There’s nothing quite like the soothing glow and delightful scent of a candle to transform your home into a spa-like oasis. From fresh florals to cozy spices, the possibilities for scents are endless. In this post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 must-try scents for candles. So light those wicks and let’s get started!
Lavender – A Soothing and Relaxing Scent
Let’s start with a classic. Lavender is known for its calming properties, making it the perfect scent for creating a relaxing atmosphere. Not only does it help with stress and anxiety, but it also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for combating headaches and other ailments.
Lavender essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant. To make your own lavender oil, you will need to gather fresh lavender flowers, then steep them in a carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil) for several weeks. Strain the oil and use it in your candle-making process.
- Combine 2 cups of distilled water and 3 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain out the lavender flowers.
- Add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil to the water and mix well.
- Pour into a spray bottle or use as a diffuser.
Vanilla – A Warm and Sweet Scent That Evokes Comfort and Nostalgia
Vanilla There’s something about the sweet scent of vanilla that just makes everything feel cozy and inviting. It’s warm and comforting, making it perfect for those chilly winter nights. Vanilla is also known for its mood-boosting properties, making it a great scent for when you’re feeling down.
- Combine 1 cup of distilled water and 1 cup of vodka in a glass jar.
- Add 15-20 drops of vanilla essential oil and stir well.
- Seal the jar and let sit for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Strain out the oil and pour into a spray bottle or use as a diffuser.
Citrus – A Fresh and Energizing Scent
Citrus If you’re looking for a scent that’s fresh and invigorating, look no further than citrus. Whether it’s lemon, lime, grapefruit, or orange, the zesty aroma is sure to lift your spirits and awaken your senses. Citrus scents are also great for eliminating odors and promoting cleanliness.
Lemon Scent
- Peel 4-5 lemons and place the peels in a glass jar.
- Cover the peels with 2 cups of distilled water and 1 cup of vodka.
- Seal the jar and let sit for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Strain out the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle or use it as a diffuser.
Orange Scent
- Peel 4-5 oranges and place the peels in a glass jar.
- Cover the peels with 2 cups of distilled water and 1 cup of vodka.
- Seal the jar and let sit for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Strain out the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle or use it as a diffuser.
Cinnamon – A Warm and Inviting Scent
Cinnamon, There’s no denying the cozy and comforting feeling that comes with the smell of cinnamon. This spicy scent is perfect for autumn and winter, and is great for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Cinnamon is also known for its ability to improve cognitive function and memory, making it great for studying and work.
- Combine 2 cups of distilled water and 3 cinnamon sticks in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Add 2-3 drops of cinnamon essential oil to the water and mix well.
- Pour into a spray bottle or use as a diffuser.
Rose – A Romantic and Floral Scent
Rose Nothing says romance quite like the delicate and floral scent of rose. This classic scent is perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy night in. Rose is also known for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Rose essential oil is extracted from the petals of the rose flower. To make your own rose oil, you will need to gather fresh rose petals and steep them in a carrier oil for several weeks. Strain the oil and use it in your candle-making process.
- Combine 1 cup of distilled water and 1 cup of vodka in a glass jar.
- Add 15-20 drops of rose essential oil and stir well.
- Seal the jar and let sit for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Strain out the oil and pour into a spray bottle or use as a diffuser.
Pine – A Fresh and Outdoorsy Scent
Pine For a scent that’s fresh and outdoorsy, look no further than pine. Whether you’re trying to recreate the feeling of a forest in your home or just looking for a seasonal scent, pine is perfect for bringing a touch of nature into your space. It’s also great for promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Recipe for Pine Scent:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of pine needles
- 1 cup of water
- 1 pot or saucepan
- Cheesecloth
- Glass jar with lid
- Carrier oil (such as almond oil or jojoba oil)
Instructions:
- Place the pine needles and water in a pot or saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth to remove the pine needles and any debris.
- Allow the liquid to cool.
- Once the liquid has cooled, mix it with your carrier oil of choice in a glass jar with a lid.
- Secure the lid on the jar and shake well to combine the mixture.
- Store the pine-scented oil in a cool, dark place for a few days to allow the fragrance to develop.
- After a few days, the oil is ready to use in a diffuser, as a room spray, or as an ingredient in candle-making.
Note: You can adjust the strength of the pine scent by using more or fewer pine needles and adjusting the amount of carrier oil used.
Peppermint – A Cooling and Invigorating Scent
Peppermint For a refreshing and invigorating scent, peppermint is the way to go. Whether you’re feeling tired or just need a pick-me-up, this minty scent is sure to do the trick. Peppermint is also great for improving concentration and reducing headaches.
- Combine 1 cup of distilled water and 1 cup of vodka in a glass jar.
- Add 20-25 drops of peppermint essential oil and stir well.
- Seal the jar and let sit for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Strain out the oil and pour into a spray bottle or use as a diffuser.
Sandalwood – A Woody and Earthy Scent
Sandalwood If you’re looking for a scent that’s warm and grounding, sandalwood is the way to go. This woody aroma is perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting a dinner party. Sandalwood is also great for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Sandalwood essential oil is derived from the wood of the sandalwood tree. To make your own sandalwood oil, you will need to grind the wood into a fine powder, then steep it in a carrier oil for several weeks. Strain the oil and use it in your candle-making process.
- Combine 1 cup of distilled water and 1 cup of vodka in a glass jar.
- Add 15-20 drops of sandalwood essential oil and stir well.
- Seal the jar and let sit for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Strain out the oil and pour into a spray bottle or use as a diffuser.
Eucalyptus – A Clean and Refreshing Scent
Eucalyptus For a refreshing and invigorating scent that’s also great for your health, eucalyptus is the way to go. This minty aroma is perfect for opening up your sinuses and promoting respiratory health. It’s also great for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Eucalyptus essential oil is derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. To make your own eucalyptus oil, you can crush fresh eucalyptus leaves and steep them in a carrier oil for several weeks. Alternatively, you can use eucalyptus leaves to make a water-based infusion, which can be added to your candle wax.
- Combine 1 cup of distilled water and 1 cup of vodka in a glass jar.
- Add 10-15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and stir well.
- Seal the jar and let sit for 1-2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Strain out the oil and pour into a spray bottle or use as a diffuser.
Eucalyptus is a refreshing and invigorating scent that is perfect for the bathroom or any space where you want to feel revitalized. To create this scent, you can use eucalyptus essential oil or fresh eucalyptus leaves.
Materials:
- 1 cup of soy wax flakes
- Eucalyptus essential oil or fresh eucalyptus leaves
- Candle wick
- Candle jar
- Double boiler
- Stirring utensil
Instructions:
- Melt the soy wax flakes in a double boiler over low heat.
- Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat and add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil or a handful of fresh eucalyptus leaves. Stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a candle jar and add the candle wick.
- Let the candle cool and harden for several hours.
- Peppermint
Peppermint is a cooling and refreshing scent that is perfect for the winter months or any time you want to feel invigorated. You can use peppermint essential oil or fresh peppermint leaves to create this scent.
Materials:
- 1 cup of beeswax
- Peppermint essential oil or fresh peppermint leaves
- Candle wick
- Candle mold
- Double boiler
- Stirring utensil
Instructions:
- Melt the beeswax in a double boiler over low heat.
- Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat and add a few drops of peppermint essential oil or a handful of fresh peppermint leaves. Stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a candle mold and add the candle wick.
- Let the candle cool and harden for several hours.
With these simple recipes, you can create a variety of scents for candles that will make your home feel like a spa. Experiment with different combinations of essential oils and natural ingredients to find the perfect scent for your home. Making your own candles is a fun and rewarding hobby that will not only make your home smell great but also provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
Jasmine – A Sweet and Exotic Scent
Jasmine Last but not least, we have Jasmine. This sweet and floral scent is perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere or just adding a touch of elegance to your home. Jasmine is also great for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Here’s a recipe for making jasmine essential oil, which can then be used to scent candles:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh jasmine flowers
- 1 cup of carrier oil (such as jojoba, almond, or grapeseed oil)
- Cheesecloth
- A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Instructions:
- Begin by picking fresh jasmine flowers from your garden or purchasing them from a local florist. You’ll want to use only the flower petals for this recipe, so remove them from the stems and discard the rest.
- Place the jasmine petals in a clean glass jar and pour the carrier oil over them. Stir the mixture with a spoon to ensure that all of the petals are coated with the oil.
- Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid and place it in a cool, dark place. Allow the mixture to steep for at least 48 hours, but preferably up to two weeks. Shake the jar once a day to distribute the oil and enhance the infusion process.
- After the desired steeping time has passed, strain the oil through cheesecloth to remove the flower petals. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much oil as possible.
- Pour the jasmine oil into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use it.
To use the jasmine oil for candle making, simply add a few drops to your melted wax before pouring it into your candle mold. The amount of oil you use will depend on your personal preference and the size of your candle. Start with a few drops and adjust as needed until you achieve your desired scent strength.
- 1 pound soy wax
- 1 ounce jasmine fragrance oil
- Candle wick
- Wick stabilizers
- Candle dye (optional)
Instructions:
- Begin by melting the soy wax in a double boiler. Once it is completely melted, remove it from the heat and add the jasmine fragrance oil. Stir well to ensure that the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the wax.
- If you want to add color to your candle, now is the time to do so. Add a few drops of candle dye to the melted wax and stir until the desired color is achieved.
- Prepare your candle jar by attaching the wick to the bottom using a wick stabilizer.
- Slowly pour the scented wax into the prepared jar. Make sure to leave a small amount of space at the top.
- Allow the candle to cool and harden completely. This may take several hours.
- Once the candle has hardened, trim the wick to ¼ inch.
- Light your candle and enjoy the beautiful jasmine scent.
Note: It is important to always follow proper candle making safety procedures and never leave a burning candle unattended.
There you have it, 10 must-try scents for candles that are sure to transform your home into a spa-like oasis. Whether you’re looking for something calming and relaxing or invigorating and refreshing, there’s a scent out there for everyone. So go ahead and light those wicks, sit back, and relax
Bonus Scent Vanilla Bourbon – A Warm and Sweet Scent with a Smoky Twist
Vanilla Bourbon – This scent is perfect for those who love warm, sweet fragrances. Vanilla Bourbon has a deliciously sweet and smoky scent that is reminiscent of a glass of aged bourbon. It’s a great choice for creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in your home. Plus, it’s a popular scent for both men and women, making it a versatile choice for any room in your home.
- 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped
- 1 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole cloves
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the bourbon whiskey, honey, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the vanilla beans and scraped seeds.
- Stir the mixture and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until the scent of vanilla and bourbon fills the air.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the vanilla beans and spices.
- Pour the vanilla bourbon scent into a small bottle and store it in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
To use the vanilla bourbon scent in a candle, add a few drops of the mixture to melted wax before pouring it into a candle mold. Enjoy the warm and sweet scent with a smoky twist that Vanilla Bourbon brings to your home.