The Best Candles to Buy

Candles That Are Environmentally Friendly

• Natural Scents sells clean-burning soy wax candles made with cotton/hemp wicks. The wax is completely biodegradable, made from domestically-grown crops and free of petroleum, paraffin, herbicides or pesticides. Other online stores that sell organic candles are Eco Candle Company, Q Candles and Sapphire Tree Candles.

Candles for Aromatherapy

• Infused with essential oils, aromatherapy candles are capable of changing your emotional or physical state. For instance, aromatherapy candles containing eucalyptus and spearmint might calm your stress whereas candles infused with citrus and ginger can boost your energy. Lavender and vanilla provide relaxation and so on. You can locate aromatherapy candles online or at gift boutiques, health food stores and specialty candle shops. If you are seeking a clean-burning candle, ensure the aromatherapy candle you buy contains natural ingredients and that the essential oils used to provide aroma is pure rather than synthetic.

Candles to Keep Bugs Away

• During the summertime, you can find citronella candles in most major department stores. Designed to keep mosquitoes and biting insects at bay, many of these candles come in decorative containers to add to your outdoor decor. One advantage to keeping several citronella candles lit during summer evenings is that, in most cases, you won’t have to cover yourself with mosquito repellent. However, you will have to sit fairly close to the lit citronella candles for them to be effective. Small travel-tin citronella candles are handy to take on vacation or to the beach.

Wick-Burning Candle Alternatives

• A safe alternative to wick-burning candles that provide the same ambiance and, in some cases, even aroma, are flameless candles. Available in a large variety of colors and made from wax or other materials, these candles may be your best choice if you have small children or active pets in your home. They are battery powered, use tiny LED bulbs and are particularly useful in wall sconces or in windows.