Unraveling The Mystery Of Extinguished Candle Scents

what smells like a blown out candle

The sweet, musky smell of a candle that has just been extinguished is a scent that many people enjoy. Some people have even inquired about candles that smell like blown-out candles. While there are no candles that perfectly replicate this scent, certain candles, such as Holiday Embers by Goose Creek, come close. Interestingly, some people have also reported smelling extinguished candles in their homes without any obvious sources, which has prompted discussions about potential causes, ranging from melted Tupperware to electrical issues.

Characteristics Values
Smell Sweet, musky, smoky, warm
Scents with similar smells Epically Epic Candlelight, Luminaria, BPAL's The Light of Men's Lives, Arcana's Terror, S92 Liber Officiorum Spirituum, Holiday Embers by Goose Creek, Fireside by Bath and Body Works, Fireside Oud
Possible causes Melting Tupperware, exposed wires, chargers against fabrics, dust in power sockets, seizure

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Candles with similar scents

Epically Epic also has two candles with blown-out candle scents: Candlelight, which has notes of glowing amber, candle wax, bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, and a drop of patchouli, and Luminaria, which is described as stronger and sweeter than Candlelight.

Other candles with similar scents include Baba Yaga by 1692, The Light of Men's Lives by BPAL, and The Strange South's 300 Years, which has a candle note.

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Possible causes of the smell

The sweet, musky scent of a blown-out candle is a beloved fragrance, with many commercial candles, perfumes, and lotions attempting to recreate the smell. However, waking up in the middle of the night to an unexpected whiff of extinguished candle can be concerning, especially if the source is unclear. Here are some possible causes of this mysterious aroma:

Electrical Issues

Electrical problems are a common culprit of strange smells, including those reminiscent of blown-out candles. Exposed wires or damaged chargers can emit a burning odour, particularly if they come into contact with fabrics or other flammable materials. Dust accumulating in power sockets can also cause a similar scent. This issue can be addressed by regularly cleaning sockets and ensuring proper wire maintenance.

Melting Materials

Certain materials, when heated or melted, can produce a scent akin to that of snuffed-out candles. For instance, a Reddit user shared an experience where a Tupperware lid fell onto a heating element and melted, filling the house with a candle-like odour. Other items, such as plastics or synthetic materials, might also produce similar smells when heated or burned.

Fireplace or Fire-Related Sources

The distinctive aroma of a blown-out candle can be similar to the scent of a fireplace or burning wood. If you have a fireplace or have recently been burning wood, the lingering smell could be the result of that. Additionally, certain candles or incense with fire-related scents, such as "Fireside" by Bath and Body Works, could be the source of the fragrance.

Health-Related Causes

In rare cases, the perception of a blown-out candle smell could be related to specific health conditions or experiences. For example, some individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 report experiencing unusual smells, including extinguished candle scents. Seizures may also be associated with peculiar smells, though this is not commonly reported. If you have concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult a medical professional.

Incense or Fragranced Products

The use of incense, fragranced products, or scented candles can leave lingering aromas that resemble blown-out candles. Incense sticks, in particular, are known to produce a scent similar to that of extinguished candles. If you have recently used any fragranced products or incense, the smell could be lingering in the air or absorbed into fabrics or furniture.

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Incense and aldehyde blends

One example of an incense and aldehyde blend is Epically Epic's Candlelight, which includes notes of amber, candle wax, bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, and a hint of patchouli. This blend captures the essence of melting candles, creating a cosy and enchanting atmosphere.

Another option is Epically Epic's Luminaria, which is described as having a stronger and sweeter scent than Candlelight. Luminaria is inspired by the traditional holiday decorations of Santa Fe, where glowing candles in paper bags fill the air with a unique blend of papery scents, melting wax, smoke, myrrh, and frankincense. This fragrance captures the magic of a festive celebration.

In addition to these, certain incense sticks, particularly those used by Asian grandmothers and mothers, are noted to have a similar scent to blown-out candles. The warm, familiar aroma of these incense sticks can evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia.

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, Cire Trudon's classic Spiritus Sancti scent offers a sophisticated take on the blown-out candle fragrance. With notes of incense vapours, labdanum, and aldehydes, this candle is designed to transport you to the nave of a cathedral, where holy scents and choral music intertwine.

Creating blends that evoke the scent of freshly blown-out candles allows individuals to capture and relive specific moments and atmospheres, whether it's the cosy warmth of a glowing candle or the grandiosity of a cathedral. These incense and aldehyde blends offer a unique sensory experience, inviting individuals to explore the interplay of scents and memories.

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BPAL's Light of Men's Lives

The fragrance is a complex blend of beeswax, candle wax, and smoke, with subtle hints of vanilla, shadow, and fire. It captures the essence of candles in various stages of burning—some tall and strong, blazing with life, while others dimly gutter, their flames flickering in perpetual change. This dance of light and shadow casts an enchanting spell, creating an atmosphere that is both mysterious and exotic.

When applied to the skin, Light of Men's Lives takes on a life of its own. Some describe it as having a warm and soothing scent, with a touch of darkness. The candle and smoke notes emerge more strongly as the fragrance dries down, leaving a lingering trail of intrigue. For those who enjoy the aroma of burning candles without the sweetness often associated with candle scents, this perfume oil is a perfect match.

While some compare it to the scent of bubble gum initially, Light of Men's Lives transforms on the skin, revealing its true character. It evokes images of old books, melting candles, and secret libraries, where the fragrance of knowledge and mystery intertwine. This gender-neutral scent defies expectations and invites exploration, making it a favourite among those who appreciate unique and evocative fragrances.

Light of Men's Lives is more than just a perfume; it is an experience that transcends the senses. It captures the essence of candlelight, the flicker of flames, and the warmth of beeswax, all intertwined with the mysterious allure of Death's domain. For those seeking a scent that is both captivating and unconventional, Light of Men's Lives is a beacon in the darkness, illuminating the path to olfactory enchantment.

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Epically Epic's Luminaria

Luminaria is a complex fragrance that captures the essence of burning candles. It is described as stronger, heavier, and sweeter than Epically Epic's other candle-inspired scent, Candlelight. While Candlelight evokes melting candle wax with notes of amber, bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, and a hint of patchouli, Luminaria adds a layer of smokiness and a papery scent, as if the candles have just been extinguished.

The fragrance also includes notes of myrrh and frankincense, adding a church-like quality to the scent. This dimension enhances the sense of warmth and comfort that Luminaria evokes, making it perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere during the holiday season or any time of year.

If you're seeking a fragrance that captures the intriguing aroma of freshly blown-out candles, Epically Epic's Luminaria is an excellent choice. With its blend of candle wax, smoke, and subtle hints of incense, it will transport you to the enchanting atmosphere of Santa Fe's luminaria-lit streets. For those who wish to sample the scent before purchasing, samples are available at Ajevie.

Frequently asked questions

Holiday Embers by Goose Creek, Fireside Oud, and Epically Epic's Luminaria and Candlelight are some candles that smell like blown-out candles.

There could be exposed wires or chargers that are damaged, causing a burning smell. It could also be due to dust getting into a power socket or, in rare cases, a medical condition.

BPAL's The Light of Men's Lives, Arcana's iterations of Terror, and The Strange South's 300 Years are some perfumes that capture this scent.

Some variations include a smokey fire scent, a hint of evergreen, incense, aldehyde blends, or a sweeter, heavier scent like Epically Epic's Luminaria.

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