LA LUMIERE
There’s more to scenting your room with a fragrant candle than you thought
A candlelit home offers a romantic and relaxed setting in which you can unwind. Nick Smart, director of Agence de Parfum, the luxury fragrance house, shares his expertise on this tradition of French lighting.
FIRST LIGHT
Did you know that the first light of your candle is the most important? “You need to commit to the candle for the first light to get the most out of it. The first light should be for approximately two to three hours,” says Smart. Wax has a “memory,” so if you extinguish the flame before the wax has burnt to the edges, the candle will only ever burn to that rim. To avoid wasting half your candle, and avoid a welling, “you need to ensure for each burn the candle’s surface is completely transparent before extinguishing.” On the days you cannot possibly commit to the full burn, opt for a room spray in your favourite candle scent instead.
EXTINGUISHING THE FLAME
Never blow it out? Huh? Why? We all do it, but why shouldn’t we? “You’ve just spent two to three hours making your room smell amazing and you’ve perfumed the space, now when you blow out the candle you fill the space with that terrible burnt-wick smell. It’s not good to breathe in, so we recommend to use a wick-snuffer,” says Smart.
WOE THE WICK
“You need to constantly cut the wick, before, during and after the burn—this should be approximately ½ cm long,” says Smart, who further states that you will know your wick is too long if the candle is smoking.
COCKTAIL HOUR
You may want to keep the glass housing. “Leave approximately 5mm at the bottom of each candle with wax, this not only protects the base but you can remove the wax easily,” says Smart. Placing in the freezer for 30 to 40 minutes allows the wax to contract and pop out. Collect your faves for cocktail glasses, vases or for home-beauty essentials!