Candles-Candles.com

The Benefit of Bath Salts

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:35:29 GMT

The Benefits of Bath Salts

The benefits can be experienced after a long day of work. When you are looking forward to a hot bath at bath salts to it and enjoying an experience beyond imagination. Bath salts are used to get relief from sore tired feet, tired muscles even a stiff back. A bath with bath salts added not only relaxes you but it makes your body get rid of body odor and loot leaves your body mildly fragrant. Bath salts are also popular because of the many health benefits provided by them.

Bath salts definitely enhance the quality of your bath. They are known to provide healing benefits. Fast salts have properties that help to improve blood circulation. People suffering with muscle spasms and backaches used bath salts for relief as they are wonderful for reducing tiredness is sore or key areas of the body. Bath salts even work on sports related injuries because of their therapeutic properties they are commonly featured in all spots and physical therapy clinics. Some skin problems such as rashes, insect bites, eczema can also be cured using bath salts. The healing process of skin diseases like psoriasis, calluses and athlete’s foot also accelerates with the use of bath salts.

Another major benefit of bath salts is an aroma therapy they provide. People use bath salts to experience so the fragrant bath. The aroma of the bath salt creates a calming effect on the body and provides relaxation. This commie effect helps to ensure a peaceful night sleep. Some bath salts Etienne opening the pores and thus purifying and cleansing the skin. Using bath salts and they are rubbed on knees or elbows they accelerate the exfoliation process.
People with dry skin are recommended to use bath salts as they make the skin soft and improved body’s natural moisture process. Anyone and everyone should experience a hot bath with bath salts it is as good as being on a small tropical island.

Popular Candle Types

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 08:59:00 GMT

popular candle types

Candles come in virtually every shape and size imaginable. The following terms are used to describe common candle styles.

TAPER: A slender candle – typically 6 to 18 inches high and sometimes called a dinner candle – designed to be held securely upright by a candle holder.

PILLAR: A free-standing candle, usually having a diameter of 3 inches or more, and one or more wicks. Despite the name, pillars or column candles can be round, square, hexagonal, etc. Although they stand on their own, they must be burned on a heat-resistant candle holder.

CONTAINER, JAR OR FILLED CANDLE: A candle that is poured when manufactured into a glass, metal or ceramic container specifically designed to hold the wax and withstand the heat of the burning candle.

VOTIVE: A small cylindrical candle, usually about 1½ inches in diameter and 2 or 2½ inches high, designed to be placed in a "cup" or votive holder to hold the liquefied wax that results from burning. Votives were originally produced as white unscented candles for religious ceremonies; they are now available in many colors and scents.

GEL CANDLE: A transparent-type candle made primarily from gelled mineral oils or gelled synthetic hydrocarbons. “Soft” or quasi-rigid gels are poured into a container to maintain the candle’s shape. "Hard" gel candles have a consistency suitable for free-standing candles.Decorative wax items are frequently suspended within a gel candle to produce a special visual effect.

TEALIGHT: A small, cylindrical, filled candle -- usually about 1 inch in diameter and 1½ inches high -- often poured into a metal holder.

LUMINARIA: An outdoor candle made by placing a 15-hour votive in a light-diffusing container filled with sand.

SPECIALTY CANDLE: An unusually shaped or sculpted free-standing candle, often depicting a three-dimensional object or designed to be viewed primarily as decorative artwork, and sometimes called a novelty candle.

AND, OF COURSE, BIRTHDAY CANDLES!

Frequently Asked Questions

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 10:27:14 GMT

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are candles so popular?

Candles are perhaps one of the most enjoyable and affordable luxury items available to everyone. They are beautiful and magical, infusing the home with color and fragrance. They can create a special warmth and ambiance to bring a special sense of calm and well-being.

How are candles made?

Although modern technology has introduced greater efficiencies and quality control in candle-making, most candles are made through the timeless process of placing a cotton wick into wax, which is then molded, dipped, extruded, pressed, rolled, drawn or filled into a desired shape and size.

How many types of candles are there, and what are the typical ingredients?

A candle consists primarily of wax and a wick. Candles may also contain colorants, fragrances and minor additives. The basic candle types are tapers, votives, pillars, jar or container candles, tealights, gels, floating candles, outdoor candles, novelty candles, utility candles, and birthday candles.

What sort of chemical reaction occurs when a candle burns?

When you light a candle, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. This melted or liquid wax is then drawn up into the wick by capillary action. The flame's heat vaporizes the liquid wax to produce water vapor and carbon dioxide (the same byproducts that humans produce when exhaling).

How can I tell if I'm buying a quality candle?

Unless a candle has defects that are obvious to the eye, you probably can't tell just by looking. That's why the National Candle Association strongly recommends that you purchase candles from a reputable manufacturer. All NCA members adhere to ASTM candle standards and have pledged their commitment to quality products and practices.

What kinds of waxes are typically used in candles?

The most commonly used candle wax is paraffin. Beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthetic waxes are also frequently used in candles. Different blends of these waxes are popular with many manufacturers.

Are certain candle waxes better than others?

No. All types of quality candle waxes have been shown to burn cleanly, safely and in the same manner. U.S. candle manufacturers select waxes or blends of waxes based on their suitability for specific types of candles or formulation profiles, as well as their own candle-making preferences.

How long should I burn a candle?

Maximum burn times vary from candle to candle; follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always extinguish a candle if the flame gets too close to the candle holder or container. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains (½ inch if a container candle or jar candle).

Does the industry have standards for candles?

Yes. The National Candle Association has played a leading role in the development of national industry standards through the ASTM International standards organization. ASTM standards currently exist for the fire-safety labeling of candles, the heat resistance of glass candleholders, the fire-safety design of candles and the fire-safety design and labeling of candleholders and candle rings. In addition, there are two reference ASTM standards for candles, one on terminology and one on test-lab methodologies for manufacturers.

What causes a candle to smoke, and what can I do to correct it?

A well-made candle will create virtually no smoke when burning properly. However, if the wick becomes too long, or an air current disturbs the flame's teardrop shape, small amounts of unburned carbon particles (soot) will escape from the flame as a visible wisp of smoke. Any candle will soot if the flame is disturbed.

To avoid this, always trim the wick to ¼ inch before every use and be sure to place candles away from drafts, vents or air currents. If a candle continually flickers or smokes, it is not burning properly and should be extinguished. Allow the candle to cool, trim the wick, make sure the area is draft free, then re-light.

Is candle soot harmful?

No. The minuscule amount of soot produced by a candle is the natural byproduct of incomplete combustion. Candle soot is composed primarily of elemental carbon particles, and is similar to the soot given off by kitchen toasters and cooking oils. These everyday household sources of soot are not considered a health concern, and are chemically different from the soot formed by the burning of diesel fuel, coal, gasoline, etc.

What kind of label information is required for candles?

Federal law requires that consumer commodities like candles be labeled with the manufacturer's name and location, as well as basic product weight and measurement information.

In addition, candle industry standards call for cautionary labels on candles or their packaging to inform consumers of the basic rules of fire-safety. All NCA members place cautionary labels on their products, and usually supplement them with additional burning and use instructions. Always read and follow a candle's cautionary label and burning instructions before using a candle.

Do scented candles produce more soot than unscented candles?

Not really. The oils found in certain fragrances may slightly increase the small amount of soot produced by a candle, but wick length and flame disturbance are the primary factors that impact sooting in a properly-formulated candle.

Are scented candles safe?

Yes. When a candle burns, the wax is drawn into the wick, where it is "consumed" by the candle flame to produce water vapor and carbon dioxide. The only difference with a scented candle is that a small amount of fragrance is released as well.

Reputable candle manufacturers use only fragrances that are approved for burning in candles. They also carefully monitor the addition of fragrance to ensure that the candle will burn cleanly and properly.

I love scented candles. Why don't candle manufacturers add a lot more fragrance?

There is a maximum amount of fragrance that can be added to a candle before it no longer burns cleanly or properly. There have been reports of some homemade and craft-fair candles containing too much fragrance, or fragrances not approved for use in candles. This can cause a candle to burn improperly or unsafely.

Are candles made with "natural" ingredients or essential oils safer?

A natural ingredient, as opposed to a manufactured or synthesized ingredient, is not necessarily any safer. In fact, scores of natural ingredients are known to be extremely toxic to humans in very small amounts. NCA members are committed to manufacturing candles that use ingredients known to be safe and approved for use in candles, whether "natural" or synthesized.

Is my candle biodegradable?

Probably. Studies have shown that beeswax, paraffin and vegetable-based waxes are biodegradable. The vast majority of candles today are made primarily from these waxes.

Are vegetable-based waxes water soluble?

No. By definition, a wax is not soluble in water.

Should I be concerned about lead wicks in candles?

No. The likelihood of purchasing a lead-wicked candle in the U.S. is very low. Lead wicks have been officially banned in the United States since 2003, and before then they were primarily limited to inexpensive imported candles. NCA members voluntarily agreed to not use lead wicks in 1974, and long supported the elimination of lead wick use.

Why do some candles have metal-core wicks?

Metal-core wicks are sometimes used in container candles and votives to keep the wick upright when the surrounding wax liquefies during burning. Today's metal-core wicks are made with either zinc or tin. Scientific studies have repeatedly shown both zinc- and tin-core wicks to be safe and non-toxic.

Is paraffin wax toxic?

No. Paraffin wax – like all candle waxes - is non-toxic. In fact, paraffin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food, cosmetics, and medical applications. Food-grade paraffin is commonly used for manufacturing candles.

Are scented candles triggers for asthma or allergies?

Although millions of Americans regularly use scented candles without any negative effects, it is always possible that a particular fragrance might trigger a negative reaction in sensitive individuals. Individuals with known sensitivities to specific fragrances may want to avoid candles of those scents. In addition, consumers should remember to burn all candles, whether scented or unscented, in a well-ventilated area.

What should I know about using candles safely?

Candles are safe when burned properly, responsibly and according to manufacturer directions. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that a burning candle is an open flame, and thus a potential fire hazard if not monitored carefully.

When burning candles, consumers should follow these basic safety rules:

Keep lighted candles within your sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.

Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

Trim wicks to ¼ inch prior to each use.

Keep candles away from drafts and vents.

Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.

Read and follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.

Facts About Candles

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 10:01:11 GMT

About Candles

U.S. retail sales of candles are estimated at approximately
$2 billion annually, excluding sales of candle accessories.

Candles are used in 7 out of 10 U.S. households.

Candles come in an endless variety of sizes and shapes, from tapers, votives, pillars and tealights to container/jar candles, floating candles, liturgical candles, outdoor candles, novelty candles, utility candles and birthday candles.

Manufacturer surveys show that 90% of all candles are purchased by women.

Votives, container candles and pillars are currently the most popular types of candles with American consumers.

Candle industry research indicates that the most important factors affecting candle sales are scent, color, cost and shape.

The retail price of a candle generally ranges from approximately 50¢ for a votive to $30 for a large pillar or jar candle. Highly unusual or embellished artisan candles can be $200 or more.

About the Industry

There are more than 400 commercial, religious and institutional manufacturers of candles in the United States, in addition to scores of small craft producers for local, non-commercial use.

NCA member companies account for more than 90 percent of all candles made in the U.S.

Candles are principally sold in three types of retail outlets:

specialty or gift shops;

department and home décor stores;

mass merchandisers (discount stores, drug store chains, grocery stores, etc.)

Approximately 35% of candle sales occur during the Christmas/Holiday season. Non-seasonal business accounts for approximately 65% of candle sales.

Major U.S. candle manufacturers typically offer between 1,000 and 2,000 varieties of candles in their product lines.

More than 1 billion pounds of wax are used in producing the candles sold each year in the U.S.

It is estimated that more than 10,000 different candle scents are available to U.S. consumers.

Candle-User Preferences

Consumers are increasingly purchasing candles as a focal point for their home décor, and for aromatherapy-like relaxation and stress reduction.

Fragrance is by far the most important characteristic impacting candle purchases today, with three-fourths of candle buyers saying it is “extremely important" or "very important" in their selection of a candle.

The majority of U.S. consumers use their candles within a week of purchase.

Nine out of ten candle users say they use candles to make a room feel comfortable or cozy.

Approximately three-fourths of candle users say they typically burn candles for 4 hours or less per sitting.

Candle users say they most frequently burn candles in the living room (42%), followed by the kitchen (18%) and the bedroom (13%).

Approximately one in five women say they use candles to decorate the yard, patio or other exterior areas, as well as the interior of their home.

Both men and women consider candles to be an always-acceptable and highly appreciated gift for a wide variety of occasions.

Candle purchasers say they view candles as an appropriate gift for the holidays (76%), as a house warming gift (74%), a hostess/dinner party gift (66%), a thank you (61%) and as adult birthday gifts (58%).

Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:47:39 GMT

Soy candles offer countless benefits to promote a healthy
lifestyle. Fact: Paraffin wax is made from left over crude oil,
straight from the 'bottom of the barrel'. When a paraffin candle
is being burned, it's constantly producing carcinogens and
other toxins known to cause cancer.

Soy wax is not only non-toxic and 100% natural, it's grown in
the USA! Soy wax is a renewable resource, supporting the
American farm industry. Soy wax retains it's strong scent, and
will burn twice as long as a standard paraffin candle.

What are Soy Candles?

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:17:15 GMT

What are Soy Candles?

Soy wax is a new alternative to paraffin wax, made from soybeans, is renewable and cost effective. The soybean is one of the most versatile products used today. It has been a high protein source for millions of people for thousands of years. Soybean wax also seems to be the most promising natural wax available.

Natural waxes such as soy waxes are gaining in popularity but natural waxes are not new. Beeswax and tallow were used in colonial times to produce candles. Beeswax is a great natural alternative to paraffin, but unfortunately, to get the same results as a soy-based candle, it is cost prohibitive to use 100% beeswax in candles.

Soy is in lots of things like body & skin care products, hair products, crayons, paint removers, and cleaning products. The production and burning of soy wax candles can greatly benefit the American agricultural economy. When soy wax replaces common paraffin wax, an estimated 60 million pounds of soy beans will be required for annual candle production. I predict we'll see some happy farmers!

Soy candles last three times longer than petroleum-based candles, have an incredible scent throw with virtually no black soot.

Highest Quality and Fine Fragrance pure Soy Candles

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 21:07:04 GMT

Highest Quality and Fine Fragrance pure Soy Candles

The highest quality and fine fragrance pure soy candles have become subjects of great preference for those who want to fill up their rooms with excellent aroma but without any side effects. The soy candles are prepared from soy wax, which is extracted from soybean oil. Best quality oil and natural fragrance are used to ensure your safety. These candles are also used as excellent gift items. These types of candles are especially prepared for those people, who are passionate about exceptional fragrance.

The highest quality and fine fragrance soy candles is completely environment friendly. As these candlesticks are mostly used as gift items, that’s why they are available in elegantly decorated and reusable containers. These candle containers are especially crafted to maintain the aroma intensity of the candles. Generally the Soy candles burn for longer duration than the paraffin or beeswax ones. These types of specially prepared highest quality candles have the longevity to burn in an average for seventy hours.

The highest quality soy candles are available in various forms and types. Among all types of soy candles, the Santal pure soy candles are famous foe their exotic quality aroma. These candles are prepared from cent percent domestically extracted soy wax. The Leather Mahogany soy candles are special types of candles and are prepared especially to decorate your drawing or reading rooms. These candles are famous for their soothing fragrance.

The cheapest Soy wax candles are also available and they are known as next generation candles. These candles are available in wide range of fragrances, such as, dark chocolate, tangerine, and orange. To make these candles more environment friendly cotton wicks are also provided to the customers as a complete package. Beautiful packaging includes box of long-stem matches. Wide range of scents is especially meant to rejuvenate your spirits. If you are seeking for relax, calm and romantic atmosphere, these highest quality and fine fragrance soy candles are ready to offer you that.

16oz apothecary

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:03:38 GMT

16 oz Appthecary is our best selling soy candle. Each candle is made with 100% pure soy wax and natural cotton wick. We use the finest fragrances to insure a highly scented soy candle.

Cotton wick and your choice of antique or black lid.

Contains:
Natural soy wax strongly scented with your choice of fragrance oil

Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax was invented in 1992 by Michael Richards who was looking for a cheaper alternative to beeswax. As he entered the candle industry he realized there was a growing demand for natural wax candles. Soy wax is mixed with fragrances to produce scented soy candles.

The production of soy wax candles greatly benefit the American agricultural industry. If soy wax was to replace paraffin wax an estimated 60 million pounds of soybeans would be needed for annual candle production. On the other hand, paraffin candles are a byproduct of oil refining thereby relying on foreign crude oil markets for manufacturing process. Eventually the production of paraffin wax will likely become very cost prohibitive as we continue to deplete the world's oil reserves. Soy wax is a green, sustainable and renewable resource, thereby helping our environment.

Advantages of Soy:

* Soy candles last longer - They can last up to 50% longer than paraffin candles
* Wax spills are easy to clean - It's very difficult to remove paraffin wax from furniture or textiles. Soy wax spills can easily be cleaned up with hot soapy water.
* Soy candles produce less soot - Soot should be avoided because it is very unhealthy and can eventually coat furniture and walls. Soy candles produce about 90% less soot that paraffin candles.

* Net Weight-16 ounces
* Burn Rate 80-90 hours
* Double cotton wick