Scented Wax Melt Reviews: January 2018

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Ashland (Michaels) Wax Melts Reviews - January 2018

Ashland (Michaels) Wax Melts Reviews - January 2018

Ashland (Michaels) Wax Melts - January 2018

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The Ashland wax melts at Michaels are manufactured by Hanna's Candle (http://www.candlemart.com), which makes fantastic wax melts (although these scents are made exclusively for Michaels so you can't find them on the Hanna's website). Hanna's Candle also make the wax melts that are sold at Aldi three times a year.

Apple & Hibiscus

Notes: Apple, Pear, Seneca Grass, Lavender, Plum, Spearmint, Amber, Oakmoss, Balsam, Tonka Bean, and Sandalwood

This smells like apple blossom scented body wash or shampoo. I smell the apple first, but there's also a slight floral note in the background. I like it! Looking at the notes, I can detect a smidgen of the lavender, but I don't smell mint at all.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Camellia & Sweet Pea

Notes: Pear, Bergamot, Melon, Rose, Geranium, Violet, Vanilla, Amber, Patchouli, Benzion, and Cedarwood

I adore this scent! It's a sweet perfumey cherry blossom type scent with a vanilla and marshmallow note. There may also be a smidgen of a fruity note like honeydew melon, and a little bit of warmth from cashmere or amber. Looking at the scent notes, they're spot on. Yes, I definitely smell rose, but not pear. And I think I detect a smidgen of the patchouli. A fantastic, complex scent, and it lasted all day!

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house!

Champagne Blush

Notes: Sparkling Citrus, Strawberry, Red Currant, Apple, Raspberry, Blackberry, Pear Blossoms, Rose Petals, Vanilla Sugar, and Sheer Musk.

This smells like grapefruit with a slightly sweeter fruit (raspberry I think), and fizziness that makes it smell like soda. This scent also smells a bit like Victoria's Secret Love Spell (and other wax melts that are a dupe of that scent, such as ScentSationals Magic Spell, Tuscany Candle Stressless, and Scentsy Lucky in Love). I'm not fond of fizzy scents or Love Spell dupes (too bland and bitter), so I don't care for this scent, but I think I'm in the minority and it will be a popular scent. Looking at the notes, I really just smell the "sparkling citrus" (which smells like grapefruit with that bitter note) and a little bit of the raspberry, but none of the other notes.

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house

Coral Amber

Notes: Kaffir Lime, Linden Flower, Bitter Orange, Amber, Heliotrope Flower, Iris, Guiacwood Golden Oud, and Blonde Wood

Both this scent and the Sunset Lily scent smell exactly like Thierry Mugler Angel perfume. This scent is sweeter than the Sunset Lily scent. The description for the Angel perfume scent is: "This feminine scent includes notes of dewberry, bergamot, mandarin, red berries, honey, patchouli, coumarin, Australian sandalwood, caramel, vanilla, and chocolate". I can't even describe it, but there's no other scent like it, and it's absolutely fantastic. Looking at the notes, I definitely smell the Linden Flower (a rich warm floral note), and a hint of the lime.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 or 4 out of 5

Fresh Water Pearl

Notes: Fresh Waters, Citron, Palm Leaves, Grapefruit, Geranium Petals, Rosewater, and Cool Eucalyptus

A nice fresh air sweet watery scent with a salty note and a smidgen of a peppery note. It smells like a fresh body wash. Nice scent, smells like a lot of similar fresh ocean water type scents I have, but I really like it. Looking at the notes, the peppery note is probably the slight bitterness of the grapefruit and geranium. And I do smell a smidgen of eucalyptus, even though this is a sweet-ish scent.

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house

Island Hideaway

Notes: Seagrass, Bergamot, Orange Peel, Lime, Hyacinth, Lily-of-the-Valley, Violet, Musk, and Oak Wood

I smell a tropical wood scent, and maybe a smidgen of palm, but it's also a sweet watery scent. It's different from a lot of other scents I've smelled, and I kind of like it. Looking at the notes, I don't smell orange or lime.

Throw: Mild, 2.5 to 3 out of 5

Lilac and Hyacinths

Notes: Green Notes, Citrus, Floral, and Musk

Very nice scent that does smell like a combination of lilac and hyacinths. It's sweet with a hint of a baby powder note. Perfect for a bedroom or baby's room. It's not very strong on cold sniff though, and the scent started dissipating within 1.5 hours. Looking at the notes, I guess the "floral" note includes both the lilac and hyacinth notes. The musk is probably the hint of baby powder I smell.

Throw: Mild, 2.5 to 3 out of 5

O'Ahu Sands

Notes: Tropical Fruit, Floral, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, and Amber

This is the same scent as one of the scents in Hanna's Candle's Coastal Woods/Tiki Hut/Sand Dollar Trio (not confirmed by Hanna's), I think the Sand Dollar side. I think this is pineapple with light wood and maybe a hint of coconut. It's not a sweet or foodie pineapple, actually a little on the sour side, and a bit "harsh", but it's definitely tropical. I'm not a fan of pineapple scents, but this one smells pretty good to me because the light beach wood note tempers some of the "pineappliness".

Throw: Strong, 4 out of 5

Seashells and Sand

Notes: Coconut Milk, Peach Nectar, Orange Flower, Lily, Jasmine, Heliotrope, Vanilla, Woods, Tonka Bean, and Musk.

A fresh sweet watery scent with floral and coconut. And maybe a barely detectable hint of cedar. Very nice! Looking at the scent notes, they're spot on! Although I don't smell peach at all, or any fruity notes. I've smelled this scent before, so it's a dupe of something else.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Spring Bouquet

Notes: Cyclamen, Garden Rose, Orchid, Blue Hydrangea, Fiddle Head Fern, and Dew

A fantastic spring floral scent with a slight rose note. It's not perfumey and it's not a honeysuckle type scent. Just spring flowers with a grassy note and just a hint of bitterness to make it smell authentic. Very nice.

Throw: Strong, 4 out of 5

Sunset Lily

Notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Mexican Lime, Golden Amber, Verbena, Columbian Lily, Patchouli, Vanilla Bean, and Cashmere Musk

Both this scent and the Coral Amber scent smell exactly like Thierry Mugler Angel perfume. Coral Amber scent is sweeter, and Sunset Lily has a smidgen of perhaps a tropical fruit way in the background. The description for the Angel perfume scent is: "This feminine scent includes notes of dewberry, bergamot, mandarin, red berries, honey, patchouli, coumarin, Australian sandalwood, caramel, vanilla, and chocolate". I can't even describe it, but there's no other scent like it, and it's absolutely fantastic. But the scent started dissipating within 2 hours. Looking at the scent notes, I smell the warmth of the amber and a little patchouli, and the slight bitterness of the grapefruit (which is the note that really differentiates this from the Coral Amber scent).

Throw: Strong, 4 out of 5

Vanilla and Teakwood

Notes: Sweet Tobacco Leaf, Golden Honey, Madagascar Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Leather, and Cedarwood

This one is hard to describe. I've smelled it before, and it smells very nice. I do smell kind of a woodsy scent, but it's not a smoky wood or dark wood, or even a sandalwood. I think it's cedar, yes definitely cedar. It's also sweet and perfumey, but not floral, with maybe a little bit of a tobacco note. Looking at the scent notes, there's the cedar and tobacco. I don't really smell the vanilla, and I don't smell leather at all. Honey? Maybe just a smidgen.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 to 4 out of 5

There are two others scents that I haven't found, so they may arrive in a few weeks: Beach House, and Fern & Orange Blossom. If I find them, I'll add their reviews to this page.

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Scentsy Reviews - January 2018

Scentsy Reviews - January 2018

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Just about all of these are "Bring Back My Bars" and they are only available until the end of January! That's right, January 31, this coming Wednesday, 3 days from now. So if you want these, grab them before Wednesday or they'll be gone forever!

Before I start my reviews, I'd like to focus a little on the seller first: Carrie Mamulski. Carrie joined Scentsy in 2013 and is now a "Star Consultant". She hosts Scentsy parties, and although she is located in New Jersey, she ships anywhere in the U.S. Carrie loves Scentsy and enjoys sharing it. She always tries to throw in something extra with each order. And if you buy warmers from her, she will replace their bulbs for free as needed. Just a little extra gesture to show her appreciation! So yes, you can buy Scentsy from any Scentsy rep, but it's nice to deal with someone who is completely knowledgeable about the product, provides great customer service and quick shipping, goes the extra mile for her customers, and is just really a nice person! Carrie Mamulski's Scentsy page is https://carriemamulski.scentsy.us.

A Wink & A Smile

Notes: Dutch tulips, sunny daffodils, and a refreshing splash of tangy lemonade with sweet and flirty plum

This smells like fresh body wash or shampoo with a hint of floral, a very slight fruity note and maybe a smidgen of coconut. It has a tiny bit of a cologne note, but it's not a men's cologne scent. Looking at the scent notes, the fruit is the lemon and plum, but I really don't smell either of those, especially the lemon. The fruit is like a fruit-smelling shampoo rather than a specific type of fruit. It's more of a fruity floral than a true fruity scent. I like it.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Ambrosia

Notes: Like the sweetest fruit salad ever: tropical pineapple, mandarin orange slices, juicy pears, and ripe concord grapes with hints of jam and fruit nectar

This smells like strawberry flavored candy or bubble gum, but it also has a little bit of a tropical note, like maybe a hint of pineapple, and possibly a little bit of grape. Melted, I smell a little bit of the orange (mandarin), and I think there's a slight floral note.

Throw: Faint, 2 to 2.5 out of 5

Aussie Plum

Notes: Melange of juicy plum, pink grapefruit, and tart pomegranate with smooth vanilla

A rich dark fruity scent that smells a little like raspberries with a warm slightly perfumey note. Fantastic scent! Looking at the notes, I don't smell grapefruit at all, although there's a barely detectable hint of tartness that could be the grapefruit.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 to 4 out of 5

Boho

Notes: Clove-studded winter apples entwined with black plums, candied mulberries, and cinnamon sticks

Apples and plums with a hint of caramel and a smidgen of balsam? I think I also smell a little bit of cinnamon. It has a bit of a candy note. Looking at the scent notes, they're spot on. The caramel I think I smell is probably the rich warmth of the cloves, although I don't really smell cloves per se. When melted, I definitely smell the cloves, and it's pretty much just an apple scent with cinnamon and cloves, but with that extra plum note that makes it a little different. It's a nice scent, but similar to a lot of fall scents I have.

Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5

Cherry Limeade

Notes: Sweet cherry contrasts with zesty key lime, dancing with tiny bubbles foaming up and bursting

This smells like cherry lime soda with a soapy note, and it's not as sweet as I'd like. I smell the lime first, but also a little bit of the cherry. It has a little bit of fizziness, kind of like ginger ale, which I don't like, but I think I'm in the minority as I believe most people will love this scent.

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house

Eucalyptus

Notes: Soothing, medicinal and fresh

This is the scent to melt if you have a cold! It smells like Vicks VapoRub, a nasal-clearing menthol eucalyptus scent. It has a slight pine note that I don't smell in Vicks, but I really like it.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Flower Shop

Notes: Just like walking into a flower shop

A nice authentic green scent with a little bit of a floral note and a hint of bitterness to make it more realistic. But it's not really a floral scent. It's similar to the Fresh Cut Grass scent, but this scent is fresher and slightly sweeter.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Fresh Cut Grass

Notes: Like a freshly cut fairway on a cool summer morning, with early clean notes

A nice sweet green grass scent with a slightly soapy note. I've never found a grass scent that is truly authentic, and this one is no exception, but it's almost close. It smells a little more like a greenhouse, and similar to the Flower Shop scent, but slightly more soapy, and not as fresh and sweet.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Mandarin Moon

Notes: Spirited cinnamon and glowing ginger illuminated by sweet orange and star anise

This smells fantastic. It's sweet orange, and not overly citrusy, with cinnamon I think. But it's not really a fall scent, and not an orange pomander scent either. Looking at the notes, I don't smell anise, which has a licorice type scent. Maybe a little bit of the ginger, but I wouldn't notice it if I didn't see it in the notes. The predominant note is the orange, and then the cinnamon, but it's not an overly cinnamony scent either.

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house

Mediterranean Spa

Notes: Relax with this smooth, fresh, and breezy scent, with the beach grasses, cleansing minerals and therapeutic herbs

I love this scent! It's a salty soapy savory herbal scent with a smidgen of lemon verbena.

Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5

Mulberry Bush

Notes: Sweet mulberry accented with bittersweet orange peels

This smells like black cherry, but it's not as harsh, and it's quite sweet, but not candy sweet. On cold sniff I also detect a smidgen of orange, but I don't really smell it when melting.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Pineapple Coconut Vanilla

Notes: Coconut, pineapple blush and blue fig

I expected a strong pineapple coconut scent based on the name, and this is not that at all. Which is good, because I'm not a fan of pineapple scents, and there are already a lot of pineapple coconut type scents out there. I do smell pineapple and coconut, but it's subtle and only very slightly sweet. I think there's also a light wood note, like driftwood, and maybe a hint of lemon. I really like this one. Looking at the scent notes, it's the fig that tones down the other notes. Fig and currant scents are slightly woodsy, with a hint of fruitiness that's not too sweet, and they make other scents smell "classy". Yes, I definitely smell the fig in this one; in fact, I think that's the predominant note.

Throw: Strong, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Scarlet Woods

Notes: Vivid notes of cassis and redberry over crisp white cedar

This is a new 2018 scent, and it's fantastic. It smells like cranberries and balsam (a fresh, sweet, woodsy balsamic pine scent) with a bit of a warm soapy ambery slightly perfumey note. Actually, I think the fruit note is currant, not cranberry, although it does have a hint of tartness like cranberry. Looking at the scent notes, redberry is a type of evergreen shrub (which is probably where the balsam/pine note is coming from), and cassis is a type of currant that has a slight patchouli or soapy note. It's a strong, rich, kind of intense scent, but the scent started dissipating around 2 hours.

Throw: Strong, 4 out of 5

Shaka

Notes: Rich sandalwood infused with a splash of bergamot and lime

A nice pleasant fresh slightly watery scent with a hint of a peppery note, a smidgen of light wood, and perhaps a barely detectable hint of coconut. It smells a little like a fresh men's body wash, but it's not cologney. Looking at the notes, I don't smell lime, and I'm not sure why I think I smell coconut.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 to 4 out of 5

Simply Irresistable

Notes: Lavender with a strong, woody background of amber, moss and musk

A fantastic lavender scent combined with a fresh perfumey cologne note, a slight "green" note, a slight warm note, and maybe a hint of lemon way in the background. Melted, however, it smells like a combination of liquid Dawn dish detergent (the blue one, original scent) and a little bit of lavender, in a good way... clean, fresh, and pleasant. Nice scent!

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Simply Rose

Notes: An open bud of classic, floral fragrance

A lovely rose scented soap scent. It's not overly sweet, and has a slight bitterness that makes it smell authentic. It still smells like soap rather than a real rose, but I love it. And I started smelling it on the other side of the house only 10 minutes after I put a cube in the warmer. After a few hours it started taking on a little bit of a bug spray note, but not too bad.

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house

Twilight

Notes: Suffused with fragrant dark floral notes, soft but intense, like a sea breeze sweeping through a moonlit garden

This is a nice scent, a bit weak on cold sniff though. It smells like soap with maybe a bit of a floral note and possibly a hint of light wood. It's sweet, but not a sweet floral or perfume or cologne type scent. It's nice and subtle, perfect for a bedroom. Actually, I really really like this and it smells great when melted! It just smells like soap to me, but a nice subtle but expensive scented soap, almost like a bubble bath.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Vanilla Oud

Notes: Sweet vanilla grounded by leather and earthy oud wood

A sweet woodsy vanilla scent with warm ambery, perfumey, and slight candy notes. I can smell the oud on cold sniff (a dark resinous woodsy scent with a "tree sap" type note), but it's subtle, and I don't smell it when melting, and I don't smell the leather. Very nice scent, but smells like a lot of other similar scents.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Vanilla Suede

Notes: Classic, comforting vanilla combined with rich amber and hints of sandalwood and spice, a cozy and subtly masculine fragrance

Fantastic combination of men's cologne, warm amber, sweet tobacco, men's cologne, and maybe a smidgen of leather. I don't smell vanilla.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Vanillamint

Notes: Wintergreen frost sparkles over vanilla and frozen citrus

This is the January Scent of the Month. On cold sniff I smell cool peppermint with a hint of a citrus note (I can't tell if it's lemon, lime, orange or a combination). Very refreshing, and would be great to melt on a hot summer day. Looking at the notes, I don't smell wintergreen at all (which has kind of an anise or licorice note), which is good. Melted, however, it smells totally different, like either a lemon tea cough drop or a lemon lime slushie with an iced tea note. I don't smell the mint at all when melting, but I definitely smell lemon iced tea. I think it's a scent that most people will love, but it's only "okay" for me.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Weathered Leather

Notes: Step into an old-fashioned saddle shop brimming with dark suede and tooled leather over a backdrop of oak

This is a new January 2018 scent. It's pure leather, like a leather jacket. But there's also a hint of a smoky note and maybe a smidgen of woodsiness. It's not a sweet or cologne scent at all. I don't usually care for pure leather scents, but I like this one because of that slight smoky and woodsy note.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

I offer a FREE review service for U.S. wax melt companies (retail, indie/vendor, and direct sales), where I review and promote your wax melts on this website (6,500 new visitors per month), YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. It's a great way to promote your brand and get more customers! If interested, just leave a comment below with your contact info, or under my video on YouTube.

Friday, January 26, 2018

AmbiEscents Wax Melts Reviews - January 2018

AmbiEscents Wax Melts Reviews - January 2018

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Citrus Zest - #SunRaySelfie

Notes: Sugared orange, candied lime and sweet lemon join tropical mango and bright papaya over palm leaf

This is the same scent as ScentSationals Hello Sunshine from last year, which I reviewed at http://www.scentedwaxmeltreviews.com/2017/02/scentsationals-spring-2017-scented-wax-melts-review.html. It's a fantastic bright citrus scent of grapefruit, orange, and maybe a little bit of lemon.

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house

Crisp Waters - #ShoreThing

Notes: Salted tides, bleached driftwood, ambered sands, sparkling marines and fresh white amber

If you loved last year's ScentSationals Tahiti Shores scent and are disappointed that it's been discontinued, no need to fret... this is the same scent (which I reviewed at http://www.scentedwaxmeltreviews.com/2017/02/scentsationals-spring-2017-scented-wax-melts-review.html). This is a bright sweet watery scent with a sweet cologne note, a little clean soapiness, a hint of pepper, and a smidgen of tropical fruit. Fantastic scent!

Throw: Strong, 4 out of 5

Fruit Market

Notes: A blend of melons, berries, sugared apple and vanilla

This one is weak on cold sniff. I smell a lot of different types of fruits on cold sniff: strawberry, melon, orange, maybe a little tropical. It's not as sweet as other similar sounding scents, but it also doesn't have that sour note that some tropical scents have. Melted, I smell fruit and coconut, although the coconut might just be some combination of the fruits. The main fruit I smell when melting is the melon I think. Looking at the notes, no coconut. It's an okay scent.

Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5

Italian Limoncello

Notes: A blend of lemon, lime and sage

I love this scent! It's limey and lemony with a lemongrass note, and a little bit salty and just a smidgen of sweetness but actually not very sweet at all. It almost has a bit of a spa quality due to the lemongrass note.

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house

Luxe Linen

Notes: Light floral and white musk

This is the same scent as ScentSationals Egyptian Cotton which I reviewed in January 2016 at http://www.scentedwaxmeltreviews.com/2016/01/scentsationals-scented-wax-melts-early-spring-2016.html. This is basically a toned down version of ScentSationals Vintage Lace (one of my favorite scents, and it smells a lot like White Shoulders perfume). It's a lovely warm cashmere (a light sweet fabric-y amber scent) mixed with old-fashioned white musk. It's not a laundry scent, as there's no harshness and no clean detergent notes, but perhaps a slight fabric softener note. It smells like ScentSationals Vintage Lace mixed with a little bit of ScentSationals Crisp Linens to temper the sweetness.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Maui Beach

This is the same scent as ScentSationals Calypso Sands, a fantastic sweet watery scent with honeydew, vanilla, and a hint of coconut. I'm sniffing them side by side, and if they're not the same scent, they sure are close. Maui Beach is slightly richer, but then, my pack of Calypso Sands is a few years old. The only reason I think it might not be the same scent is that when they use dupes, they usually use the same or similar colored wax, which is not the case here. Calypso Sands is a light beige color, and Maui Beach is turquoise.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Relax & Unwind - Sweet Jasmine

Notes: A blend of wild flowers, fruits, greens and spices

This is the same scent as ScentSationals Sweet Dreams (Sweet Jasmine) Fusion that I reviewed in May 2017 at http://www.scentedwaxmeltreviews.com/2017/05/scentsationals-fusion-scented-wax-melts-spring-2017-review.html. This scent's name is a misnomer. There is no jasmine or even floral in this scent, and it's not very sweet. I can't even figure out what it smells like, maybe a bitter soapy scent? Melted, it definitely smells like soap, like an intense natural soap with a hint of citronella, or an industrial soap, or even unscented Ivory soap. It says it contains essential oils, so maybe that's why I don't really smell the sweet floral. I don't care for this one.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 to 4 out of 5

Soft Cotton - #SpaRobe

Notes: A blend of freshly laundered cotton, rose, ambered violet and white musk

A nice subtle cotton scent, sort of like fabric softener or a sachet, with maybe a smidgen of musk and baby powder, but it's just slightly sweet. There might be a barely detectable smidgen of light wood way in the background. It's nice and relaxing and perfect for a bedroom or baby's room.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 or 4 out of 5

Sunset in Paradise

Notes: A blend of pineapple, papaya, coconut, cool ozone and white amber

Fantastic slightly perfumey pineapple scent with maybe a sweet vanilla note, and candy note, and a little bit of honeysuckle, and there might be some other kind of fruit in there as well. I'm not a fan of pineapple scents, but this one is heavenly, and my favorite of all the new AmbiEscents scents! There's a new ScentSationals scent that just came out called Honeysuckle Pineapple. This is NOT that scent at all; that one to me smells like straight pineapple. This scent, however, is super sweet candy-like perfumey pineapple.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 or 4 out of 5

Gentle Bees Wax Melts Reviews

Gentle Bees Wax Melts Reviews

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Gentle Bees® beeswax melts are made by Frohne USA with local beeswax (not imported from other countries) and natural essential oils from the USA (no chemical synthetic fragrances). This means that these wax melts are 100% natural, including both the wax and the oils used for the fragrances.

Frohne USA supports honey bees by saving a portion of sales to buy land, honey bees, and food for the honey bees. Their products, which include hair remover, leather conditioner, soap, lip balm, and wax melts, can be purchased online at http://www.gentlebees.co and http://www.frohneusa.com, as well as amazon.com and walmart.com (in fact, you can purchase them on walmart.com and pick them up at the store to avoid shipping fees).

Beeswax prefers higher melting temperatures than other types of wax (soy wax melting point is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while beeswax is 150 degrees), so a 24 watt warmer will generally work better with these melts than a 20 watt warmer. And it takes longer for the wax to melt than paraffin or soy wax; in fact, in some cases it took 1.5 hours for get the full effect of the throw in the room. The beeswax also hardens more quickly than paraffin or soy, so it can make cleanup a little difficult since it hardens in the warming tray within a few seconds after it's removed from the heat.

This wax is hard but has a slightly sticky consistency, a little bit like nougat. With some of the scents I had no problem getting the wax out of the package. But some were stuck to the inside of the package and I had to use a knife to cut a cube out. Breaking off a cube was no problem with any of the scents once I was able to get the wax out of the clamshell. The wax will, however, leave a very slightly sticky residue on your hands when you handle it, but it washes right off with soap and water.

Some of these scents were quite unusual and nothing like I've ever smelled in other wax melts before. Remember that the ones that smell medicinal are not meant to make your house smell pretty, but are instead used for the therapeutic value of the essential oils.

If you're looking for wax melts that are completely different from anything you've tried before, that are 100% natural in every way, that in general have fantastic throw, and that help to save the local honeybee population, give Gentle Bees® beeswax melts a try!

Bergamot

Scent: Bergamot Oil (citrus bergamia)

This smells just like tea tree oil to me, even more so than their Tea Tree oil. It has a smidgen of a eucalyptus note. I like the scent, but this is one of those medicinal scents that's used for therapeutic benefits. Bergamot oil has a lot of health advantages, including helping to reduce anxiety.

Throw: Mild, 2.5 to 3 out of 5

Clove Leaf

Scent: Clove Leaf (caryophyllus)

This is the most authentic clove scent you'll ever smell in a wax melt. It smells exactly like the little black clove peppercorns that my mom used to stick in baked spam and cover with brown sugar topping when I was little. Fantastic, and makes the house smell warm and "homey".

Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5

Fir Needle

Scent: Fir Needle (Abies alba)

This is not a Christmas tree scent, and it doesn't smell very good on cold sniff. But when melted, it smells like sap from a pine tree, or maybe the pine needles when you rub them together. It's a very natural scent, like walking through a pine forest!

Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5

Geranium

Scent: Geranium oil (pelargonium graveolens)

I don't know what a real geranium flower smells like, but this is an authentic flower scent with a green note and slight bitterness (but not too much). It's only slightly sweet, but it smells like I'm passing by a bunch of wildflowers while walking in a field on a warm summer day! The throw is interesting. It's not a strong throw; in other words, in the room where it's melting it doesn't smell particularly strong. But yet I can smell it throughout the whole house. I love this scent and the way it performs!

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house.

Honeysuckle

Scent: Honeysuckle oil (lactobacillus)

Fantastic authentic honeysuckle scent. This is actually stronger and richer than the honeysuckle flowers I have in my back yard, probably because it's the oil from the plant. It has an orange blossom/neroli note, one of my favorite scents.

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house.

Juniper Berry

Scent: Juniper Berry Oil (juniperus communis)

Like the Fir Needle scent, this is a very natural tree sap type scent or even the scent you might get by rubbing the juniper needles in your fingers. But it's not a pine type scent at all. It's very slightly bitter with maybe a smidgen of a dirt note, but beyond that I can't describe it all. It's not a bad scent, but not something I would want my house to smell like. Like most of these scents, it smelled better melted. I have some juniper shrubs in my front yard and I went outside and rubbed the needles. This scent does smell very similar!

Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5

Litsea Cubeba

Scent: Litsea Cubeba Oil (litsea cubeba)

Fantastic soapy spa type lemon scent, which I think is either lemon verbena or lemongrass. It's like lemon with a little bit of citronella, and it's even very slightly sweet and rich. I can't explain the richness, almost like there might be a hint of pine way in the background, which makes sense since it's an evergreen tree. I thought the scent name was a Latin version of lemon verbena or lemongrass, but it's not; Litsea cubeba is a type of plant with a more citrusy scent than lemongrass. This scent smells great on cold sniff, but fantastic when melted!

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house.

Myrtle

Scent: Myrtle (myrtus communis)

I read online that myrtle essential oil has a clear, fresh scent that is slightly camphoraceous (like eucalyptus), and that's what this smells like, although it's not a "Christmas tree" type of eucalyptus scent. It smells a little like a combination of eucalyptus and tea tree oil, but there's also a bitter note in the background. I don't like it on cold sniff, but when melted I smell a smidgen of sweetness. It's not a scent that I'd use around the house, although myrtle oil is often used to cover up other odors. Myrtle oil has relaxing, sinus clearing, and aphrodisiac effects.

Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5

Orange

Scent: Orange oil (citrus reticulata)

A totally authentic orange scent, and fantastic, high quality scent that smells like someone is eating an orange!

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house.

Peppermint

Scent: Peppermint Oil (mentha piperita)

This is a pure peppermint scent, plain and simple. On cold sniff it smells slightly spearminty, but not when melted. It's even a tiny bit sweet. And this one is strong! Generally with peppermint or eucalyptus type scents, you have to sniff the melting wax from close up to get the cool, sinus clearing effects. Not this one. I walked into the room and immediately my sinuses cleared, and I can smell it throughout the house. Definitely the scent to melt if you have a cold or stuffy sinuses!

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house.

Pine

Scent: Pine Oil (pinus pinaster)

This is not a Christmas tree type pine scent. It smells kind of like Pine-Sol and tea tree oil (actually it smells more like tea tree oil than the Tea Tree Oil scent), with a little bit of a eucalyptus note. Like most of these scents, it smells better melted than on cold sniff. I like this scent. It's a little bit industrial but it smells clean.

Throw: Strong, 4 out of 5

Spearmint

Scent: Spearmint (menta spicata)

This is an authentic scent of real spearmint plant leaves. It's not a sweet spearmint gum or toothpaste scent, although it actually is a little sweet. You'll never find a more authentic spearmint scented wax melt out there!

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house.

Tea Tree

Scent: Tea Tree Oil (melaleuca alternifolia)

On cold sniff this doesn't smell exactly like tea tree oil, but it definitely does when melted. Tea tree oil smells like a combination of eucalyptus and dirt, but not in a bad way. I like the scent, but it's medicinal and not something you want your house to smell like. Tea tree oil has a lot of health benefits though.

Throw: Strong, 4 out of 5

True Cinnamon

Scent: True Cinnamon (cinnamomum verum)

This smells almost exactly like the Clove Leaf scent, but it's stronger and slightly sweeter but also very slightly less rich/warm. Like the Clove scent, this is another fantastic scent that makes the house smell "homey".

Throw: Strong, 3.5 to 4 out of 5

Monday, January 22, 2018

Mixture Wax Melts Reviews

Mixture Wax Melts Reviews

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Mixture is a company in Kansas City that makes candles, wax melts, scented home products and related accessories. Their candles and wax melts are made with 100% renewable soy way. Their products are available on their website, and can also be found in over 2,000 stores throughout the U.S.

The Mixture website is https://madebymixture.com, and their Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/MadeByMixture.

I really enjoyed these wax melts. The first thing I noticed were the labels. I love these labels! They're simple, elegant and refined. The scents themselves were high quality and unique, not the usual run-of-the-mill generic type scents. And in general (with a couple of exceptions which is always to be expected), the throw was very good.

Black Moss - No. 56

Notes: Black pepper, amber musk, and bergamot to start, followed by blue cypress, patchouli, and moss.

This smells like black pepper, although it's very light on cold sniff. I think there's a barely detectable hint of cologne, but it's too light to tell.

Throw: Very faint, 1.5 out of 5

Blood Orange - No. 17

Notes: A sweet blend of ripe blood orange infused with fresh goji berry, raspberry, and strawberry. You will want a glass.

This smells like orange with lemon and something else I can't figure out, like a milky note. I like it though. Looking at the scent notes, I don't really smell the berries.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Cashmere - No. 27

Notes: Spicy floral as found in an oriental garden. Strong jasmine, rose, and tuberose followed by orange, black pepper, and musk.

Cashmere scents are warm and ambery with a hint of laundry, and this is definitely not a cashmere scent. But I actually like it much more. It's an oriental spice perfume scent with a bit of an incensey note. Looking at the scent notes, there's the oriental spice, which is the dominating note. I do smell the musk, and maybe a little bit of the jasmine and tuberose, but not the orange or black pepper (although the pepper might be that incensey note I'm detecting). It's lovely and feminine (but not girlish) and classy.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Debauchery - No. 59

Notes: Very complex with strong patchouli, clove, cedarwood, and floral ylang. Finishes with tonka bean, honey, and amber.

This smells like expensive department store perfume that got old. But it's not a bad thing, as it smells great! There's also a little bit of a natural essential oil note, and hint of patchouli, and maybe a smidgen of ylang ylang. It's different from any wax melt I've smelled. Looking at the scent notes, I don't smell clove or vanilla. This scent lasted all day!

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house

Deep Vanilla - No. 11

Notes: Sweet, creamy vanilla with a touch of crisp spruce needles. Finishes with rich musk.

This smells fantastic, like a buttercream vanilla mixed with a little bit of sweet tobacco and perhaps a hint of black pepper. Looking at the scent notes, the musk is probably the tobacco I detect, and the pepper is probably the spruce. Although I don't smell spruce or pine at all.

Throw: Faint, 2 out of 5

Fresh Cut Grass - No. 6

Notes: This heavily fragranced candle will make any day a sunny day.

I've never smelled a wax melt that smells just like authentic grass, and this one is no exception. But it still smells very nice, like a floral soap that's not overly perfumey and has a fresh green note. There's also a little bit of a bitterness which is a bit harsh, but it's still a nice scent.

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house

Grapefruit & Sweet Vanilla - No. 28

Notes: Strong ruby red grapefruit followed by bergamot, orange, and key lime. A hint of jasmine on the finish.

I smell grapefruit first, but it's a light, subtle grapefruit and it's not very bitter due to the sweet vanilla. There's also a floral or slightly perfumey note. And maybe a smidgen of lemon. It's very nice. Looking at the scent notes, they're spot on.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 to 4 out of 5

Mediterranean - No. 69

Notes: Strong rich olive harmonized with sweet orange and lemon, followed by green notes. Finished with freesia, wood, and musk.

This smells more like fresh cut grass than the Fresh Cut Grass scent. It's fresh, green, airy and natural. On cold sniff there's just a smidgen of a sweet floral, but when it's melted it's not sweet, more savory. There's something else that I can't put my finger on, almost like palm (a woodsy nutty tropical note) but it's not a tropical scent at all. Looking at the scent notes, ah, the palm is actually olive. I don't think I've ever smelled olive in a wax melt, but this is probably an olive leaf scent, as it's definitely not a foodie green pickled olive or black olive scent. Although it does kind of have a little bit of a salad scent, kind of like strong olive! And I don't smell orange and lemon, but there is a tiny bit of a zesty note. A very nice scent. I think if I mixed it with the Fresh Cut Grass scent, the result would really smell like grass!

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house

Relaxation - No. 53

Notes: Clear your head with peppermint, lavender, spearmint, and eucalyptus.

This is a strong mint scent that smells like a combination of peppermint and spearmint, with a little bit of a sweet creamy vanilla note. Looking at the scent notes, I don't smell lavender, and it's probably the eucalyptus that gives this scent its strong sinus clearing effect.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Rosemary Mint - No. 67

Notes: An invigorating blend of rosemary, sweet spearmint, and robust peppermint.

This smells similar to ScentSationals Zen. It's a relaxing combination of fresh mint (spearmint I think, although it doesn't have that overly spearminty toothpaste note) and perhaps a laundry or slightly perfumey note, and maybe a hint of vanilla. There's a smidgen of a savory note which is probably the rosemary, but it's very subtle. This type of scent seems to be everyone's favorite, and it's very nice.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Vat 9 - No. 22

Notes: Opens up with cranberry, clove, honeysuckle, and cedarwood followed by vanilla sugar and nutmeg.

This smells like orange with sweet red berries and maybe a hint of floral. It's a nice summery scent, and it lasted the entire day! Looking at the scent notes, I was way off! I really do smell orange! I don't smell clove or nutmeg, which is good because I'm tired of fall type scents.

Throw: Strong, 4 out of 5

Worn Leather - No. 10

Notes: Saffron, thyme, and strawberry. Frankincense and jasmine accord. Dries down to a leather suede with amber woody notes.

Based on the scent name, I expected this to smell like pure leather, like a leather jacket. But it doesn't, and that's a good thing, since I kind of like the scent of leather but not having my house smell like it. This is a sweet raw woodsy cedar scent with maybe a hint of patchouli and tobacco. But it's not the same as other similar scents with those notes. It has a little bit of a perfumey note, a hint of warmth from amber perhaps, and maybe a smidgen of floral and perhaps a barely detectable pinch of fruit. I detect a smidgen of the leather on cold sniff, but not really when melted. Looking at the scent notes, that hint of fruit is the strawberry, and the hint of floral is the jasmine. This is a unique scent, and I really like it!

Throw: Strong, 3.5 to 4 out of 5

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Scentsy Survey

Scentsy Survey

I'd like to get your opinions about Scentsy wax melts. I'll leave the survey open for a few weeks, and I'll report the results on this website. Please ONLY participate if you've actually tried Scentsy wax melts and you're NOT a Scentsy rep. The survey is anonymous.

The survey is closed, but you can view the results at:
http://www.scentedwaxmeltreviews.com/2018/03/scentsy-survey-results.html

Please also comment below and let me know what you think, if you have any problems accessing the survey or filling it out, or if there are any other questions I should be asking. This will help me in setting up future surveys.

I offer a FREE review service for U.S. wax melt companies (retail, indie/vendor, and direct sales), where I review and promote your wax melts on this website (8,500 new visitors per month), YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. It's a great way to promote your brand and get more customers! If interested, just leave a comment below with your contact info, or under my video on YouTube.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Kohl's Sonoma Scented Wax Melts Reviews - Spring 2018

Kohl's Sonoma Scented Wax Melts Reviews - January 2018

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Kohl's Sonoma spring/summer wax melts came out very early this year, in mid-December! All of these scents use their soft, messy wax formula rather than their hard wax. I find that their soft wax often doesn't throw as well as the hard wax, although these performed very well.

Blue Hawaiian

Notes: Pineapple juice, maraschino cherry and coconut cream

This is a harsh tropical scent. I smell pineapple and coconut, and I think the harshness is black cherry. Looking at the scent notes, they're spot on. I would like this scent more if the cherry were not so intense; I don't mind harsh cherry scents, but mixed with the pineapple it's just too much.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Coconut Melon

Notes: Coconut, grapefruit and melon

This is a nice slightly zesty tropical fruit scent that smells a bit like grapefruit but not bitter, and a little bit of coconut. I also smell the melon note. I like it because of the zestiness.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Coconut Mojito

Notes: Coconut, strawberries and mint

This smells a little like the Sea Salt Sands scent. I smell lime but it's not as strong as the Sea Salt Sands lime. I also smell coconut. And also a little bit of a berry note. It's a nice rich clean scent with a hint of zestiness. Looking at the scent notes, I don't smell mint at all, and the strawberry is probably the fruit scent I smell, although I don't smell strawberry per se.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Lush Island Palm

Notes: Palm leaves, jungle rose and cool musk

I smell the palm (a slightly tropical woodsy note), a smidgen of coconut, and maybe a bit of zesty lemon (I think it's part of the palm note though). It's not a sweet scent at all, although I think there's a barely detectable smidgen of a cologne note, but I don't smell that cologne note at all when melted. It's a nice scent, but a bit too savory for me, a little like a pickled artichoke. A little sweetness or more lemon might help

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Mango Margarita

Notes: Mango nectar, blood orange and fresh lime juice

This smells like orange, grapefruit, and a little bit of zesty lemon. It's a nice fresh thirst-quenching summer scent.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Sea Salt Sands

Notes: Citrus, coconut and vanilla

I smell sweet lime and coconut, and a bit of a fresh note in the background. It's a nice, fresh, summery scent.

Throw: Mild, 2.5 out of 5.

Tahitian Pineapple

Notes: Pineapple, mango and sugarcane

It's pineapple. There might also be a hint of a tropical fruit in there with a very slight sour/bitter note, but not enough to be annoying.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Tropical Rainforest

Notes: Bamboo, citrus zest and oakmoss

On cold sniff, this is a green woodsy scent with a slight palm note (palm is a woodsy, nutty, slightly waxy scent) and maybe a hint of coconut. There's also a smidgen of a sweet body wash type note way in the background (palm does sometimes have a soapy note). Melted, it's a fresh woodsy scent with a cologne note (but it's not overly sweet or cologney). Looking at the scent notes, I don't detect citrus. I really like this one.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Vanilla Teakwood

Notes: Vanilla, cocoa beans and teakwood

This has a light beachy sandalwood note with maybe a hint of coconut, a smidgen of vanilla, and maybe a tiny hint of a green note. It's not like ScentSationals Vanilla Woods, which I was kind of expecting based on the scent name. There's a very slight cologne note and a smidgen of smokiness perhaps, on cold sniff, but I don't smell either of those notes when melted. When melted, I also detect a bit of patchouli with that slight hint of a chocolate note. It's a nice scent. Looking at the notes, okay it actually IS chocolate, not patchouli (patchouli sometimes has a bit of a chocolate note).

Throw: Strong, 3.5 to 4 out of 5

Watermelon Sangria

Notes: Watermelon, raspberry and fresh lemon zest

On cold sniff this is a nice sweet watermelon candy scent with a slight lime note. Looking at the scent notes, the lime I'm smelling is probably the lemon and raspberry. Now that I know it's raspberry, I think I do detect that. Melted, I just smell a fake watermelon scent. It's still a nice scent, but it smells better on cold sniff.

Throw: Mild, 3 out of 5

JewelScent/Gemstra Wax Melts Reviews

JewelScent/Gemstra Wax Melts Reviews

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JewelScent/Gemstra makes candles and wax melts using a natural soy wax blend (not 100% soy). Their fragrances comply with RIFM and IFRA standards. None of their fragrances are tested on animals and are all made in the USA. You can buy wax melts with or without jewelry inside.

JewelScent and Gemstra sell the same products, but the Gemstra site also sells home decor items, cosmetics and apparel. They are in the process of transitioning to the Gemstra site only.

Sandy Neustein is the JewelScent/Gemstra rep I've been working with, and she provides fantastic customer service. She really knows her products and she was a breeze to work with. You can order JewelScent/Gemstra products at http://www.gemstra.com/sandyn or http://www.jewelscent.com/sandyn.

I reviewed the "essentials" wax melts, which are the melts without the jewelry (so I don't have the jewelry to review). I enjoyed these scents, even though most of them smelled different than what I expected based on the scent names and notes. In general they threw quite well, but most of them didn't last long, around 1 to 2 hours, although there were several that lasted much longer.

Bamboo Rain

Notes: A fresh fragrance with a watery floral complex intertwined with a modern, clean bamboo heart and a smooth musky hyacinth background

This is not a bamboo scent at all. It's an orange scent with maybe a rich berry note, and possibly a hint of grapefruit. It's not a citrusy orange. I really like it. The scent lasted for about 5 hours.

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house

Birthday Cake

Notes: This sweet cake scent has a bold vanilla presence with hints of fresh butter, creamy anisic notes and warm sugar vanilla.

A vanilla cake scent. It's different from the vanilla bean scent; this one is sweeter with a slight bakery note. I also detect a hint of nuttiness. Looking at the scent notes, I don't detect any anise at all, which is good because anise smells a bit like licorice.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 to 4 out of 5

Calm Lavender

Notes: Lavender with hints of geranium and some sheer woods notes

This smells fantastic and very strong on cold sniff. It's a very authentic lavender scent. It has just a hint of sweetness, but it's not a floral or powdery lavender scent. It has that a slight sinus-clearing eucalyptus note, but it's not an overly medicinal lavender. I really like this one.

Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5

Cherry Blossom

Notes: Ripe berries and maraschino cherries blend boldly together for an aroma reminiscent of spring’s first blossom! White musk adds a touch of daintiness to this blooming bouquet.

This is not a cherry blossom scent at all. It's black cherry mixed with a bit of a floral note. It's very strong on cold sniff. I'm not usually a fan of black cherry scents because they tend to be a bit harsh, but I like it mixed with the sweet floral. There may also be a smidgen of vanilla.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Cinnamon Buns

Notes: Warm ground cinnamon melds with freshly baked bread and is accentuated by sweet notes of piping hot icing.

This is the only scent so far that's true to its name. It's a fantastic cinnamon bun scent with a sweet rich vanilla buttercream frosting. It's very cinnamony, but not annoyingly so. I love this one. The scent lasted for about 5 hours.

Throw: Strong, 4 out of 5

Floral Bouquet

Notes: Sweet pea petals, violet and cassis. Fresh cut stems, strawberry and musk tones add an earthy aroma.

This smells like fake sweet banana with a bit of a floral note. It's a nice scent. Looking at the scent notes, it's probably the combination of violet, cassis and strawberry that smells like banana to me.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Guava Mai Tai

Notes: Guava enhanced by lemon and orange meld with hints of sweet apple blossom, tropical pineapple and ripe melon.

This smells like orange with a hint of a tropical fruit note. It smells almost exactly like Bamboo Rain, but slightly sweeter and with that hint of tropical fruit. It's a nice scent.

Throw: Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5

Jasmine Flower

Notes: White floral notes of jasmine flower mixed with some fresh, green notes and a hint of sheer musk

I love this scent! It's not an authentic floral scent, but more of a jasmine scented body lotion. And it's not overly sweet or perfumey either.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Morning Dew

Notes: Watery tones of watermelon, mandarin peel, green apple and juicy passion fruit with fresh floral notes of wild rose, water lily, hyacinth and tuberose. Warm caramel, vanilla and patchouli blend together to form a sweet scent.

I've smelled this scent before, and I really like it. It smells like an expensive perfume, but it's not overly sweet or perfumey. It's not a fresh, watery scent either, which I would expect based on the scent name. It has a little bit of warmth and floral, and maybe a smidgen of apple.

Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5

Sparkling Champagne

Notes: A crisp blend of sweet muscat grapes, bergamot and soft white florals

This doesn't smell like champagne at all, but it's a very nice scent. It smells fresh, like rain, but there's also a smidgen of both a fruity (maybe orange?) and possibly a floral note. It's not an overly sweet scent, nor is it an actual fruity or floral scent. It's very difficult to describe, but I like it. Looking at the scent notes, the fruit I'm smelling is probably grape, but it really doesn't smell like grape.

Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5

Sweet Gardenia

Notes: Spring gardenia blooms blended with orange flower accord and subtle hints of rose blossom

This doesn't smell like gardenia at all, and it's an artificial scent, but I like it. It smells like air freshener with a fresh but slightly floral note, and maybe even a vanilla note.

Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5

Tropical Sunrise

Notes: Fresh notes of orange, pineapple and grapefruit come together in this exotic citrus aroma. Armoise oil, soft red fruit and vanilla notes add warmth.

This smells like grapefruit with an orange note. There may be a smidgen of coconut way in the background, if it's there at all. This is not really a tropical scent, and it's not overly sweet. I like it though.

Throw: Faint, 2 out of 5

Vanilla Bean

Notes: Sweet vanilla with creamy tonka bean accents and soft powdery notes from the heliotrope flower

Vanilla with a slight nutty note.

Throw: Faint, 2.5 out of 5

Monday, January 15, 2018

Aldi Wax Melts Reviews - Spring 2018 (January)

Aldi Wax Melts Reviews - Spring 2018 (January)

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Aldi comes out with 4 new wax melt scents 3 times a year: January, March/April, and September/October. The wax melts are made by Hanna's Candle and are very good quality. They cost $1.69 each. They should be at all Aldi stores this week, probably by Wednesday, January 17. Once they show up at the Aldi store, they stay on the shelves until they're sold out, which can happen within 2 to 4 weeks. Old scents do not return, so if you like these, don't wait!

Fresh Cotton Blossom

I've smelled this scent before. It's a nice sweet laundry detergent scent with a little bit of a biting laundry note, but not as much as Better Homes & Gardens Line Dried Linen. And it's not a soft powdery fabric softener scent either. It doesn't smell soapy, and it's sweeter than other similar scents I've smelled with a little bit more of a floral note, although it's not really perfumey either. Hard to describe! It's NOT the same scent as Hanna's Candle's Fresh Cotton Blossom scent. The scent lasted the entire day and was still going strong when I changed it out; I think it could have gone for 2 days!

Throw: Bold, 5 out of 5, a scent monster that took over the house.

Lavender & Thyme

Notes: A beautiful aroma of lavender, jasmine flowers, and rose petals blended with the sultry notes of sandalwood and musk

This is an authentic lavender scent. It has a hint of sweetness, but it's not a sweet, powdery lavender scent. I don't smell thyme, but there may be a hint of eucalyptus, and it does have a little bit of a medicinal note, but not overwhelming. It's a perfect lavender scent. If you prefer a sweeter lavender, mix it with a floral, perfumey, or vanilla scent. If you like spa lavender, mix it with lemon. Looking at the scent notes, I don't smell jasmine, rose or musk. I believe this is the same scent as Hanna's Candle's Lavender Thyme (not confirmed by Hanna's) at https://candlemart.com/products/aromabeads-singles-lavender-thyme-scented-wax-melts.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Peony & Rose Bouquet

Notes: This fresh floral fragrance blends notes of pink peony, rose, orange flower and blushing hibiscus with effervescent citrus and berry nuances; warm woods and musk provide a perfect warming finish.

This smells like old soap, which sometimes smells quite good. But it's very bitter and fake and smells kind of "burnt" to me. It doesn't smell like peony or rose to me at all. However, I think I'm in the minority, since most people love this scent. Looking at the scent notes, it might be the effervescent citrus that gives it the bitter note, although I don't smell any fizziness or citrus at all. This is the same scent as Hanna's Candle's Peony & Rose Bouquet (not confirmed by Hanna's) at https://candlemart.com/search?q=peony+%26+rose+bouquet.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

South Seas

A nice kind of sweet watery scent with a hint of warmth and maybe a bit of a perfumey note (musk?) and perhaps a smidgen of vanilla. It smells almost exactly like Mainstays Peaceful Waters (from Walmart), and it may in fact be the same scent, but I don't think so. It's actually quite different from any scent I've smelled in a wax melt, and I like unique scents. This is the same scent as Hanna's Candle's South Seas (not confirmed by Hanna's) at https://candlemart.com/products/south-seas-scented-wax-melts.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Super Tarts Scented Wax Co. Wax Melts Survey

Super Tarts Scented Wax Co. Wax Melts Survey

I'm going to start doing surveys for wax melt companies (retail, indie/vendor, and direct sales), and I'm starting with Super Tarts. I'll leave the survey open for a few weeks, and I'll report the results on this website. Please ONLY participate if you've actually tried Super Tarts wax melts. It's anonymous.

Please complete the Super Tarts survey here:

https://s.surveyplanet.com/BJemTdBc4M

Friday, January 12, 2018

Goose Creek Candle Wax Melts Reviews - January 2018

Goose Creek Candle Wax Melts Reviews - January 2018

Goose Creek Candle Scented Wax Melts - January 2018

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Goose Creek Candle wax melts can be found on their website at https://goosecreekcandle.com. They also have a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/goosecreekcandle.

These new scents just became available today (January 12, 2018) in candle form. The wax melts should be available within the next week or so.

Goose Creek Candle is having a 50% off sale today, which ends tonight (January 12, 2018) at midnight (Eastern Time). If you miss the sale, they frequently have other sales. But they also tend to sell out of new scents quickly, so if you think there's a scent you'll like, don't wait until the next sale!

Black Cherry

Description: Give in to the mouthwatering aroma of sweet, spring-ripened black cherries.

Notes:
Top - Black Cherry, Crisp Apple, Sweet Plum
Mid - Violet Petals, Spun Sugar
Base - Red Currant, Green Leaves

I'm not a fan of a lot of black cherry scents because they tend to be too intense, but this one is not. It's like cherry syrup, but not overly sweet, and there's a warmth in there like maybe a hint of amber that gives it a smidgen of a perfumey note, although it's not actually a perfume scent. I like it. It smells kind of similar to their Cherry Cobbler scent, although that one is stronger and much sweeter, even a little caramely, with a bit of a cherry cough syrup note. Looking at the notes, okay red currant is a subtle almost woodsy fruit note that gives scents a "classy" vibe, so that might be why this scent is not overly sweet or intense.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Black Pepper

Description: Experience the dark and sexy allure of a midnight sky. A sophisticated blend of warm woods, bright citrus and dark spices.

Notes:
Top - Black Pepper, Bright Lemon
Mid - Mandarin, Jasmine
Base - Cedarwood, Patchouli, Amber

This is a men's cologne scent. On cold sniff I do detect a hint of black pepper, but I don't smell that when melting. It's a subtle cologne scent, not intense, and not very sweet. It has a tiny bit of a spa quality and there might be a barely detectable hint of lemon or verbena way in the background. Looking at the notes, there's the lemon.

Throw: Mild, 3 out of 5

Blueberry Cake Donut

Description: You can't resist the decadent taste of warm, bakery fresh, blueberry cake donuts.

Notes:
Top - Juicy Blueberries, Black Raspberries
Mid - Vanilla Cake, Crystalized Sugar
Base - Buttercream, Milk

This scent came out in 2015 or 2016 and then I think it skipped a year, but now it's back. I reviewed it in March 2016 at http://www.scentedwaxmeltreviews.com/2016/03/goose-creek-candle-scented-wax-melts-0316.html. It used the soft, messy wax back then, but now it uses the harder wax.

I smell blueberries but it's an artificial blueberry scent. But not in a bad way, as it smells quite nice. I also smell a bakery note with a pinch of salty richness. Looking at the scent notes, I do smell the raspberry, which may be what's making the blueberry smell fake. But strangely, I think I might detect a smidgeon of musk, because this is a somewhat "perfumey" fruity bakery scent. The scent notes in 2016 showed an apple note, but the new notes don't (I don't smell apple at all), and the old notes show musk but the new notes don't (I do smell that smidgen of a perfumey note). Throw is the same now as it was when I reviewed it in 2016.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Cherry Blossom

Description: Bright pink blossoms fill the countryside with an earthy, true cherry aroma.

Notes:
Top - Cherry Blossom, Fresh Pear
Mid - Lush Violet, Gentle Powder
Base - Bright Florals, Cedarwood

A lovely light floral with a baby powder note, and maybe a pinch of vanilla and possibly a barely detectable hint of cherry. It's sweet but not overly sweet or perfumey. It smells like a nice body cream, or actually more like scented tissues. I really like it.

Throw: Mild, 3 out of 5

Cool Rain Drops

Description: A cool breeze flows through the rainforest as ice cold rain drops begin to fall.

Notes:
Top - Sparkling Bergamot, Watery Ozone
Mid - Clary Sage, Lavender Leaves
Base - Black Pepper, Amber, White Woods

A pleasant oceany watery scent with a hint of sweetness and maybe a smidgen of soapiness. It's not a soapy or shower gel type of scent though. Looking at the notes, I do smell a little bit of the pepper and lavender. It's a nice scent, but I have a lot of scents that smell very similar.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Lemon Peel

Description: The essence of a sparkling, summer fresh lemon

Notes:
Top - Sparkling Lemon, Lemon Peel
Mid - Lime, Orange
Base - Lemongrass, Sandalwood

Super authentic lemon scent that smells like the rind of a real lemon! It's a little sweet though, so it's more like a lemonade scent, but the old-fashioned homemade lemonade that's made with freshly squeezed lemons, ice and water, and a little sugar. Looking at the notes, I see "sparkling" lemon, but there's no fizziness in this scent. Although I can see how it might have a little bit of a lemon soda vibe, but without the fizziness, although that might also be because of the lime, which I do detect as well. I don't detect any sandalwood. It's a fantastic scent! It's a completely different scent from their Old Time Lemonade scent, which also smells great, but that one is sweeter, not really authentic, and has a slight bakery note and even a bit of a soapy note.

Throw: Medium, 3 to 3.5 out of 5

Perfect Day

Description: A soft glow and warm rays of sunshine fills the air as a breeze of warm amber and bright mandarin sparkle with intensity.

Notes: This scent has not yet appeared on their website, so I don't know the scent notes. I'll add them when I get them.

I love this scent! It's a rich sweet warm ambery scent with maybe a smidgen of cedar and barely detectable hint of lemon. Looking at the scent notes, the lemon is the mandarin (orange), although it's so subtle it's barely there. When melted, it has kind of a sweet candy note, almost like pink sugar.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 to 4 out of 5

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Description: Warm from the oven, pineapple upside down cake is the new family favorite recipe.

Notes:
Top - Warm Pineapple, Vanilla Cake
Mid - Sweet Vanilla Sugar
Base - Mandarin, Lemon, Peach

The pineapple is subtle in this scent, which I like, since I'm not a fan of pineapple scents. It's kind of a vanilla cake scent with a little bit of a pineapple note, but I also smell nuts. And it has a hint of a banana note, almost like banana nut cake with pineapples. It's not overly sweet either. I like this one, but I wish it were a little sweeter.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

Tropical Daydream

Description: Escape to a lush tropical paradise. It's truly what dreams are made of.

Notes:
Top - Juicy Fresh Pineapple, Fresh Pear
Mid - Star Apple, Guava, Palm Leaf
Base - Soft Bamboo, Tropical Woodlands

This is a strong, intense, kind of harsh pineapple scent with black cherry, I think. There may also be a hint of coconut, although I don't smell that when melting. Looking at the notes, the coconut is probably the palm. I don't see black cherry, but that might be the guava.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 to 4 out of 5

Warm Vanilla Cake

Description: Who can resist a hot, delicious, fresh from the oven, white vanilla cake?

Notes:
Top - Fluffy Vanilla Cake, Marshmallow
Mid - Vanilla Bean, Warm Butter
Base - Twisted Vanilla Bean

On cold sniff I smell rich, slightly salty butter, with milky vanilla, a hint of lemon, and maybe a smidgen of coconut. It's very slightly sweet. Melted, it just smells like a stick of butter. It's a nice, unusual scent, perfect for mixing into other scents to add richness and tone down sweetness.

Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5

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