Love Nature Candles NYC- Non-toxic Candles

Since my college years, I’ve been a fan of candles. Between being enveloped by candles burning at Buddhist temples all over Asia and aromatherapy candles at spas, candles carry special memories for me. There’s something about the rustic feel of candles and the back to nature sensibility they create that is calming.

Over the years, we’ve learned through various studies that candles are in fact not good for our health, at least certain kinds. The most prevalent type of candles from years past that are still around today are those made of paraffin. When burned, paraffin gives off toxic fumes whose effects can be likened to breathing in car exhaust or second hand smoke from cigarettes.

Candles with lead wicks are among the prime offenders, creating toxic fumes in our homes. Remember how lead-based paint has long been a no-no? Same goes for candles. That’s why in recent years we’ve seen an avalanche of candle companies advertising lead-free wicks. That still doesn’t mean those are safe if they’re made of the aforementioned paraffin or if they use harsh dyes and toxin-based scents.

I’m always on the lookout for the next greatest candle company; they’re are truly few of them around the world. What makes a great candle? The obvious and primary answer is that these candles should not be contributing to our ill health. Especially for those of us who are passionate about aromatherapy candles, these lovely home decor items are meant to bolster our health and well being.

I was recently introduced to Love Nature NYC- a company whose very core is focused on artisan craftsmanship. I know that term “artisan” gets thrown around a heck of a lot these years so let’s clarify what that means here.

FACTS:
-Every Love Nature candle is wicked, blended, poured and packaged by hand. In America. That’s pretty rare. In fact, I can count on one hand the number of candle makers in the country that do this. The level of attention to detail and serious passion this takes is remarkable. This makes Love Nature candles “artisan.”
-All Love Nature candles use only 100% natural waxes, lead-free cotton wicks and phthalate-free essential and perfume oil blends.
-Love Nature NYC’s team is fanatical about using eco-conscious packaging, with completely recycled or recyclable material including glass, metal and paper, natural clays and lead-free glazes (no toxic fumes even from the packaging for us fans), vegetable-based inks and biodegradable wood grain accents.

If for whatever reason, you ever have the chance to meet or deal with the Love Nature NYC team, you’ll find them to be gracious people who put action behind their company’s words. This is not just a team that is spouting the right marketing terms to attract temporary fans.

Get any of their candles for yourself and you’ll see what I mean. My two personal favorites are the “Joie” candles, inspired by the French term “joie de vivre” or joy of life. A lightly sweet but fresh scent of champagne, pomegranate and vetiver (an Indian grass), this stunning candle became the hit of my holiday gatherings.

Just one of the Joie candles fills a 10′ by 10′ room with its distinctively alluring scent, never overpowering or clashing with people’s perfumes or even the smell of food. Lit in a bedroom, Joie creates a sensual sense of calm- exactly what I look for in a bedroom mood. Joie comes in an adorable travel tin but I love it’s larger 80-hour burn time size that comes in a glass jar decorated in pink, grey and red Bohemian patterns that matches its name perfectly. This candle looks, feels and smells like it belongs in the most sophisticated of homes that is full of warmth and coziness.

My other favorite is the Sweet Mandarin and Sandalwood, with its full size giving a 60 hour burn time. This citrus meets slightly woodsy scent takes me back to the greatest spas in Asia, giving me precious moments of deep relaxation when I’m at my most stressed.  Housed in a clear glass jar imprinted with the Love Nature logo, it comes packaged in a cute outer casing that can also be repurposed as well as any of their glass jars. If you prefer less sweet scents for a more subtle outdoorsy aroma, the Sweet Mandarin and Sandalwood is perfect.

Aside from my two absolute favorites, Love Nature NYC has numerous options for every nostril and mood- from White Tea to Tomato Leaf (perfect for those of you who love the scent of fresh veggies and gardens) to Limoncello. The candles come in a variety of sizes and packaging to suit every possible situation. Whether for your own home or as a gift, you simply cannot go wrong with these artisan candles that will boost your mood and enhance your home without harming your health.

Most Love Nature NYC candles are available at an average price that ranges between US $14 to $20, which is far more affordable than other candle companies’ prices for the same size and inferior quality. There are larger sizes available at higher price points as well but the $20 candles have the astounding 80-hour burn time.

If you’re not in love with candles yet, you will be after the appropriately named Love Nature NYC candles.

Love Nature NYC Website


Pictured Above: Joie
Pictured Below: Sweet Mandarin & Sandalwood, Love Nature NYC Team hand-pouring candles