Lotion Candles – 6 “Scentsible” Buying Tips

What are lotion candles? If you’ve not heard of them, you’re not alone. First appearing on the market in 2004, they are just now starting to gain a presence in the marketplace.

Whereas candles were once simply a functional way to light the dark, candles are now most often purchased to scent homes or to add a romantic or relaxing ambiance.

Lotion candles, also called body candles and massage candles, are yet another type of candle, this one serving several simultaneous functions. While they light a room, provide a wonderful ambiance, and emit subtle fragrance, lotion candles also contain cosmetic ingredients that make them a superb body moisturizer and massage oil alternative.

Because of their ingredients, a true lotion candle will melt at a very low temperature, usually at just 101 – 102 degrees. At slightly above body temperature, they are warm and not hot.

When shopping, how do you know if you’ve found a “true” lotion candle of good quality? Here are six tips to help you shop wisely.

1. Does the candle label list ingredients? Because lotion candles are intended for use on the body, they fall under FDA guidelines. Lotion candles should have all ingredients listed in order of prominence on the product label. If ingredients are not presented, the maker is not in compliance with the FDA.

2. Does the label list net weight and manufacturer information? As an FDA regulated product, the net weight must be included on packaging. The phone number and/or address of the manufacturer or private-labeled reseller must also be present.

3. Is the fragrance skin-safe? Not all fragrance is. Some traditional candle makers are now beginning to make lotion candles as well. If those candle-makers are not familiar with bath and body product requirements, they may be using fragrance oils not intended for body use. If you are buying from an independent candle-maker, be sure to ask about the fragrance they use. Fragrance that is not skin-safe can cause adverse reactions.

4. Is the fragrance used in skin-safe amounts? Even if a fragrance is developed for safe body use, the amount of fragrance used in lotion candles is only a fraction of the amount used in a traditional scented candle. Using more can be toxic to the skin. Beware of anyone touting a lotion candle that is “highly scented” or that can “scent your whole room.” Such claims almost guarantee that there is too much fragrance used and that the candle is not skin-safe, even if the fragrance oil used is skin-safe by definition.

5. Does the container make it easy to access the melted lotion? Many traditional candle jars will make it difficult to get to the melted liquid for easy and convenient use. The container should be easy to dip into to access the melted lotion.

6. How does the candle feel when applied? If you’re able to sample, a quality lotion candle will not feel waxy or leave a heavy residue. If it does, your candle is most likely made with traditional candle wax. Quality lotion candles feature cosmetic-grade ingredients that will provide your skin with the greatest benefits. A quality lotion candle should melt into a moisturizing liquid that fully soaks into your skin within a few minutes leaving a silky, soft feeling.

If you haven’t tried a lotion candle yet, you’re in for a treat. Just do your homework to ensure that you’re buying a candle made by a quality manufacturer that follows FDA guidelines and uses high quality ingredients. Then just light it and pamper yourself or a partner with the rich, warm lotion. Enjoy!

Article by:
Karen Porter is a writer, speaker and entrepreneur. Her company manufactures and markets Skinny Dip Candles, lotion candles that melt into a rich, warm moisturizing lotion or massage oil. One of the first lotion candles on the market, visit www.SkinnyDipCandle.com to learn more about these special lotion candles made from shea butter, cocoa butter and other natural ingredients.

Candle Making Kits

If you have always wanted to make your own candles but never had the time to research the steps and buy all the supplies you need to get started, there is good news. There are candle-making kits available. There are kits designed for grownups and even kids who want to get creative and make candles. The following are some of the popular kits available in stores today.

Gel Candle Making Kit. Gel candles are very hot these days. You too can easily make your own gel candles with kits that usually contain candle gel tubes (there are about eight or so in one kit), twelve bags of wax candle chips, and twelve clear glass candle jars. You can create translucent visual treats that are perfect as home décor or as gifts to special people.

Beeswax Candles Kit. There are a lot of beeswax kits on the market. There are adult kits that allow you to create professional candles out of preprocessed beeswax, and there are also beeswax candle making kits for kids that educate them about bees as they create candles. Note that children’s kits are for 5 years old and older.

Marbled Candle Kit. Ever thought that those candles with fancy marbled designs are hard to do? With marbled candle kits, you just pour once; wait for the wax to cool, and you have your very own spectacular marbled candle.

There are many other candle making kits available either in specialty stores or over the Internet. Just browse around and you will find one that suits your taste and personality. Remember that candle making need not be a lot of work. Buy your candle making kits now and start making beautiful candles for yourself, your family and your friends.

Candle Making provides detailed information on Candle Making, Candle Making Supplies, Candle Making Instructions, Candle Making Kits and more. Candle Making is affiliated with Discount Candle Making Supplies.

How to Make Candles

Making homemade candles can be a fun hobby, whether making them as gifts or for yourself to enjoy. Candle making usually requires some experimentation, but when you discover how to make those perfect candles, it’s well worth the effort.

There are a few basic supplies needed for making most candles:

wax
wicks
mold or containers
wax melter
candle making thermometer
fragrances
dyes
putty for molds

First decide on a wax you would like to start with, there are three different kinds to choose from: paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax. Paraffin wax is most commonly used in candles, this wax is found at most candle making stores. Soy wax is all natural, made from soybeans, and cleans up easily with soap and water. Beeswax is all natural too, and making beeswax candles is often easiest because you simply wrap a sheet of beeswax tightly around a wick then seal it with your thumb, which means no melting is required.

To begin, spread newspapers around the candle making area. First you melt your paraffin or soy wax and it must be double-boiled. Usually you place a large pot that is about half-filled with water on a burner over low-medium heat, place a melter in the water, then gradually place wax pieces into the melter. When the wax has melted, you can add coloring or fragrance as desired.

To make molded candles, cut the wick two inches taller than you want the candle to be, then thread it through the hole at the bottom of the mold, then plug the outside of the hole with putty. Place a pencil or similar item over the top of the mold and tie the top of the wick to it, centering the wick. If the mold is cardboard, plastic, or glass, heat the wax to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. If the mold is metal, then heat the wax to 190 degrees. You can use a candle or candy thermometer to measure this. When the right temperature is reached, lift the melter by the handle and slowly pour the wax into the mold. Let cool for twelve hours then refrigerate for twelve more hours, then your candle is ready to be removed.

To make votives and other small container candles, you can use pre-tabbed wicks by simply placing them in the center of the votive candle molds or containers, then pour the wax mixture over and let stand for twelve hours, refrigerating the votives.

Jennifer Hall is a writer who provides information on shopping online for www.candles-4-u.com/scented_candles.htm www.candles-4-u.com/candle_making.htmwww.candles-4-u.com/candle_holders.htm When she's not online, Jennifer's spending time with her family, gardening, or playing the piano or accordion. and

Massage Candles - The Miracle Candle For Relaxation And Romance

What type of candle is it that so many people are craving? What type of candle is also becoming a permanent fixture on our bedside tables? The answer is a “Massage Candle”, also known as a lotion candle, body candle or body wax. This novel and very sensual candle is the ultimate product to enhance a romantic evening, to enjoy a spa quality experience at home, or to nourish and moisturize your skin.

A massage candle appeals to three of our five human senses: the sense of sight, from the romantic lighting created by the glow of the candle; the sense of smell, from the delicate, alluring fragrance it slowly releases; and the sense of touch, as your partner’s hands slowly massage the warm and moisturizing massage oil, created by the candle, over your body. Mmmm, so inviting, relaxing, intimate and delectable! I refer to the massage candle as a “miracle candle” due to its marvelous ability to transport you into a magical world of absolute pleasure. Everyone should experience the bliss of being pampered with a massage while using a massage candle.

In our day-to-day lives, our bodies become overwhelmed with stress and tension from the trials and tribulations of life. And who wouldn’t want to have that stress and tension eased by receiving a body massage from that “special person” in our life, especially in the safe, warm and comfortable environment of our own homes? We all crave touch and research indicates that a massage provides a therapeutic effect by relaxing us physically, spiritually and emotionally. This enhances our sense of well-being. When you relax and allow yourself to enjoy your partner’s touch, you may even begin to feel amorous and progress to a more intimate level. Either way, a massage candle is a sensational tool that provides the ability to escape and let the world revolve around you. However, what is most precious is a deep awareness of the special person giving you the massage.

How does this massage oil candle work you may ask? You simply light the candle and let it burn for approximately 20 minutes to form a melt pool of massage oil. When it is ready, extinguish the flame and drizzle a small amount of the warm, moisturizing oil onto your partner's body. Next, have your partner massage it directly into your skin. Since the base of the massage oil blend is soy oil (derived from soy beans), it burns very clean and long. Soy oil also burns much cooler than traditional paraffin wax, so the melted massage oil does not get too hot to apply directly to the skin. The massage oil will only be slightly warmer than skin temperature.

Of course, if relaxation and romance is not on your mind, most massage oil candles can also be used without melting as a body balm or lotion. The candle may be used in its solid form by scooping out a small amount with your fingertips and applying it to your skin. When the solid lotion reaches skin temperature it will melt into your skin, releasing its moisturizing properties. Manufacturers of massage candles develop them differently based on their own formulas, so you should always check the ingredients prior to making a purchase. For example, in addition to Cosmetic-Grade Soy Oil, our premium quality massage candle contains such skin-nourishing ingredients as; Shea and Mango Butters, Grapeseed and Jojoba Oils, Beeswax, and Vitamin E. This blend of skin nourishing ingredients deeply moisturizes the skin, leaving it lustrous, silky smooth and delicately scented. Massage candles are also an environmentally friendly product, made with all natural ingredients. Massage candles made with pure essential oils are organic and provide a true aromatherapy experience.

So, whether you are in the mood for romance, wish to enjoy a spa quality experience at home, or desire an excellent skin care product, the massage candle is for you. Once you have experienced this mesmerizing candle, you will find it to be a charming and irresistible product that you too will come to refer to as a “miracle candle”. After you experience this unique product, I am confident that you will always have a body massage candle on your nightstand.

Denise Cassaly is the owner of Je T’aime Fragrances, a leading designer, manufacturer, and retailer of Gourmet Scented Soy Candles and Soy Body Massage Candles. For more information, you may visit her site at http://www.jetaimefragrances.com or reach her at (727) 596-8158.

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Candle Wedding Favors

Candle wedding favors are one of the best wedding favors to be shared with the guests to commemorate a wedding. Giving candle wedding favors is an ideal way for the couple to renew the feelings of joy and togetherness with their guests. Candles usually have an important role in the wedding ceremonies and almost all wedding ceremonies include the lighting of at least one candle or two to symbolize the union between the newly wedded couple. Candle wedding favors remind the guests about the special moments of the ceremony for a long period of time.

There are many varieties of candle wedding favors available such as traditional votive and novel candle wedding favors in different shapes and sizes. Wedding favor candles are mainly available in attractive red rose or heart shapes to highlight a sense of romance in the air. Traditional couples often select classic pillar style candle wedding favors. There are candle wedding favors to match any theme and style of the weddings. These types of wedding favors are the best way to capture the symbolism of wedding ceremonies.

There are different types of wedding favor candles such as flip flop, coconut and ornament candles. Among these, flip flop and coconut candles are ideal for the summer weddings. Candle tins can also be personalized for any type of wedding ceremony. They are usually romantic, decorative, and cost effective. Because of the huge selection of sizes, styles, colors, designs, and scents, it is easy to fit the candles in any decorating theme. The candles and candle holders are usually selected to match the reception colors or shades of the couple's favorite colors. Personalized votives and votive holders make the best guest favors.

Candle wedding favors provide high quality wedding favors and are considered the favorites for spreading the romance of your wedding. If you really feel like lighting someone's fire, you can give them these wedding favors which are so perfect for thanking them also. There are also travel-friendly candle wedding favors which allow the guests for a little candlelight romance wherever they go.

Wedding Favors provides detailed information on Wedding Favors, Cheap Wedding Favors, Unique Wedding Favors, Personalized Wedding Favors and more. Wedding Favors is affiliated with Cheap Wedding Invitations .

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Stith

Unique Decorative Candles

"Chocolate" Covered Strawberry Candles

Beer Bottle Candles

Scented Candles - New Trends in Home Decorating

“Scent-mosphere” – The Hot New Trend in Home Decorating!

(ARA) - Scent-mosphere?! You won’t find it in the dictionary, but it’s a hot home decorating trend that’s all about styling your home with an eye (or nose) for all your senses, from the touch of fabrics, to the color of the wall to the acoustics of hardwood floors.

As the name “scent-mosphere” implies -- this trend actually starts by following your nose in styling your home with fragrance. Why start there? Well, in research by Dr. Alan Hirsch, M.D., “Smells are one of the quickest ways to change mood and emotion.” They’re also one of the first things you notice about a room even before you enter it.

“Fragrance can be a springboard for an entire room’s style,” says design guru, author and HGTV personality Susie Coelho. “Colors, textures, and style will flow from the feelings and the images that a specific fragrance conjures up.”

“Our olfactory sense (the sense of smell) is so powerful. It’s intimately-linked to the brain’s emotion and memory functions, and it’s why scents can have such a strong impact on your state of mind and emotional well-being,” according to Rick Ruffolo, senior vice president of brand, marketing, and innovation at Yankee Candle Company.

Over the last 2 to 3 years, the use of fragrances in public gathering areas including hotels such as the Westin and stores such as Apple or the Body Shop further reinforce the subtle, yet powerful influence scent has on people’s attitudes.

Ruffolo explains, “Take Yankee Candle’s classic Clean Cotton scent, for instance. It might transport you back to a time when your mom would dry sheets on the line in the backyard on a bright spring day. So, now your mind subconsciously pictures blue skies, green grass, white sheets, pretty flowers … and, then, suddenly you have a room décor theme that’s perfect for the season.”

So, starting with fragrance just makes sense (or “scents”).

We asked Rick Ruffolo for his recommendations on seasonal fragrance selections:

For spring -- Ruffolo recommends light floral scents such as Yankee Candle’s Lilac Blossoms or Sweet Honeysuckle fragrances, or to focus on “fresh, open-window” fragrances such as Clean Cotton, Country Linen, or Lemon Lavender.

During the late spring and into summer -- fruits are the best choice. “Fruits provide such a great palette of fragrance choices from which to choose … from orchard fruits such as Macintosh Apple, to citrus fruits such as Juicy Orange and Sparkling Lemon, to tropical fruits such as Pineapple Gardenia, Canary Island Banana, or Brazilian Passion Fruit, … as well as classic berry fragrances such as Sweet Strawberry, Black Raspberry, or New Zealand Wild Berry.”

“Fall is a virtual cornucopia of fragrance choice mainly focused on foods and spices,” Ruffolo adds. “Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon, Farmhouse Apple, and Harvest are a few that come to mind.”

“The Christmas season is where fragrance and emotion come together like no other time of year. Certain classic fragrances such as Christmas Cookie, Home for the Holidays, Mistletoe, Christmas Wreath, and Balsam & Cedar all evoke special memories of holiday traditions, and are a great way to create a welcoming environment in your home.”

“Once you’ve selected the fragrance,” Ruffolo shares, “the form is the next important consideration. Lighting candles are the preferred choice since they combine color, light, and great fragrance experience in one product. Additionally, an electric home fragrance outlet plug unit is ideal for maintaining the scent in any room 24/7. Other choices which have a decorative twist include Reed Diffusers and Yankee Candle’s concentrated home fragrance oils. Your particular combinations will depend on the size of the room and how much fragrance you want at any given time.”

Wow! It all makes perfect sense (there’s that pun, again). Creating the perfect scent-mosphere for each room adds a whole new multi-sensory experience to your home, and is an easy, low-cost way to seasonalize your home throughout the year. Apparently, when it comes to styling with fragrance, your nose has the best eye for design.

Courtesy of ARAcontent