Scentsory

Thanks, KandleKrazy. So interesting that wax and/or wick can affect the scent. I never would have guessed. The high-end candle brands must have tested extensively to get their hot throw just right. The candles I've made so far are pretty decent overall - but for some reason, weak hot throw. I'll have to work on it!

Thank you, NightLight and TallTayl. Yes I'll definitely get some better lavender - I even wanted to have my own lavender farm! So I might source it from a farm upstate. I'm not sure which lavender but I'll try several kinds. Ok, I won't add extra fragrance to the wax :). I just want to make something that smells like the high-end candles and I was thinking it was the quality of the FO that's not working, but it could be the wax. I'll keep playing around with all until I achieve a good candle but FYI, I don't plan to pour each candle myself - I'm worried about not making these correctly and would prefer a professional - candle manufacturer - to make them after I figure out the scent profiles and wax. However, having a lot of trouble finding someone to do a small MOQ since I would just be starting out. Candle makers are asking for 300 - 500 per scent. With 5 -10 scents in my collection, that's running $30K + and I don't even know if I can sell a single candle, so...sigh. Getting a bit discouraged. But will keep at it. If you know of anyone able to do small runs please let me know. Thanks again for all of your help. I'm happy to give marketing/advertising advice as this is my area of knowledge. Feel free to DM me.

Thanks again, NightLight. All great information and I'm saving these notes. I do have many candles from different companies and find that the more luxurious companies have better, stronger scents. When it comes down to it, the reason why someone would purchase a scented candle is all about the quality of the scent. I don't know how to achieve that more concentrated scent except to add more fragrance oil? And of course have a good wax and wick combo. I just received an order of about 40 scents and I'm not thrilled with the quality. Most of them have a weak and chemical smell. Maybe this will change when it's in the wax. I just want the highest quality fragrances but all comments in this thread are duly noted. I think I will need to mix in essential oils as for example the lavender I got does not smell like lavender but rather some other kind of very chemical-y flower. I've ordered more FOs from another supplier so I will compare the two brands. I think there's a reason the ones I just got were on the less expensive side - you get what you pay for.

Thanks, TallTayl. Yes I need to learn how to make that good candle! Work in progress...

Thank you, NightLight. I appreciate the additional info. I'll be sure to start small and do a lot of testing. Interesting that some fragrances do well in one wax but not another. Need to find that perfect wax, then. Learning every day!

Hi BusyBee, Thanks for your reply and this information. Noted on fragrances. I hope the ones I ordered are decent. Well now I am wondering who to buy wax and wicks from since I was going to go with the 464 wax I see on Bramble Berry and Aztec. Wicks - I have no idea which is best. Waxed cotton or cotton and paper? Wood? Who makes good products and how do I get in touch with them? I'm sure that everyone's sources are secret, I understand! I'll experiment for now using the pre-made scents and stock waxes and wicks.

Thanks, NightLight. I'm not sure how to test the blend except to just make a sample candle and light it. Re: wax and wick combo - I'm learning that this depends on type of wax used and wick (thickness per container size, to avoid tunneling, yes?). And that the wick will determine how the flame will burn the candle, which will affect the scent throw, right? No need to reply if you're busy. I'll figure it out!

Thank you, TallTayl. Yesterday I ordered some scents from a supplier that may not offering be the best quality, according to members of this forum. Will order from Crafter's Choice and compare them with the scents that will be arriving. I'm definitely seeking the highest quality and don't want to waste money on subpar oils. Question if you have time for it - can you blend essential and fragrance oils together in one candle scent? I would think not but just checking.

Thank you NightLight, KandleKrazy, and TallTayl for your great responses. I truly appreciate your help as I am just starting out - and learning fast! Undoubtedly there will be much trial and error, but I am determined to create premium quality candles with custom-blended scents. I will check out the suggestions and any further recommendations on high-quality scent suppliers or manufacturers would be greatly valued.

Hello everyone. I'm new to candle making and want to use only the most premium fragrance oils. First of all, does anyone have recommendations for a *premium quality* fragrance oil supplier? I can see from comments that there are some low quality suppliers. Second, do any of the top quality suppliers sell single-note, non-blended fragrance oils? For example, musk or gardenia or rose that is only musk or gardenia or rose and not a blend of several fragrance oils. I would like to blend my own unique scents using single notes and am seeking the purest version of each scent. Looking for answers from longtime candle and soap makers. Thank you kindly.