy this one
5. If you light, be sure to open the window: inhaling saturated ones is dangerous to health.
6. Sometimes it is difficult to light a candle in a deep glass: if the candle is not new, it can be difficult to reach the wick. In this case, special matches for candles (they are much longer than usual) and a candle lighter with a long nozzle will come to the rescue.
There is hardly anyone who would not want his beloved to burn longer. After all, it is the aroma candle that creates a truly soulful atmosphere in the house! Thanks to its unique aroma notes, it permeates the premises with an atmosphere of relaxation, harmony, comfort and warmth. You, too, feel better when a scented candle gently flickers in the room?
But time comes and the candle goes out... Sometimes this happens in a matter of hours, sometimes after a few days. You've probably already thought about how to extend the burning time of an aroma candle? After all, each of us always strives to use the purchased products to the maximum, isn’t it? And to make your desire come true, we offer several practical advice on how to help your favorite aroma candle burn longer:
What should a scented candle be like to burn as long as possible? Round! This form is the most good option, since in it the wax is located at a short distance from the wick, which guarantees the most correct melting. Candles irregular shapes may melt unevenly. As a result, a lot of wax is wasted.
Even if you choose a different shape of candle, try placing it in the refrigerator an hour or two before you light it. This will cool the wax, which will help it burn more slowly. Notice! The aroma candle does not need to be frozen. Do not put it in the freezer, otherwise the wax may freeze so much that the candle will break and you will no longer be able to use it.
No matter how obvious it may sound, if you want your aroma candle to last for a long time, limit its burning time. Let it flicker until the melted wax covers the top layer of the candle. When this happens, extinguish the scented candle. For most candles, the moment “it’s time to extinguish” comes after 2-3 hours of burning. Tea candles, of course, melt faster. In addition, such advice will not only help you save more wax until your next aromatherapy, but will also protect you from headaches and illness. It is known that excessively long use of aroma candles (more than 3-4 hours at a time) can negatively affect a person’s well-being due to air saturation.
This is a very important procedure! If you do not trim the wick and leave a blackened, charred tip, then the next time you use your aroma candle will heat up unevenly and therefore melt quickly. In addition, the candle will smoke and emit an unpleasant aroma. Unpleasant effect, right? Therefore, do not be lazy to trim the wick! By the way, you can find out how to do this correctly in one of the previous articles on our blog.
Make sure that the scented candle is not placed in a draft, near a window or near a fan. Even the lightest breeze will make the flame tremble! If this happens, the candle will heat unevenly and melt. The result is rapid combustion.
Now a candle with your favorite scent can serve you for a long time if you follow these recommendations. Don't forget to share these useful tips with family, friends, colleagues! Be sure to visit ours. We know how to make your shopping profitable and comfortable!
