orange candle sits on a wooden floor

Are luxury candles worth it?

Luxury candles offer a level of sophistication and elegance that sets them apart from regular scented candles. Usually crafted from a blend of vegan soy wax and divine scents, these candles tend to prioritise ethical sourcing and sustainability.

What sets luxury candles apart?

One of the key features that distinguishes luxury soy candles is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Some are made from vegan wax, with candles being suitable for those who prefer cruelty-free and environmentally conscious products.

Luxury candle companies may choose natural essential oils, which not only provide a beautiful fragrance but also offer therapeutic benefits. Whether it's the soothing aroma of lavender or the invigorating scent of citrus, these fragrances and essential oils elevate the candle experience to a whole new level.

In addition, beautiful candles often boast superior craftsmanship. They are typically hand-poured, ensuring attention to detail and a unique touch in every candle. This meticulous production process guarantees a clean and even burn, maximising the lifespan of the candle.

Another factor that sets luxury candles apart is the selection of premium fragrances. These candles come in a wide range of scents, from floral lavender to uplifting watermelon candles. With a variety of fragrance families to choose from, there is something to suit every preference.

Lastly, they offer an extended burn time compared to regular scented candles. With their high-quality construction, these candles can burn for hours, providing a long-lasting and enjoyable experience - also making them perfect gifts.

What to look for in a luxury scented candle

When searching for a luxury scented candle, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost, the type of candle wax used plays a significant role in the overall quality and performance of the candle.

One commonly used wax is paraffin, which offers a strong scent throw and a smooth, even burn. However, it is derived from petroleum, which some individuals may prefer to avoid due to environmental concerns. On the other hand, soy wax candles are a popular choice for those seeking a more eco-friendly option. It is made from soybean oil and provides a clean burn and a longer-lasting fragrance. Additionally, tallow wax, derived from animal fat, is occasionally used, although it may not be suitable for vegans or those looking for cruelty-free products. The same can be said for beeswax, which is naturally golden in colour with a honey scent. As it's derived from animal by-products, it's also not vegan.

Another important aspect to consider is the type of wick in the candle. A braided cotton wick is a common choice, as it tends to burn evenly and helps release the fragrance effectively. Wooden wicks are growing in popularity as they offer a unique crackling sound reminiscent of a fireplace, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

The burn time of a luxury-scented candle is crucial. A longer burn time allows for extended enjoyment of the fragrance and ensures the candle lasts for many hours.

purple lavender candle sits on a circular platform

Relax and unwind with our lavender and fresh laundry soy wax candle.

1 - Crafted by hand

When searching for a luxury candle look out for handmade products. Hand-poured means it's meticulously handcrafted from start to finish, ensuring unmatched attention to detail and quality. This commitment to craftsmanship shines through in the final result - a truly exceptional candle that will elevate any space.

Soy wax tends to be more expensive to use in the making process, but higher-quality candles tend to use better ingredients. The blend can hold a variety of scents, and with a slower burn time, it means the beautiful scent will last a lot longer.

Crafters who make soy wax candles at home will centre each and every wick of handmade candles, mix the wax with oils and dyes and pour the mixture at the perfect time into each container.

2 - Higher-quality essential and fragrance oils

Luxury candles are often crafted with higher-grade essential oils and fragrance blends. The scent of a quality candle is second to none and can be a big indicator of its value. Not every fragrance family will be equal. High-end candles are often infused with gorgeous and fresh scents, and by using more expensive materials, they can offer the perfect ambience and a longer burn time.

The finest ingredients mean the essential oil blends or luxury fragrances will blend with waxes better. It can also allow the scent to last and smell just as strong no matter how many hours of burn time.

Your favourite fragrances smell great because they infuse with the wax at a specific time during the candle-making process. Waxes can only hold a particular amount of essential oil or fragrance, so if you have a lower-quality candle that doesn't smell strong, it isn't simply the case that there wasn't 'enough' added. That's why, when you pick up a range of candles that have beautiful aromas, last longer and burn evenly, it's more likely to be a luxury candle.

3 - Price

At buff, we believe luxury doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Our range of luxury soy candles is designed to provide you with high-quality fragrances at affordable prices.

We understand that our customers appreciate a good deal, whether it's a treat for you or picking out excellent candle gift sets, which is why gift sets for luxury candles save your bank balance.

But that doesn't mean all luxury candles cost the same. In some cases, you'll pay more for a larger product, decorative element or for expensive and intricate candle containers. It depends on the aesthetic you're looking for, whether that's frosted glass, large containers or rare and exquisite scents.

Love soy wax melts and tarts? Our gift set contains five delicious scents and are reusable and long-lasting.

Guilt-free

At buff, we also believe that luxury should never come at the cost of the environment. That's why all of our products are vegan and cruelty-free, including our raw materials coming from suppliers that also have a strong anti-animal testing policy.

Sustainability is at the heart of our brand, and we are committed to reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly practices. Our eco-friendly wicks are made from cotton and our glass containers can be reused or recycled after use. There's no plastic packaging either, with candles being protected in cardboard tubes, shredded paper and recyclable shipping packaging.

When you choose our guilt-free luxury candles, you not only indulge in a high-quality and beautifully fragrant experience but also contribute to a more sustainable future. You can enjoy the ambiance and soothing aroma knowing that you have made a conscious choice to support environmentally friendly practices.

How to get the most from your candle

To get the most out of your luxury candle, it's important to follow proper burning techniques. These techniques not only ensure a clean, even burn but also help extend the lifespan of your candle. As they are higher-quality and in some cases more expensive, you want to get the most for your money. 

1. Trim the wick: Before each lighting, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This helps prevent excessive smoke, soot, and uneven burning. A longer wick can lead to a larger flame, which can cause the wax to burn too quickly. Some candles may have a 'self-trimming' wick, which means it naturally trims itself while being used. If the wick remains short after each burn, you won't need to trim it yourself.

2. Allow for wax melt: To prevent tunnelling, it's crucial to allow the paraffin or soy wax to melt uniformly across the surface of the candle during the first burn. This means letting the candle burn for 1-4 hours until the entire top layer of wax has melted. This will create an even burn for subsequent uses.

3. Keep away from drafts: Place your luxury candle in a draft-free area to prevent the flame from flickering and causing uneven burning. A steady flame will ensure that the fragrance is released consistently throughout the room.

4. Burn for enough time: It's best to burn your luxury candle for 1 to 2 hours at a time to prevent the wax from becoming too hot and melting too quickly. This helps prolong the burn time and ensures that you get the most out of your candle. It also prevents tunnelling, where only the middle melts down.

5. Prevent burning to the bottom: To avoid wasting any wax, extinguish your luxury candle when there is about 1/2 inch of unmelted wax remaining. Burning the candle all the way to the bottom, where the wax starts to disappear can cause the container to become too hot and potentially crack.

Shop our range of gorgeous soy wax candles infused in frosted glass.

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vegan soaps, lip scrubs and candles you'll love

our handmade soap bars are vegan, homemade in the UK and cruelty-free. there's no palm oil, parabens or SLS in our products and they're designed with you and the earth in mind. soaps have added shea butter for nourishment, whereas lip scrubs are infused with vitamin E and sweet almond oil to help nourish the skin. when it comes to our soy wax candles, they're made up of vegetable wax, eco-friendly cotton wicks and recyclable glass jars which can be re-used or re-purposed to prevent waste.

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