You can always spot shoppers who are busy choosing scented candles. They’re the ones unscrewing the tops off jar candle after jar candle, taking deep sniffs of each one and commenting on the lusciousness of the Orchard Apple or the home-baked succulence of the Sugar Cookie variety. Scent seekers, you know who you are. Did you know that you should let your brain in on the purchasing decision? This is not just a decision for your nose to make alone. What you cannot smell in a quick whiff could mean the difference between a candle you adore and one that quickly loses your favor. Select a ‘scentsational’ candle by following these simple steps.

• Take a close look at the label. If you see ‘essential oils’ on the ingredient list, you will know that the scent is being derived from a pure source. Though this does not always mean the difference between a heavily scented candle and one whose scent is confined to the wax or soy and does not ‘flavor’ the air, it is a good bet.

• Look at how high on the ingredient list the scent is listed. If it is one of the last components, your candle may not have the longevity of smell that you desire. However, if you are looking for just a light scent, this may be just the candle for you.

• Consider the type of candle. If it is billed as a ‘Scent Experience’ or an ‘Aromatherapy Gem,’ there is a good bet that its makers had smell as a top priority when they crafted it. Its purpose is likely to scent the air first and provide light second.

• Consider soy. While many traditional wax candles are heavily scented, they often burn down quickly. Soy burns cleaner, does not produce a great amount of soot and lasts. This means that the scent you love stays around, often for month after month. Plus, soy is derived of natural materials and offers you a ‘greener’ candle experience.

Whether you like your home to smell like a bakery (chocolate cake candles, gingerbread votives) or a yoga studio (lavender and bergamot tapers) you can find the candle that provides the scent day after day, month after month. Enjoy your ‘scentsational’ experience and that calmness that only scented candles can provide.