Candle Colors

From the National Candle Association (http://www.candles.org/):

Candles are available in a seemingly endless palette of colors, from luminescent shades of ivory and pastels to deep rich jewel tones, metallics and chromatic layers.

In addition, candle manufacturers introduce new hues and shades each year, reflecting the emerging color trends in interior design and fashion.

Although candle color is the second-most important factor (after fragrance) for influencing consumer purchasing decisions, color and fragrance are closely linked. In fact, research has shown that consumers expect the color of a scented candle to mirror their psychological perception of the fragrance. A cinnamon-scented candle, for example, is expected to fall somewhere in the red-bronze palette, while "mountain breeze" draws expectations of a candle in the pale blue or green shades.

Reputable candle manufacturers must combine the art and beauty of color with the science of candle formulation to develop aesthetically pleasing candles that will burn properly and safely. Selecting the proper type and amount of colorant to use in a candle will vary according to the type of wax, wick and fragrance used in formulating the candle.

Dyes vs. Pigments
Specially-formulated pigments and dyes are used to color candles. Dyes have different properties from pigments, and are used to create different effects. In general, pigments are used to coat the outside of a candle with color, while dyes are used to color the candle throughout.

Dyes
Available in both liquid and powder form, dyes give a candle its translucent color. Dyes also provide the candlemaker with a large degree of control over a color's shade. Because dyes are easily combustible, they will not clog a wick, and generally have a minimal effect on the burn performance of a candle with color.

Pigments
Pigments are microscopic, suspended color particles that create a solid wall of color, similar to paint. They do not dissolve, migrate or "bleed," and thus are not as susceptible to color fade as dyes. Pigments usually do not burn well, and the color particles will clog a wick if burned. This makes them unsuitable for a candle that is colored throughout and meant to be burned, but useful for coating the outside of the candle.

Both pigments and dyes are safe when used as intended, and there are no known health concerns with either type of colorant. NCA members use high-quality dyes and pigments that are recognized as safe for combustion.

Colorant Formulations
Reputable candle manufacturers work closely with colorant companies to develop color formulations that will match the burn characteristics of the candle and provide the exact desired shade.

The addition of colorants will not cause a properly-formulated candle to soot. Sooting is primarily a function of wick length and flame disturbance.

Candle dyes can be affected by heat, light, fragrance and other agents in a candle. These harmless reactions can slightly alter a candle's color over time, but will not affect the candle's burn properties or safety.

Dawn Beardsley is a team leader with over 17 years in the direct sales industry. She is a trainer and business mentor helping others to achieve success on their own terms. Get your free copy of Dawn's e-newsletter "Living Well" or learn more about Dawn and earning an income on your terms: http://dawnbeardsley.com

What Makes a Candle "The World's Finest"?

When a candle recipe combines the highest quality waxes along with the perfect combination of fragrances and additives you get the most aromatic candles available on the market today…guaranteed! Combine that with a candle manufactured in the U.S.A. with only the finest raw materials, and you have "The World's Finest Candle"!

Fragrance

Fragrances are made of both natural and synthetic oils. To create the finest fragrances you must use only the highest quality blend of both these oils. The highest fragrance quality can be attributed to the number of notes found in the fragrance. Notes are a group of specific aromas that create a fragrance. High-quality fragrances always incorporate three important and distinct note characteristics a candle company that maintains the highest standards, only uses superior fragrances in its products. The following information breaks down what each note represents in a fragrance.

Top Notes

Top notes provide the first burst of fragrance one initially experiences when smelling a candle. The molecules in this layer move rapidly, making the fragrance volatile and quick to dissipate.

Middle Notes

This layer holds the heart of the fragrance.

Bottom Notes

As the heartiest of all, the bottom notes compose the aroma that lingers even after the candle has been extinguished. The molecules in this note move slowly, deterring the fragrance from dissipating quickly.

Wax

Food-Grade Paraffin Wax

Paraffin comes from companies that
manufacture food-grade paraffin as a primary product and from refineries as a by-product. Both resources provide varying degrees of quality.

Natural Vegetable Wax
Vegetable wax is a renewable resource made with all natural ingredients that provide a clean, even burn.

For more information on "The World's Finest Candles" visit my website at www.dawnmbeardsley.com