I'm testing FOs from a batch of tarts I made over the holiday and have come across some absolute gems. Our extended families prefer wax melts to wicked candles so these are what have come out as good performers for me, but as always YMMV.
I'll update as I continue to test.
I hope this helps others explore some new fragrances or take a chance on a scent they've passed up. Please feel free to add your own, I'd love to get a conversation going about your own experiences.
Some details:
My current blend is 70 : 30 parasoy using IGI 4625 : GW 464 with no additives other than what is already in each blended wax. I typically add vybar and stearic acid for straight waxes but they've already done that for me. I think this batch of wax came from Flaming Candle and is about a year old. I add FO at 180 degrees and stir for 2 minutes.
I used 1 oz FO to 10 oz of wax because that seems to be the sweet spot from the testers. I've done 6% but reviews came back from test batches saying that they could tell the difference between the 6% and the 10% but could not tell between 10% and 12%. I also felt better about 10% because there is less of a risk of seepage.
I'm going to check at what temperatures my electric melter runs at. I read that melter temps, as well nearby intake vents, overhead fans, and room size all affect your scent throw. I'm currently melting in two average sized bedrooms, fans off, away from vents. I do not expect these to fill a large room in the same way a 3 wick candle would but you should get noticable throw in a bedroom.
Winners:
MMS Coconut Lemongrass. This surprised me, I didn't expect to love it as much as I do. It's a tangy gourmand and was universally loved.
NG Dragon's Blood. This one spoke to my witchy little heart but it's not a universal love. You have to really like the incense note but it's a fabulous performer in wax and would be a great Halloween scent.
NG Wild Currant Sandalwood. This is such a beautiful scent. It's sweet but not cloyingly so, it has a nice depth to it that makes it stand out from the other berry fragrances.
NG China Rain. This smells EXACTLY like the 90s incense that I loved so much. Exactly. Like. It. The Sweetcakes version was not even close. This is an exact dupe according to my childhood memories.
NG Pink Sugar. I'm what you could call a late blooming girly girl. I can barely be bothered to shave my legs or put on makeup but my god I would bathe in this super sweet and utterly delicious girly scent. I don't know, it's making me want to throw on some gloss and pretend I still leave the house like before covid. I want to wear colors. COLORS. This stuff is dangerous.
I'm just not that into you (I don't hate it, but I also don't love it):
BB Night Violet. This is a lovely scent but also a very soapy smelling scent. It honestly smells like a freshly washed infant. Would be a wonderful bubble bath and one tester said it would be a great alternative to lavender for a night time scent.
You're welcome!
