Scented candles seem simple, but there's more going on than just a nice smell and a flickering flame. If you’ve ever wondered how do scented candles work, the answer lies in how heat releases fragrance molecules into the air.
Here’s how it happens:
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You light the wick. The flame heats the wax around it.
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The wax melts. This creates a small pool of liquid wax.
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The fragrance is released. As the wax heats up, fragrance oils begin to evaporate and rise into the air. That’s what you smell.
The wax isn’t just fuel—it also acts as a carrier for the scent. The higher the quality of wax and fragrance oil, the better the scent throw (how well the scent fills the space).
Cold Throw vs. Hot Throw
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Cold throw is what you smell when the candle isn’t lit. It’s a preview of the fragrance.
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Hot throw is the scent released while the candle is burning.
Both matter. A good candle should smell rich even before it’s lit—and even better once the wax starts to melt.
What Makes a Candle Burn Well
Not all candles perform the same. Here’s what affects how your candle behaves:
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Wax blend: Coconut-soy wax burns clean and holds scent well. We use it in all Aurié Luxe Co. candles.
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Wick type: A wick that’s too thick or thin can mess with burn time and scent throw. We size each wick to match the jar and wax blend.
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Fragrance load: This is how much fragrance is added to the wax. We use a high load for stronger, longer-lasting scent.
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Cure time: After pouring, candles need time to set. Rushing this can ruin the scent balance. We give ours time to settle properly.
What You Can Do to Make the Most of Your Candle
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Let the wax melt all the way to the edge the first time you burn it. This prevents tunneling.
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Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each use. This helps it burn evenly.
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Don’t burn it for more than 4 hours at a time. Let it cool between burns.
Aurié Luxe Co. Candles That Perform Beautifully
Looking for candles that do more than smell good? Here are a few of our best performers:
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Velvet Noir: Long, even burn with bold throw.
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Motia: A soft floral with great hot and cold presence.
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Chandni Raatien: Balanced, nostalgic, and slow burning.
Final Thoughts
So, how do scented candles work? In short: the heat from the flame melts wax, which carries fragrance oil into the air. The right materials, ratios, and time make all the difference.
At Aurié Luxe Co., we focus on the details that most people skip. Because when scent and fire work well together, it’s not just a candle. It’s an experience you can feel without thinking about it.
Shop our full range at aurieluxeco.com and see what a well-made candle should really smell like.