Your Questions, Answered: Handmade Candle Edition!

Let’s be real — we all love a good candle. There’s just something about the warm glow and a cosy scent that instantly makes everything feel a little calmer (even when the house is chaotic). But when it comes to what’s actually in that candle, or how to use it properly, there are always a few questions floating around and today, I’m answering some of the ones I get the most!

Whether you're a total candle addict or just like to light one up now and then, here’s the lowdown on what goes into my handmade candles, how to get the most out of them, and what sets them apart from the ones on the supermarket shelf.

What kind of wax do you use?

I only use 100% natural soy wax (and occasionally locally sourced beeswax for special editions). Soy wax is biodegradable, renewable, and burns cleaner than paraffin — so it's better for you, and for the environment. Plus, it gives a lovely slow burn, which means more scent time for you!

Are your candles safe?

Yes - I’m big on safety here. My candles are made with:

• Phthalate-free fragrance oils
• Cotton wicks (no lead, ever!)
• And always poured and cured with care.

As long as you’re following basic candle safety (like trimming your wick and not leaving it burning unattended / power burning), you’re good to go!

What’s a “phthalate” and why should I care?

Phthalates (pronounced thah-lates, in case you were wondering) are chemical compounds often found in synthetic fragrances. Some studies have linked them to hormone disruption — not something I want in my home, and not something I want in my candles. That’s why I only use phthalate-free fragrance oils, so you can enjoy beautiful scents without the worry.

Why does my candle tunnel?

Candle tunnelling happens when the wax doesn’t melt all the way to the edge during the first few burns; this creates a narrow tunnel down the middle, "wasting" a heap of wax. The fix? Burn your candle long enough the first time (around 2–3 hours) so the top layer melts evenly across the whole surface. It helps set the “wax memory” and gives you the most out of your candle.

PRO TIP: If you ever get stuck with a tunnelling candle, reach out, and I'll help you troubleshoot that naughty bugger back into behaving!

How do I make my candle last longer?

Here are my top tips:

• Trim your wick to 5mm before each burn to keep the flame steady and soot low.
• Don’t burn for too long - 3 to 4 hours at a time is ideal!
• Keep it away from drafts to avoid uneven burning.
• Let it melt all the way across to avoid tunnelling. Look after your candle and it’ll return the favour!

What makes handmade candles better than store-bought ones?

Handmade candles (like mine!) are small batch, carefully formulated, and made with top-shelf ingredients - no shortcuts. You're getting clean-burning wax, safer scents, and more thoughtful blends. Plus, you’re supporting an actual person (hi! 👋) who LOVES creating things that make your space feel like you!

How strong are your scents?

I go for a balanced scent throw - enough to fill a room without knocking you over. I test every fragrance for both cold (unlit) and hot (while burning) scent strength, so it’s lovely but not overwhelming. Think cosy, not cloying.

Still curious about candles? I love a good Q&A! Feel free to send me a message if you’ve got a burning question (yes, that pun was fully intended!)