I gave up on Colonial Candle wax melts a year or two ago because of poor throw, so I was pleasantly surprised that most of these scents threw quite well. Colonial Candle's scents are fantastic, rich and complex, so when they do throw well, they're exceptional. The wax is very soft though, and with their oval shaped packaging, it makes it quite difficult to get out of the package. I have to use a butter knife. But this is not a deal breaker.
I found their customer service to be very good. I was given a refund on a couple of the full price scents that had very weak throw, but there were no refunds on the sale items as they were discontinued scents.
Notes:
A seasonal splash of citrus and fruits paired with warm spices and a hint of golden honey. Top: Ripe Strawberry, Red Delicious Apple, Lemon Sparkle Middle: Pineapple Juice, Golden Honey, Mandarin Rind Bottom: Cinnamon Bark, Warm Clove, Bayberry
Amber is a warm perfumey note, and oud is a dark resinous woodsy scent. This scent is neither. This scent was obviously given the wrong name. It's a cinnamon apple scent with a warm clove note on cold sniff, and an apple cider scent with a little bit of a mulling spices note. Looking at the scent notes, they describe this scent, but not the scent name. It's a nice scent though, but definitely not Amber & Oud. In fact, Colonial Candles did have an Amber & Oud scent in 2015 that was closer to the actual scent name; it smelled like cedar, amber and baby powder.
Throw: Medium, 3.5 out of 5
Cozy by the Fire
Notes: Smoke and wood with cashmere, amber, sandalwood and patchouli
I expected a smoky, woodsy or tobacco scent based on the name, but this smells like perfume that's a little old. But in a good way. There may also be a bit of vanilla and maybe oriental spices in this one, and possibly a smidgen of patchouli and a little bit of warmth from amber. Looking at the scent notes, no, there are definitely no smoky notes. It's a nice scent.
Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5
Emerald Fir
Notes: A festive swirl of ground cinnamon, peppered clove, and darkened maple
This is a pine scent with a slightly waxy, sour, clay like note. I don't smell cinnamon, clove or maple. I don't like this scent.
Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5
Fall Festival
Notes: A woodland escape with notes of citrus and palm leaf blended with a sage and illuminate notes of amberwood, teak, and white cedar. Top: Iced Bergamot, Palm Leaf, Lemon Mid: Freesia, Rose, Sage Bottom: Amberwood, Teak, White Cedar
This one is very weak so I can't figure out what I'm smelling. It's kind of like apple with a floral or perfumey note, and maybe a hint of cedar and possibly a fresh air note.
Throw: Faint, 2.5 out of 5
Pink Peppercorn
Notes: Crushed cardamom seeds with oriental spices and cashmere woods
A nice black pepper scent with a clove note and maybe a smidgen of sandalwood. Looking at the scent notes, they're spot on. It's a nice, unique scent.
Throw: Very faint, 2 out of 5
Raspberries and Cream
Notes: A delicious raspberry confection whipped with notes of plum, exotic passion flower, and warm amber
This smells like very sweet fruity candy made with strawberry, raspberry and plum, but I think it also has a hint of a warm perfumey note. Very nice scent.
Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5
Sage Leaf & Honey
Notes: Fresh clary sage is balanced with nuances of lemon flower and tupelo honey with traces of Tuscan herbs and sheer woods.
This is a very difficult scent to describe. When melting, in the room it smells a little fresh and green, maybe slightly herbal but not a cologne or body wash type scent, maybe a smidgen of floral and light wood, slightly sweet. Up close I do detect the honey but it's almost like honey and tobacco. It's not a savory scent, which I would expect from sage, but that's a good thing. Looking at the scent notes, I don't detect lemon at all.
Throw: Medium, 3 out of 5
Sweet Black Plum
Notes: Sugared plum is celebrated with sparkling citrus, white clove and jasmine leaf
Very nice fruity scent of plum and maybe raspberry, but with a warm amber perfume note. It's similar to other plum-based perfumey scents like Scentsy Luna, but a little more fruity and not as perfumey. Looking at the notes, I don't smell citrus or cloves, but I do smell the jasmine, and that's the warm perfumey note that I thought was amber.
Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5
Wisteria
Notes: Sparkling nuances of citrus mingle in the breeze with jasmine petals, wisteria, and pink magnolia blossoms
A fantastic sweet floral with maybe a hint of jasmine, orange blossom/neroli, and possibly a smidgen of honey and musk. Looking at the notes, I don't detect citrus. I love this scent, and it lasted all day (at least 10 hours).
Throw: Strong, 3.5 out of 5
Yuletide Carol
Notes: Figs and blackberries blended with sweet berries and floral notes finished with warm floral and wood notes
Super sweet buttery sugar with a little bit of caramel and maybe a smidgen of a warm ambery perfume note, and possibly a tiny bit of strawberry or raspberry. Definitely not a holiday scent, but I love it. Fantastic scent!
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This will be my last purchase from Colonial Candle. Too many of their Simmersnaps scents suffer from poor throw, which is ashame because the quality of their scents is fantastic, rich and complex. All of their Simmersnaps melts have a small hole on the top of the package. When scent is exposed to the air, it can dissipate over time. I assumed that throw was poor on a lot of the melts I had been buying because the scents had been out for a long time. However, these 4 scents are brand new for 2017, so there's no reason why one of them should have zero throw, and another should dissipate in under 2 hours.
Denim & Lace Notes: Clean and calming florals combine with nuzzly musk, soft denim, and a delicate lace
A pleasant musky floral with an apple note, although I don't see apple in the scent notes. Not very strong on cold sniff, and almost zero throw. When melted, I can barely smell it even from close up.
Wild Ivy Notes: Shimmering red berry with fresh-cut rose, silver driftwood, and English ivy
This smells a little like ScentSationals Vanilla Woods or Better Homes & Gardens Pure White Woods. I smell light woods first (there's the driftwood in the scent notes) with a floral note (I don't smell rose per se though). I don't smell berries at all, even though that's the first scent note. It's a nice scent, and throw is fairly good, around a 3 out of 5.
Sugared Violet Petals Notes: Peony with powdery violet
This smells almost exactly like ScentSationals Violet Sugar, but sweeter. It's very strong on cold sniff, a fantastic sweet warm floral with a note of richness that almost gives it a foody quality. It doesn't smell like violets, and I'm pretty sure it doesn't smell like peony either (which I believe has a rose note). It's almost like a "pink sugar" type scent, very sweet almost like cotton candy, but then there's a very warm kind of ambery note that makes it very rich. And unlike most Colonial Candles wax melts, this one is a scent monster and takes over the entire house, a 5 out of 5 throw! But unfortunately the scent dissipated in under 2 hours.
Limeade Notes: A sparkling burst of lime blended with fresh green notes of agave nectar and crisp herbaceous notes
This is a lime scent with a fresh watery note. It's not overly sweet (even with the agave nectar), probably due to the herbaceous notes. I guess it does smell like lemonade but made with limes (limes are slightly more bitter), but the herbaceous notes give it a slight lemongrass note, so it's not overly citrusy. I think it's more of a fresh "atmospheric" lime scent, like being outside on a warm breezy day in the middle of a lime grove. It's a nice scent, and throw is very good, around a 3.5 out of 5.
I did not get the new Pink Guava and Soft Peony scents since they seemed to be similar to a lot of scents I already have.
The following were on sale for $0.50 each. I don't know if these scents will be back next season:
Bubbling Cauldron Notes: Macintosh apples, soft musk, sweet vanilla cream, and bourbon toffee
A buttery caramel note but not very sweet, with an apple note, a little bit of musky perfume, and maybe a slight note of light wood. When melted, I don't smell the wood, just a rich, sweet butterscotch caramel scent with a hint of apple, but it's not really a foodie scent because of the warm ambery musk note. Very nice scent, and throw is very good, around a 3 or 3.5 out of 5.
Enchanted Spell Notes: Juicy red fruits, peony and rose petals, with sweet cream
I smell fruit but I'm not sure what kind, maybe apples and berries. And there's a hint of floral. It's a nice scent, and not overly sweet. Throw is not good, around a 2 or maybe 2.5 out of 5.
Spooky Nights Notes: Black pepper, rich amber, and warm woods
Another one that's weak on cold sniff, although it smells fantastic. I smell tobacco primarily, with maybe a slight warm amber note and possibly a smidgeon of leather. It also has a waxy note which will hopefully disappear when it melts. Throw was only fair, around a 2.5 out of 5, and unfortunately it retained that waxy note when melted.
Glowing Jack O'Lanterns Notes: Blood orange, soft florals, sandalwood, and warm musk
Scent is very weak on cold sniff, so I'm not sure what I'm smelling. Maybe a little bit of orange with a floral and maybe creamy vanilla in the background. Looking at the scent notes, there's the orange and floral. I don't smell sandalwood or musk. Throw is good, around a 3 out of 5.
And these last two were on sale for $1.80:
Fireside S'Mores Notes: Fireside glow with hints of crackling woods and amber
This smells like sweet condensed milk or a very sweet milky vanilla with a little bit of marshmallow. I also do smell the warm ambery notes, but not any woodsy or smoky notes. I think I do smell a smidgeon of graham cracker. Throw is good, around a 3 out of 5.
Vintage Christmas Notes: Clove, cedar leaf, and pine with a burst of amber
I didn't like this scent at all. It has a strong sage note that reminds me of sausage or scrapple, but not in a good way because there's a little bit of sweetness that seems odd against the sage note, and a slightly moldy note in the background. I think I do smell clove and cedar, but those other notes ruin it. Throw was quite good though, around a 3 or 3.5 out of 5.
Colonial Candle no longer lists the scent notes on their website, but for most of these scents I was able to find archived versions of the older web pages that did list them.
Update: I called Colonial Candle to return the melts that had no or poor throw. I found that many of them were from older batches, and I was given a credit card refund with no trouble. I didn't even have to return them, so no hassle! I must say, their Customer Service was fantastic, and Stefanie was friendly and helpful!
Morning Dew Description: A refreshing blend of sparkling white peach, dew-kissed petals, and blonde woods accented by clean ivory musk. Notes: Top: Sliced Strawberry, White Peach, Citrus Cocktail, Honeycrisp Apple; Middle: Morning Dew, Blooming Jasmine, Sheer Muguet; Bottom: Madagascar Vanilla, Patchouli, Blonde Woods, Ivory Musk
This smells like Angel perfume to me, one of my favorite scents! This scent is hard to describe, but it's fantastic. I smell the musk and the light woods notes. I also detect a foodie note, like a vanilla. Colonial Candle used to list the top, middle, and bottom notes of their scents on their website, but they no longer do that. I had to find archived versions of their old web pages to find these notes. And after seeing them, there's the vanilla, and I think I smell a hint of jasmine. I don't detect any fruits like peach, strawberry or apple. Unfortunately throw was not good, around a 2.5 out of 5. I'm almost tempted to keep it because it smells so good, but it's just too weak and would probably only do well in a very small room.
Simple Breeze Description: Take in the fresh outdoor feeling of dewy greens and a hint of lavender and geranium. Notes: Top: Dewy Greens, Ozone, Citrus; Middle: Lavender, Geranium; Bottom: Sandalwood
A lovely sweet laundry scent with a jasmine note. Throw is excellent, 3.5 or 4 out of 5.
Rain Showers Description: Capturing that moment when the rain first falls, carrying hints of ozone, clary sage and oakmoss, saturating the ground and cleansing everything it touches. Notes: Top: Ozone Mint, Grapefruit, Glacier Water Accord; Middle: Clary Sage, Lavender; Bottom: Oakmoss, Coumarin, Tonka Bean
A fresh watery floral scent, quite generic, smells like air freshener. Nice scent, but only "meh" for me. I don't smell mint or grapefruit or lavender. Throw is good, around a 3 out of 5.
Savannah Moss Description: Surround yourself in the beauty of Savannah moss with hints of warm amber, fresh balsam, and sweet jasmine.
I just smell wax on cold sniff. Because the Simmersnaps have a hole in the top of the package, this can allow the scent to dissipate quickly. If an older scent or it wasn't stored properly, the scent leaves the wax and all that's left is… wax. Unfortunately that's the case with this scent and several others in this order (and other orders I've placed in the past). Colonial Candle scents are fantastic, and very complex, which is why I love them. However, there are more duds than there should be, so I'm not sure I'll be ordering from Colonial Candle anymore. As expected, this one had no throw. I did smell a smidgeon of something maybe a little woodsy and floral, but with that waxy note. Throw was maybe a 1 out of 5 and probably would not do well even in a small room.
Wildflowers Description: An exuberant, vivacious scent that blends iced mandarin and ginger lily blossoms with elegant bergamot and coveted Vetiver. Notes: Top: Mandarin, Bergamot, Orange Zest, Dragonfruit, Grapefruit; Middle: Ginger Lily Blossoms, Lavender, Iris; Bottom: Vetiver, Tonka, White Sandalwood
Another waxy scent. I smell maybe a smidgeon of floral with possibly coconut, but it's mostly just wax. Throw was 0 out of 5 and I could barely smell anything even up close.
Harbor Mist Description: Treasure the clean scent of gentle florals, musk, and a touch of sweet pear. Notes: Top: Ozone Accord, Water Lily; Middle: Floral; Bottom: Musk
Very weak on cold sniff, but I detect a fresh soapy watery scent, with that old waxy note. Throw was maybe a 1 or 1.5 out of 5 and might do okay in a tiny bathroom.
Cozy Cashmere Description: Wrap yourself in the warm scent of fresh florals, sensual musk, and soothing vanilla. Notes: Top: Fresh Air, Apricot; Middle: Tea, Peony; Bottom: Sandalwood, Musk, Vanilla
Weak on cold sniff. I smell a creamy old-fashioned perfume scent, like an old-fashioned face cream. It has a little of that waxy note but not bad. I don't smell apricot. Throw was barely a 1 out of 5, and would probably not even do well in a small bathroom.
Pink Cherry Blossom Description: Fresh raspberry and crisp apple mix with soft florals on a rich cherry wood background. Notes: Top: Raspberry, Apple, Pear; Middle: Apricot, Lily, Orange Blossom; Bottom: Cherry Wood, Musk
This is a little light on cold sniff. A light cottony floral with just a smidgeon of fruit, perfect for a bedroom. Cherry blossom scents often have very weak throw, no matter which company manufactures the wax. I would be happily surprised if this were the exception. Throw is surprisingly quite good, around a 3 out of 5, which is excellent for a cherry blossom scent.
Sea Spray Description: Splash around in a crisp marine blend of sea grass, salty sea foam, and amber sand.
Typical salty water scent, not bad but not my favorite. Colonial Candle melts are very soft, messy wax, but this one is hard wax. Maybe this is a newer scent with a newer formula? Throw is very good, around a 3.5 out of 5, which may be because of the harder wax.
Picnic in the Park Description: Sweetly scented jasmine and gardenia blend with poppy and candied rose petals in a pretty, lighthearted fragrance. Notes: Top: Green Apple, Lemon, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Freesia; Middle: Rose, Geranium, Poppies, Jasmine; Bottom: Amber, Light Musk, Sandalwood, Primrose
This is not the same scent as Yankee Candle's Picnic in the Park (which is more of an apple scent). This is a sweet floral with a very slight woodsiness and maybe a hint of fruit (the apple I think). I can smell the jasmine and gardenia. Nice spring scent, good as a bathroom scent. Throw is around a 2.5 out of 5.
Cucumber Fresca Description: Relax with this garden-inspired medley of cool, crisp cucumber and fresh cilantro leaves. Notes: Top: Fresh Wasabi, Basil Leaf, White Grapefruit; Middle: Cucumber Peel, Trailing Ivy, Cilantro; Bottom: Cactus Blossom, Oak Moss, Violet Leaf
A nice fresh herbal scent with a cucumber note, but also a slight tartness like lemon. It's really not a foodie scent though, more like a fresh or spa type scent. And I don't smell wasabi! When melted, there's a weird note in there that smells "old". Throw is around a 2.5 or maybe 3 out of 5.
Coconut Rain Description: A creamy coconut blended with sweet pineapple, citrus, and vanilla. Notes: Top: Creamy Coconut, Pineapple; Middle: Dewy Greens, Citrus; Bottom: Musk, Sweet Vanilla
A nice creamy pineapple and coconut scent that smells like a frozen drink. Throw is very good, around a 3 or 3.5 out of 5.
Sea Salt & Yuzu Description: An energizing scent of misty sea salt air with touches of grapefruit zest, tart yuzu and lime blossom. Notes: Top: Pink Grapefruit, Sea Salt, Misty Air; Middle: Lime Blossom, Tart Yuzu, Bergamot Rind; Bottom: Musk, Peony, White Amber
Very strong on cold sniff, this is a super fresh watery scent which smells kind of like pool water with that fresh almost chlorine note. In fact, it smells a lot like DD Sun-Drenched Denim (from Hobby Lobby), which also smells like pool water, although it's not exactly the same but close. Yuzu is an asian citrus fruit, and although I don't detect any citrus notes in this scent, I think there is a barely noticeable fruit note in the background. Throw was excellent early on, around a 4 out of 5, but started dissipating within a half hour and was maybe a 3 out of 5 an hour later, still not bad, but it started taking on a strange chemical note that smelled a little like nailpolish.
Vanilla Rum Description: Indulge your senses with intoxications aroma of exotic pomegranate blended with spiced rum, soft whipped musk, and Tahitian vanilla.
This smells more like a warm ambery perfume or skin cream, than vanilla or rum. It's not overly sweet though, and when melted it has a bit of a musty note that makes it smell a little old. I don't smell pomegranate at all. Throw is good, around a 3 out of 5.
Falling Leaves Description: Jump in to the fun-filled harvest gatherings of freshly fallen leaves, ambered spices, and warm harvest grains. Notes: Top: Aromatic Anise, Spice; Middle: Amber, Wood; Bottom: Vanilla
A very nice woodsy scent with a sweet fruity note I think, and a foodie quality. But looking at the scent notes, I don’t see fruit. I do smell the warm amber. I don't smell anise, but there is some kind of peppery spice in there. Melted, it's also taking on a little bit of a milky note that makes it smell even better. Throw is very good, 3.5 out of 5.
Crisp Fall Breeze Description: A crisp and aromatic combination of bergamot and nutmeg, with notes of green moss, and warm patchouli.
Very weak on cold sniff, but I detect a men's cologne or sweet rubbing alcohol scent, with that old waxy note. Throw was maybe a 1.5 out of 5 and might do okay in a tiny bathroom.
Pumpkin Torte Description: Rich and delicious, this pumpkin dessert contains nutmeg, fresh ground cinnamon, a hint of almond, and a touch of black pepper.
A nice generic bakery pumpkin scent, breadier and sweeter than pumpkin pie and with less spice. I don't smell almond or black pepper, but I think I detect a little of that waxy note. Throw is excellent, 3.5 or 4 out of 5.
Bayberry Description: Fresh bayberry with rich clove and cool winter pine. Notes: Top: Spice, Pine; Middle: Bayberry; Bottom: Moss, Woods
Peppery savory scent with pine, and a salty, smoky, soapy note. Bayberry scents are usually a little sweet, with a hint of berry, but this one is not. I'm not sure I like it. When melted, it took on kind of a rancid, moldy note and smelled terrible. I didn't even wait to see how it threw (I don't think throw was going to be good), since it wasn't even fully melted and I put my nose up to it and nearly gagged.
Juniper Berry Description: Experience the holidays with juniper berry, with a light musk, rich fir needle, floral notes of geranium and jasmine and sparkling top notes of lemon zest and grapefruit.
This is a nice warm sweet amber scent with a slight pine note and a hint of berry. Melted, it smells like pine scented men's cologne. It's a fantastic scent! I was concerned that it might not throw well because the light green wax has beige discoloration around the edge, but throw is excellent, 3.5 or 4 out of 5.
White Oak & Berry Description: The comforting scent of fall is uniquely captured with a beautiful blend of white oak, bergamot, and spiced berries.
Cozy warm men's body wash, but has that slight waxy note on cold sniff. When melted, it smells like waxy soap. Throw is poor, around a 1.5 or 2 out of 5.
Winter Woods Description: Stroll through the woods, boots crunching in the snow, and the air filled with the scent of pine trees. Notes: Top: Fir, Tree, Spruce; Middle: Berry; Bottom: Patchouli, Musk
A nice strong peppery pine scent with a raw wood note, this smells like an authentic fir tree. I don't see pepper in the scent notes; maybe it's the "tree" note? I don't smell berry, musk, or patchouli at all, and there's no sweetness in this scent. Throw is excellent, 4.5 or 5 out of 5, and takes over the entire house.
Thistle & Pine Description: Clear your mind with the invigorating scent of thistle layered with frosted pine and cedarwood, creating an aromatic blend that is sure to energize.
A peppery pine scent with a slightly musty note. I guess the peppery note is the thistle. I don't care for the musty note. Throw is good, around a 3 out of 5, but started dissipating within an hour.
Currant & Holly Description: Crisp holly leaves are complimented with a kiss of tart ruby redcurrant berried on a frosty winter day.
Pine with a smidgeon of berry. The currant gives this a "classy" vibe. When melted, there's also a hint of a smoky soapy scent that I don't care for. This scent is similar to Holiday Sparkle. Throw is fairly good, around a 3 out of 5.
Holiday Sparkle Description: The holiday favorite is a memorable scent of soft pine and warming patchouli. Notes: Top: Fir Balsam; Middle: Floral; Bottom: Woody, Patchouli
Pine with a very slight sweet note, which is probably the floral (although I don't detect the sweetness when melted). There's a slight woodsy note in the background which is probably the patchouli. This scent is similar to Currant & Holly, but without the soapy note. I like this scent better, and throw is very good, 3.5 out of 5.
Crimson Festival Description: Crushed cinnamon stick and ground nutmeg dazzle with a hint of crisp apple and roasted chestnut. Notes: Top: Fruity, Apple, Spice; Middle: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove Chestnut; Bottom: Spice, Nut, Eggnog, Sweet
This smells like vanilla with a little bit of nutmeg which gives it an eggnoggy note, but there's also something a little bit bitter in the background which I thought might be pine but it's not. And looking at the scent notes, I don't see pine. I see apple, but I don't think I smell that. I don't smell cinnamon either. It's a nice scent, but when melted I detect more of that bitterness that gives it a bit of a chemical note. Throw is good, around a 3 out of 5.
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Orange Blossom Notes: An intoxicating fruity blend of sun ripened orange, juicy kiwi and fresh squeezed lime wrapped in fresh cilantro. Top: Fresh Squeezed Lime, Crushed Garden Cilantro - Middle: Sun Ripened Orange, Pureed Red Fruits, Juicy Kiwi - Bottom: White Musk, Sheer Woods Cold Sniff: A very light floral maybe with a hint of fruit; I expected it to smell like neroli (which I love), but it doesn't. Melted: Totally different from cold sniff, and better. Smells like sweet candied fruit. Maybe apricot? Has a warmth like amber or wood, which seems to increase after an hour or so. Very nice scent. Looking at the scent notes, there's the fruit and the woods. And musk, that must be what I think is a floral. Throw: Excellent
Cranberry Cosmo Notes: Cheers to the cocktail-inspired fragrance of tart cranberry with a touch of citrus. Top : Lemon Zest, Sweet Orange - Middle : Cranberry, Raspberry - Bottom : Creamy Milk Cold Sniff: Cranberry punch with a slight orange note. But it also has a rich yummy berry note and a slight cough drop note (in a good way). Melted: Same. Looking at the notes, yes I do smell a smidgeon of lemon. And there's the orange. And raspberry, that's the rich yummy berry. Throw: Excellent
Citrus Woods Notes: Luminous citrus notes are highlighted by a bouquet of sun-kissed florals and warm cedarwood. Top : Brazilian Bergamot, Mandarin Zest, Blackcurrant Berries - Middle : Jasmine Petals, Golden Freesia, Sun-Kissed Water Lily - Bottom : Warm Cedarwood, Amber Crystals, Benzoin Cold Sniff: Smells like floral scented toilet paper or shampoo, but in a good way; I don't smell citrus or woods. Melted: I do detect a little bit of the citrus and woods when melted, as well as the floral. It's a nice scent. Throw: Very Weak
Autumn Bliss Notes: Bright notes of bergamot, mandarin peel and blackberries shine on top. Sweet notes of vanilla, cyclamen leaves and acai berries mingle throughout. Amber crystal lies beneath this blend. Top: Blackberries, Italian Bergamot, Mandarin - Middle: Cyclamen leaves, Vanilla, Acai Berries - Bottom: Warm Amber, Sandalwood, Sheer Musk Cold Sniff: I'm not sure what I'm smelling. I think I smell dark fruit like plum, and maybe apples and also wood, but there's also a sour chemical note I don't like. Melted: Tart cranberry with wood maybe, but there's also a fake candy type note. It smells much better melted than on cold sniff, and I don't smell that sour note. Looking at the scent notes, okay blackberries, that makes sense. After a few hours it took on more tart, sour notes that made it smell a little like tropical fruit. Throw: Excellent
Mango Salsa Notes: Savor the wedges of succulent mango fruit, sugared guava, and sun blushed papaya. Top: Tropical Citrus, Mango - Middle: Papaya - Bottom: Mango, Coconut Cold Sniff: Smells just like authentic salsa, with the sweet mango notes and the sour savory salsa notes (which I guess is supposed to be the pepper, onion, or cilantro in the salsa). Looking at the scent notes though, I don't see anything that would give it that sour savory scent. This smells more like salsa than mango or papaya, and I don't smell coconut or citrus at all. Although it's an authentic scent, I don't think it's a scent I want wafting through my house. My roommate said it smells like cat pee and I can kind of see that. Melted: Same as cold sniff. Throw: Excellent
Guava & Papaya Notes: An invigorating tropical scent of guava nectar, papaya, and grapefruit. Top: Sweet Clementine, Violet - Middle: Mango, Papaya, Dewy Guava - Bottom: Gingerroot, Coriander, Amber, Cassia Cold Sniff: Very light, and I can barely smell anything. Maybe a sweet candy-like apricot? Too light to tell. I should have known since it's part of the old Rio de Janeiro line which was weak. Melted: Sweet fruit candy with an apricot note. Throw: Very light
Caipirinha Notes: Sip on Brazil's most popular cocktail with notes of sugar cane rum, honey, and lime. Top: Tangy Lemon, Bergamot - Middle: Cardamom, Currant, Orange Blossom - Bottom: Vanilla Bourbon, Musk Cold Sniff: Also part of the Rio de Janeiro line and it's also quite weak; I can only smell a smidgeon of lime. Melted: Throw is better than I thought it would be judging from the weak scent on cold sniff. It smells like some kind of lime industrial cleaner with a citronella note. It doesn't smell like a lime beverage at all. And after a few hours it turned into a sour lime scent. Not awful, but not great. I think mixing it with something sweet like vanilla would help. Throw: Good
Fresh Aloe Notes: A fresh fusion of Polynesian palm leaves, rainforest bamboo, and sparkling citrus. Top: Soft Bergamot, Lemon Slice - Middle: Neroli Blossom, Water Lily, Marine Accord - Bottom: Fijian Palm Leaf, Polynesian Hibiscus, Sea Grass Cold Sniff: Authentic green scent that smells a lot like cucumbers. Melted: It just smells like raw cucumbers. Too bland, would probably smell better mixed with something savory, lemon, floral, laundry, or a fresh air or water scent. Throw: Good
Cedar Mint Notes: Rejuvenate with notes of eucalyptus leaf and garden herbs flowing over blue jasmine, amber crystals, and soothing sandalwood. Top : Eucalyptus Leaf, Mediterranean Bergamot, Garden Mint - Middle : Geranium, Blue Jasmine, Dew-Kissed Hyacinth - Bottom : Crystalized Amber, White Sandalwood, Sheer Musk Fresh laundry type scent with a hint of mint, very similar to ScentSationals Zen. Throw: Fair
Sweet Iced Tea Notes: Nothing refreshes on a warm sunny day
like a tall glass of iced black tea with a touch of sparkling citrus,
sweetened with honey. Top: Sparkling Grapefruit, Lemon Zest - Medium:
Peach Nectar, Crushed Rose Petals - Bottom: Honey Drizzle, Black Tea
Leaves THE most authentic iced tea scent I think I've ever
smelled in a wax. If I close my eyes, I really think I'm smelling
slightly sweetened iced tea with just a smidgeon of lemon. This one
lasted all day! Throw: Excellent
Coconut Rain Notes: A creamy coconut blended with sweet pineapple, citrus, and vanilla. Top : Creamy Coconut, Pineapple - Middle : Dewy Greens, Citrus - Bottom : Musk, Sweet Vanilla This was a sample car scent, which I assume smells the same as their wax melts. I expected this to be a fresh watery scent with coconut. But instead, it's a bold pineapple mixed with coconut. It's definitely a tropical drink type scent and not a fresh watery scent at all. I don't smell dewy greens, citrus, musk, or vanilla. I don't like pineapple scents, but if you do, you'll probably love this one.
Morning Dew Notes: A refreshing blend of sparkling white peach, dew-kissed petals, and blonde woods accented by clean ivory musk. Top : Sliced Strawberry, White Peach, Citrus Cocktail, Honeycrisp Apple - Middle : Morning Dew, Blooming Jasmine, Sheer Muguet - Bottom : Madagascar Vanilla, Patchouli, Blonde Woods, Ivory Musk This is another sample car scent. This one smells almost exactly like Angel perfume, an expensive perfume with a warm ambery note and some "foody" notes in the background. I don't smell any of the notes shown though, no peach, strawberry, citrus, or apple. Maybe patchouli, floral, and vanilla.
This is a review of Colonial Candle Simmer Snap Scented Wax Melts. Colonial scents are very complex, rich, and on the "heavy" side as far as how many different notes they put into each scent. I really love their scents, and many of them tend to have a slight ambery or woodsy note. I get mixed results from the throw, however (how far the scent reaches when the wax is melted). There are other wax melt brands out there that have much better throw (such as ScentSationals, Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart, AmbiEscents at Bed Bath & Beyond, and Hanna's Candles which makes a lot of melts for different companies such as Ashland at Michael's, Huntington Home at Aldi, and some Rite Aid holiday wax). But their scents are so rich and sophisticated, it "almost" makes up for the mediocre throw.
I think the throw is affected by the fact that Colonial puts a hole at the top of the lid. This is so people can sniff the scent without having to open the package. But when scented wax is exposed to air (much like perfume), the scent dissipates. So if the wax has been sitting around for more than a few months, even if the scent is fairly strong on cold sniff, the throw may no longer be good.
For those that aren't familiar with some of the terms I use, please check out the Definitions page.
My Scent and Throw scores are on a scale of 0 to 5 with 0 being the absolute worst and 5 being the absolute best. Scent score is VERY subjective; you may love a scent I hate, and vice versa. Throw score is not as subjective, although there are a lot of variables that can affect the throw (again, see the Definitions page). 0 throw means I couldn't smell anything when melted, even with my nose right on top of the wax. 1 is poor throw, 2 is very light throw, 2.5 is light/fair, 3 is good, 3.5 is very good, 4 is excellent, and 5 is a "scent monster" (I can smell it throughout the house and even outside the house).
You can buy Colonial Candle Simmer Snaps Scented Wax Melts at some gift and card shops, but the easiest way to get all their available scents is through their website HERE. They have a lot of sales, even up to 50% off. So while regular price for their Simmer Snaps is $4 and their sale scents are $2, with a 50% off sale that reduces the price to only $2 and $1, which is very cheap for a standard 2.4 oz. wax melt.
Shipping is on the high side (http://www.colonialcandle.com/t-shipping.aspx). As of this writing, standard shipping is $7.99 if you spend up to $17, $9.99 if you spend $17.01 to $30, $11.99 if you spend $30.01 to $50, $14.99 if you spend $50.01 to $75, and free if you spend over $75. It also takes me a long time to get my order, about 2 weeks.
PATCHOULI Notes: Top: Lily, Bergamot Middle: Pear, White Mimosa, Spanish Moss Bottom: Patchouli, Galbanum, Vanilla Flower Review: Very light on cold sniff, but I think it's a woodsy cologney patchouli scent. Scent: 4 Throw: 0
FLORA PARFUME Notes: Top: Peony, Citron, Neroli Bouquet - Middle: Heliotrope Flower, Sandalwood, Amber - Bottom: Romantic Jasmine, Vanilla Flower, Sheer Musk Review: Fresh floral, not too perfumey but almost has a slight candy note even though it's not overly sweet. No throw, could barely detect anything even standing a few feet away. Scent: 4 Throw: 1
WILD IRIS Notes: Top: Lush Berry, Sweet Plum, Fresh Melon - Middle: Violet Petals, Fresh Gardenia, Jasmine - Bottom: Vanilla, Orchid, Chilled Musk Review: Floral with a slight vanilla note and a smidgeon of berry. Smells like body wash. No throw whatsoever. Scent: 4 Throw: 0
TIBETAN SANDALWOOD Notes: Top: Ginger, Cardamom - Middle: Cedarwood, Guaiacwood, Jasmine - Bottom: Leather, Sandalwood, Tobacco Review: Rich milky sandalwood with just a smidgeon of smokiness. Scent dissipated after about 2 hours. Scent: 3.5 Throw: 3
PUMPKIN ROLL Notes: Top: Nutmeg, Cinnamon Middle: Ginger, Vanilla Bean, Pumpkin Brulee Bottom: Brown Sugar, Espresso Bean, Buttercream Review: Rich cinnamon and sugar with a milky quality (maybe the cream cheese in the pumpkin roll). Scent lasted all day. Scent: 4 Throw: 3.5
PLUM CASSIS Notes: Top: Tart Cranberry, Bright Cassis, Dark Plum - Middle: Clove, Winter Jasmine, Pink Sugar - Bottom: Cashmere Vanilla, Tobacco, Tonka Bean Review: This is the one that I'm hoping has decent throw, because I love this scent. It's a rich dark plum scent (almost raisin-y) with a classy fig note that keeps it from being too fruity or overly sweet, and a slight amber note. One of the nicest scents I've smelled, and strong on cold sniff so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Yay, throw is very good! When melted, it has a very slight nail polish note, but not enough to detract too much from the overall scent. Although for that reason I changed my scent quality score from a 5 to a 4. Scent: 4 Throw: 3.5
Amber & Oud Wood Notes: Top: Mandarin, Tangerine, Plum – Middle: Jasmine, Clove, Freesia, Rose – Bottom: Sandalwood, Amber, White Oak, Vanilla Review: This smells like a very sweet cedar with a hint of amber. When melted, I detected a slight baby powder note, but throw was so weak I couldn't really tell what I was smelling. I definitely did not detect anything orangey (mandarin). Very poor throw. Scent: 3.5 Throw: 1.5
GRAPEFRUIT & WHEATGRASS Notes: Top: Grapefruit, Pear - Middle: Vetiver - Bottom: Amber, Fresh Wheatgrass Review: Fresh grapefruit with a very slight green woodsy note, which is probably the wheatgrass. It has a bit of an artificial chemical note, which comes out more when it's melted. Throw was very light. Scent: 3.5 on cold sniff, 2.5 melted Throw: 2
TROPICAL FIG Notes: Top : Blue Mission Fig, Sparkling Honeydew, Green Fig Leaf - Middle : Wild Freesia, Water Lotus, Hibiscus Blossom - Bottom : Coastal Figwood, Coconut Water, Midnight Plum Review: This one is "slightly" similar to Plum Cassis, in that classy slightly fruity kind of way. It has a slight raisin quality, with maybe a hint of coconut and a smidgeon of wood, but it's not a tropical scent. Now that I've read the fragrance notes, I think I do detect a hint of honeydew melon, and there is a very slight floral undertone as well. For me, it's not quite as good as ScentSationals Tropical Fig, due to the additional coconut note, and it's not as sweet (although SS Tropical Fig is not too sweet either) Scent: 4 Throw: 4
INDIAN SUMMER Notes: Top: Fresh Ginger - Middle: Pumpkin Flower - Bottom: White Pumpkin, Blonde Woods Review: This smells a little like pumpkin pie. I detect some nutmeg and maybe just a hint of cinnamon. There's also a very slight woodsy note. This one is strong on cold sniff, so I hope it throws well. Scent: 4 Throw: 3.5
SNOWDAY Notes: Top - Apple, Melon, Peach, Pineapple Middle - Jasmine, Rose, Violet, Dewy Greens, Eucalyptus, Mint Leaf Bottom - Sheer Musk, Vetiver, Rosewood, Amber Review: Very weak on cold sniff, so I can't detect the notes. Something sweet? Mint? A hint of wood? Melted, I detect apple and spearmint with a hint of wood, and other notes I can't put my finger on. Melon? Maybe. I didn't really like this scent. Scent: 2 Throw: 4
RUM RAISIN Notes: Top: Peach, Apple, Pomegranate – Middle: Rum, Lily, Peony – Bottom: Vanilla, Musk, and Amber Review: On cold sniff I smell a combination of flowers and fruit but I can't make out the other notes. Apple maybe? Now that I see the fragrance notes, I think I do detect the musk and amber, definitely the floral notes (lily and peony), and the fruity notes (not sure which ones). It smells more like a nice classy ambery perfume (similar to Tropical Fig and Plum Cassis) rather a food scent. It doesn't smell like rum and raisin. Disappointingly, throw was very light. Scent: 4 Throw: 2
CRANBERRY NUT Notes: A medley of sweet cherry, tangy mandarin and red apple layered over smooth chocolate and a bouquet of peony and freesia. Sweet caramel and rich vanilla give this fragrance a comforting close. Review: This smells SO good, like a thick rich chocolate cherry cordial liqueur with a nutty note. I smell cherry, chocolate and nut. Now that I see the fragrance notes, maybe I do detect a smidgeon of apple, but no mandarin at all (which smells like orange), and neither of the floral notes. Scent: 5 Throw: 3.5
MOROCCAN MARKET Notes: Top: Cinnamon Leaves, Spicy Citrus - Middle: Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Patchouli - Bottom: Cream, Spices, Musk Review: I smell cinnamon and wood with a hint of cloves. Poor throw; I could barely detect any scent while melting. Scent: 4 Throw: 1.5
MAHOGANY LEATHER Notes: Top: Bergamot, Incense - Middle: Rose Hips, Holiday Suede, Smoked Myrrh - Bottom: Leatherwood, Cassis Bark, Cusiacwood Review: I smell leather and smoke. On cold sniff I also detect a hint of cedar that I don't smell when melted. Scent: 3.5 Throw: 2.5
BLUE SPRUCE Notes: Top - Aldehydic, Bergamot, Cranberry, Red Currant Middle - Pine Needles, Wintergreen, Clove, Cinnamon, Cypress Bottom - Balsam, Cedarwood, Amber Review: This is one of the nicest pine/spruce scents I've ever smelled. I definitely smell pine, and there's also maybe a hint of clove. But what makes this scent unique is it has a sweetness to it, almost like a perfume. And there's also something a little foodie about it, maybe vanilla and nut? Looking at the fragrance notes, the first note is "Aldehydic"; I have no idea what this is, but I found that it offers a "soapy-waxy-lemony-floral" note to fragrances, like a "fresh lemon scent". I don't smell any lemon in this, but it's definitely a clean scent, maybe a little soapy, but not like a body wash type scent. Red Currant is probably the "classy" berry note I'm detecting. I don't smell any mint at all from the wintergreen, or cinnamon either. Throw is fantastic, and it's a "scent monster" (scent takes over entire house). Scent: 5 Throw: 5
MAPLE BUTTERSCOTCH Notes: Top: Sweet, Caramel, Butterscotch, Spice - Middle: Butterscotch, Toffee, Cinnamon, Clove - Bottom: Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Spice Review: Smells like brown sugar and buttery maple with a hint of cinnamon. Would probably smell just like butterscotch candies if it weren't for the cinnamon, which makes it smell more like cinnamon sprinkled pancakes but without the bakery note. Scent: 4 Throw: 3.5
GRAPEFRUIT HIBISCUS Notes: Top : Juicy Grapefruit, Orange, Mandarin, Cassis - Middle : Cyclamen, Violet Leaf, Grapefruit Zest, Rhubarb - Bottom : Black Currant, Musk, Sandalwood Review: An fresh authentic grapefruit scent but I also detect some orange. I don't smell any floral. And now looking at the scent notes there, I don't see hibiscus at all. I also don't detect musk or sandalwood. Scent: 4 Throw: 3
WHITE PEAR & CEDAR Notes: Top - White Pear, Nectarine Middle - White Flower, Juicy Peach Bottom - Cedarwood, Earthy Patchouli, Blonde Woods Review: This is such an unusual combination but it really works, and it's one of my favorite scents. I definitely smell the cedar, and the fruitiness of the pear. I think I smell a hint of patchouli, but I don't smell nectarine or peach. Scent: 5 Throw: 3
TOBACCO & HONEY Notes: Top: Chamomile, Orange Flower, Carnation Middle: Honey, Jasmine, Saffron, Guiacwood, Opoponox Bottom: Tobacco Leaf, Vetiver, Amber, White Patchouli, Vanilla Bean, Cedar Review: Another unusual combination that works. I definitely smell the sweet smoky tobacco scent and the honey. There's also a slight hint of floral, amber, and cedar Scent: 5 Throw: 3
VANILLA EGGNOG Notes: A fireside favorite with warm vanilla cream and egg custard topped with rum and sugar cane. Review: This really smells like eggnog, sweet rich creamy milky vanilla and nutmeg, and there may be a hint of floral or amber. Scent: 5 Throw: 3
BIRCH & CLOVE Notes: Top - Sparkling Orange, Citrus Zest Middle - Pine Needles, Cinnamon, Clove, Rosemary, Thyme Bottom - Creamy Vanilla, Balsamic, Cedarwood, Rosewood, Musk Review: I can't figure this one out, but it smells fantastic. Without knowing the notes, I think I smell cedar first, then clove, but there are a lot of other notes. Maybe a smidgeon of orange and pine? OK now that I've read the notes, I can see what I'm smelling. I think the orange is way in the background and barely noticeable. Scent: 4 Throw: 3
POPCORN GARLAND Notes: A classic holiday tradition of freshly popped popcorn strung around the Christmas tree with sweet butter and salty nuances. Review: It smells just like authentic salty buttery popcorn! Scent: 4 Throw: 3
FIRESIDE Notes: Top: Soothing Citrus, Violet - Middle: Cedar, Sandalwood, Sage - Bottom: Amber, Oakmoss, Vanilla Review: This smells like smoky clove to me, even though there's no clove in the scent list. I don't smell citrus or floral, but I do smell the cedar, sandalwood and amber, and there's a slight foodie quality which might be the richness of the vanilla. Scent: 4 Throw: 3
HIBISCUS & JAVA (from Rio de Janeiro line) Notes: Top: Bergamot, Orange Cassis - Middle: Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Espresso Bean Accord - Bottom: Sandalwood, Vanilla, Musk, Amber Review: Another one of my favorite scents, this is a floral scent with a coffee note and a hint of neroli (orange blossom). I also smell the richness of the vanilla and a little warmth from the amber. Scent: 5 Throw: 3
PLUM ORCHID Notes: Top: Floral, Green Bergamot, Plum - Middle: Orchid, Jasmine, Ylang, Nutmeg, Amber - Bottom: Sandalwood, Musk, Vanilla, Oriental Review: I can't figure out the notes in this one. It's kind of a green floral with a slight bitterness (maybe the bergamot). Ylang is an unusual scent to put in a wax melt, but I do detect that note. And I detect notes of the sandalwood, vanilla and musk. A very complex scent. Scent: 3.5 Throw: 3
SKI LODGE (from Vail line) Notes: Retreat to the ski lodge after a long day with the scent of blooming lavender nestled among crushed eucalyptus and warm cedar wood. Review: This is kind of like a "masculine" lavender. I definitely smell lavender first, but there's also the sweet wood note from the cedar, and maybe a faint hint of the eucalyptus. Scent: 3.5 Throw: 3
RASPBERRY MACAROON Notes: Top: Raspberry Juices, Blackberries, Sugared Mandarin - Middle: Chopped Almonds, Vanilla Pastry, White Cocoa Bean - Bottom: Powdered Sugar, Caramel Swirl, Sweet Rum, Coconut Review: Super rich raspberry bakery scent. I definitely smell rich raspberries, and there's a smidgeon of chocolate scent from the white cocoa. I also detect a little bit of caramel and just a hint of coconut. Scent: 5 Throw: 3
CARNIVAL (from Rio de Janeiro line) Notes: Top: Lavender, White Pear - Middle: White Dianthus, Orchid Vanilla, Almond Blossom - Bottom: Cocoa Beans, Myrrh, Sandalwood Review: Very light on cold sniff and no throw when melted. But what I can smell on cold sniff smells very nice, a warm vanilla scent with hints of almond, chocolate, coconut, lavender, and a very slight baby powder note. Scent: 3.5 Throw: 0
RIVER SEINE (from Paris line) Notes: Top: Lemon, Pink Pepper, Metallic Notes - Middle: Anise, Geranium, Watery Flowers - Bottom: Musk, Moss, Tonka, Creamy Woods Review: This one is so light on cold sniff that I really can't smell anything except a slightly metallic floral. I didn't even bother melting it. Scent: n/a Throw: n/a
PARISIAN CAFE (from Paris line) Notes: Top: Citrus Blossoms, Mandarin, Apple, Herbal, Green Leaves, Thyme - Middle: Intoxicating Jasmine, Lily, Rose, Violet, Anise, Clove - Bottom: Musk, Sandalwood, Amber, Cedar, Vanilla, Tonka, Patchouli, Moss Review: This one is so light on cold sniff that I really can't smell anything except a slight floral apple note. I didn't even bother melting it. Scent: n/a Throw: n/a
ROSEWOOD Notes: Top: Herbal Citrus - Middle: Tobacco Blossom, Rose - Bottom: Wood, Balsamic Review: Clearly I got a dud, because all I smell is old wax with maybe a smidgeon of the tobacco note. I didn't even bother melting it. Scent: n/a Throw: n/a
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