Want to know everything about the fragrances that bring your candles, wax melts, soaps and other DIY creations to life? You have come to the right place! You are probably facing a few challenges, and these guides are here to help you overcome them.
Fragrance is the identity of your scented creation. You may also hear it called perfume, scent or fragrance oil. The fragrance you choose creates a unique scent profile by releasing its different notes into your room. With over 500 fragrances to choose from, the range of scent possibilities will delight you.
Where do our fragrances for candles, wax melts and other DIY creations come from?
Our fragrances are developed by Terre de Bougies and made in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, in Provence (France), by renowned and innovative master perfumers.
Each scent has its own distinctive character, thanks to the exceptional properties of our fragrances. We also have a range designed to be used at just 1% in your creations!
Our fragrance guides
Grasse: world capital of perfume and cradle of olfactory excellence
Grasse’s reputation as the world capital of perfume rests on a rich and fascinating history dating back to the Middle Ages. Located in the south of France, the town has reinvented itself over the centuries to become the undisputed centre of the perfume industry.
The origins: from tanning to perfumery
In the 15th century, Grasse was famous for its tanning industry, producing leather of superior quality. However, the unpleasant smell of tanned leather led craftsmen to perfume it. This innovation marked the beginnings of perfumery in Grasse.
Thanks to its ideal climate, the region quickly became a paradise for growing perfume flowers such as jasmine, May rose, lavender and tuberose. From the 16th century onwards, tanners began to combine their expertise with these natural resources, turning Grasse into a centre of excellence.
Growth and worldwide recognition
The perfume industry truly took off in the 17th century, when Louis XIII founded the guild of “Master Glovers and Perfumers”. Grasse then gradually gave up tanning to devote itself entirely to perfumery.
In the 19th century, Grasse became an industrial hub, combining craft tradition with technical innovation to create perfumes and extract essences. These advances made the town a global benchmark.
Today: prestige and heritage
Recognised by UNESCO for its unique expertise, Grasse remains a major player in world perfumery. The region’s artisan perfumers continue to work with the finest raw materials and to develop exceptional olfactory creations.
Prized for their complexity and unrivalled quality, Grasse perfumes are used by the greatest luxury houses. This heritage of excellence, blending tradition and innovation, makes Grasse a source of inspiration for every fragrance creator.
How can I scent my homemade creations?
Depending on the type of creation you want to make, you can use several types of products.
- Our fragrances for candles, wax melts and reed diffusers cover the widest range of creations: candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, solid soaps and cosmetics.
- Our diffuser refills are ready to use: simply pour them straight into the bottle, with no dilution and nothing to add.
- Our mist fragrances are formulated for your pillow and linen mists.
- Our car diffuser fragrances are made specifically for car diffusers.
- Our fragrances for cleaners and liquid soaps are used at 2% in a neutral base for multi-purpose cleaner, floor cleaner, washing-up liquid or liquid soap.
- Our laundry fragrances are designed for your homemade laundry detergents, at 3 to 5% in the base.
- Our fragrances for solid soaps bring together our vanillin-free fragrances, which limit yellowing; depending on your process, most of our candle fragrances are also suitable.
Before putting your creations up for sale, make sure they are labelled in line with your legal obligations.
Scent characteristics for your scented creations
Every fragrance has specific olfactory notes, organised into 3 categories: top notes, heart notes and base notes.
But unlike a traditional perfume, which reveals itself gradually on your skin in a sequential dance of notes, a scented candle invites you to a different kind of symphony.
From the moment you light its wick, it generously releases the full richness of its aromatic palette. Top, heart and base notes join in a harmonious dance, mingling and diffusing all at once.
Some scents may contain CMR substances, ethyl phthalate or vanillin, used to enhance the olfactory result. Without them, some fragrances simply would not exist. A fragrance may contain all 3, some or none of these components. To find out more, see our fragrance FAQ.
Important
Every fragrance complies with IFRA standards, the European REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 and CLP (EC) No 1272/2008 regulations, and the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
We strongly recommend that all our customers, and especially pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions, take appropriate personal protective measures, such as wearing gloves, safety glasses and a lab coat, when handling our products.
How should I store my candle fragrance?
We recommend storing fragrance in a cool place, away from light, at a room temperature of 20°C to extend its shelf life to a maximum of 24 months. If the fragrance crystallises, simply warm it to a temperature no higher than 30°C.
Which fragrance should I choose?
At Terre de Bougies, we offer 17 different fragrance families, each with its own identity. Depending on the season, the effect or the notes you are looking for, you can choose fragrances with different characteristics.
Choosing your fragrance by season
As soon as summer arrives, our summer fragrances will bring even more sunshine to your hot days. But perhaps you are looking for a touch of freshness? Our drink-inspired scents will refresh your senses, with fragrances such as Mojito or Piña colada.
In autumn, nature gets ready for the coming winter. Trees lose their leaves, the sun grows shyer and the heat fades away. Woody and fresh fragrances capture this warm autumn mood perfectly, with scents such as Forest walk or Orange sandalwood.
In winter, we become real homebodies and nature is far less welcoming. It is the season of hot chocolate and evenings snuggled under a blanket. What could be better than cocooning fragrances to deepen the soft, cosy atmosphere of your room? Fragrances such as By the fireside or Cinnamon orange will enhance this wintry mood. And of course, all our Christmas fragrances will make your festive season shine with their unique scents.
When spring arrives, flora and fauna emerge from their winter hideaways to reawaken your senses in the great outdoors. Floral and nature fragrances capture the renewal of Mother Nature. You can once again feel the very essence of your surroundings, with scents such as Spring breeze or Sakura blossom.
Conclusion
In short, fragrances are an essential component of your candles, wax melts and other scented creations, because they create a unique atmosphere in your room.
Terre de Bougies offers over 500 fragrances, developed and made in Grasse, in Provence, France, all of which comply with IFRA standards, the European REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 and CLP (EC) No 1272/2008 regulations, and the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Each fragrance has unique olfactory characteristics, organised into top, heart and base notes, which generously release the full richness of their aromatic palette all at once.
Now explore our guides to help you understand and use our fragrances. Before you start, our article on the different types of fragrance is a must-read. After all, understanding what you smell is key, isn’t it?
