As a candle maker, one thing you know for sure is that fragrance is everything. Much of your time is spent experimenting with various scents because finding just the right fragrance transports you to a different time and place, evokes memories, and sets the mood for any occasion.
This is the idea behind Holm & Sol… traveling through candle fragrances. Can’t hop on a plane to the Mediterranean today? Not a problem because you can light a candle that will take you there.
Summer is one of the best times to vacation and is full of scents to carry you away to dream destinations. So with this sunny season just around the corner, you might be wondering…What are the best summer fragrances for creating candles?
Luckily, there are plenty of summer-inspired fragrance oils to choose from. Whether you prefer fruity and tropical scents, beachy aromas, or fresh and herbal fragrances, there’s a scent out there that’s perfect for your next candle.
In this guide we’ll go through some of the possibilities to make your candles smell like summer…Let’s go…
Understanding Fragrance Notes
When it comes to creating the perfect summer candle, understanding fragrance notes is crucial. Fragrance notes are the different scents that make up a fragrance, and they are categorized into three types: top notes, middle notes, and base notes.
Each type of note plays an important role in creating a well-rounded fragrance that will transport you to the perfect summer day.
Top Notes
Top notes are the initial scents that you smell when you first light your candle. They are typically light and fresh, and they evaporate quickly. Top notes are what create a first impression of the fragrance, and they are often what draws people to a particular scent. Some popular top notes for summer candles include citrus (lemon, grapefruit, bergamot), and mint.
Middle Notes
Middle notes are the heart of the fragrance. They are what give the fragrance its depth and complexity, and they usually last longer than top notes. Middle notes are often floral or fruity, and they help to balance out the lighter top notes. Some popular middle notes for summer candles include lavender, jasmine, and peach.
Base Notes
Base notes are the foundation of the fragrance. They are typically deeper and richer than the other notes, and they provide a lasting impression. Base notes are often woody or musky, and they help to anchor the fragrance. Some popular base notes for summer candles include sandalwood, vanilla, and amber.
By understanding the different types of fragrance notes, you can create a well-balanced fragrance that is perfect for summer. When selecting fragrance oils for your summer candles, consider using a combination of top, middle, and base notes to create a fragrance that is both refreshing and long-lasting.
Popular Summer Fragrance Oils
When it comes to candle making, choosing the right fragrance oil is crucial to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. During the summer months, you want to use fragrance oils that evoke feelings of warmth, freshness, and relaxation. Here are some of the most popular summer fragrance oils that you should consider:
Citrus Scents
Citrus scents are perfect for creating a refreshing and energizing atmosphere, and they’re a staple in summer fragrances. Some of the most popular citrus scents for candle making include lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange. These fragrances are perfect for creating a bright and cheerful ambiance in your home.
Here’s one to try:
Blood Orange Fragrance Oil from Candle Science:
“This true-to-life scent is ideal for crafters searching for a true orange scent to round out their line.”
Top: Grapefruit, Orange Peel, Lemon Peel
Middle: Green Leaves, Lemon Verbena, Orange, Lemon, Mandarin, Pomegranate
Base: Vetiver, Cedar
Floral Scents
Floral scents are another popular choice for summer fragrances. They’re perfect for creating a romantic and relaxing atmosphere, and they can help to soothe your mind and body. Some of the most popular floral scents for candle making include lavender, jasmine, rose, and gardenia.
Here’s one to try:
Bohemian Rose from Candle Science
“A free-spirited floral, Bohemian Rose fragrance oil bottles an entire rose from petals to stem.”
Top: Basil, Grapefruit
Middle: Rose, Magnolia
Base: Patchouli
Fruity Scents
Fruity scents are perfect for creating a fun and playful atmosphere, and they’re a great choice for summer fragrances. Some of the most popular fruity scents for candle making include watermelon, peach, pineapple, and mango. These fragrances are perfect for creating a tropical and summery ambiance in your home.
Here’s one to try:
Hawaiian Paradise Fragrance Oil from Candles and Supplies:
“A smooth tropical blend of coconut, mango, papaya and citrus.”
Top Notes: Banana, Mango, Grapefruit, Pineapple
Middle Notes: Kiwi, Melon, Rose, Coconut
Bottom Notes: Vanilla, Musk
Fresh and Clean Scents
Fresh and clean scents are perfect for creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere, and they’re a great choice for summer fragrances. Some of the most popular fresh and clean scents for candle making include sea breeze, eucalyptus, mint, and cucumber. These fragrances are perfect for creating a spa-like ambiance in your home.
Here’s one to try:
Peppermint and Eucalyptus Fragrance Oil from Candle Science:
“Our Peppermint and Eucalyptus fragrance oil blends sweet peppermint with tingly, earthy eucalyptus for a refreshing spa-like scent.”
Top: Peppermint, Eucalyptus
Middle: Clove, Cedar
Base: Patchouli, Vanilla, Powder
Beachy Scents
What would summer fragrance be without the big kahuna? That’s right, the smell of the beach. The scent of sand, surf, and sun captivate long summer nights creating memories with friends and family to last a lifetime. One whiff of the perfect candle will transport you to seaside summer fun.
There are MANY beach scents, but here’s one to try:
Crystal Sands & Driftwood by Candles and Supplies:
“Dive into endless summer with the warmth of this captivating blend. Sun-drenched bergamot, coconut husks and white ginger lily combined with iridescent sands, amber and vanilla woods.”
Top Notes: Mandarin Orange, Coconut Husk
Middle Notes: Frangipani, Jasmine Sambac, White Ginger Lily
Bottom Notes: Vanilla, Cashmere Wood, Amber
When choosing a summer fragrance oil for candle making, it’s important to consider the mood and ambiance that you want to create. Whether you prefer citrus, floral, fruity, fresh, or beachy scents, there’s a summer fragrance oil that’s perfect for you.
Tips for Blending Summer Fragrances
When it comes to creating the perfect summer fragrance for your candles, blending different scents together is a great way to achieve unique and complex aromas. Here are some tips to help you blend fragrances like a pro.
Balancing Complexities
When blending fragrances, it’s important to balance the complexities of each scent. Start by selecting two or three fragrances that you think will complement each other well (be sure to pay attention to your notes: top, middle, and base).
For example, you might choose a citrus scent like bergamot (top note), a floral scent like jasmine (middle note), and a woody scent like sandalwood (base note).
To balance the complexities of each scent, start by adding a small amount of each fragrance to a test batch of wax. You can adjust the ratios as needed until you achieve the desired aroma.
Keep in mind that some fragrances may be stronger than others, so you may need to adjust the ratios accordingly.
Testing Your Blends
Once you’ve blended your fragrances, it’s important to test them before using them in your candles. Start by pouring a small amount of wax into a container and adding your fragrance blend. Let the wax cool and cure for at least 24 hours before evaluating the scent.
If the scent is too weak, try adding more of the fragrance blend to the wax. If the scent is too strong, try reducing the amount of fragrance blend. Keep in mind that fragrances can change over time, so it’s important to test your blends periodically to ensure consistency.
By following these tips, you can create unique and complex summer fragrances for your candles that will delight your customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scents are most popular for summer-themed candles?
When it comes to summer-themed candles, the most popular scents are those that evoke feelings of freshness and relaxation. Citrus scents like lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot are commonly used, as well as beach notes like sea salt and coconut that remind us of the ocean.
Floral scents like lavender and jasmine as well as fresh scents like mint and cucumber are also popular choices for summer candles.
How do you choose the right fragrance load for a summer candle?
Choosing the right fragrance load for a summer candle depends on a few factors, including the size of the candle, the wax and the strength of the fragrance oil. As a general rule, a fragrance load of 6-8% is recommended for a strong scent throw. Always check what is recommended for the wax you’re using.
What are some refreshing fragrance combinations ideal for summer candle making?
Some refreshing fragrance combinations that are ideal for summer candle making include:
- Lemongrass and ginger
- Grapefruit and mint
- Lavender and lemon
- Coconut and lime
- Cucumber and melon
These combinations are perfect for creating a summer candle with a light and refreshing scent that will help you relax and unwind. Which one will you try?
