Fancy candles look nice and can smell delicious, but if you knew that formaldehyde, ethanol and acetone were components of the fragrant air you’re breathing thanks to those candles, chances are you’d walk around with your own oxygen supply for 10 hours (that’s how long the emissions linger!)
Candles have long been the source of providing an instant pick-me-up to an otherwise boring atmosphere. With varying colors, designs and scents, candles can turn a plain, poorly lit room into a romantic, inviting space.
Along with everything else from grocery bags to beauty products, candles have begun a green transformation making them more eco-friendly by emitting fewer carcinogens.
While paraffin wax and lead-based wicks have been common components of scented candles, companies are now employing soy and vegetable waxes along with cotton or paper core wicks, which are friendlier to Mother Earth– and your lungs.
These longer- and cleaner-burning votives are made with essential and natural oils that don’t have petroleum-based notes. As an added bonus, they come in recycled packaging and, most importantly, are made of harmless ingredients.
Best Sound Effects:
Dayna Decker “Bardou” has an EcoWood Wick, which crackles just like a fireplace. $76 at C.O. Bigelow Chemists, 414 Sixth Ave; 212-533-2700
Best Kitchen Scent:
James Boyce for Voluspa “Tomato, Celery and Fennel,” $29 at nooksandniches.com
Most Fun:
Soular Therapy Astrological Candles “Pisces,” $26 at candledelerium.com
Prettiest Packaging:
DL&Co “Citrine,” $130 at Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave; 212-826-8900
Best Gift:
LAFCO “Beach House,” $55 at lafcony.com
Sexiest:
Illume “Black Lavender,” $40 at illumecandles.com
Best Basic Scent:
Paddywax “Linden,” $28 at paddywax.com
Best Reusable Container:
Altru “Dark Amber and Spice,” $55 at ABC Carpet and Home, 888 Broadway; 212-473-3000
Most Reasonable:
Votivo “White Ocean Sands,” $25 at votivo.com
Most Natural Fragrance:
Archipelago “Arugula,” $30 at archipelago-usa.com
Most Relaxing:
Thymes “Eucalyptus,” $25 at thymes.com
Sweetest Smelling:
Nest “Beeswax and Whipped Cream,” $32 at Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave, 212-753-7300
Best Bathroom Scent:
Archipelago “Pomegranate Citrus,” $30 at archipelago-usa.com
Most Luxurious:
D.L. & Co “Magnolia,” $65 at Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave; 212-826-8900
Best Summer Scent:
Illume “Sunshower,” $20 at illumecandles.com
Best Unisex Scent:
Paddywax “Mediterranean Rosemary and Citrus,” $18 at paddywax.com