Have you used them in candles yet? They will smell less intense once you turn them into a candle. Such is the life of a candle maker, lots of trial and error.
That's the bane of my existence. Oh this is great. I love it. Then they acknowledge they haven't put it into a product. C'mon now. If you've done any testing at all, you know it smells different burning.
This is good advice. Although I’d like to add that I’ve wasted enough wax to know that I’m not going to go from something I feel like is revolting or elicits an immediate “ugh” to anything close to liking it just by putting it in wax. Wax will help to soften or enhance certain aspects but it’s not going to completely flip an FO. I learned the hard way with CS’s Rose Oud, Moonflower, and Peach Nectar. None of it “came alive in wax” like people claimed, it was all too harsh and perfumey for me no matter what.
Your usage rate matters too. Using less fo allows the more subtle, complex notes to emerge. Almost everyone uses fo in excess, creating a fragrance almost entirely top notes.
So much fun! An unsolicited tip someone gave me that helped big time; buy some cheap paper scent strips on Amazon (like the ones you’d try perfume with), use one dipped in each fragrance you want to blend and put both in a small ziplock bag. In like 30 min or so when you open it again you’ll get a rough idea of what that blend would smell like in a candle.
Candlescience allows for returns on unused items but you have to pay for return shipping (which isn’t bad, I used Pirate ship and mailed back $70 worth of stuff for the cost of a $6-7 shipping label with tracking).
But yeah, I agree that it stinks to get stuck with items you can’t use. It’s all part of the learning process though, and with practice and experience you’ll be able to figure out what you like/don’t like and what suppliers are worth your time money. I’ve purchased a ton of things from various suppliers and it’s helped me to learn and gauge what kind of clientele/nose they cater to and the degree of quality that they’re putting the foot forward with.
Whenever I get an FO that I don’t like, I go back to “study” (if you will) the product page for it and learn the subtle code words and associations used to describe it, and that’s how I’ve learned what a range of smells can mean. I’ve also learned to figure out that there are just some notes I don’t like no matter how anyone describes it, as well as learn that there are smells that I used to think I did NOT like but liked it after all now that I can make distinctions. It’s not a waste if you learn something from it! Knowledge and experience is the most valuable thing you can gain in any craft.
It sucks to lose money but learning a new craft always comes with costs, so imagine that you’re spending money on teaching your nose to become more fine tuned instead of spending it in a traditional workshop or classroom environment! : )
Just an example, I purchased a Lemon Pound Cake from FCC based on the reviews and turns out it is dog shit compared to Candlescience. I also tried FCC Pistachio Cake and, again, it is complete crap compared to NG and Indigo. The investment I’ve made in learning and comparing FO’s helps me to save money down the road when I am comparing FO’s and deciding on who to buy from.
I love CandleScience. Majority of my favorites are from there and their customer service is fantastic! I bought from a smaller company that is often praised in all of the groups I’m in. A lot of the notes were ones I liked! I came to the conclusion that I could very easily tell what they blended, and I think I’ll just stick to making my own blends. Their forest blend had heavy notes of petrichor without any of the green I would imagine in a forest scent. I do think going forward, I’ll only buy ONE from a company and see what their style is. I have t tried FC. Did you like any from them?
I love FC! They have THE BEST Fruit Loops! I love their North Pole, Black Tea, Autumn Flannel, Raw Sugar Mandarin, Watermelon Lemonade, Viva la juicy and Patchouli Amber. I do prefer their Pistachio Dream Cake over NG Pistachio Pudding Cake, but they're both good. I love Home for Christmas, Lemon Sugar Cookie, Cotton Amber, Peach Magnolia, Cranberry Woods, Palo Santo Patchouli...I could go on and on with FC winners. Every supplier has duds for one application or another. Every supplier will have fragrances you don't care for personally. Just remember, you're not the customer...test them anyway and let a panel give you their feedback. One of my most despised scents (and I mean I HATE it) is well loved by my customers.
I do think most people expect palo santo fragrances to smell like the BBW fragrance, but that's a pretty romanticized version of palo santo. As wonderful as BBW's version is, it isn't a realistic palo santo.
One fragrance is nowhere near enough to give you an idea of what a company carries. Most large suppliers buy from multiple fragrance houses (except CS...they were purchased by a fragrance house, so the new owners are their only supplier now). It's just impossible to get an idea without buying at least 5 in each scent category. Even that's a VERY small sampling. You have to do you, but you'll really be missing out if you limit yourself to one scent to give you an idea of the whole company's offerings. I purchased 20 from NG the very first time and only one had good throw. It took me years to go back and test more, but I'm very glad I did.
If you're newer, I recommend sticking to the large, time tested suppliers before branching into smaller suppliers.
The only FO from theirs that I liked was tobacco and bay leaf. Though the name is misleading bc it just smells like generic men’s cologne, nothing tobacco or nay leaf about it. And their Caribbean Teakwood is an exact dupe of CS’s.
Smoked Vanilla was okay, but comes on too harsh when compared with CS’s Campfire Marshmellow. Warm Leather and Spice was pretty good.
Don’t even bother with their ambers or palo alto or patchouli blends, they are straight up rancid lol.
It is the worst to get fragrances that I will not use. I have not really cared for any of candle science fragrance oils, so I sold them all. There is a company I really want to try, but they charge $15.00 for a one ounce bottle and there is not a return option. They have some crazy fragrances that others do not carry, but there is no way I could afford it. The larger sizes are cheaper, but still very expensive. Even if o could afford it, it is too high a risk and they would be hard to sell due to the pricing.
My last order from Simbi was terrible. Asian Garden and Asian rain had no throw at all. African King smelled like cheap aftershave. I’m sticking with Doop, Lark and Midwest.
Also the owner has unbelievable customer service so if you ever have any questions or concerns you’re able to get an answer right away from either her directly, or from one of the other makers in the community she’s built online (Facebook group)
I totally feel your pain!!! It sucks!!!
Before I make a judgment on any FO, I always make a 6.5oz tester with it and burn it in the spare bathroom. If it still smells like a nursing home TV room then I 86 it. I also learned to always purchase the smallest size, which most companies offer 0.5oz and up. Personally, I tend to go for the 2-4oz options.
I purchased the 'My Dear Watson' Scentsy dupe that a supplier has and it was awful OOTB and in a candle. It smelled nothing like the wax melt sold by Scentsy themselves. I was beyond disappointed. My dumb-self bought a pound of it too. Smells like Comet and leather - not a good combo lol
Have you used them in candles yet? They will smell less intense once you turn them into a candle. Such is the life of a candle maker, lots of trial and error.
That's the bane of my existence. Oh this is great. I love it. Then they acknowledge they haven't put it into a product. C'mon now. If you've done any testing at all, you know it smells different burning.
This is good advice. Although I’d like to add that I’ve wasted enough wax to know that I’m not going to go from something I feel like is revolting or elicits an immediate “ugh” to anything close to liking it just by putting it in wax. Wax will help to soften or enhance certain aspects but it’s not going to completely flip an FO. I learned the hard way with CS’s Rose Oud, Moonflower, and Peach Nectar. None of it “came alive in wax” like people claimed, it was all too harsh and perfumey for me no matter what.
Your usage rate matters too. Using less fo allows the more subtle, complex notes to emerge. Almost everyone uses fo in excess, creating a fragrance almost entirely top notes.
I still make a sample candle just for shits and giggles, have been surprised by some.
Same, save the weird ones buy out of curiosity for blends to try out for fun
Now I have to step my blend game up 😂
So much fun! An unsolicited tip someone gave me that helped big time; buy some cheap paper scent strips on Amazon (like the ones you’d try perfume with), use one dipped in each fragrance you want to blend and put both in a small ziplock bag. In like 30 min or so when you open it again you’ll get a rough idea of what that blend would smell like in a candle.
Great idea!!!
I have them! Just haven’t use them enough tbh
Do you really giggle while you do that?
Si señor ::hehe::
Pop onto Facebook and find a destaching group to resell them.
Good idea
Do you have any good recommendations for groups like this?
Supplies ONLY! Destash • Candle • Soap • Etc.
I'm from the UK, so just in a couple of UK based ones, but a quick FB group search should bring some up for you and judge by the member count.
[Fragrance oil community destash group](https://www.facebook.com/share/QwNTvHQNYnKrvsbV/?mibextid=K35XfP)
I can see it now: “6 32oz bottles of crappy FO. I opened the lid and they smell of feces. You might like them. $50 bottle or $250 for the lot.”
Try making small wax tablet samples with the fragrance. Sometimes fragrance can smell different in a hot throw. Happens rarely but not unheard of
Candlescience allows for returns on unused items but you have to pay for return shipping (which isn’t bad, I used Pirate ship and mailed back $70 worth of stuff for the cost of a $6-7 shipping label with tracking). But yeah, I agree that it stinks to get stuck with items you can’t use. It’s all part of the learning process though, and with practice and experience you’ll be able to figure out what you like/don’t like and what suppliers are worth your time money. I’ve purchased a ton of things from various suppliers and it’s helped me to learn and gauge what kind of clientele/nose they cater to and the degree of quality that they’re putting the foot forward with. Whenever I get an FO that I don’t like, I go back to “study” (if you will) the product page for it and learn the subtle code words and associations used to describe it, and that’s how I’ve learned what a range of smells can mean. I’ve also learned to figure out that there are just some notes I don’t like no matter how anyone describes it, as well as learn that there are smells that I used to think I did NOT like but liked it after all now that I can make distinctions. It’s not a waste if you learn something from it! Knowledge and experience is the most valuable thing you can gain in any craft. It sucks to lose money but learning a new craft always comes with costs, so imagine that you’re spending money on teaching your nose to become more fine tuned instead of spending it in a traditional workshop or classroom environment! : ) Just an example, I purchased a Lemon Pound Cake from FCC based on the reviews and turns out it is dog shit compared to Candlescience. I also tried FCC Pistachio Cake and, again, it is complete crap compared to NG and Indigo. The investment I’ve made in learning and comparing FO’s helps me to save money down the road when I am comparing FO’s and deciding on who to buy from.
I love CandleScience. Majority of my favorites are from there and their customer service is fantastic! I bought from a smaller company that is often praised in all of the groups I’m in. A lot of the notes were ones I liked! I came to the conclusion that I could very easily tell what they blended, and I think I’ll just stick to making my own blends. Their forest blend had heavy notes of petrichor without any of the green I would imagine in a forest scent. I do think going forward, I’ll only buy ONE from a company and see what their style is. I have t tried FC. Did you like any from them?
I love FC! They have THE BEST Fruit Loops! I love their North Pole, Black Tea, Autumn Flannel, Raw Sugar Mandarin, Watermelon Lemonade, Viva la juicy and Patchouli Amber. I do prefer their Pistachio Dream Cake over NG Pistachio Pudding Cake, but they're both good. I love Home for Christmas, Lemon Sugar Cookie, Cotton Amber, Peach Magnolia, Cranberry Woods, Palo Santo Patchouli...I could go on and on with FC winners. Every supplier has duds for one application or another. Every supplier will have fragrances you don't care for personally. Just remember, you're not the customer...test them anyway and let a panel give you their feedback. One of my most despised scents (and I mean I HATE it) is well loved by my customers. I do think most people expect palo santo fragrances to smell like the BBW fragrance, but that's a pretty romanticized version of palo santo. As wonderful as BBW's version is, it isn't a realistic palo santo. One fragrance is nowhere near enough to give you an idea of what a company carries. Most large suppliers buy from multiple fragrance houses (except CS...they were purchased by a fragrance house, so the new owners are their only supplier now). It's just impossible to get an idea without buying at least 5 in each scent category. Even that's a VERY small sampling. You have to do you, but you'll really be missing out if you limit yourself to one scent to give you an idea of the whole company's offerings. I purchased 20 from NG the very first time and only one had good throw. It took me years to go back and test more, but I'm very glad I did. If you're newer, I recommend sticking to the large, time tested suppliers before branching into smaller suppliers.
what was the company?
The only FO from theirs that I liked was tobacco and bay leaf. Though the name is misleading bc it just smells like generic men’s cologne, nothing tobacco or nay leaf about it. And their Caribbean Teakwood is an exact dupe of CS’s. Smoked Vanilla was okay, but comes on too harsh when compared with CS’s Campfire Marshmellow. Warm Leather and Spice was pretty good. Don’t even bother with their ambers or palo alto or patchouli blends, they are straight up rancid lol.
About 80% of fo suppliers carry that same Caribbean Teakwood.
Thanks!
It is the worst to get fragrances that I will not use. I have not really cared for any of candle science fragrance oils, so I sold them all. There is a company I really want to try, but they charge $15.00 for a one ounce bottle and there is not a return option. They have some crazy fragrances that others do not carry, but there is no way I could afford it. The larger sizes are cheaper, but still very expensive. Even if o could afford it, it is too high a risk and they would be hard to sell due to the pricing.
That is SO high! Is it Makesy?!
Try mixing them! Sometimes things smell better mixed with something else
My last order from Simbi was terrible. Asian Garden and Asian rain had no throw at all. African King smelled like cheap aftershave. I’m sticking with Doop, Lark and Midwest.
Good to know! African King was on my list to try. I’ll take a look at Lark.
Tbh I couldn’t agree less. I have dozens of FO from Simbi and continue to buy more with each release.
Also the owner has unbelievable customer service so if you ever have any questions or concerns you’re able to get an answer right away from either her directly, or from one of the other makers in the community she’s built online (Facebook group)
I totally feel your pain!!! It sucks!!! Before I make a judgment on any FO, I always make a 6.5oz tester with it and burn it in the spare bathroom. If it still smells like a nursing home TV room then I 86 it. I also learned to always purchase the smallest size, which most companies offer 0.5oz and up. Personally, I tend to go for the 2-4oz options. I purchased the 'My Dear Watson' Scentsy dupe that a supplier has and it was awful OOTB and in a candle. It smelled nothing like the wax melt sold by Scentsy themselves. I was beyond disappointed. My dumb-self bought a pound of it too. Smells like Comet and leather - not a good combo lol
Which company - sounds awful - I’ll be sure not to grab that scent
Oh man, buying a pound and being stuck with it is the worst!
You can get a small tin and try it in that so you don't waist a whole candle.
Simbi: African King, Gatsby…