This Valentine’s Day, you’re almost certainly going to be using beautiful, scented candles to help create the right mood.

But before you put match to wick, here are some things to consider when buying a candle.

Types of wax:

Paraffin is most widely used as it is inexpensive, holds fragrance and colour well, and can be used to make lots of types of candles, including pillars, votives, tealights and tapers. It’s not eco-friendly, though, as it’s made from a by-product of the oil industry.

Beeswax is a natural product with a subtly sweet aroma that can be enjoyed in its purest form without anything extra added. It has a high melting point, so is less prone to dripping. They’re also hypoallergenic, which makes them good for those with asthma or hay fever.

Soy wax candles are natural and renewable, with a good burn time. Soy wax is more affordable than beeswax and any drips can be easily washed out.

 

Wicks:

The type of wick used in a candle will determine how evenly and fast it burns, and how much smoke or soot is created. Choose natural wicks, which will create less soot and help throw the scent further. Multiple wicks on larger candles not only create more glow, but also create larger pools of wax, which releases more intense fragrance.

 

Fragrance:

Choose the right fragrance to create the mood in your room of choice. For a romantic Valentine’s dinner, choose soft florals like rose, peony, lilac or jasmine, or go for sultry scents like warm vanilla, earthy musk, or smoky sandalwood.

Once you have chosen your perfect candle, let it burn until the entire surface is molten, and swirl the melted wax around to get to the edges. This prevents tunnelling and increases burn time. Trim the candle wick regularly to remove black soot and achieve the longest burn possible.