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5 Candles That Aren’t Just Candles
Looking to add an extra spark to your home? These innovative candles do much more than flicker.
The joy of scented candles has been well documented. Aromatherapy and its therapeutic use of essential oils are proven to improve psychological well-being and are a great addition to any relaxation routine. Today, many candlemakers are adding creative twists to further enhance the slow-burn experience.
While you may think you’re looking at just another candle, these flame bearers offer more than meets the eye. (It’s giving Is It Cake?) Not only do these candles serve as a source of cozy light and room décor, they also have the ability to nourish your body, upgrade your party, or offer a fun surprise. Grab those matches, and prepare to be astonished.
The party doesn’t have to stop after you make a wish with Let Them Eat Candles’ tasty creations. Instead of unsavory wax clumsily dripping onto a celebratory cake, these torches offer a taste of premium chocolate. Available in themed and variety packs with designs ranging from polka dots and flowers to numbers and sprinkles, these candles are almost completely edible, aside from the FDA-approved wick. Finally! You can have your cake — and eat the candles too.
After lighting this candle, it won’t be the only thing glowing. Yonka’s invigorating massage oil candle melts into warm liquid intended to be slathered across the body, transforming into a safe-to-use skin-smoothing treatment that moisturizes and hydrates. Scented like pine and citrus, it’s inspired by the taiga forest and is rich with vitamin E and infused with organic sesame oil, mango butter, and shea butter. It even has a spout for easy pouring.
There’s nothing appetizing about rock-solid, hard-to-spread cold butter. If you want to amaze your dinner guests with a outrageous DIY project, try the Butter Melts Edible Candle Kit, which comes with all the materials needed to craft a spreadable candle that will elevate your hors d’oeuvre game. Opt for a simple yet high-quality butter, or go artisanal by infusing the butter candle with ingredients like garlic and herbs or cinnamon sugar. Then, place it on the table for drizzling and dipping, or plop it atop dishes like cornbread.
When these candles from Modern Sprout are done burning after 42 hours, the minimalist ceramic vessel can bloom into a planter thanks to included seeds. Choose from growing your own rosemary and cucumber, thyme and tonka bean, or lavender and cedarwood. The 6-ounce soy candle also arrives in plastic-free packaging, so it’s an environmentally beneficial addition to your home.
Once its been extinguished, the adorable heart-shaped candle from Natural Life feature a — spoiler alert! — ring at the bottom. The candle itself is infused with uplifting essential oils that are fruity and floral. Bonus: The container itself can also have a second life as a trinket holder for keys, coins, and other keepsakes. (And if you're not afraid of fungi after The Last of Us, there's a quirky mushroom-shaped candle that similarly turns into a catchall bowl.)
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Mia Brabham is a staff writer at Shondaland. Follow her on Twitter at @hotmessmia.
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