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Make the most of your candles with this burning technique

Never ruin a candle again [Photo: Getty]
Never ruin a candle again [Photo: Getty]

When you need some downtime but are low on funds, what do you do? Light some candles and simply relax.

But did you know there’s an expert way of making the most out of those cylinders of wax?

Vogue let us in on the secret by speaking to a certified candle expert: Alia Raza, co-founder of fragrance house Régime des Fleurs. She shared some essential tips on prolonging the life of your favourite burner, saving you some much-needed cash.

Before you even burn a candle, make sure you trim the wick. This quick and easy method will ensure an even burn and a much longer life. “I’ve heard that wicks should be a quarter of an inch, but in my experience, that’s too short. Eyeball it for a third of an inch. You can use a special wick trimmer, but I just use small scissors,” says Alia.

Three simple things will ensure you get the most from your candle [Photo: Instagram/jomalonelondon]
Three simple things will ensure you get the most from your candle [Photo: Instagram/jomalonelondon]

When it comes to the actual lighting, “you want to burn it for about two hours or more. That means the whole surface will burn evenly so it won’t create those dips.” More importantly, you will eliminate the chance of losing the wick to a crater-like hole.

To extinguish the flame, Alia recommends gently blowing on the wick then immediately covering the candle with a lid. This will prevent any dust and dirt from settling on the wax and will also reduce the risk of a tilted wick.

Alia even has some tips for smells. After all, we all know that different scents can enhance or completely ruin a mood. According to the expert, bathrooms require cool, bright scents such as mint. Bedrooms, however, call for something softer like iris or violet. Masculine woody fragrances would suit a den-like space while white florals will work well in entrance areas.

So there you have it. Your very own chance to become a candle master.

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