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?

I’d love a candle warmer but not seen many which look nice.

These, which are actually currently half price. Bargain!

https://eaudeboujee.com/collections/boujee-bougies?srsltid=AfmBOooNODIfyKfeBHQAFoWDmXWns1vsOlNwI6aVh1hrNqkPC7jFnIGV

Oh, this is an interesting diversion. I HATE musicals. But I have spent silly money on amazing seats to the new Cynthia Erivo one-woman Dracula musical that is premiering in London next month. It’s my DD1’s 18th birthday gift. She has a niche interest in musicals (she has autism) and her favourite is the Phantom of the Opera.

You’re walking a dangerous path. A few years ago I’d never owned a candle. I now have a very expensive Diptyque and Trudon habit. Step back from the abyss while you can.

ps an electric diffuser and oils are cheaper.

I get mine from tk max, they have some really fancy looking ones for pretty cheap.

I have recently seen Trudon candles in TK Maxx. Also, I have diffusers in every room of my house. 🙈

Tk maxx if not already mentioned

I personally prefer beeswax. The natural scent is subtle but lovely.

(and yes, the pyromania! Absolutely 😀)

Not sure what a curry has to do with it. I’m saying buy the £60 candle rather than a bunch of cheap ones as it’s better value!

I was about to post this! I may or may not have currently in my possession 4 small candles and 2 3 wick ones!

As long as you bring your own matches!

I'm also massively into candles, but have never tried Diptyque, although I have heard they are the absolute best. Has anyone else tried them? I'm baulking at the price.

Op home bargains have some lovely big candles in.... they last for ages and smell gorgeous

https://www.wonkycandles.co.uk

these people make fab candles and as far as I know they’re a really lovely cause to support….so guilt free shopping

St Eval all the way for me. I've never found a scent I didn't like in their tealights.
In fact I'm going to get some tomorrow as I'm running low on them (excitement!)

If a candle has the correct wick, the surface should melt at around 1 inch per hour

Made in China from cheap wax and fragrance oils with questionable ingredients

Have a look at HappyNose candles. They're soy with some unusual flavours and good prices.
Edit: HappyNose Aromas not candles.

We have candles for 2 reasons - birthday cakes and power cuts. Given the number of them you see in charity shops I suspect there are many other people like me.
So why not take a look in your local charity shops? I expect just after Christmas they will be inundated with unwanted gifted ones.

yikes - thats a lto!

I make wax melts for (very tiny) extra income. I much prefer them to candles as you can switch the fragrances easily. And you can put the wax in a type of muffin case so it’s easy to dispose of. No cleaning out fiddly burners. On hols at the mo but happy to send you some to see if you like them

Is that true of Wax Lyrical candles? Just bought Library Room one!

I was so disappointed with the Jo Malone candle that I was given as a present. The smell was lovely but not strong at all, left no trace after burning for an hour or so. Got used up quickly and I felt it was waste of money. The Aldi candles performed much better, and lasted longer. My only gripe is that I like Numbers 4 and 11, and haven’t seen those for a couple of years!

Yes it does. You can use any candle as long as it’s glass. You can also just use it as a regular lamp. Amazon have quite a few.

H&M have some lovely candles on sale at the moment. Some are £3/£4. I have a little collection going