Shopping for candles used to be a straightforward pursuit. You visited one aisle, chose the color, size and scent of the candle you were searching for, and your mission was completed. Those days are over. With the introduction of soy candles, flameless candles, gel candles and more, the candle selection process is much more involved. Not all candles are created equal. Read below to learn about the different types of candles and decide for yourself which one is best for you and your family.

• Traditional wax candle – 'Wax' is a general term. Throughout the years, a 'wax' candle could have been made from nearly any waxy substance and as long as it stayed generally solid until its wick was lit, that was fine. Paraffin and beeswax candles are both commonly found today. Paraffin is the wax most commonly used in candles, and it’s easy to spot beeswax because of its trademark puckered look. No matter the makeup, a 'wax' candle likely burns the same, lending a steady flicker to a room and emitting small amounts of soot (carbon) as it burns. Gel candles are pleasing to the eye when a room is darkened, and they are lit. The color of the gel emits a favorable glow.

• Soy candle – These days, it seems soy is a health ingredient you can find nearly everywhere. There are toasted soybeans at the Farmer’s Market, soy shampoo, soy milk (chocolate, strawberry and white) and, of course, soybean-derived tofu. This versatile little bean has made its way to the candle market where those looking for a soot-free alternative to the stereotypical wax candle have embraced it. Soy wax is literally hydrogenated vegetable oil, which does not inspire love from healthy people who read labels. However, it can last up to 50 percent longer than a typical "classic" candle, gives off more of a scent, and it can easily be cleaned if any molten oil (wax) spills on a surface.

• Flameless candle – These are really just lights made to look like candles. Often, they are scented just as a plug-in air freshener is scented, and emit a consistent aroma stream throughout a room for a specified time. These are a great flameless alternative to traditional candles for people who live in an apartment or dorm room but don’t consider them real candles. Instead, they truly are props that represent the best of a traditional candle. To really experience that soothing feeling that all candles seem to invoke, pick a safe place, light that wick and feel your stress melt away.