Talk some sense into me: candles

[MangosteenSoda]

I, until recently, had an (ir)rational hatred of candles. If there was a thread about stuff people like that you hate, for me it would be candles (and massages and musicals.. but I digress. Just the concept of tea lights would make my eye twitch.

I had a few candles in my house gathering dust because they are the kind of thing that people gift. I don’t know what possessed me, but towards the end of last year, I lit one, an it smelled glorious. It looked pretty too. Anyway, I’ve ended up burning my way through the previously discarded candles - my fireplace looks like a shrine at Lourdes. My home smells divine. I have used several boxes of matches. I fear I am addicted.

I just went to replace the first candle (the gateway drug of candles) and I discovered it costs £15. And after a bit of googling, discovered that’s not even considered expensive in the candle-verse.

What advice do you have? Any recommendations for lovely smelling and pocket friendly candles? I can spend 15 quid on one, but at my burn rate that’s going to get pretty costly. Aibu to just crack on and burn, or should I extinguish my new found habit?

If they deliver, I will take your recommendation!

Here is our wax wotsit. It’s a wankey Sentsy one, but the wax in it is cheap 2 quid ASDA packs and they work better than what should be in there.

Currently smelling of “Sweet Berry Cupcake”. (Whatever!!)

I love my candle warmer lamp. It has three settings, so I can adjust the strength of the scent. I've got this one but I paid a lot less than that for it on Vinted.

@OnlyFrench Please can I come and live with you? 😂

I'll leave this here for you.

Mayo and mustard available as well

I used to be a candle snob until I became ill and had to give up work. I only ever bought soy or plant based candles.

I now happily buy candles from Aldi. My recent favourites are a soy blend so that feels healthier and cleaner than their Yankee candle dupes.

Also tk max are an excellent source of soy candles from proper brands.

So i guess ii am still a bit of a candle snob because I do prefer soy/plant wax candles but they don't have to cost a fortune.

I love Neom candles - no nasty VOCs or other chemicals.

Crack on. I love candles. Currently sat at my kitchen table burning a St Eval Invictus. It's glorious.

Also get an electric wax burner as the tea lights get expensive.

Thank you for the tutorial!

I have experienced tunnelling with the candles I had in glass containers. Less so with ones in tin containers (apart from a couple of cheap ones I bought from Morrrisons a few weeks ago). Because I am new to the candleverse, I didn’t know the terminology or even that this was a thing.

What I want from a candle is an even burn, longevity, and a winsome scent. Thanks for sharing the optimal blow out times - I don’t want to be doing that. I enjoy the pretty flame. So I am in the market for candles that can be burnt for a while without tunnelling.

They deliver

Inspiritus, not Invictus 🙄

I was going to come here and recommend St Eval but I see this is what made the difference for you 😂 I’m burning Sweet Pea as we speak (my favourite).

St Eval Sea Salt is sensational. Like a coastal walk on a blustery day (without getting soaked).

I am a candle novice, so will take your advice and try the more economical soy blends.

All the best with your health and your continued candle enjoyment!

Look on Vinted and also in TK Maxx for them to get them a but cheaper x

I read about this candle in Nigel Slater's Christmas book. Thought I'd treat myself and cannot believe the price. Went back to my St Eval instead.

Oh I recommend an electric wax burner!!

The wax melts last forever ans smell goes right through the house. They last way longer than candles.

My mate set her house on fire with a tea light. I would remember this when tempted.

This one is DIVINE. Hands down, the most beautifully scented candle I've ever known. Worth every penny.

Wax melts and a big pack of tealights are the way to go. The scent payoff is much better and the cost difference is huge.

You can get plug in ones which cost a wee but at the start but the melts are cheaper than candles in the long run and the smell lasts fir ages.

Daylesford Vine Tomato candle is gorgeous. It reminds me of my childhood when I used to go into my Grampy’s greenhouse. They do a geranium leaf one too which I love. They’re very good for getting rid of cooking smells.

I hope everyone was ok. This is one of the reasons I was very anti candle before my recent conversion. I only burn them on surfaces that can’t be set alight, and away from draughts. But, I admit, there’s a part of me that feels like this is a modern version of the 1980s chip pan risk.

Another vote for wax melts, specifically electronic wax melt warmers on an wifi timer.

I chop and change but Im enjoying Scentsy at the moment.