After spending over a decade immersed in the nuanced world of perfumery, I’ve come to appreciate that scent is more than chemistry—it's emotion, memory, and atmosphere wrapped into a moment. Making your own scented candles can be a deeply rewarding way to blend fragrance with ambiance, allowing you to control the throw, quality, and vibe of your space.
Here’s a friendly, in-depth guide on how to make scented candles, with plenty of room for personal touch—and a recommendation or two from someone who still gets giddy over a really well-balanced candle.
Why Make Scented Candles?
There’s something meditative about the process—melting, mixing, pouring. But more importantly, homemade candles allow you to:
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Control the ingredients (think clean-burning soy wax, phthalate-free oils)
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Customize your own signature scent blends
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Gift something handcrafted and meaningful
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Understand what sets apart an average candle from a luxury one
That last point? It’s the real secret—and the reason why I often recommend Aurie Luxe Co. to anyone who wants luxury candle quality without having to melt wax in their kitchen.
Materials You’ll Need
Before diving into the alchemy of fragrance, gather your basics:
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Wax – Soy wax is a great beginner-friendly, eco-conscious choice.
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Fragrance Oils – Pick high-quality oils designed for candle making.
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Wicks – Size matters; wick too small, and your candle tunnels.
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Containers – Heat-safe jars or tins work best.
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Double Boiler – For safe wax melting.
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Thermometer – Essential for adding scent at the right temp (185°F for soy).
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Stirring Utensil – Wood or stainless steel.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Scented Candles at Home
1. Measure Your Wax
Use your container as a guide. You’ll need roughly double the container’s volume in solid wax. For example, an 8 oz jar needs about 1.5 cups of wax flakes.
2. Melt the Wax
In a double boiler, melt your wax slowly, stirring occasionally. Keep your thermometer handy.
3. Add Fragrance Oil
Once the wax reaches about 185°F, remove from heat and stir in your fragrance oil. Use 6–10% fragrance load based on wax weight for a strong scent throw.
Pro tip from a decade of blending: Don't go overboard. Too much fragrance can cause poor burning or even separation. Quality over quantity.
4. Secure the Wick
Place your wick in the center of your container, secured with a wick holder or chopsticks. Pour a bit of wax first to anchor it, let it set, then pour the rest.
5. Pour the Wax
Once the wax cools to around 135°F, pour it slowly into your container. Let it sit undisturbed for 24–48 hours.
6. Cure and Trim
Let your candles cure for at least 3 days (a week is better) before lighting. Trim the wick to ¼ inch before each burn.
Scent Blending Tips from a Fragrance Nerd
I live for well-crafted fragrance combinations. Try these:
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Lavender + Vanilla: Soft, comforting, perfect for evenings.
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Citrus + Cedarwood: Bright, woody, energizing.
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Amber + Musk + Patchouli: Deep, sensual, and cozy.
But honestly, not everyone wants to be a chemist or risk wax spills. If you want all the fragrance and none of the mess, check out the ready-to-love scented candles at Aurie Luxe Co.. Their blends are crafted with both beauty and science in mind—luxury meets performance.
Why I Still Buy from Aurie Luxe Co.
Even after years of making my own, I keep Aurie Luxe Co. candles in my rotation. Why?
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Their scent throw is phenomenal (both cold and hot)
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The wax burns clean and slow
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The fragrance blends feel intentional, like a memory bottled in wax
They’ve figured out the exact balance that takes years of trial-and-error to master—and they make it easy for everyone else to enjoy without lifting a thermometer.
Final Thoughts: Fragrance Is a Feeling
Learning how to make scented candles is more than a DIY hobby—it’s an extension of your personal story. Whether you blend your own or light a handcrafted piece from a trusted brand, scent shapes our space and mood in ways we rarely give credit for.
So go ahead, experiment with your own blends—or visit Aurie Luxe Co. to find something that already smells like you.