Well, in theory everything is quite clear … but what do you actually have to do when you are buying a candle? Indeed, for those with no experience, recognising a candle can be less than easy at times; however, there are a few tricks that can help when you’re out shopping.

THE PRICE. On the market very often, candle importers and distributors use cheap suppliers, and put sub-standard candles made with cheap materials on the shelves. Nonetheless, in this sector, though it pains us to point it out, the highest price is usually a guarantee of higher quality.

THE WICK. It is important to check that the wick does not harbour any elements other than pure cotton: gently nicking the tip of the wick will reveal any thin threads of lead or nylon or other material that is not cotton.

CANDLES IN CONTAINERS. Often, candles contained in pottery, glass or aluminium, contain a double body, that is to say, they have a two aspects to them: the visible part, on the outside, looks coloured and sometimes scented, to attract the consumer’s attention; whilst the hidden part, on the inside, appears faded, non scented and is often made with cheap materials like second rate paraffin, and sometimes even polystyrene. To check this, remove the candle from its container and make sure that the hidden part is not different from the rest of the candle.