Recently when researching different types of fragrance oils and choosing which scents to keep and which to remove – I did so in a logical way. I choose some new fragrances, removed some old ones that did not sell and tightened up scents that I thought were somewhat duplicated in their category.

Then I stated looking at the fragrances we would be incorporating into our soap and new bath and body products. Most of these were new and since the selection of fragrances was smaller, the task was quickly over. I felt maybe I was missing something? So…I started researching other companies, other artisans I buy from, just to get a feel for what they offered in the way of scents for their body products and soap. I was really surprised by what I found.

What is with all the foodie smells in bath and body products? I personally have no desire to smell like a cupcake, but I guess there are a great number of ladies out there that are into smelling edible. Not too long ago I read an article that said the number one favorite aroma to a man was pumpkin pie…that I understood, but I never thought about actually wearing…on my body…a scent that reminded me…much less was, food like. But I am not here to judge so I started doing some research and found some interesting things.

It has long been held that memories are triggered more by the sense of smell than any of the other senses. Nothing invokes memories more than the smell of something, not even seeing, feeling, touching or hearing. It has to do with how our brains are wired and the limbic system – the emotional part of our brains. Interestingly enough the first sniff of a new odor and our brain attaches it to an associated person, feeling, moment and/or situation. It forges a link that is unconscious on our behalf for the most part automatic in recall. So the next time we get a sniff of that odor we are transported in our emotional minds back to that association. Since we are not born adults, many of these associates are made in our youth, as we grow up. There have been studies on babies that were exposed to odors while inside the womb. Even if offensive to others like onions or garlic, the born baby displays an attachment to the odor when born, finding it comforting and soothing. WOW

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Let’s talk common myths in candles. The most common I have heard are…

Triple scented candles… Most handmade candles are scented with the correct amount of fragrance oil as dictated by the Chandler’s testing. There is a recommended amount of fragrance oil that can be added to wax, but that varies by type of wax and one’s measure of ample scent.

Because scent is one of the most expensive components of a candle, mass manufacturers use cheap/inferior grade fragrance oils and keep their percentage of usage at a minimum. It became common practice in the early days of handmade candle mania for Chandlers to boast having “triple scented” candles. This was based on the industry average (large candle manufacturers) level of usage. So in their defense… most Chandlers did/do use more than their large company counterparts.

Unfortunately, what the industy average was/is and thus the amount they are tripling – is never revealed and I doubt they know for sure. Think of it this way, three times a penny is only 3 cents! It’s simply marketing hype. Wax is like a sponge and will only hold so much fragrance oil, any more than it will hold and it will leak, or seep out becoming unsightly and NOT burnable.

Paraffn Candles can Cause Cancer… This is based on some random studies that were concluded WITHOUT any supporting evidence or research that paraffin wax emits toxic or carcinoginic fumes while burning. Their studies also suggest that the burning of paraffin wax is an allergen, which also had not been proven although the fragrance oils used in most candles can be. I make candles of soy because it’s the wax I prefer to use,  not because there is any “wrong” with paraffin waxes.

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DONE (yes, I am dancing the happy dance…heaven must be missing an angel…)

I love to do these candles – and this year it was even more fun because we broke away from the black lid club we have had going to the past couple of  years. The label has a more old world feel which was a nice change from the more contempory logos of the last couple of years.

Triple layered in color only the fragrance this year is Enchanted Apple Blossom, to go along with the Magic theme. Like most of the fragrances chosen it’s a floral as all true apple blossom scents are, but to please the masses who think apple blossom candles should smell like apples, there is an apple nuance. This year it’s more subtle and the major notes are green and white florals. Instead of the traditonal antique lid, this year we went witha diffuser lid, perforated so you can smell it even with the top on.

I have cardboard inserts on order but until they arrive the store should be smelling REALLY nice. Good for sales I bet!

The picture is kinda grainy – I might have to fix that cuz it’s not doing it justice – it’s a very pretty candle and unlike the previous couple of years this year we returned also to the more traditional pink and green shades in lieu of the bright fushia and lime greens. Ah…there is something for familar right?