How to Choose the Perfect Candle: A Nigerian Guide to Finding Your Signature Scent

As someone who grew up in a typical Nigerian household, there are certain scents and fragrances that i automatically gravitate towards, not because I necessarily liked them but mostly because they became familiar. Some people might say that these scents have become a part of our identity—Palm oil being fried in the kitchen, the smell of freshly washed clothes sun-dried under the Harmattan breeze, the rich aroma of jollof rice wafting through the house on Sundays, the smell of fuel being put into the generator and my personal favorite, the smell of fresh mint naira notes.

Personally, Scent has always been powerful, triggering memories, emotions, and even moods and i reckon the same could be said about a large number of people. That’s why picking the right candle isn’t just about getting something that smells nice—it’s about choosing a fragrance that feels evokes the right emotions and feels personal.

If you’ve ever walked into a store (or browsed online) and felt overwhelmed by the number of candle options, you’re not alone. With so many scents, wax types, and burn times, how do you find the one? Here’s a simple guide to choosing the perfect candle, the Nigerian way.

1. Pick a Scent That Matches Your Vibe

Candles are deeply personal. The scent you choose should reflect your personality, lifestyle, and the mood you want to create.

🔹 For the busy Lagosian who barely has time to breathe: Try something calming like lavender & chamomile to help you unwind after a long day of battling Third Mainland Bridge traffic.

🔹 For the foodie who lives for Sunday rice: Opt for warm, cozy scents like vanilla bean, cinnamon, or coconut—they’ll make your space smell like a cozy, well-loved kitchen.

🔹 For the romantic at heart (or the soft-life enthusiast): You can’t go wrong with sensual notes like amber, sandalwood, or jasmine—perfect for setting the mood.

🔹 For the minimalist who loves fresh, clean spaces: Citrus-based scents like lemongrass, eucalyptus, or ocean breeze bring a crisp, airy feel to your home.

2. Wax Matters: Go for Clean & Natural

Not all candles are created equal. Paraffin wax (commonly found in cheap candles) releases toxins and burns out quickly, while natural waxes (like soy wax or beeswax) give a cleaner, longer-lasting burn.

Edere Candles use natural soy wax because:
🔹 It burns longer than paraffin.
🔹 It doesn’t release harmful toxins into your space.
🔹It’s eco-friendly, because, let’s be honest—Nigeria (read as Lagos) already has enough pollution!

3. Consider Burn Time & Quality

You don’t want to light a candle, blink, and suddenly realize it’s gone. The burn time of a candle depends on its size, wax type, and wick quality and even environment.

🔹Wooden wicks give off a soothing crackling sound (like a mini fireplace).
🔹Cotton wicks provide a steady, even burn.
🔹Double-wick candles are great for larger rooms, so the scent spreads faster.

If you’re looking for candles that last through your PHCN outages and long, cozy nights, opt for hand-poured candles with natural wax and high-quality wicks.

4. The Container & Aesthetic: Function Meets Style

Your candle should not only smell good but also look good in your space. Gypsum candle jars, like the ones from Ederé, offer a sleek, minimalist feel and can be reused for storage or décor.

Pro Tip: After your candle burns out, repurpose the jar for makeup brushes, cotton pads, or even small plants! Sustainability meets style.

5. Local or Imported? Why You Should Support Homegrown Brands

Nigerians often lean towards foreign brands, assuming they’re superior. But local candle makers like Edere craft high-quality, hand-poured candles that cater to our unique climate, preferences, and lifestyle.

🔹Locally made candles are fresher. Imported candles sit on shelves for months, losing scent intensity.
🔹They support small businesses. Buying Nigerian-made candles means empowering local artisans.
🔹Better suited for our environment. Candles made in Nigeria are tested for our heat and humidity.

Whether you’re unwinding after work, creating the perfect ambiance for a chill night in, or setting the mood for a special occasion, choosing the right candle should be intentional.

At Edere, we believe that a candle is more than just a scent—it’s an experience. That’s why we craft eco-friendly, handcrafted, long-lasting candles that bring warmth, peace, and sophistication to your space.

💚Ready to find your perfect match? Check out our candle collection and bring home a scent that truly speaks to you.