What Does Patchouli Smell Like?

Psst. Don't forget to check out our best sellers after learning more below! Shop HERE. You may not know what patchouli is, but you’ve definitely smelled it before. This plant creates an oil that smells sweet, spicy and musky and can be used in a variety of scents and products. Below, we explain what patchouli is, what it smells like and what fragrances it pairs well with. Then, we highlight some of our most popular candles that incorporate patchouli as one of the scents. What is patchouli? Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is an aromatic flowering plant that grows in a bush up to one meter (three feet) high. It belongs to the mint family and has large, fragrant leaves with irregular tooth-shaped edges. Both the stems and leaves are covered in fine hairs. When the plant blooms, it produces small flowers in white or pale purple shades. The plant originated in the tropical climes of South Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries, thanks to its fragrant oil, which is produced by the leaves of the plant. Patchouli oil is extracted by drying the leaves of the plant and then distilling the oil via steaming. What does patchouli smell like? Patchouli has a strong, sweet scent that falls into the musky-earthy category. Because of its strong fragrance, it’s often used as a base scent in candles and perfumes. (The base scent is the fragrance you smell after the top and mid notes have melted away.) While it’s part of the mint family, patchouli doesn’t smell fresh and cool the way typical mint varieties in the grocery store do. Instead, it smells sweet, spicy and musky. This versatile scent is why patchouli can be found in so many different products, including candles, perfumes, cosmetics, detergents and more. What scents does patchouli pair well with? Patchouli doesn’t just go well in many different products. It also pairs well with many different scents, too. Some other fragrances that patchouli is often combined with include vetiver, sandalwood, frankincense, bergamot, cedarwood and myrrh. Patchouli may also be paired with lighter floral or citrus scents, such as rose, jasmine and orange. Finally, patchouli makes an excellent match for sweet scents such as vanilla. What are some candles that use patchouli as a fragrance? Because of patchouli’s versatility, we use it in many of our scented candles. Some of our favorite patchouli-scented candles are: Tennessee Candle This candle smells of tea, whiskey, magnolia, and bergamot, just like a lazy Sunday afternoon on the porch. Delicate oil guaiac wood combines with patchouli and sandalwood, and light notes of lemon and cloves round out the scent. Maine Candle To capture the Pine Tree State, we combine the scents of fall hayrides with fresh Maine blueberries and that state’s distinctive pine trees. Notes of moss trine together with floral accents of lavender and honeysuckle, while patchouli and cedarwood deepen the scent and add a woody fragrance. South Dakota Candle We combined patchouli, soft moss and sandalwood with the fragrance of the delicate prairie crocus flower–aka the South Dakota state flower. Notes of water, spruce, and firewood help balance out the hints of lavender and rosemary. Mississippi Candle Of course, we had to include magnolias in our candle for the Magnolia State—and we didn’t stop there. Deeper notes of patchouli and cedar are lightened with touches of cotton and tonka bean, while hints of lime and waterfalls round out the scent. Nevada Candle Light this candle and you’ll be transported back to the desert air, cactus flowers, bright lemon and lime and selvage denim of Nevada. Patchouli, cedar, cotton, and tonka combine to form a sweet yet musky scent. Washington Candle If you’ve ever missed the rainy days of Washington State, this candle is for you. We added scents of cedar and patchouli to complement the notes of Earl Grey tea. Meanwhile, the floral fragrances of rhododendron flower and amber are balanced out by sweet notes maple and vanilla. Montana Candle Notes of lemon, peppermint and cinnamon combine with hints of clear winter air for a fragrance that will transport you right back to Big Sky Country. Hints of amber swirl around with fragrances of sandalwood, patchouli, and cedar. Next time you see “patchouli” on a candle or perfume label, you’ll now know to expect. In fact, you might be surprised how many of the products you already own contain patchouli. It might be your new favorite scent, and you don’t even know it yet!

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How to Make Your House Smell Good

Who doesn’t want their home to smell good? It seems like such a simple thing, and yet it can be difficult to achieve. If you’re wondering how to make your home smell like a spa, you’ve come to the right place. In this ultimate guide, we walk you through everything you can do to make your house smell nice, from determining the source of bad smells to lighting scented candles. Check for problem spots. The first step to making your house smell good is to get rid of anything that smells bad. Conduct a smell test all over your house, looking for areas with not-so-great fragrances. Pay special attention to known problem areas such as the garbage disposal in the kitchen, trash cans in bathrooms, stinky shoe racks in the mudroom, and any litter boxes. Clean up each area and dispose of anything that could be causing a bad smell. Also watch out for humid rooms with bad ventilation, as this encourages mold and rot, which also smell bad. You might need to get a dehumidifier or install a better fan to encourage ventilation and dry out the space. Use odor neutralizers. Some things are probably going to smell a little off no matter how much you clean them — for example, litter boxes and trash cans. Look for odor-neutralizing products such as litter and trash bags that will help reduce some of the bad smells. You can also utilize popular household products such as baking soda, which will absorb smells and clean up the air. While there’s no replacement for getting rid of the source, these odor neutralizers can keep otherwise unavoidable smells in check. Investigate your fridge. Even with the cooler temperatures, your fridge can still get funky fast. Go through your produce and use up anything that’s about to go off — and throw it out if it’s already begun to rot. Check the expiration dates on all your other products. If they smell and/or taste weird, or mold has begun growing on them, throw them out as well. Wipe everything down and make sure the shelves dry before putting any food back in the fridge. Organize the fridge so that nothing will get shoved to the back and left to mold for months. For a final touch, put an open container of baking soda inside to absorb any bad smells. Clean out the garbage disposal. Your garbage disposal can get pretty gross, so give it a cleaning once a month or so. Save up citrus and orange peels, then put them down the drain and run the disposal. If you need some extra cleaning power, you can freeze them in an ice cube tray and then put the ice down the disposal (the frozen water will act as an abrasive cleaner). If you don’t have citrus peels on hand, you can also use ice and rock salt to clean it up as well. Give the sink a wipe down while you’re at it to get rid of any gunk that’s built up in the corners. Open a window. If the weather is sunny and dry, and there’s not too much pollen in the air, open your windows and let the sunshine in. The air will circulate through your house, spiriting away any bad smells and helping to dry out humid rooms. The sunlight will also help kill germs, bacteria, and other nasties that can contribute to bad smells. If the forecast calls for rain, keep an eye on the windows and close them up if bad weather rolls through. This way, nothing will get wet and undermine your hard work. Light some scented candles. Scented candles are one of the easiest ways to make your home smell nice on demand. Available in scents to match almost every preference, candles will make your house smell good just a few minutes after lighting the wick. Look for candles made from all natural, clean burning waxes such as soy and coconut wax. Other waxes such as paraffin can create more soot and put toxins into the air, which interferes with the scent and kind of defeats the purpose. Our standard Homesick 13.75 oz. soy candle offers 60-80 hours of burn time and comes in many fantastic scents inspired by memories, home states, and more. Make stovetop potpourri. Dusty potpourri isn’t just old fashioned, it also doesn’t offer that much of a scent. That’s why stovetop potpourri is fast becoming a thing. Combine ingredients such as chopped fruits, fresh herbs, cinnamon sticks, and spices in a pot. Add some water and turn the heat up until it simmers. There are all kinds of possible scent combinations, from fresh and citrusy to woody and herbally to smoky and spicy. If you’re having guests over, throw a pot of this on the stove, and they’ll be impressed with both your ingenuity and how good your home smells. Bake something delicious. If stovetop potpourri isn’t your thing, you can always go the old fashioned route and bake something delicious to fill your home with good smells. Baked goods like cookies, brownies, and cake are always a good bet, as are savory crock pot meals that will fill your home with tasty scents for hours on end. As an added bonus, you’ll be able to eat when your tasty treats are done baking — unlike the stove potpourri, which has to be thrown out when it’s done simmering. Set up diffusers. There are many different types of fragrance oil diffusers available for every type of room and budget. Reed diffusers absorb the oil via microscopic channels and release it into the air. Reed diffusers don’t require electricity and can be left to passively diffuse oil 24/7, making them perfect for entryways, bathrooms, and other areas with good air circulation. Ultrasonic aroma diffusers atomize water and fragrance oil using sonic waves instead of heat and disperse them as tendrils of mist. There are also electric diffusers, which use heat to atomize the fragrance oils. Note: this can destroy the oil’s original structure, which is why we opted to use ultrasonic technology for our Homesick aroma diffuser. Try out room sprays and mists. If you need to spruce up a room’s fragrance immediately and temporarily, grab a room spray and get to work. You can purchase them premade or make your own by mixing a few drops of oil into water and putting it in a spray bottle. Do keep in mind that the scent from room sprays will be weaker and fade faster than that of some of the other options on this list. That’s because water dilutes the fragrance oil, and it takes heat or ultrasonic waves to atomize the oil and fully take advantage of the oil’s fragrance. Make your own air fresheners. Unfinished wood is an excellent carrier for fragrance oils because the wood is so absorbent. (Just make sure it’s actually unfinished, and not covered with a clear lacquer or paint.) You can pick up many unfinished wood products at your local craft store, including clothespins and ornaments. Rub a little bit of oil into the wood, let it absorb, and then place the objects around your house. Clothespins can be clipped to lampshades, curtains, and other objects, while ornaments can be hung from doorknobs and hooks. Breathe in deep and enjoy your all natural DIY air fresheners. Take advantage of baking soda. You know you should stick a box of baking soda in the fridge, but there are many other uses for this versatile (and cheap) household product. Due to its highly absorbent nature, baking soda works as both an odor neutralizer and a carrier for nice-smelling oils. You can scatter it on carpets, mattresses, and anything else that can’t be washed. After letting it sit for a few hours, vacuum up the baking soda and enjoy your new-smelling couch. You can also mix a few drops of fragrance oils with a handful of baking soda and put a decorative dish on a counter or table for a quick DIY diffuser. Make dryer sheets do double duty. Dryer sheets can make many other things smell nice besides just your laundry. Drop a dryer sheet at the bottom of your trash can before replacing the trash bag to help absorb some of the bad smells (and disperse good smells, if you buy scented dryer sheets). You can also tape dryer sheets to the front of a box fan to manually diffuse the scent all over the room. This is an especially good hack during the summer, when you’re probably already going to run a fan anyways. You can also tuck them into linen closets, dressers, and other places to keep your fabrics smelling just as fresh as the day you pulled them out of the dryer. Add fragrance oils to your air filter. If you have a heating and/or cooling unit for your home, then you have an air filter. Remove the filter, replace it if it’s old, and apply a few drops of fragrance oils to the filter. Let it soak in before replacing the filter. This will disperse fragrance oil every time the heat or air conditioning runs. The scent will fade over time, so you’ll need to replenish the oil every so often. Switch out the scents seasonally or whenever you replace your air filter to keep your nose from adapting to the smell. Get plants and flowers. Plants and flowers don’t just look nice, they also smell nice too. Buy yourself some bouquets the next time you do grocery shopping, or better yet, get yourself some planters that will keep your plants alive for a long time. In fact, some plants even have a purifying effect on the air, soaking up airborne toxins, dusts and germs that can be found in a variety of household products and furniture. Some of them, such as spider plants and aloe vera, are also super easy to take care of, making them a perfect choice for an aspiring gardener who doesn’t have much experience with plants yet. Make a coffee bean “diffuser.” Make an entire room smell like your morning cup of joe with this quick craft project. Pour some coffee beans into a bowl or jar and nestle a tealight candle on the top. When you light the candle, the heat from the flame will warm the coffee beans, causing them to give off a subtle yet noticeable coffee fragrance, minus the shot of caffeine. The coffee beans will go stale eventually, so you’ll need to replace them every so often for maximum coffee fragrance. Keep your pets smelling clean. Just because you  love your fur babies doesn’t mean they can’t stink. Bathing cats and dogs is often a pain, so you can keep them smelling clean between baths by making your own pet deodorizer. Combine 3 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, 2 cups distilled water, and 8-12 drops of fragrance oil in a spray bottle. Spritz your pet occasionally, making sure to keep the solution out of their eyes. Brushing them often and vacuuming your home on a regular basis will also help keep the smell in check. Follow these 18 tips and your house will smell nice in no time. Making your home smell good isn’t a one-time deal.You’ll need to clean regularly and periodically refresh the scents to keep it smelling fresh. This may take a little extra effort, but it’s so worth it to have a house that smells good.

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What Does Sandalwood Smell Like?

Sandalwood is one of the most common candle scents, yet few people know what it smells like. This warm, smooth scent stands well on its own and also plays nicely with other fragrances as part of a more complex scent. Below, we explain what sandalwood smells like and what other fragrances go nicely with it. We also highlight several of our most popular sandalwood candle scents. What is sandalwood? Sandalwood is a type of tree that falls under the genus Santalum. The trees are slow-growing and produce a heavy, yellow, fine-grained aromatic wood that can retain its scent for decades. One of the most expensive woods in the world, the sandalwood tree can take 15 years or more before it’s ready to be harvested — the older the tree, the higher the quantity and quality of the oil it produces. While sandalwood originated in Southern India, now the plant has spread to other countries such as Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Hawaii, and Australia. What does sandalwood smell like? While sandalwood comes from a  tree, it’s not necessarily what you would think of as a “woodsy” scent. Sandalwood has its own distinct fragrance profile that is exotic, sweet, creamy, smooth, and warm. Once you smell sandalwood once, you’ll instantly recognize it for its unique fragrance. This appealing and versatile scent is why sandalwood makes an appearance in many fragrances, including candles, perfumes, colognes, soaps, and other scented products. Used with other fragrances, sandalwood forms an excellent base for more complex scents and adds nuance and warmth to the scent profile. What other scents go well with sandalwood? Sandalwood is a key member of the floral-oriental fragrance family and is often paired with white floral scents: orange blossom, jasmine, ylang-ylang, magnolia, gardenia, and tuberose. It’s also combined with other floral or citrusy fragrances to help stabilize their scent profiles and add longevity. What are some examples of candle fragrances that include sandalwood? Many of our top candle fragrances include sandalwood as one of the notes. Some of our most popular scented candles that use sandalwood are: San Diego Candle Close your eyes and be transported to America’s Finest City with our San Diego candle. Besides sandalwood, the base notes include patchouli, sea moss, tonka, and amber for a scent reminiscent of a warm day by the coast. Touches of sea air, jasmine, lavender, rosemary, and marine help round out the fragrance for a complex, refreshing scent. Beach Cottage Candle Relive a relaxing vacation by the seaside with our beach cottage candle. If you capture salty ocean air, hot sand, and afternoon thunderstorms in a candle this would be it. Sandalwood complements the base fragrances of cedarwood, tonka bean, amber, and musk. Fragrances of marina, beach, plumeria, and bergamot recall days by the ocean and evening walk along flower-lined streets. Grand Canyon Candle From our national parks collection, our Grand Canyon candle recalls dry heat bouncing off the vibrant orange and red sandstone of the largest canyon in the world. Warm sandalwood combines with redwood cedar, vanilla flower, lemon, wild petitgrain, rose hips, Italian bergamot, and white jasmine for a scent that captures the stark beauty of this national park. Colorado Candle It seems like everyone wants to move to the Centennial State these days, and who wouldn’t? For this fragrance, we drew inspiration from this beautiful state’s spruce trees and melting snow. One of our popular cinnamon-scented candles, the Colorado Candle, combines sandalwood and spice with amber musk, cedarwood, marine, and snow for a scent that’s both warm and refreshing. Maryland Candle We needed a complex scent to capture the equally nuanced spirit of the Old Line State. Freshly shaved sandalwood holds together the base of tonka bean, vanilla, and musk. Meanwhile, notes of cinnamon, thyme, ginger, bay, cumin, and nutmeg recall the Old Bay spice that the state is famous for. New Mexico Candle This sweet and spicy candle recalls the warm desert air of New Mexico on a late summer night. Sandalwood mixes with cedarwood and musk to form the base scent, while clove and cactus add complexity to the fragrance. Touches of chili pepper, nutmeg, and bay finish off the candle scent for a woody-yet-spicy fragrance. Sandalwood is an excellent scent that goes well with many other fragrances, and you can’t go wrong with any of our sandalwood candle scents.

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How to Use Essential Oils to Scent a Room

Essential oils are a fantastic all-natural way to scent a room without introducing synthetic scents or toxic chemicals into your home. Essential oils are very versatile and can be diffused in many different ways, including several DIY options. We’ve rounded up nine different ways to use essential oils to scent a room: Reed Diffusers Reeds are full of tiny channels that absorb oils and release them into the air once the oil particles reach the end of the reed. Reed diffusers don’t require any electricity, so they can be placed anywhere in your house where they won’t be knocked over. They can also be left to diffuse oils 24/7 since they don’t need to be monitored constantly. Electric Diffusers Electric diffusers use the heat generated by electricity to warm the oil and disperse it into the air. Electric diffusers come in many shapes and sizes, including larger tabletop models that plug directly into wall outlets and pocket-sized diffusers that fit into USB ports. Some bigger models may incorporate fans as well as heat to better disperse the oil’s fragrance. Candle Diffuser Candle diffusers also harness the power of heat to disperse essential oils, albeit in a slightly different way. To use a candle lamp diffuser, mix a few drops of oil in some water and pour the mixture into the dish on top. Light the candle below the dish so the heat from the flame can heat the water-oil mixture and disperse it into the air. Candle diffusers are usually made from glass, ceramic, and other similar materials. Because they use open flames, they need to be constantly monitored for safety. Ultrasonic Diffusers Heat isn’t the only way to diffuse essential oils — in fact, heating or burning essential oils can actually destroy their original structure. Ultrasonic aroma diffusers atomize water and essential oil using sonic waves instead of heat. The essential oils are then released as tendrils of mist, so you can watch them disperse. Due to the superior properties of ultrasonic diffusion, we chose this technology for our Homesick aroma diffuser. Room Mists and Sprays Perhaps the simplest way to scent a room with essential oils is a room spray. These room mists mix oil in water to be spritzed around the room. While this method doesn’t require electricity, heat, or any equipment besides a spray bottle, spraying essential oils into the air without atomizing them reduces the strength of the fragrance, so the scent won’t smell as strong or last as long as some of the other methods on this list. Unfinished Wood Unfinished wood also makes an excellent diffuser due to its high absorbency. Just make sure that it’s truly unfinished, and not covered with clear paint or lacquer. Many people like to add a few drops of oil to clothespins and then clip them on objects around the house for an easy DIY diffuser. You can also do the same with wooden ornaments and hang them like air fresheners. Baking Soda Baking soda is incredibly absorbent, making it a great material for a DIY diffuser. Mix a few drops of essential oils with a handful of baking soda and put in a decorative dish on a counter or table. You can also scatter the baking soda over carpet or couches, then vacuum it up after a few hours. The baking soda will absorb dirt and impurities and leave behind the soothing scents of your essential oils. Cardboard There are plenty of everyday household objects that can be turned into diffusers, including humble toilet paper rolls and tissue boxes. The thin cardboard will quickly absorb the oils, so add a few drops to the inside of the toilet paper roll or tissue box. You’ll get a pleasant whiff of fragrance every time you reach for a Kleenex. Terracotta While terracotta is more often used as a necklace pendant for a portable, personal diffuser, it can also be used to scent a room. Look for a larger dish or even a candle lamp diffuser made out of terracotta. If you rub a little bit of oil into the terracotta, the porous surface will soak up the oil and slowly diffuse it into the air. Whether you’re looking to make or buy an essential oil diffuser, there’s a perfect option out there to suit your needs and budget. Keep these nine options in mind when deciding how to use essential oil diffusers and essential oils to scent a room.

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How Do Candles Work?

Candles have been around for thousands of years, and this illumination device isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. While candles are very simple compared to other sources of light such as electricity, few people actually know how these classic devices work. Below, we explain how candles work, how the colors of the flame indicate each stage of combustion, and which types of waxes lead to a better burn. How do candles work? Candles are powered by combustion reactions. When you light a candle wick, the wax around the base of the wick melts. Through capillary action, this liquid hot wax is drawn up the wick. The heat of the flame turns the wax into a hot gas (a.k.a. vaporizes it) and starts to break down the wax into molecules of hydrogen and oxygen. These vaporized molecules react with oxygen from the air to create heat, light, water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). About 25% of the energy generated through this combustion reaction is released as heat. This heat melts still more wax, creating more fuel for the combustion reaction. The combustion reaction will continue until the wick burns down or all the wax is used up, whichever happens first (or until you blow out the candle, of course). When you first light the candle, it can take a few minutes for the combustion reaction to stabilize. This is why a candle flame sometimes flickers a lot when you first light it. As long as the wick is trimmed properly, the flame should stabilize after a few minutes and burn steadily in a nice teardrop shape. Why do candle flames have different colors? If you look closely, you’ll notice that the candle flame isn’t the same uniform color. That’s because candle flames have several different zones of heat. The bluish color at the base of the flame is where the hydrocarbon molecules vaporize and start to break apart into hydrogen and carbon atoms. There’s a lot of oxygen in this zone, so the hydrogen starts to react with it to form water vapor. Some of the carbon atoms in this zone may also begin to burn to form carbon dioxide. The middle part of the flame will be a dark orange-brown due to the relative absence of oxygen. In this area, carbon continues to break down. It also begins to form tiny hardened particles that are heated to approximately 1000 degrees Centigrade as they rise up through the flame. Next is the yellow zone, which forms the bulk of the flame and gives it the classic golden color. In this zone, more and more carbon particles are created, which can lead to the formation of soot. These particles continue to heat until they ignite, emitting the full spectrum of light, with yellow being the most dominant to the human eye. The final zone is the veil, a.k.a. the faint blue edge that surrounds the flame. This is the hottest part of the flame and is created when the hydrogen and carbon released from the combustion reaction meet the oxygen in the air. Does the type of candle wax matter? While all types of candle waxes are basically hydrocarbons, different types of waxes contain different additives and formulations, which affect the candle’s performance. For example, heating paraffin wax releases soot and 11 known toxins — two of which are carcinogens — into the air. All-natural waxes such as soy and coconut have a cleaner burn. Different waxes don’t just provide cleaner burns, some also provide longer burn times for the same amount of wax, making your candle last longer. Generally speaking, soy waxes provide an excellent balance between clean, low-soot burns and longer burn times. See our guide to learn more about what candles are made of and the different types of wax, like our coconut wax candles. Our standard 13.75 oz. soy candles provide 60-80 hours of burn, depending on how well you take care of your candle. Trimming your wick, keeping a lit candle away from drafts, and other candle care tips will also prolong the life of your candle. Learning how candles work will give you a better appreciation of just how amazing these inventions are. Whether you’re using candles for illumination or simply to release their amazing fragrances, knowing how they work will enhance your experience.

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16 Essential Oil Diffuser Benefits

The obvious benefit of essential oils is their wonderful aroma. But did you know that diffusing oil offers many advantages besides delicious-smelling fragrances? Yep, that’s right. Depending on the oil itself, aromatherapy provides both physical and mental benefits. Below, we outline 16 essential oil benefits, the six main ways to diffuse essential oils and helpful aromatherapy safety tips. Essential Oil Diffuser Benefits Here are 16 of the top physical and mental benefits of using an essential oil diffuser: Helps you to relax. Many people turn to aromatherapy after a long day at work for a reason. The gentle smells and soothing effects are a great way to unwind in the evenings. Diffusing essential oils can be used on their own or paired with another activity to help you relax. For example, diffuse the oils while doing another calming activity, such as soaking in the bath, completing an easy yoga routine, or meditating for a few minutes. Look for scents that will help you calm down instead of energizing you. Promotes feelings of calm. Aromatherapy is an excellent addition to your everyday routine, but it can also be a great resource during times of stress and tension. Those feelings of calm and relaxation will help you take a moment, exhale, and recenter yourself when your thoughts are running wild. What’s more, diffusing the essential oils also promotes deep breathing, which has been shown to ease feelings of stress in the moment. Improves clarity and focus. The benefits of aromatherapy are mental as well as physical. Choosing an energizing scent, such as citrus, will boost alertness as well as your ability to concentrate and focus. Use this type of aromatherapy whenever you’re working on a big project or assignment that needs your full attention. You can also diffuse these scents around your house in the morning as you get ready for work, which will help cue your body to wake up and make it easier to get moving. Makes lifestyle changes easier. Whenever you make a big change to your lifestyle, especially if it’s cutting something out — like caffeine, sugar, or cigarettes — you’re bound to be a little irritable as your body adjusts to its new normal. The peace and calm evoked by aroma diffusers can help ease the transition and reduce feelings of stress and nervous irritation that often accompany such big changes. Aromatherapy can also help you build and maintain a new routine. For example, you can fire up your oil diffuser in the morning instead of pouring yourself a cup of coffee. Boosts your mood. Taking a few minutes out of your day to engage in self-care, whether that’s aromatherapy or something else, will improve your mood in and of itself. Beyond the self-care aspect, the many positive benefits of essential oil diffusers also combine together to boost your mood and increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Whether you’re feeling good or a bit blue, aromatherapy can help lift you up and make you feel better.  Reduces the appearance of redness. Certain essential oils contain anti inflammatory properties, which can help rebalance your skin and improve the appearance of redness. In turn, this makes your skin look healthy and promotes a clear complexion. If you have sensitive skin that’s prone to reactions, make sure to patch test the oil first by dabbing a few drops on your arm and covering it with a bandage for at least a few hours. If your skin looks clear afterwards, then you’re good to go. Can ease aching joints. Essential oils can help ease aching joints as well as soothe your skin. Aromatherapy can improve your well-being and trigger the release of feel-good hormones such as joint pain. In turn, this reduces your psychological experience of pain, including joint issues. It can also encourage better sleep (more on this in a minute) which also improves joint health, since your body heals while you rest. Helps clear airways for easier breathing. Whether allergies hit you hard in spring and summer or the dry cold gets to you in fall and winter, it seems like there’s always something going on that can affect your respiratory system. Diffusing essential oil maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing while minimizing the effects of seasonal threats. If you’re using a new oil for the first time, make sure to run the diffuser for only a little while at first and monitor yourself for any reactions as you inhale the fragrance. Supports a healthy digestive system. We all suffer from the occasional upset stomach and need some help in the form of aromatherapy. Certain essential oil blends offer relief from stomach issues that range from feeling too full after a big meal to having a queasy stomach. They can also encourage a healthy, regular digestive tract that processes food like a dream. Promotes healthy, healed skin. Aromatherapy helps to support a quick recovery and encourages healthy looking toenails and skin. Whether you’re a bit pink from a day in the sun or recovering from a mild rash, diffusing essential oils can lessen the effects of minor skin irritations and help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections and irritations. It also reduces the appearance of time on the skin, such as fine lines, patchy pigmentation, and loss of elasticity. Encourages better sleep. Whether it’s an upset stomach or racing thoughts, there are so many issues that can keep you up at night. Unfortunately, trouble falling and staying asleep is a very common complaint in the United States. More than 50 million Americans already suffer from over 80 different sleep disorders, and another 20 to 30 million suffer intermittent sleep problems each year. Using a calming scent in your oil diffuser before bed will help you relax and prepare you for a long night of deep rest. Can lessen muscle tension and soreness. Similar to easing joint pain, aroma diffusers can also help ease muscle tension and soreness. If you’re sore after a workout or feel stiff after a long day sitting at a desk, sit or lie down while you run your aroma diffuser and feel your body relax. For added benefits, you can also take a few drops of the oil and massage it directly onto the muscle to dispel the lactic acid and help you limber up. You can incorporate the oils into a carrier lotion to make the essential oil stretch farther. Encourages healthy eating habits. Smell is an important component of feeling hungry or satisfied — in fact, some recent research indicates that simply smelling food satisfies hunger cravings, though more studies are needed to replicate the results. Diffusing essential oils can help manage hunger cravings and promote healthy eating habits by boosting willpower and reducing the desire to snack between meals. If you’re trying to cut back on calories, reduce your sugar intake, or switch to a healthier diet, aromatherapy can help support your new lifestyle. Helps ease mood swings during hormonal times. Many women become moody prior to their menstrual cycle or as a result of other hormonal changes. Calming aromatherapy oils can help promote feelings of stability and calm during cycles of moodiness. If you feel like you’re constantly careening between emotional highs and lows each month, diffusing essential oils can help you feel more balanced, especially during the often turbulent time surrounding the menstrual cycle. Improves circulation and drainage beneath the skin. Encouraging good blood circulation and efficient lymph drainage improves the appearance of healthy skin and reduces swelling and irritation. Using oil diffusers can promote circulation, drainage, and elimination, which in turn can help improve the look of skin dimpling as well as dark marks from veins. Minimizes the effects of seasonal conditions. Aromatherapy encourages a healthy immune system and helps protect both you and your children from seasonal threats, especially during the winter. Help everyone stay healthy or recover more quickly by diffusing essential oils around your house. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Different Ways to Diffuse Essential Oils There are several ways to diffuse essential oils into the air for full aromatherapy benefits. Here are six of the most popular methods: Ultrasonic diffuser: Ultrasonic diffusers atomize water and essential oil using sonic waves instead of heating or burning, which may destroy the oils’ original structure. Ultrasonic diffusers diffuse as tendrils of mist, adding to the aesthetic appeal. We chose to use ultrasonic technology in our Homesick diffuser due to its superior performance. Electric diffuser: Electric diffusers use heat generated by electricity to heat the oil and disperse it into the air. Some may also incorporate fans to better disperse the oil’s fragrance. Electric diffusers come in many shapes and sizes, including larger tabletop models and smaller ones that plug directly into wall outlets or USB ports. Reed diffuser: Reed diffusers use reeds full of tiny channels to passively release fragrances into the air around the clock. These microscopic channels absorb the oil and push it toward the top of the reed. Once the oil reaches the end of the channel, it’s released into the air, circulating the smell around your home. Because reed diffusers do not require electricity, they can be placed almost anywhere in your home. Terracotta diffuser: Unglazed terracotta is very porous, so it absorbs and releases scented oils very well. Terracotta diffusers are often worn as jewelry, often as necklace pendants. Some people hang terracotta diffuser discs in the window so they can be warmed by the sun for better diffusion. Drops of oil are added directly to the terracotta pendant and then evaporate over the following minutes. Room mist and sprays: The simple mixtures of water and oil are one of the most straightforward ways to make your home smell good. However, the fragrance’s strength can be diminished when mixed into water and sprayed into the air instead of being atomized, so this option may not create as much scent as others on this list. Candle lamp diffuser: Candle lamp diffusers also mix oil with water. This mixture is placed in a glass bowl and positioned over a candle. The heat from the candle’s flame heats the water-oil mixture and disperses it into the air. Because this method involves an open flame, it must be placed on a stable surface and constantly monitored. Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils To make the most of your diffuser, you should follow common sense guidelines and safety tips, including: 1. Buying high quality essential oils from reputable suppliers.2. Following the instructions that come with your diffuser of choice.3. Using the right amount of oil.4. Talking with your doctor if you’re pregnant.5. Watching out for adverse allergic or asthmatic reactions.6. Double-checking your home’s ventilation.7. Keeping the oil awake from flames.8. Taking breaks from electronic diffusers.9. Keeping olfactory fatigue in mind.10. Being careful with pets and small children.11. Cleaning your diffuser regularly. Essential oil diffusers offer many mental and physical benefits, from promoting feelings of calm to encouraging better, more restful sleep. Choosing the right type of aroma diffuser and using it properly will ensure that you and your family have the best aromatherapy experience possible.

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What Are Candles Made Of?

All candles are made of wax — but not all candle waxes are created equal. Even though candles may look very similar, different waxes have different properties, including burn time, fragrance strength, and soot emissions. If you’re wondering what candles are made of, we will explain the pros and cons of six of the most common candle waxes: paraffin, beeswax, soy, coconut, gel, and palm. Paraffin Wax Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum, created by removing the waxy substance from crude oil. Paraffin wax is cheap and holds both dyes and scents well. However, it’s not biodegradable or natural, and it’s made from a non-renewable resource, so many people avoid it for environmental reasons. Heating paraffin wax releases soot and 11 known toxins — two of which are carcinogens — into the air. For these reasons, paraffin wax candles have been falling out of favor in recent years. Beeswax Beeswax is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, waxes in existence. This all-natural wax is secreted by bees from special wax-producing glands in their abdomen. The bees use it to build their honeycomb hives and the wax is harvested at the same time as the honey. Beeswax has a naturally sweet scent from the honey and flowers, and its color may vary from white to yellow to orange to red to brown. Due to the labor-intensive production, beeswax is often one of the most expensive waxes out there, and the natural color makes it hard to dye. Soy Wax Soybean wax is also all natural, but it’s more widely available and less expensive than beeswax. It has a strong fragrance and burns for longer compared to paraffin wax, the other most common candle wax. Soy wax candles also create less soot and emit fewer toxins when burned compared to paraffin wax. Soy wax has a naturally off-white color that looks great on its own, or it can easily be dyed with other colors. It also has a lower melting point than many of the other waxes on this list. This melting point makes it easier to burn in cooler environments or during colder seasons like winter. (Check out our blog post for more on the differences between paraffin vs. soy wax.) Coconut Wax Coconut oil took the world by storm, and now coconut wax is having its moment as well. Like soy wax, coconut wax is all natural and also derived from plants (no animals involved!). It can have a subtly sweet scent thanks to the coconut but also takes well to other scents. Coconut wax results in a slow, clean burn that lasts for a long time and doesn’t emit much soot, which is why we choose it for our new Daily Collection line of coconut wax candles. Gel Wax Gel wax isn’t wax at all, but rather a transparent, rubbery compound made of mineral oil and polymer resin. Gel wax is clear and used to make transparent jar candles. This wax offers a unique look and holds both scent and dyes well. However, not all fragrances are gel-safe, which limits the scents that are available. Gel wax also burns hot and can cause poorly-made or thin glass containers explode. Palm Wax Once, palm wax was held up as an environmentally friendly, plant-based alternative to paraffin, similar to soy and coconut wax. This hard wax is long-burning and has a clean flame with low soot. However, major palm product suppliers, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, have devastated local environments over the past decade in order to plant enough African oil palm trees to satisfy demand. Many people are now forgoing palm products, including palm wax, in favor of less environmentally destructive waxes.  Whatever wax it’s made of, jar and container candles are made using the same process. They are made with a braided cotton wick that may be coated in a bit of wax to hold it together. The bottom of the wick is crimped into a metal disc, called a tab, which adheres to the bottom of the container. The wax is melted and mixed with scents and dyes, then poured into the jar. The wick is centered and the candle is left to harden. Once it’s ready to burn, the wick is trimmed and the candle is ready for use. We hope this guide answered your questions about what candles are made of, and don’t forget to shop our collections of premium soy wax candles and coconut wax candles.

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Can You Bring Candles on the Plane?

If you’re wondering whether you can bring candles on a plane, the answer is “yes.” TSA allows solid wax candles to fly in both checked and carry-on bags. (However, gel candles can only fly in checked bags due to TSA’s rules regarding gels and aerosols.) TSA recommends leaving any gifts, including candles, unwrapped in case your bag gets flagged for a security check. Consider loosely rolling your candle in bubble wrap or nestle it in your clothes so the glass doesn’t break in transit. Scented candles actually make great gifts to pack in a suitcase due to their small size and solid nature (flying with liquids always risks a leak). Here are 10 more fantastic gift ideas that travel easily: Jewelry Jewelry is compact by nature, which makes it easy to carry on a plane. Be sure to put it in a box or pouch to keep it from getting scratched in transit, and tuck it into a pocket so it’s not rattling around loose in your suitcase. Beauty Products Beauty products are also a breeze to slip into your carryon or suitcase. If you’re worried about liquids, stick with solid products such as lipsticks, blush, and eyeshadow. However, carryon items like perfume are allowed as long as they’re under TSA’s 3.4 ounces limit. Portable Speaker By definition, anything “portable” is going to be a good bet for travel gifts, and this is doubly true for portable Bluetooth speakers. This gift packs a big sound in a small package and comes in many different styles, from cupholder to carabiner to suction cup. Reusable Tote Bag One simply cannot have too many reusable tote bags. These items fold or pack down small, and some even come in their own mini carrying case to keep them contained in transit. It’s also a good idea to toss one of these in your bag when you travel, as you never know when you might acquire some extra items that you need to tote around. Phone Camera Lens If your gift recipient loves techie gifts but already owns a portable speaker, consider getting them a set of smartphone camera lenses instead. These lenses clip onto your phone over the existing lens and will seriously level up the quality of their photos. This gift idea is perfect for the aspiring Instagram influencer or the world traveler who doesn’t like to lug around a heavy camera. Nice Sunglasses Sunglasses are constantly getting beat up or lost, so getting a slightly nicer and durable pair is a good gift idea. Make sure to grab a matching case to keep them protected in transit, and put the glasses at the top of your luggage to keep anything from falling on them and squashing them. Books Sure, everything is going digital now, but there’s something so satisfying about holding a physical book in your hands. Whether it’s a cookbook or the latest best selling paperback novel, these compact gifts travel well as long as you make sure not to bend the cover or pages en route. We recommend tucking a book into a larger zipper pocket or putting it at the bottom of the bag to stop it from tumbling around. Headphone Carrying Case If your friend is infamous for tangled headphone cords or losing their wireless earbuds, this thoughtful gift is sure to save them hours of hassle. (In fact, you might even be tempted to pick one up for yourself too!) Be sure to get the right model for their headphones — for example, there are carrying cases specially made for Apple’s Air Pods. Fancy Socks Getting a pair of fun socks as an adult is both an exciting and practical gift, and they’re practically impossible to mess up while you travel. Socks can be rolled and smushed to tuck into  basically whatever nook and cranny you have available in your suitcase, making them a very convenient gift to fly with. Card Games Whether it’s a classic deck of cards or a sassy, modern game like Cards Against Humanity, cards are a super easy gift to pack along in your suitcase. The box or case will protect the cards, and if they’re unopened, the shrink wrap will hold everything together. Keep these ideas in mind whenever you’re looking for gifts to pack in your suitcase — and if you’re looking for a candle to fly with, don’t forget to check out our collection of soy wax candles!

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Are Diffusers Safe?

Diffusers are an excellent way to spread a fragrance around your house without the use of an open flame. While diffusers are generally safe to use around humans, you should follow certain guidelines to ensure the best experience for everyone in your household, children, and pets included. Here are 11 top tips for using oil diffusers of all kinds safely: Buy quality essential oils. Getting high-quality oils for your oil diffuser will ensure that it runs as efficiently and safely as possible. High-quality oils will result in a noticeable but not overwhelming smell that will make your home smell nice without leading to headaches or nausea. Make sure to get your oils from a reputable supplier and look for unadulterated oils without added compounds. Follow the diffuser instructions. This should be obvious, but it bears repeating: Follow the instructions that come with your aroma diffuser! They’re rules, not suggestions, and paying attention to them is the best way to ensure that your diffuser stays working for a long time without mishaps. Use the right amount of oil. More oil does not equal a better experience when using an aroma diffuser. A few drops might not seem like a lot, but trust us, it’s enough to make your home smell good. In fact, using too much oil can lead to an overpowering and unpleasant smell that causes feelings of headaches and nausea. Ask your doctor if you’re pregnant. While essential oils are usually okay for most patients to use (barring an allergy, of course) it’s still a good idea to check with your doctor before using them during pregnancy. Your providers will be able to tell you if it’s safe, offer extra tips, and potentially even recommend certain scents to use or avoid. Watch out for adverse reactions. When using an oil diffuser, keep an eye out for signs of allergic or respiratory reactions, including watering or itchy eyes, sneezing, clogged sinuses, and trouble breathing. This is especially important whenever you experiment with a new scent for the first time or if you are already prone to asthma or allergic reactions. Double-check your home’s ventilation. When using any kind of scented diffuser — whether it’s an electronic diffuser or a reed diffuser — it’s important to do it in a well-ventilated area. Make sure that your vents are all working properly and that air is circulating. You can also consider opening a window if necessary. Stay away from flames. Some essential oils are extremely flammable, so keeping them away from open flames is important. Don’t use the oils in the kitchen, and keep any lit candles far away. Also be careful of using electronic diffusers in the bathroom, as you don’t want to accidentally flick water on the power cord. Don’t continuously run electronic diffusers. Reed diffusers release small amounts of oil slowly, so they can be left out around-the-clock as long as they’re in a well-ventilated area. However, electronic oil diffusers produce a more concentrated fragrance, so it’s best not to run them continuously. A good rule of thumb is to run the diffuser for a 30-60 minute period and then take a break of the same length. Keep olfactory fatigue in mind. Just because you can’t smell the diffuser doesn’t mean that it isn’t running. Olfactory fatigue is a phenomenon that occurs when your sense of smell adapts to a fragrance and you can no longer smell it even though the molecules are still present. If that happens, the solution is usually to take a break from the scent instead of amping up the fragrance. Be careful with pets and small children. Since children and pets are smaller than adults, they may be more susceptible to scents. Animals may also have adverse reactions that are different from humans. Cats are particularly vulnerable to fragrances. If you notice them getting sick, turn off the diffuser, open the windows, and take them to the vet if things get worse. While you’re at it, keep the diffuser out of reach so your human and fur children can’t knock it over or ingest the oil. Clean your diffuser regularly. Cleaning your diffuser on a regular basis will stop mold from growing and keep it working at optimal levels. While you should follow the manufacturer instructions, you should wipe down the diffuser after each use and deep clean it at least each month. Follow these 11 tips to use your diffusers safely at home, and don’t forget to check out our collection of high-quality diffuser oils.

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Sunshine and Showers: 18 Refreshing Spring Candles

It seemed like spring would never come, but the snow is finally beginning to melt and temperatures are beginning to rise. Now that spring is officially on the way, it’s the perfect time to get yourself a new candle that perfectly encapsulates the changing of the seasons. Some of the more popular scent notes in spring candles include: Florals: sweet and soothing; think magnolias, cherry blossoms and jasmine Plants: green and earthy; think ylang trees and grain fields Citrus: invigorating and energizing; think oranges, lemons and limes Water: clean and fresh; think sea air and spring rains Herbs: aromatic and savory; think rosemary and lavender If you need inspiration for your next spring candle purchase, we’ve rounded up 18 of our favorite spring candles for your browsing convenience: Kansas Candle Travel to the beautiful plains of the Sunflower State with this perfect spring candle. The scent profile is reminiscent of the grassy expanse of the open plains, capturing the beginning of growing season and the promise of new plant shoots. Of course, we include notes of the famous Kansas sunflowers, as well as water, cotton and denim to encapsulate that feeling of walking through a field in your most comfortable work jeans. A light citrus touch of lemon and lime adds a refreshing and energizing finish to the fragrance. Other scent notes include moss, musk and amber. New York City Candle Is anything more beautiful than New York City in spring? It’s the perfect season to visit, since all the winter slush has melted but the summer heat hasn’t begun baking yet. Transport yourself to the Big Apple with a citrus bergamot candle that captures the distinctive scent of Central Park in spring. Aromas of oakmoss and sandalwood mix with floral notes as well as hints of bergamot, lemon and grapefruit. Notes of musk and concrete help round out the scent profile, capturing the fine department stores, towering skyscrapers and concrete of the greatest city on earth. San Diego Candle San Diego is known as “America’s Finest City”–partly for its mild year-round climate–but we especially love the city in the springtime once the weather begins to warm up. To evoke San Diego’s natural deep-water harbor and extensive beaches, we incorporated fragrances of sea moss, sea air and marine into this sandalwood citrus candle. The notes of lavender bring to mind Balboa Park, and hints of rosemary and jasmine further enhance the aroma. Patchouli, sandalwood, tonka and amber help round out the scent profile for a candle that smells exactly like the perfect spring day by the bay. Ohio Candle The Buckeye State has so much more to offer than the shiny brown nut it derives its nickname from, including bountiful plants and crops that make spring an explosion of green. That’s why our Ohio candle is the perfect scent to welcome in spring in any state. The powdery musk base deepens the mid notes of honeysuckle and carnation for a complex scent that’s not too sweet. A burst of bright orange zest and a scattering of herbs finish off the fragrance for the perfect spring scent. If you’re looking for a fresh, floral scent that doesn’t overpower you, this is an excellent choice. United Kingdom Candle Winter in the United Kingdom means freezing temperatures, icy precipitation and sometimes even snow. That’s why the warmer weather of spring is such a relief to residents and tourists alike. Spring is the time for warm rain showers that nourish blossoming trees and flowering plants, so we combined notes of grass, rain and bergamot in this spring candle. And because there’s nothing better than curling up inside with a hot scone on a rainy day, we also included fragrances of toffee, vanilla, sugar and apple crumb for an Earl Grey tea scented candle that truly smells like the United Kingdom. Now if only we could capture sarcasm as a scent! Morning Refresh Candle You could wash your face with a grapefruit-scented cleanser in the morning to help you wake up—or you could just light our Morning Refresh candle. Citrus is an energizing scent that encourages alertness and clear thinking. To create this candle’s scent profile, we started with a base note of grapefruit and then added jasmine, red currant and lemon to round out the fragrance for an invigorating experience. This candle is part of our Daily Collection, so it’s made of all natural premium coconut wax and also comes with a custom Homesick matchbox so you can light it right away. New Job Spring is the time of new beginnings, and not just for plants. Many people begin a new job in the spring, so it’s a great idea to have this gift idea in your back pocket. Starting a new job is exciting but also stressful, and receiving a thoughtful gift such as this candle can really give the recipient a boost. To make this scent, we combined base notes of vanilla and tonka bean with mid notes of cedarwood, paper and clove. Then we finished off the scent with touches of leather and cinnamon for the perfect new job candle. New Home Perhaps the new beginning you’re celebrating this spring isn’t a new job, but rather a new home. If so, our aptly named New Home candle makes for an excellent housewarming gift (either for yourself or for someone else). When lit, it smells like fresh linen, clean air and the intoxicating smell of an empty house filled with possibilities and countless memories waiting to be made. Base notes of ambergris, tonka bean, moss and musk mix with ocean, cedarwood, sandalwood, jasmine and lime for a scent that’s both comforting and exciting. Thank You, Mom While every season is the right time to appreciate your mom, Mother’s Day does fall during the  springtime (it’s on May 10 this year)—and this candle is the perfect gift for mom. In fact, you can even ditch the wrapping paper because the packing on this candle comes with blank spaces for you to fill out sweet notes to your mom. As for the candle itself, it smells like freshly trimmed flowers on the kitchen table, lingering wafts of her favorite perfume and breakfast sizzling on Sunday. Notes of sandalwood and musk combine with jasmine, Ylang ylang, white lily and clove. Flourishes of bergamot, lavender and sage finish off a scent that smells so good you might be tempted to keep the candle for yourself. Northern California Candle The two halves of California are as distinct as many states, so of course we had to make custom fragrances for each one. Our Northern California candle calls to mind the wine country and redwood forests that are the hallmark of the top half of the state. Aromas of tonka bean, amber and musk mingle with fruity hints of pear and apple. Other scent notes include sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and clove, which add a sweet touch to the fragrance. This is the perfect candle to light once the spring weather finally heats up enough for you to drink wine on the porch again. Southern California Candle We’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight Northern California without doing the same for the scents of Southern California. Instead  of wine country and redwood forests, we turned to the region’s beaches and lovely floral blooms for inspiration. Vanilla, tonka bean and musk provide the perfect foundation for hints of sea breeze and aloe that harken back to the coastal beaches. Zesty lemons and oranges combine with a floral bouquet of rose, carnation and jasmine for an invigorating and clean fragrance. You’ll be hard pressed to choose between our two California scents—so maybe just get both? Washington, D.C. Candle The capital’s famous cherry blossom bloom peaks in late March or early April, so we’d be remiss not to include this one on our list of best spring candles. However, this candle’s scent profile has so much more complexity to offer than straight up cherry blossoms. Hints of concrete and musk evoke stone-faced buildings on the National Mall and leather-bound books in the Library of Congress. Notes of moss, amber, cedarwood, vetiver and sandalwood are topped with a refreshing hint of zesty orange for a truly springy candle. Miami Candle While many associate Florida with summer weather instead of spring, Miami is one of the most popular spring break destinations, so we had to include this candle in our round-up. If you can’t get away during spring this year and want to bring the beach to you a bit earlier, this is the candle for you. Suntan lotion and seashore breezes mix with notes of tonka bean, musk and patchouli. Touches of bergamot, lemon, lavender and coconut top the scent profiles like a refreshing sip of cool water after a hot day by the ocean. Beach Cottage Candle If Miami isn’t your spring break scene, perhaps you’d prefer a quiet little beach cottage on a secluded shore? This candle captures the feeling of sipping your coffee on the porch while a quick thunderstorm blows past and walking along the beach at sunset with the warm sand under foot. Cedarwood, sandalwood, tonka bean, amber and musk form the base of this scent. Touches of marine, beach, plumeria and driftwood help finish out the scent for a candle that’s the perfect complement to your driftwood and seashell shabby chic decor. Illinois Candle Anyone who doesn’t associate Illinois with spring hasn’t seen the fields of the Prairie State begin to bloom with the change of season. Light our Illinois candle and you'll catch hints of grain fields, light breezes and a touch of vanilla and lemon in its fragrance, as well as the raspberry-and-vanilla base. A floral bouquet of honeysuckle, lavender, white flower and violets (the state flower of Illinois) are balanced with more invigorating scents such as chocolate, lemon and bergamot. After the long cold winter months, it’s certainly worth celebrating an Illinois spring by lighting this candle. Louisiana Candle The Pelican State might not have the most graceful nickname, but we didn’t let that stop us from adding this elegant spring scent to our compilation. We started with a base of tonka bean, vanilla and musk and then added a beautiful southern bouquet of magnolia, honeysuckle and country jasmine. We topped the scent with a few hints of Louisiana’s famous sweet potatoes and a lightly sweet citrus mix for a fragrance that smells far better than the state bird. It’s like having fresh-picked flowers sitting on your shelf, except this candle will last longer and won’t trigger your allergies, so it’s a win-win. Mississippi Candle Spring is prime blooming time for magnolia trees, so of course we had to include our Magnolia State candle in this round-up. This fragrance combines Mississippi’s famous blooming magnolia flowers with a lime accent and the clear scent of waterfalls. Sweet notes of cotton and tonka bean are balanced with complex, woody patchouli and cedar. Other fragrance components include lemon, lavender, denim, desert flower, vanilla, amber and musk for a scent that’s just as enticing as a spring afternoon in this candle’s namesake state. Even if you can’t spell Mississippi off the top of your head, we know you’ll love this spring candle. Los Angeles Candle The mild climate of the City of Angels is the perfect inspiration for your next favorite spring candle. Relive the bright mornings and star-kissed nights of Los Angeles when you light this candle. Scents of jasmine and musk combine with hints of rose and Ylang ylang (a tropical tree native to India that also grows around Los Angeles). Touches of orange, lemon, bergamot and coffee finish off the scent profile for a fragrance that evokes clean sea breezes and desert sand kicked up from a hike in the hills. Sure, you could climb up to the Hollywood sign—or you could just light this candle. Welcome the coming of spring with one (or all) of these spring candles. Whether you want your home to smell like invigorating citrus-scented candles or a sweet flower bouquet, we’ve got the perfect spring candle for you.

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Paraffin Wax vs. Soy Wax Candles

Check the labels on the candles in your home and you’ll probably notice that some are made from paraffin wax and some are made from soy wax–and you might wonder if there’s really a big difference between paraffin wax vs. soy wax. While they’re both common candle waxes, the distinctions between them are very real, and there’s a reason why we’ve chosen soy wax for most of our Homesick candles. (Though don’t miss out on our collection of all natural coconut wax candles either!) Here are seven reasons we prefer soy wax candles vs. paraffin wax:   Soy wax is all natural.   Soy wax is made from soybeans, while paraffin wax is made from petroleum (yes, the same petroleum used to make oil and gas). Discovered in 1850, paraffin wax is made by removing the waxy substance from crude oil. Soy wax was discovered in 1991 as an alternative to paraffin wax and is a hydrogenated form of soybean oil. Not only is soy wax all natural, it’s also sustainable since we can grow more soybeans. Paraffin wax is not sustainable because fossil fuels cannot be renewed.   Soy wax emits less soot.   All candles emit some amount of soot, but given the same conditions (length of the wick, presence of a draft, etc.), a paraffin candle will emit more soot than a soy candle. This soot can discolor the candle container and sometimes get on your walls, furniture and curtains as well, especially if you have a lot of air circulation that moves the soot around. If you light a soy candle and a paraffin candle next to each other, you’ll notice the difference in the soot.   Soy wax releases less toxins.   Soot isn’t the only thing that paraffin wax emits. Burning or melting paraffin wax releases 11 known toxins—two of which are carcinogens—into the air. (A carcinogen is any substance or agent that promotes cancer.) Because soy wax is a biodegradable wax made from soybeans,  which we eat, it does not contain these toxins and carcinogens. Not only is soy wax better for the environment, it’s also better for you, your family members and your pets.   Soy wax burns for longer.   All things being equal, soy wax will burn anywhere between 30 percent to 50 percent longer than a paraffin candle. Again, this depends on the height and width of the candle, the length of the wick and other factors. To maximize how long your sox candle burns, you should trim the candle wick down to ⅛ - ¼ inch before relighting again (learn how to trim a candle wick here). Don’t burn the candle for more than four hours, as this can cause the wax to overheat. Keep the candle away from drafts, and recenter the wick if it moves when the wax is melted.   Soy wax has a lower melting point.   Because of its large, defined crystal structure, paraffin wax has a higher melting point, between 120-160°F (49-71°C). Soy wax has a lower melting point than that, making it easier to burn in cooler environments or during colder seasons like winter. This lower point also lowers your risk of accidentally burning yourself if the candle gets knocked over or there’s some sort of accident. Soy wax can melt on its own if you live in a very hot area where temperatures rise into the lower end of that range. Because of the crystal structure, paraffin wax also tends to be harder and more brittle, while soy wax is softer and more pliable.   Soy wax has a stronger fragrance.   Due to the lack of soot and toxins released into the air, soy wax candles have a stronger scent profile than paraffin wax candles. The chemicals released by paraffin wax can interfere with the scent during burning, which kind of defeats the point of lighting a candle. Since you can’t add extra fragrances to candles (too much fragrance oil will compromise the wax), having a clean burn that really shows off the aroma is important. After all, you’re probably not burning the candle for light, but rather for its scent.   Soy wax supports American farmers.   The United States is the world’s greatest producer of soybeans, so chances are good that your soy candle is made from crops grown here in the U.S. Buying our soy candles helps support farmers and workers in the United States and strengthens the local economy. When it comes to candles, you can’t go wrong with soy wax. Shop our collection of soy wax candles today to get your new favorite gift.

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How Do Reed Diffusers Work?

You know that reed diffusers make your home or office smell nice, but how exactly do reed diffusers work? Below, we explain how scented oil, a decorative bottle and reeds combine to dispense fragrance 24/7. We also offer tips to make the most of your reed diffuser and investigate the unique benefits of reed diffusers.   How Do Reed Diffusers Work?   Reed diffusers have three main parts: the scent oil itself, the reeds and a small glass or ceramic bottle with a narrow neck. To set up a reed diffuser, uncap the bottle. If the scent came in a separate jar, also uncap that and pour a few ounces of oil into the bottle. Then, reseal the oil and store it in a cool, dry place. Place the reeds into the bottle and arrange them until they look nice. The reeds are full of lots of microscopic channels that absorb the oil and push it towards the top of the reed. Once the oil reaches the end of the channel, it’s released into the air, circulating the smell around your home. Think of these channels like tiny straws that are moving the fragrance from the bottle into the air.   How to Care for Your Reed Diffuser   Now that you know how reed diffusers work, here are some tips for making the most of your reed diffusers: Don’t use bamboo rods. The channels in bamboo are separated by nodes, which block the oils from traveling all the way up the bamboo. Use the natural reeds that come with your diffuser instead of bamboo. If you want to increase the strength of the fragrance, add more reeds to the diffuser. Keep in mind that this will mean the oil is absorbed at a faster rate, so you’ll have to replace it more often. Once the aroma starts to fade, flip over the reeds to expose the more saturated ends. Do this over a sink or trash can to catch any oil drips. If you notice your reed diffuser is getting low on oil, let it evaporate completely before refilling. It’s better to start with fresh oil than to add it to old oil. Wash out the bottle with a bit of soap and water and let it dry completely (otherwise the water will dispel the oil). Then, refill the bottle using fresh oil and add new reeds to it. On a similar note, don’t mix the fragrance oil with water in an attempt to dilute it and make it last longer. The oil and water will separate and make the reeds warp. Place your reed diffuser in an area with good air circulation, such as a hallway with high foot traffic, for maximum scent.    Benefits of Reed Diffusers   You may be wondering when it’s best to choose reed diffusers versus scented candles or an electric aroma diffuser. Reed diffusers offer several unique benefits: Since they don’t use heat, reed diffusers don’t require a flame or emit soot. As a result, they can be left alone unattended–even when you’re gone at work or on a trip. Reed diffusers don’t need an electrical outlet, which distinguishes them from electronic aroma diffusers. As a result, reed diffusers can be placed in many locations around the home and aren’t tied to electrical outlets. Because of these factors, reed diffusers are an excellent way to add scent to places where open flames aren’t allowed, such as college dorms or offices. If you’ve ever rued the fact that you can’t light a candle, a reed diffuser is an excellent alternative. Reed diffusers emit a consistent scent 24/7. After a long day at work or a week-long trip, you’ll come home to a great-smelling apartment or house. Because reed diffusers can be left alone, they’ll keep emitting fragrance even when you’re away. Last but not least, reed diffusers look fantastic. Many of them come in sleek-looking glass or ceramic bottles. Our collection of Homesick reed diffusers features our distinctive black-and-cream labels with matching black reeds for a striking look that complements many different home decor aesthetics. If you want around-the-clock fragrance in your home or office, a reed diffuser is an excellent choice. A reed diffuser is simple to set up and care for and offers many benefits. Shop our collection of reed diffusers to explore the many scents we offer.  

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