SCENTED CANDLES: A REFINED ART OF LIVING!

Scented candles have become much more than a simple decorative object; they embody an art of living, a way of creating a unique atmosphere and transforming any space into an oasis of softness. At HAROLD & MAUDE, Each of our luxury candles is a tribute to quality and refinement. They are designed to offer an unforgettable olfactory experience!

From Antiquity to the present day!

The first candles date back thousands of years. In ancient times, the Egyptians made rudimentary versions of candles by coating papyrus with animal tallow. In the Middle Ages, beeswax replaced tallow, providing cleaner combustion and a less overpowering odour, which enabled the candle to exist in its own right.

For centuries, candles were essential for domestic lighting. Before the invention of electricity and its introduction into homes in the years 1910-1920, candles, along with oil lamps, were among the only sources of lighting in the home.

The advent of paraffin in the 19th century made it possible to produce candles that were cheaper and more accessible, but unfortunately very harmful to health.

The candle as a decorative and aromatic object!

Over the centuries, candles have transcended their utilitarian role to become luxury items. In royal residences and noble homes, scented candles created sumptuous atmospheres and gradually earned a place in homes as essential decorative accessories, becoming a new affordable luxury.

The Fusion of Fragrance and Decoration

With the rise of scented candles, particularly in niche perfume shops, the art of diffusing scents has diversified. These candles have become a way of discovering fragrances in a format suited to the home, extending the olfactory experience in a subtle and elegant way.

Today, scented candles can be found everywhere, and at all prices: it's the cost of the containers, the waxes - whether vegetable or mineral - and of course the quality of the fragrances and their concentration in the candle that will determine the price for consumers!

The finest qualities of scented candles are now available in luxury perfumeries. Decorative objects and olfactory experiences, these creations add a touch of sophistication to interior design, while providing a relaxing and enveloping ambience.

Why don't candles have top, middle and base notes?

Contrary to what many perfume houses describe, it is incorrect to talk about top, middle and base notes for scented candles! These terms come from fine perfumery and describe the evolution of a fragrance on the skin.
When a candle burns, the heat simultaneously releases all the fragrance molecules impregnated in the wax, making it impossible to perceive the notes sequentially. Unlike perfumes, where the aromas are released in stages through evaporation, burning a candle spreads the scents evenly.
Fragrances for scented candles are formulated to release their scent in a single diffusion phase. It is therefore more accurate to talk about the overall composition of a candle and its main aromas rather than successive notes.

Health and Safety: mineral waxes or waxes of natural origin?

The dangers of Paraffin-based mineral or mixed candles!

Paraffin wax is a mineral-based wax that is very dangerous to your health!

Paraffin, a by-product of petroleum refining, is used in traditional candles to make them more cost-effective.

Burning the paraffin in candles can not only release substances that irritate the respiratory tract, but also increase the risk of exposure to toxic compounds such as toluene and benzene, hydrocarbons that have been linked to a number of health problems. These substances are known for their potentially carcinogenic effects and, in the event of repeated exposure, can contribute to the development of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. People who already suffer from asthma or respiratory problems may also find their symptoms aggravated by paraffin candles.

Some manufacturers offer candles with a mixed composition, such as a mixture of mineral and vegetable waxes. Let's be clear: it's a mixture of paraffin and natural waxes, which are of course just as harmful!

Prefer vegetable waxes!

Vegetable waxes, such as soy, rapeseed or coconut wax, are natural, renewable and biodegradable.

Unlike paraffin wax, they burn cleanly, without emitting toxic substances. Choosing plant wax candles means cleaner indoor air and an environmentally-friendly choice.

There are several types:

Soy wax was one of the first plant-based alternatives. It was created to offer a natural alternative to petroleum-based paraffin wax, and to meet consumer demand for more environmentally-friendly, non-toxic products. Offering a gentle, constant release of fragrance, soy wax is biodegradable and hypoallergenic.

Even more recently, coconut wax has emerged as a popular alternative because of its slow burn and creamy texture, which allows optimal diffusion of fragrances in the luxury candle. It has a lower density than other vegetable waxes, allowing the candle to melt more evenly and last longer.

Rapeseed wax has a number of advantages similar to those of soya or coconut wax: it burns cleanly, without releasing harmful substances like paraffin wax. It retains fragrances well, releasing them gently and evenly.

HAROLD & MAUDE uses a blend of several vegetable waxes for its scented candles, giving them a fine, optimal fragrance!

The art of using candles properly!

Use your HAROLD & MAUDE scented candle with delicacy! After firing, each of the ceramic pots receives a matt, unglazed top coat. This velvety finish can be susceptible to minor scratches if handled incorrectly.

For rooms larger than 40m2, we recommend you burn 2 candles of the same fragrance, well apart from each other, for better fragrance diffusion.

Before each lighting, cut the wick so that it does not exceed 5 millimetres. Use a special candle wick cutter to avoid scratching the ceramic.

When using for the first time, it is important to let the candle burn until the entire surface is liquid. This prevents the formation of a wax "crater" and ensures even burning for future use.

Avoid draughts: draughts can cause uneven burns and blacken the ceramic.

Limit the burning time: don't leave the candle burning for more than 4 hours to preserve its fragrance and the quality of the wax.

Use a snuffer to extinguish it, to avoid black smoke and the wick drowning. If necessary, gently re-centre the wick with the side of your wick cutter or the tip of a knife while the wax is still soft.

For the best possible experience, use specific tools:

The wick cutter: reduces smoke and extends the life of the candle.

The extinguishing cap: this allows the candle to be extinguished cleanly, without smoke.

These products are on sale in our E Shop in a magnificent candle care set!

Article written by Christian Paindavoine, Founder of La Maison HAROLD & MAUDE

Harold & Maude 2024