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Scented candles are one item, I have learned, that I can’t live without. (Well, technically I can live without them, I just have no desire to.) The combination of their soft, flickering glow and sweet smell has the power to transport me, enveloping my space in a smoky, woodsy, or floral fantasy. But having a candle devotion isn't all just lavender and sandalwood-scented dreams. It does come with a downside. The most coveted candles also happen to be the most expensive. And sustainably speaking, once the candle is burned down, you are left with an empty glass that usually gets tossed. (You can only recycle so many as storage containers for paper clips and thumbtacks.)
Perusing online for my candle fix recently, one brand happened to light up my screen. It appeared to offer an array of appealing scents, and a more cost-effective and earth-friendly way to burn: individual candle kits that allowed you to pour them yourself into a reusable vessel. Was this the scent solution that would suffice my need for fragrance, keep my finances in check, and help keep discarded candle containers out of landfills? I suddenly had a burning desire to give Siblings a try.
We like
- Much more affordable than buying new candles
- Easy to use
- A great array of scents
- Eco-friendly coconut wax
- Compostable packaging
We don't like
- Scents could be a bit stronger
Quality Candles With A Conscious
The process of candle-making certainly isn’t a new one. It's been around for a few thousand years. But Siblings is taking an age-old practice and giving it a simple and sustainable new spin. Founded in 2019 by (you guessed it) siblings Eva and David, the company was started on the ethos of making something that has permanence and would last beyond just a few hours of burning. The pair grew up in a household with parents who composted and built beautiful things and wanted to bring that mindset of quality and consciousness to the world of home fragrance.
To do so, they focused on creating clean candles where every element was considered, starting with the ingredients themselves. That meant using non-toxic oils and an eco-friendly coconut blend wax that burns cleaner. Handmade ceramic vessels make for an attractive container, and because you pour it yourself, it can be reused infinitely. Throw in the 100% compostable packaging, and the fact that the company has been carbon neutral since its founding, and you have an impressive, earth-friendly entry into the candle market. And at $26 per candle, a cost-effective option too.
An Array Of Sustainable Scents
A clean and conscious candle sounds great, but the nose wants to know – does it smell great too? Siblings offers 15 unique scents, eschewing the standards you might expect for an array of custom blends that balance three main fragrance oils. There’s everything from floral (No 08 — Peony, Honeysuckle, Amber) to fruity, to fresh and a day in the forest (No 04 — Eucalyptus, Balsam, Wild Berries). They have also created some special collaborations (like a Spiced Maple Butter Cookie with Butternut Bakery) and limited seasonal offerings, like Beach Daze and Vintage Cardigan. There’s certainly a scent for every mood, moment, and nose, and I was more than ready to take a sniff. I also wanted to see how Siblings’ scents stand up to some of my other fave fragrances (and how easy it really is to make your own candle).
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We don't like
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We don't like
Reuse, Refill, Relax
I opted to test out 3 different clean candles (each one of Siblings’ best sellers). My first test was No 06 — Cardamom, Sandalwood, Vanilla, a scent they describe as “rugged, comforting, natural and sensual.” Opening up the bag, I discovered all the necessary supplies I would need: an 8” wick, a wooden wick holder, and the scented ball of wax. Emptying the contents, I then popped the wax in the microwave (yep, you don’t even need to melt on the stovetop) for 2 minutes. It came out perfectly melted in liquid form, and I carefully poured it directly from the bag into the ceramic forever vessel, where I had affixed the wick and holder. Pouring presented no problem (just a tiny bit of wax running down the side of the vessel) and after letting it set for just 2 hours, I had a finished candle! I couldn’t believe how easy the DIY process was, and upon lighting, the scent was pleasing without being overpowering. The top notes of cardamom and sandalwood balanced nicely, while the sweetness of the vanilla was a nice touch. After a few hours of burning, my living room was enveloped in the aroma – and I was hooked on this easy scent solution.
I completed the same process for two other clean candles (No 01 — Bergamot, White Rose, Oakmoss and No 08 — Peony, Honeysuckle, Amber), this time opting to fill leftover glass vessels I had collected over the years. Scent-wise, the peony and honeysuckle was a perfect encapsulation of Springtime but felt more complex and intriguing than most floral candles. And the bergamot and white rose reminded me EXACTLY of one particular high-end candle I’ve enjoyed – but for 1/4th of the price.
Melting Into The Future Of Home Fragrance
Siblings has introduced a new approach to making your space smell great – while also doing your small part to help save the planet. Both candle connoisseurs and casual burners can both appreciate the simplicity and satisfaction that comes with pouring your own candle, and never having to toss another candle container EVER AGAIN. Add in the enticing scent selection - and savings – and you’ll probably be hooked after one whiff. I know I was.
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