The world of scented candles is a true symphony of aromas and creativity. However, to fully appreciate this art, it is essential to understand the language that accompanies it. Here's a glossary of key terms to help you navigate the enchanting world of scented candles.
Wick : The filament in the center of the candle that ignites to produce light and heat.
Wax : The solid material of the candle which melts to create light and fragrance.
Scented Candle : A candle containing perfumes or essential oils to diffuse aromas.
Wax Pool : The area around the wick where melted wax accumulates.
Combustion : The chemical process where wax turns into gas to produce heat, light and aromas.
Cold scent or "Cold throw" : The smell of a candle before being lit.
Hot scent or “Hot throw” : The smell of a lit candle.
Fragrance : Essential oils or perfumes added to wax to create aromas.
Vent Hole : A small hole in the surface of the wax to allow gases to escape.
Soot : The black residue formed when a candle burns improperly.
Rapeseed Wax : A natural wax used in candle making.
Burn Time : The length of time a candle burns.
Artisanal Candle : A candle made by hand.
Wick Trimmer : A tool for trimming the wick of a candle.
Clean Burn : A candle that burns without producing soot or harmful emissions.
Beeswax : A natural wax produced by bees.
Wick Return : The action of returning the wick to the center after lighting.
Tealight holder : A container for a candle, used as decoration.
Melted Wax Potpourri : The remaining wax from a melted candle.
Candle Extinguisher : A tool for extinguishing a candle properly.
Dancing Flame : A candle flame that undulates and dances.
Top Notes : The first fragrances you perceive when you light a scented candle. They are often light and ephemeral.
Heart Notes : Fragrances that appear after the top notes, constituting the heart of the perfume. They are more durable and give the main character to the perfume.
Base Notes : Fragrances that emerge after the heart notes, creating the lasting olfactory base of the perfume.
Accord : A harmonious combination of different olfactory notes that creates the overall character of a perfume.
Olfactory Pyramid : A visual representation of the different perfume notes, including top, middle and base notes.
Fixative : An ingredient added to perfumes to extend their life and stabilize their smell.
Soliflore : A fragrance that captures the essence of a single flower.
Smell : The olfactory characteristic of a candle or perfume.
Nose : A perfumer or perfume expert who creates fragrances.
Natural Fragrance : A fragrance derived from natural ingredients such as essential oils.
Synthetic Fragrance : A fragrance created in the laboratory from chemical components.
Efficiency : The level of odor or fragrance emitted by a scented candle as it burns.
Diffusion : The dispersion of aromas from a scented candle into the surrounding air.
Vaporization : The process by which perfume molecules go from a liquid to a gaseous state to be released into the air.
Room Fragrance : The art of creating scents for spaces, including scented candles, diffusers, and room sprays.
Essential Oil Candle : A scented candle made using natural essential oils for aromas.
Synthetic Essence-Based Candle : A scented candle made using synthetic aromas.
Pyrolysis : The chemical process by which the wax in a candle is broken down and transformed into gases, which burn to produce heat and light.
This comprehensive glossary should help you better understand the fascinating world of scented candles. Enjoy exploring this art combining light, heat and fragrance.
