DISCLOSURE: I received a set of various candles for the purpose of this review. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the items.
I love candles. However, over the years, I became a bit put off. Funny odors, dripping, just a big mess.
When offered the chance to try 100% Beeswax Candles from Mohawk Valley Trading Company, I was really unsure about it. After all, I've not had great success with candles.
But I'm game and gave them a try. I'm glad that I did. Folks, these are *NOT* your every day store-bought, paraffin candles!
"There are many benefits to choosing beeswax over paraffin candles. Beeswax candles burn clean; unlike paraffin they do not contain any additives or synthetic chemicals. Cheap paraffin candles leave behind black soot from smoke as they are burned. The soot can damage furniture and irritate sensitive people. If the wick is the wrong size, wrong type or off center the candle will burn unevenly and liquid wax will drip and pool around the candle, potentially damaging its surroundings or even causing burns."
One of the first things I noticed (and concerned me a bit) was the fragrance of the candles. Not harsh at all, it's a lovely clean fragrance. But, as it was during dinner, I wondered if the scent would over-power the food. It did not! In fact, as the candle burned, the fragrance receded into the background and was unnoticeable.
My second concern was dripping wax. No one wants to try to pry dried wax from a nice table cloth! Guess what? There were *NO* drips! None! And after the candles were blown out... no soot, no lingering smoke, and best of all, no worries!
"When burned correctly, with a trimmed wick and in a draft free zone beeswax candles are smoke free, soot free and drip free. When burned they emit negative ions, thought by some to clean the air and prevent problems with asthma and depression."
One thing I was not concerned about was chemicals or additives. 100% Beeswax Candles are all natural. They lend themselves well to people who suffer with allergies or chemical sensitivities. Beeswax has a subtle honey or floral scent (even when not burning). The colour of the wax ranges from pale buttery yellow to deep golden yellow based on the pollen used by the bees to produce the honey and wax.
Yes, I know. Beeswax candle can be a bit more expensive that paraffin candles. You know the old adage: "You get what you pay for!". I WANT candles that are free of harsh chemicals and additives, I WANT candles that smell clean, I WANT candles that don't smoke, soot, or drip. Is it worth to pay more? You bet it is!
From the Website:
Beeswax is one of the oldest sources of artificial light and today is still the most natural candle material. The lovely fresh scent, a long burn time and the natural origins of beeswax make it the preferred candle for many types of people from the Catholic Church to environmentalists.
Beeswax is literally created by honeybees from honey which is made from flower nectar. High quality beeswax candles are made from the melted and filtered caps that seal the honeycomb and the honeycomb itself. The wax is produced by worker bees from glands on the ventral side of the abdomen. It is clear when produced but stained yellow from contact with pollen and honey. Honeybees consume 6-8 pounds of honey to produce one pound of beeswax.
Bees store honey in the hive on frames that hold the honeycomb filled with honey and sealed with wax called cappings. When the frames are removed the cappings are scraped off and set aside. The honey is then removed by spinning or in some cases crushing the comb. The honey is filtered and bottled. The remaining wax is either placed back into the hive to collect more honey or melted for use as beeswax. The wax is heated, filtered through fine mesh and poured into molds. Nothing is added to a 100% pure beeswax candle.
The good folks at Mohawk Valley Trading Company have generously offered one of my readers that same Candle Package that I received:
*One 2" x 6" 100% Pure Beeswax Pillar Candle
*Two 100% Pure Beeswax Votive Candles
*Two 100% Pure Beeswax Taper Candles
*Six 100% Pure Beeswax Tea Light Candles
*Twelve 100% Pure Beeswax Birthday Candles
***Total Value: $65.00***
Just follow the entry instructions below for your chance to enter to win!
*** Please read and follow all instructions carefully. All Entries are verified. Open to USA only. No PO Boxes, please! ***
