by Lauren Rickert

Created on: February 08, 2007   Last Updated: March 28, 2007

Candles are multi-functional. They can inspire romance, relaxation and creativity. They spice up our holidays and bring peace to solemn moments. Candles can calm a baby, soothe a bride and light a darkened path. They can scent and warm up every room in your home. Candles are wonderful and essentially fool proof, but following a few simple guidelines can be a sure fire way to make your candle experience nothing but the best.

What types of candles are best?

All candles are made following the same basic formatcolored wax is poured into a mold or jar and hardened. If the candle is of the scented variety, ideally, fragrance is layered with wax until the process is complete. However, all brands of candles have different potencies and make ups:

The fragrance in cheaper candles is often added to the wax after the pouring is completethis causes the scent to fizzle out after just a few hours. The same applies to color. If a candle loses its color once it begins burning, you can be sure that candle is of poor quality. A good way to test this is by examining the bottom of your candle (pillars work best). If the color there is patchy and significantly lighter than the rest of the piece, you'll likely be disappointed. Texture and shape are significant as well. Candles of a lesser quality are full of air pockets, lumps and ridges. A good jar candle has a level top and the wax line ends just below the rim. If your jar candle is half to three-quarters full, it was most likely created in an assembly line of "quantity not quality." Another sure-fire way to determine the quality of your candle is through a burn test. Poorly made candles tunnel in the middle, create a lot of soot and have loose, puffy wicks. If the wick in your candle "flowers" near the top and ashes into the wax, you've gotten a bum deal.
The color in higher-end candles is consistent and rich. Similarly, the scent in more luxurious (and often expensive) varieties is layered with wax from bottom to top, ensuring that your favorite scent with last through the life of the candle. Their texture is smooth and the shape symmetrical. The wick should be coated with wax and when it burns, the wax should burn out, not down.

Where should I purchase candles?

In general, try to steer clear of candles that come in multiple packagesthese are often poorly made and vaguely scented. The same holds true for many seasonal candles, which are often sold on packaging, not quality. It's best to purchase your candles from a specialty shop,

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