Lily's Story: A Journey of Courage and Resilience
In September 2020, Lily, at the tender age of nine, discovered a small lump on her right leg. What initially seemed innocuous turned out to be a rare high-grade undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma. Lily's journey included 10 rounds of chemotherapy, ovarian cryopreservation, surgery, and six weeks of radiotherapy. Her unwavering spirit, determination, and resilience saw her through the challenges of treatment.
Despite facing potential setbacks, Lily emerged victorious and is now cancer-free. However, she continues to navigate the aftermath of treatment, exhibiting strength and positivity. Lily's story is a testament to her indomitable spirit and her commitment to making a positive impact.
The Birth of "La Bougie De Lily"
Inspired by Lily's creativity and love for candles, Louis & Co Maison joined forces with Lily and her family to create a special fragrance that captures Lily's essence. The result is "La Bougie De Lily," a delightful blend of sweet peach, coconut, vanilla, floral rose, jasmine, zesty lemon, and grapefruit notes. The candle embodies Lily's vibrant personality and resilience.
In a unique and memorable experience, Lily actively participated in the candle-making process during her very own workshop. From choosing the scent to pouring each candle, Lily left her mark on every aspect of "La Bougie De Lily."
La Bougie De Lily: A Fragrance with Purpose
Crafted with care in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, "La Bougie De Lily" is more than a candle; it's a symbol of resilience and hope. Each candle, made from a blend of soy wax and fragrance oil, offers a minimum burn time of 30 hours. Priced at £20, every penny of profit from the sale of "La Bougie De Lily" goes directly to Lily's Sarcoma Appeal, supporting research into childhood soft tissue sarcomas.
Louis & Co Maison's Commitment to Making a Difference
Both George and Lea, of Louis & Co Maison, have had family members impacted by cancer, making Lily's story deeply personal. Touched by her journey, they were captivated by Lily's positivity. Louis & Co Maison feels privileged to be part of Lily's inspiring narrative, aiming to contribute to the cause of childhood cancer research.
"We at Louis & Co Maison are very proud to have created a product that can help support & fund research for CCLG," shared Lea. "Lily's story resonated with us on a profound level. We were and still are amazed by her, her zest for life, and kindness. Our hope is for this collaboration to last and evolve, combining our customer's love for beautiful home fragrance with their willingness to make a difference."
Unveiling at Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
The collaboration reached a milestone with the unofficial launch of "La Bougie De Lily" at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. The candles, adorned with custom-designed labels, were an instant hit, resonating with customers who appreciated both the product and the inspiring story behind it.
Quotes from Lily and her mum Kirsty:
Lily expressed her joy, saying, "I'm so happy that I have worked with Louis & Co Maison on making my own candle, and I'm hoping to raise money for my special named fund."
Lily's mother, Kirsty, shared her excitement, stating, "We are so excited about this collaboration with Louis & Co Maison and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Lily loved learning the process from choosing her own scent to pouring the candles herself. We're hoping to raise money and awareness of Lily's Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group Special Named Fund and raise much-needed money for research into children's soft tissue sarcomas."
About Louis & Co Maison
Louis & Co Maison, founded by George & Lea, is a home fragrance small business that handcrafts all its products in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire. Inspired by the enchanting ambiance of the French Riviera, in particular Lea's hometown Antibes, the brand originated in Winchester in 2021. Louis & Co Maison has since cultivated a devoted clientele in the county, offering exquisite home fragrance products that evoke the essence of the South of France.
As a local business deeply committed to making a positive impact, Louis & Co Maison invites the community to join them in supporting Lily's cause through the purchase of "La Bougie De Lily." Together, let's illuminate lives and contribute to ground-breaking research for children facing soft tissue sarcomas.
Lily’s Candle is available to purchase from Louis & Co Maison’s website: https://louisandcomaison.com/collections/shop-all/products/la-bougie-de-lily
For further information, please contact:
Louis & Co Maison: www.louisandcomaison.com – info@louisandcomaison.com
Lily's Sarcoma Appeal: https://specialnamedfunds.cclg.org.uk/lilys-sarcoma-appeal/
Children's Cancer and Leukemia Group (CCLG): https://specialnamedfunds.cclg.org.uk
]]>In the charming county of Hampshire, our small home fragrance business, Louis & Co Maison, inspired by the sun-kissed French Riviera, is making waves with its new venture! Breaking free from the traditional realm of fragrances, our business has delved into the world of corporate gifting, adding a touch of Mediterranean elegance to the world of corporate appreciation!
As we all know, there's a unique kind of magic that emanates from the French Riviera. The stunning coastal towns, fragrant gardens, and vibrant culture have been an inspiration for artists, travellers, and now, businesses. The aroma of lavender fields, the gentle waft of the Mediterranean sea, and the colours of Provençal markets are just some of the elements that have been distilled and bottled up into our products. And now, these fragrances have found a new purpose in the corporate world.
Our Hampshire-based business has embarked on a journey to bring a taste of the French Riviera to corporate clients, transforming the way businesses express their gratitude and appreciation. With two remarkable clients already on board, CastleBell, an independent recruitment agency, and Kütchenhaus, an award-winning kitchen manufacturer, this small business is making its mark in the world of corporate gifting.
A Personal Touch for CastleBell
CastleBell, known for their dedication to finding the perfect fit for both companies and job seekers, was seeking a unique way to congratulate successful candidates. This is where our Hampshire-based home fragrance business stepped in. A special collaboration was initiated, allowing CastleBell to add their logo to our labels. The result? Personalised congratulations packages that speak volumes about the company's commitment to celebrating success.
The custom-label collaboration allows CastleBell to send a memorable and scented gift to their newly placed candidates, adding a touch of elegance and personalisation to the process. These fragrance-infused tokens of appreciation are not just thoughtful but also an embodiment of the fine craftsmanship found in the French Riviera itself.
A Fragrant Welcome from Kuchenhaus
Kütchenhaus, renowned for crafting stunning German kitchens that elevate the heart of any home, found a way to make their clients' experiences even more memorable. Beyond designing dream kitchens, Kütchenhaus sends a little care package for the home to their clients who've just had their new kitchen installed.
Imagine the delight of coming home to a freshly designed and beautifully fragrant kitchen! Kütchenhaus understands the importance of making the entire experience unforgettable. The aroma of the French Riviera's seaside fills the air, creating an ambiance that transcends the ordinary. It's not just a kitchen; it's a culinary haven, a place where memories are made.
The move to offer corporate gifting with a French Riviera twist reflects the small home fragrance business's commitment to infusing the everyday with a touch of luxury. The fragrances that have inspired countless people to dream of the Mediterranean now grace corporate gifts, creating a memorable and luxurious experience for both the givers and the recipients.
To Conclude
In an age where businesses are always looking for unique ways to stand out, the French Riviera-inspired corporate gifts offer a fresh perspective on corporate appreciation. Whether it's celebrating a new job placement or welcoming clients to a freshly renovated kitchen, these fragrant gifts elevate the experience and leave a lasting impression.
In the bustling world of business, the French Riviera's tranquil charm and timeless elegance are now just a scent away, thanks to the creative endeavours of our Hampshire-based home fragrance business. With corporate gifting that embodies the spirit of the Mediterranean, they've proven that every success, whether personal or professional, is worthy of celebration.
So, the next time you walk into a kitchen with a faint fragrance of the seaside or receive a congratulatory gift with a touch of the French Riviera, remember that the world of corporate appreciation has evolved, thanks to a small business in Hampshire with a big dream.
Calling all our Hampshire people and visitors 👋 Don't miss your chance to indulge in a French-inspired experience of candle-making in Chandler's Ford!
What is it about?
Join us in a relaxed environment and learn how to make your own candles!
Will I be fed?
Remember when we mentioned the experience was French-inspired? You won't go hungry (or thirsty) with us!
Let us treat you to a homemade French-inspired 'aperitif dînatoire', as well as 2 glasses of wine per person! If you attend a morning session, you can expect a French-inspired breakfast.
What's special about our workshops?
What matters to us is that you arrive excited, and leave us happy and relaxed! With a wide range of fragrances to choose from, we will walk you through our very own passion and insure you create candles you'll be proud to burn.
In an intimate environment, you will smell, mix, stir, stick, stick again, guess and even potentially win a little gift to take home that day!
Try your hand at candle-making! Ideal for beginners, we will guide you through the creative process and show you how to make your own candle.
A perfect experience for yourself, or to gift a loved one. Even better: attend with your loved one!
Also a great alternative for an activity to share at a hen party, as a team-bonding event, for a birthday party, a group of friend's get-together, a parent & child shared moment... you name it!
We always found these sets to make a great gift: it is useful, lasting, and if coming from our shop, you know they are handcrafted and made in Britain too!
]]>Stepping a little out of our comfort zone but staying within Home Fragrances, we are excited to see Hand Wash and Hand Lotion enter our stock this month!
Why you should indulge in a set.
Washing your hands simply isn't an option, so adding a pleasant fragrance to the soap is only a good idea, right? We have ourselves been obsessed with multiple sets from various companies in the past, so it only made sense to start our own.
We are proud to announce we will be able to release a selection of fragrances we also produce in candles & diffusers, so if you have a favourite, let us know!
To start, we focused on Cèdre, a grounding scent that, following multiple tests we ran, proved to also be very much liked by men and incentivised them to use the hand lotion!
Maybe this is the solution to dry skin in your household!
What it means in numbers and more details.
They are also available to purchase separately.
We always found these sets to make a great gift: it is useful, lasting, and if coming from our shop, you know they are handcrafted and made in Britain too!
]]>
Why you should burn wooden wicks
We came across wooden wicks when we started our candle-making journey back in early 2021, and have fallen in love with them ever since!
Not only are they trendy, they more importantly have benefits you can't ignore. Firstly, they provide a cleaner, more even burn, meaning your candle will last longer, and the scent throw will be more consistent. The wood used is from sappy fruit trees; a sustainable choice for the planet! Last (and not least!), the crackling sound the wick emits when burning is absolutely mesmerising. We promise it will sooth your soul, from inside out!
How to look after your wick
Just like everything in life, you will get the most out of your purchase if you look after it. Wicks are not different!
Here's the one thing you should do to maximise your wooden wick candles: always trim your wick before each use, removing all charred wood from previous burns. if you don’t, the wick may not stay lit long enough to fuel the flame, causing it to extinguish itself. To trim a wooden wick, remove all charred wood by pinching the charred wood with a tissue.
As an added tip, we would also suggest you always make sure to allow the wax to melt across the entire diameter of your candle on the first burn. This will help prevent tunnelling, which can impact how well the candle will burn in the long run.
We recently had a customer tell us they didn't think the crackling wick sounded like a log fire, but more like rain falling on a window. We love that and do agree that it can also sound like it! What do you think?
]]>I am personally not on the romantic side but I do enjoy shopping for my loved ones, trying to get away from the expected present and choosing the right gift: a tough task! So if you want to find something that is unique, thoughtful, and practical, I have put together a list of 18 unique gifts FOR HER - she'll love it... from cute cards to mood setting accessories: I've got you! Keep reading for our Valentine's Day gift guide!
What to consider when choosing a gift?
Valentine's Day is a special occasion to celebrate love and affection. When choosing a gift, it is important to think about the person you are buying it for. What are their interests? What will make them happy? Once you have a good understanding of their preferences, you can pick out the perfect gift. Another consideration is the type of gift you want to give. Would they appreciate something sentimental, like jewellery or art? Or would they prefer something practical, like an outdoor activity or cooking class? Finally, take your budget into account. By setting a budget before starting your search, you can narrow down your options and find a great gift without overspending.
1. La Rosée English Rose candle by Louis & Co Maison £28
Look, I know a rose fragrance doesn't sound exciting but trust me when I say - this one is so unique and luxurious. With notes of vanilla, musk and balsamic, it stands out and pleasantly surprises!
Support this small business via:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter
2. "Lexi" Checkmate Wine & Black Heart Studs from Created By Lau £10
Laura, the maker and creator takes pride in the fact that she only makes small batches, meaning that not only it is good for the environment, but it also insures you are so much less likely to turn up to a meeting with someone wearing the same thing as you!
These heart-shaped studs made from wine-coloured polymer clay with a black heart checkerboard detail design printed on them are the perfect Valentine's gift to say I love you! A classic that can be worn all year round and a cute reminder of how much you love them!
Support this small business via:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
3. Alphabet Dating - an A-Z of date ideas from The Kids Press Company £15.99
I am obsessed with these - take the mental load away from me and I will love you forever haha! The Kids Press Company is a luxury stationery brand creating beautiful products to celebrate family milestones, and is run by a twin sister duo!
These alphabet dating cards that can be personalised for that personal touch include 3 activity suggestions and prompts that are perfect date night ideas and make a great gift for her this Valentine's day as it allows you to create memories for you both to share together.
Support this small business via:
4. Pink Catnap Sleep Mask from Just Add Style £35
We love it when talents get together to create a power brand and products! Just Add Style is a creative collaboration by award-winning fashion illustrator Emma Cowlam and accomplished graphic designer Lisa Kew, creating limited runs of luxury silk scarves and sophisticated stationery featuring unique hand-drawn illustrations.
This light pink 'Catnap; mask is reversible and carefully crafted from the finest silk satin, 100% silk fibre filling and an elastic silk-covered band for a soft but snug fit.
Support this small business via:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Linkedin
5. Rhubarb & Fresh Mint 8oz jar candle from And Hope Designs £14.50
Using hand lettering, watercolour and digital illustration, Anna from And Hope Designs makes elegant yet fun cards, prints, journals, tea towels, candles and gift wrap to bring joy, as well as commissioned paintings for an extra special gift perfect for that big occasion.
This soy wax candle is scented with delicious rhubarb and mint hand-poured in an amber glass jar- perfect for a romantic evening and brings a heavenly scent of a still summer day in the garden.
Support this small business via:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter
6. Red Clutch Bag from Sew Sofia £35
Sew Sofia makes bags and accessories in eye-catching designs and functional fabrics including faux leather, cork and laminated organic cotton (an eco-friendly alternative to oilcloth).
This stunning lipstick red faux leather clutch bag is perfect for transforming your true love's outfit by adding a pop of colour!
Support this small business via:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter
7. Copper Heart on Silver Circle Necklace from Zoe Ruth Designs £40
You can never go wrong with delicate jewellery - how stunning is this pendant? Zoe Ruth designs and handmakes jewellery with sterling silver, copper and semi-precious stones, inspired by nature around us.
Support this small business via:
Website | Instagram | Facebook
8. Love Story Scrapbook from Scrappy Doodles UK £20
Scrappy Doodles UK sells handmade gifts and home decor and you know we love that! Scrapbooks are their best seller in the gifts department and can be personalised if required. They make the best sentimental gifts that are perfect for Valentine's Day Gifts. This notebook is perfect for scrapbooking lovely memories of you and your loved one and giving them as a special gift.
Support this small business via:
9. The Love One Unique Milk Churn Candle®️ - Red Roses from The Cattleshed Candle Company £15
The Cattleshed Candle Company makes very unique Milk Churn Candles®️. Sustainable, refillable or repurposed candles using eco-soy wax and the finest fragrances. The Love One - Red Roses is a beautiful romantic fragrance that will last longer than a bouquet!
Support this small business via:
10. Embossed Floral Hand Painted Necklace from Abby’s Art Atelier £10
Abby’s Art Atelier makes one-of-a-kind jewellery using polymer clay and resin and utilising mixed media techniques. We love that the pattern is hand-painted, making it an even more unique gift.
Support this small business via:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
11. Sloth Valentine’s Day Card from Bamber Prints £3.50
Bamber Prints offers minimalist illustrations with a touch of playfulness, all drawn by Catherine using lots of little dots. There was a time when I was obsessed with sloths; they are such interesting animals! So this cute sloth card with the message "I Love You This Much" is just perfect.
Support this small business via:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
12. Silver Hammered Heart Studs from Anna Calvert Jewellery £25
Anna Calvert makes jewellery from recycled silver and gold that you can love and wear every day. I find hammered jewellery pieces to be so classy and modern - that's why these studs are the perfect Valentine's Day present! They feature an understated, perfectly formed heart with a stunning silhouette that's reminiscent of luxury. Handmade to slot seamlessly into your everyday jewellery line-up, this silver pair of earrings fit with other coordinating styles for an effortlessly elegant look that's perfect for both day and night dressing. Created from hammered and polished recycled sterling silver, they’re beautifully simple.
Support this small business via:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
13. Red Heart Lavender Sachet from Naila Ahmad LONDON £10
Naila Ahmad is a textile artist since 2016 and works with the traditional art of block printing. This is a handmade and hand printed 4 inches square sachet, made in 100% cotton unbleached calico fabric.It is generously filled with approx. 40-50 gm of dried English lavender - and we all know how good lavender is for the soul, mind spirit and body! It will keep on giving you fragrance for years and is perfect for any fashionista's wardrobe.
Support this small business via:
14. Handmade Wooden ‘I Love You’ Wood Slice Coaster Gift from Wooden You Love £8
Wooden You Love makes hand burnt wooden gifts for all occasions. All of their pieces are created using Pyrography, so each piece is completely unique and handmade.
This hand burnt text and love birds design rustic wooden coaster will make a great gift for many occasions. They are handmade from real tree slices and finished with waterproof protection.
Support this small business via:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
15. Double Festival Silver Earrings from Eni Jewellery £67
Launched in London in 2016, Eni Jewellery offers a new grunge. Our collections are aimed at the fashionable, modern woman who wants to express her individuality. Regardless of age or seasonal trends. Each collection is developed and designed by Eleni Koumara, expressing her distinctive and original style. And the beautiful thing about jewellery is, you can never have too much of it!
These sculptural double festival silver earrings make a unique statement triangle side way’s earrings. Made from eco-sterling silver, are perfect for completing your love's everyday look and they come in a box and are ready for gift-giving.
Support this small business via:
16. LOVE Fitted Hoodie from Home Bird Crafts £40
Home Bird Crafts upcycles preloved clothing and creates new rainbow-inspired sustainable items for the entire family.
This fitted hoodie with a love rainbow print on is bound to be a go-to piece that your love will use again and again and will avoid her stealing your hoodie all the time! #iykyk
Support this small business via:
17. Leather Heart keyring from Laura Jessica Design £8.50
Here's another guilty pleasure of mine: keyring! I just seem to always need one! Laura Jessica Design hand makes small leather goods and accessories using traditional techniques. She uses a mix of vegetable-tanned leather, suedes and Nappa leather to produce lasting accessories.
Small but the perfect little gift that doesn’t break the bank, this vegetable-tanned leather keyring makes a great valentine's gift for anyone you love. Made in a variety of colours by hand. A silver heart loop and cone stud finish each design.
Support this small business via:
18. Gold & Silver Petite Organic Flower Earrings from Inari Designs £95
Inari Designs is a sustainable jeweller working with recycled and Fairtrade gold and silver as well as using reclaimed, sustainable and responsibly sourced gemstones. They make limited edition and bespoke jewellery to complement your style.
These petite earrings one of a kind earrings are made with pure silver and 9ct gold. They have been "torch sculpted" to resemble organic flowers, but these flowers will last a lifetime. Fully hallmarked
Support this small business via:
Website | Instagram | Facebook
In conclusion...
So to sum this up, when you're looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift, it's important to choose something that your significant other will appreciate and unique, just like your relationship 😉 We've put together a list of 18 thoughtful and special gifts that any woman would love to receive. I hope this guide will open you up to many different artisans & small businesses around the UK! What's your favourite?
]]>With the recent season of markets, we were able to really chat with our customers and understand what more, what else, what next, they would enjoy seeing from our shop. So, here is what’s next in line for Louis & Co in 2023.
]]>If I’m being fully transparent, I have what’s called “shiny object syndrome”, always looking at the next idea, the next product I could make, the next strategy I could follow. I am thankful for business-brain-George who reins my creative brain back into place and challenges me to focus on what really matters!
Quality always comes first, so I keep improving & expending my expertise & knowledge within the home fragrances industry. This month will be spent focusing on selecting new fragrances, designing more labels and building website pages for plans I’ll announce shortly! I am so excited to finally be able to feed that creative brain of mine again.
So, with the recent season of markets, we were able to really chat with our customers and understand what more, what else, what next, they would enjoy seeing from our shop.
Here is what’s next in line for Louis & Co:
• Diffuser refills
• Monthly subscriptions
• New fragrances
• Current fragrances crossing into different jars
Anything we missed? What would you like to see from us in 2023?
In this article we would like to share some more insights into the scented oils we use to create our home fragrance products.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are complex aromatic compounds extracted from different parts of plants, like twigs, fruit skins, flowers (most commonly known), leaves and bark.
What are fragrance oils?
Fragrance oils are concentrated liquid fragrances made from the blending of both natural and synthetically derived aroma compounds. At Louis & Co Maison, we use fragrance oils. These are created by professional performers, and the blends can sometimes use a mixture of both essential and fragrance oils in one bottle (for example, this is the case for our Provence blend).
Are the fragrances we use safe?
Yes, they all are - this is so important to us. Our oils are IFRA-compliant, paraben-free and carefully & thoroughly tested in labs.
Don’t forget that we breathe in the pure undiluted form of them when we make, so we are the first people exposed to them!
Are our fragrances cruelly-free?
Again, this is a key value to our brand so yes, absolutely! Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly!
We hope this has answered your questions, but if you have anymore please leave a comment or contact us here. It is important for us to share our knowledge and values with our customers as much as we can - transparency is key!
]]>If you’ve ever wondered how you can re-purpose your old candle containers, we have created a complete guide covering everything from cleaning out the old wax, to great ideas for reusing scented candle jars.
First things first: how to remove the old wax.
There are multiple methods you can use to remove old wax from your jars:
1. The Freezer Method
Wax will because brittle once frozen, so if you leave your jar in the freeΩer overnight and start to scrape the wax away with a butter knife the next day, you'll be able to get rid of big chunks. Works best with paraffin and bees wax.
2. The Let It Sit Method
Super simple: scrape as much wax as you can using a butter knife first, and then pour some boiling water into the jar with some soap. Let it sit for a few minutes. The left over wax should detach and raise to the top. Collect, throw it in the bin, empty the water and wash inside the jar.
3. The Double-Boil / Bain-Marie Method
This is our go-to and works every single time: simply fill a bowl or pot with a little bit of boiling water, and gently sit the candle container in it for a few minutes. The heat from the boiling water will melt the wax slowly, allowing you to pour the molten wax into a foil well or some kitchen paper. Wash your jar clean afterwards using rubbing alcohol if you have some, or hot water and soap otherwise.
Here's a video of how we do it:
The things you need to be mindful of:
1. You can save the old wax! If you use wax melt burners, wait for the old wax to harden again and break it into bits to melt in your burner. No waste!
2. Each wick is being kept in place using a "wick holder", which you will find once the wax if fully removed. They are often stuck to the bottom of the jar using a sticky pad, which usually comes off with heat. Make sure to take those out and bin them.
3. NEVER, EVER pour molten wax down the drains. It will cool and solidify, and probably end up clogging the pipe.
4. Be careful not to overheat glass containers; although they can contain high levels of heat, they are still fragile and can explode if too hot. This actually also applies to the freezing method! Take advice from the brand you bought the candles from or use your best judgment depending on the jar.
5. NEVER use the microwave to melt the old wax: the wick holders are made of metal, which could not only ruin your microwave, but start a fire!
10 Ideas on how to re-use your jars:
And because sometimes visuals speak louder, make sure you watch our videos below:
What other ideas do you have? Share them with us!
]]>In this article, we will briefly explain all the waxes available to make candles, and why we chose Soya Wax for ours.
Natural VS Synthetic
There are so many kind of waxes, but we thought we should first clarify one thing: waxes can be "natural" (derived from animals and plants) or "synthetic", also called "paraffin" (artificially made, mineral). You can decide on what you prefer to use following your beliefs, as they all have different physical properties and characteristics, pros and cons.
Paraffin Waxes
Synthetic waxes are derived from a mixture of various oils, and are a by-product of the petrochemical industry. Depending on its chemical mixture, each of these waxes can have different texture or colour.
There's a common myth that paraffin wax can be smoky and therefore toxic - but this isn't strictly true. Indeed, smoky flames come from a poorly wicked candle (whichever wax used).
CONS: Paraffin wax is also seen as non-sustainable, but it is only a minor by-product of the oil industry.
PROS: Paraffin waxes allow an excellent hot throw (scent spreading when burning) and a super smooth shiny flat surface (only aesthetic but so important) - which is why a wide range of international luxury candle brands use them. Set very quickly, meaning they can be burnt quickly after being made (a couple of days).
Plant Waxes
Often referred to as "natural wax", these waxes are squeezed from plants to extract their oils, and then chemically purified and filtered.
The most common types of plant waxes are soy (which we use), rapeseed and coconut. They belong to a different class of chemicals and therefore look and perform differently from mineral waxes.
CONS: The surface of a plant wax candle will often have a "matt" appearance. Coconut wax is too soft on its own so needs to be blended (with soy or rapeseed wax). Can take a long time to set, meaning they can't be burnt directly after having been made (they can take up to 2 weeks to set).
PROS: Can be heated in the microwave. Most soy wax manufacturers use ethically sources soy. Plant waxes are more sustainable than paraffin.
Bee Wax
We also want to put the light on bee wax, as a natural, renewable source. Bee wax is known to burn longer, have a brighter flame, drip less and smell wonderful, naturally.
CONS: More expensive than other waxes on the market. Doesn't hold scent as well as other waxes. Can be difficult to add colorants because of its natural yellow tint. Not vegan friendly.
PROS: 100% pure, with no chemical processing needed. Sourced straight from the hive.
IN SUMMARY
When deciding on which wax to use, whether you are a maker or a candle-lover, what matters most are your beliefs. If sustainability is close to your heart, you should focus on natural waxes, and if the look and finished end-product is the target, paraffin waxes are for you!
There is no bad or good waxes, best or worse: it really is down to personal choice.
Being transparent, using soy wax isn't easy:
However, it provides:
What is your opinion on the aforementioned candle waxes? Does it matter to you?
]]>
CANDLE VS DIFFUSER - THE BASICS
Putting it very simply, candles are made of wax and often scented oil (fragrance or essential). They use a wick (which can be cotton or wooden) and are mostly contained within a jar (tin, glass, concrete etc) or free standing pillars (modelled into shapes or just plain). They sometimes also contain dye, making the wax a certain colour tone. There are lots of different waxes (soy, which we use, or paraffin, bee, coconut etc) and supplies that can be used, and each brand follows their own values.
For us, what matters is to only buy from British suppliers, where possible use recyclable packaging and products, and all our oils & wax are vegan-friendly & cruelty-free.
Diffusers on the other end, use very little ingredients: 4 in total. It required a base to mix your fragrance with, a jar and reeds to stick it in & diffuse the scent. That's it! But of course, like candles, there are lots of different supplies and values to stick with, like rattan or bamboo reeds (which are 100% natural), fragrance or essential oils, vegan or non-vegan bases, different sizes or colours containers and so on.
Now that we know what's what, let's look at what does what.
CANDLE VS DIFFUSER - WHAT IS BEST
You see, just like everything - we can't tell you what YOU will prefer. However what we CAN do, is explain the mechanic of both so you can make an informed decision.
Indeed, there's a way both candles and diffusers work and that may influence your choice to suit your preferences.
Candles, once lit, will diffuse a constant scent throw, filling the room and sometimes even spreading up to other rooms. Once blown out, the scent will stop to spread and will slowly dissipate.
Diffusers however, will require movement and air flow for the fragrance to be noticed. At times, in small rooms like little toilets, the scent can fill the room without any movement. But mostly, diffusers require to be set in a spot where there's passage, such as an entrance or a bathroom.
Candles, as we all know, need fire to perform - making them a fire hazard, and which is why selling candles isn't an easy process: a lot of security assessments have to be made and checked over. Candles have a burn time measured in hours, on average 30-40h (but can be a lot less or a lot more, check each candle description and volume to know for sure), and for safety reasons, should only be burnt 4h at a time. This means, candles can last as long or as short as you want it to (the less you light it, the longer it will last!).
Diffusers tend to last for 2 or 3 months at a time (but can be a lot less or a lot more, check each candle description and volume to know for sure), as once the reeds are dipping in the solution, the scent will diffuse constantly and evaporate slowly. Some oils may evaporate quicker or slower depending on the temperature (for example, the hotter the room is the quicker it will evaporate), but the temperature in the room that your diffuser is in may also affect the power of the scent released. If you feel like your diffuser doesn't smell much, try two things: first, flip the reeds around. If that doesn't work, try to change the location of your diffuser, put it in a different room in your home as this usually tends to sort things out!
IN SUMMARY
Candles are decorative, luxurious, long-lasting and one can never have too many. They suit all rooms and make everyone happy. The perfect present to all genders, they fill rooms with memories. The dancing flame is also known to be soothing, and therefore can be appreciated as a calming tool too.
Diffusers are decorative, luxurious and very long-lasting. But they also tick the safety box for people who want to avoid fire hazards with children, pets and forgetful brains in mind. They require no effort, and no maintenance. They tend to be cheaper than candles so more fitted to smaller budget.
Now that you have all the information in hand, what will your decision be?
Let us know if you have any questions or other ideas as to why one may be better suited than the other, we would love to hear from you.
]]>