For a while I’ve been trying to stick to buying natural wax candles, with a fairly good degree of success. According to the New Scientist, they are better for us and for the planet. The other week I bought a petroleum wax candle in a sale and I really did notice the difference, more smoky and a distinct chemical smell. Definitely sticking to natural wax from now on, but where to get those candles from?
In Edinburgh, there are a fair few outlets that stock them, at reasonable prices. One of the best for both quality and price is The Soap Box stall at the farmer’s market. They are not there every Saturday so you might like to give them a call to find out when they are next up: 01665 720 263. The lady that makes them is experimenting with concentrations of fragrances at the moment and welcomes all feedback.
L’Occitane en Provence have some candles that are all natural wax and whilst they cost a little bit more than the ones from The Soap Box they have a wonderful lasting fragrance and are great for a treat.
Before Christmas I picked up some scented tealights in Oxfam, I’m not sure if they still have them in stock as I don’t often get to one of their shops (I live near their music and book shops but not their ‘original’ one). They were good value and had a good scent, either vanilla or a Christmas spice style one.
Other stockists include the Mulberry Bush in Morningside, Studio One in the New Town, Napiers in the Old Town and Stockbridge and the Blackadder Gallery in Stockbridge. You’ll only find small selections here but they’re worth a look. Last time I was in the Soap Company on the Royal Mile they had started a small range at reasonable prices.
There’s always mail order as well. I’ve bought Amphora Aromatics candles at the Isle of Skye Soap Company when I’ve been up there on holiday and they’re great, I keep meaning to order some online rather than wait until my next trip north! They also do tealights, which is brilliant as I used to get mine at Napiers but they seem to have stopped stocking natural wax ones.
Anyone else got any good natural wax candle tips?
If you liked that post, then try these...
The Non-GMO Shopping Guide by Arcadia on December 3rd, 2009
.
Review: Beyond Organic Skincare by Vicky on February 23rd, 2008
I'm a yo-yo organic skincare products user, fluctuating between just not being able to afford it and then feeling after all that its well worth the extra cost.
A breath of fresh air by Anna-Lisa on January 31st, 2008
.
February 28th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
The St. Eval Candle Co. do very nice beeswax candles, complete with the hexagon design. They are here.
February 28th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Ooh, lovely. I can’t see any specific beeswax candles, are all their candles beeswax or is it that I can’t see for looking?!
March 1st, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Hmm – closer inspection leads me to think they’ve changed their range since I was last buying, dagnammit! Keep up the hunt…