What Candle Smells Like Frozen Lake?
Candles scented with natural aromas like pine, cedar, and fir have become increasingly popular over the past few years. These nature-inspired scents help create an outdoor or seasonal ambiance indoors. One unique scent gaining popularity is that of a frozen lake. This crisp, clean fragrance aims to capture the essence of a frozen body of water in winter.
According to research, over 65% of people reported using scented candles regularly (https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-15001-6). With demand for candles continuing to grow, manufacturers are creating more complex and evocative scents. The frozen lake aroma offers a refreshing wintry smell, reminiscent of pine forests dusted with snow and clear ice covering a calm lake. Let’s explore what makes up this distinctive scent profile.
Describing the Scent of a Frozen Lake
The scent of a frozen lake evokes the crisp, clean aroma of winter. It typically contains a combination of fragrance notes that create the illusion of standing along the frozen banks of a serene lake surrounded by evergreens. The main scent notes in a frozen lake candle include:
- Mint – The menthol aroma of mint provides a brisk, chilling sensation similar to breathing in icy air.
- Pine – Pine scents like balsam fir and spruce add an evergreen forest essence.
- Birch – Subtle hints of birch round out the woody wintry notes.
- Frost – Cool aromas like eucalyptus and juniper berries create a frosty atmosphere.
Together, these key ingredients blend to mimic the crisp essence of a frozen lake, transporting you to the stillness of a winter wonderland with each breath. The mint cuts through as a refreshing top note, while the pine and birch provide an earthy, woodsy base. Eucalyptus enhances the cool, frozen feeling.
With eyes closed, this combination of scents provokes imagery of majestic pines coated in frosty snow, quiet waters stilled by ice, and brisk, dry air that fills your lungs. Candles that encapsulate the scent of a frozen lake allow you to experience the meditative peace of nature in winter any time of year.
Most Popular Frozen Lake Candles
Frozen lake candles aim to capture the crisp, cool ambiance of a frozen body of water in winter. Here are some of the most popular frozen lake candles on the market:
Frozen Lake by Yankee Candle
This bestselling frozen lake candle by Yankee Candle comes in a classic clear glass jar with a blue and white label depicting a frozen lake scene. It has an invigorating scent with notes of mint, pine, cedarwood and eucalyptus. The large 22oz jar burns for 110-150 hours and costs around $27.
Frosted Lake by WoodWick Candles
WoodWick’s Frosted Lake candle evokes the scent of a quiet, icy lake in the winter forest. It features wood wicks that crackle while burning. The candle comes in an apothecary style glass jar with a stylish silver lid. Key scent notes include pine needles, cedarwood and frosted mint. A 22oz jar costs approximately $31 and provides 60-90 hours of burn time.
Frozen Lake by Chesapeake Bay Candle
Chesapeake Bay’s bestselling Frozen Lake candle seeks to capture the crisp essence of a frozen lake. It comes in a beautiful deep blue glass jar that perfectly suits the frozen lake theme. Top notes include ice, mint and winter pine. The 22oz soy wax candle burns for over 50 hours and costs around $28.
DIY Frozen Lake Candle
Making a frozen lake scented candle at home is easy with just a few simple supplies. Here is what you’ll need and step-by-step instructions for making your own:
Required Supplies:
– Soy or beeswax – Use 1 pound of wax flakes for an 8 oz candle
– Candle wicks – Use cotton or wood wicks
– Frozen lake fragrance oil – Use 1 oz of oil per pound of wax
– Glass jar – Make sure it is heat safe
– Double boiler or makeshift double boiler
Instructions:
1. Set up your double boiler to melt the wax. Pour water into the bottom pot and place your wax into the top pot or metal bowl. Heat the water to a simmer to melt the wax slowly.
2. Once melted, remove from heat and add the frozen lake fragrance oil. Stir to incorporate. The usual ratio is 1 oz of fragrance oil per pound of wax.
3. Prepare your wick in the glass jar. Use glue dots or masking tape to temporarily adhere it straight in the center.
4. Carefully pour the scented wax into the jar around the wick. Leave room at the top for the wax to shrink as it cools.
5. Allow the candle to fully cool and harden undisturbed. This may take a few hours.
6. Once set, trim the wick to 1/4″ length.
7. Enjoy your homemade frozen lake scented candle!
Science Behind Frozen Lake Scents
Certain scents can trigger powerful memories and emotions through the process of scent memory. This occurs because the part of the brain that processes smells, called the olfactory bulb, has direct connections to the amygdala and hippocampus, which are involved in memory and emotion [1].
When we smell a particular scent, it gets processed by the olfactory bulb and amygdala-hippocampus pathway, which can activate memories tied to that smell. For example, the crisp, fresh scent of mint and pine trees may remind us of spending time by a frozen lake in winter. Smelling juniper berries and cypress can bring back memories of walking in an evergreen forest surrounded by fresh snow and ice [2].
Candles with these wintry forest scents can tap into scent memories and transport us back to cherished experiences by the frozen lake through the incredible power of the human brain.
Pairing Frozen Lake Candles
Frozen lake candles evoke images of crisp, cool air and serene natural landscapes. Their fresh, aquatic aromas pair beautifully with other nature-inspired home fragrances that enhance the sense of tranquility. Here are some complementary scents to try with your frozen lake candle:
Pine or Evergreen Candles – The rich, woody aroma of evergreen needles accentuates the outdoor essence of the frozen lake. When combined, they create an inviting wintry mountain retreat right in your home.
Birch or Cedar Candles – Warm, earthy wood scents like birch and cedar magnify the subtle nuances of the frozen lake. They add a subtle smokiness while still allowing the bright, icy notes to shine.
Frost or Snowflake Candles – Lean into the frozen aspect with candles that capture the essence of freshly fallen snow or glistening frost. Pairing these with your lake candle creates a crisp, clean wintry vibe.
Sage or Eucalyptus Candles – Herbaceous green scents like sage and eucalyptus evoke the forested banks surrounding a frozen lake. They lend an invigorating, crisp edge to the chilled aquatic notes.
Peppermint Candles – The quintessential wintry scent, peppermint’s cooling properties make it a perfect pair for the frozen lake. It amplifies the icy freshness and adds a nostalgic seasonal touch.
Surrounding your frozen lake candle with complementary nature-inspired scents can enhance your mindfulness and relaxation. Let paired fragrances transport you to crisp, serene landscapes right from your own home.
Safety Considerations
When burning candles, it is crucial to keep safety in mind. One of the most important safety tips is to never leave a candle unattended or sleeping (https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/candles). Candles can pose a fire hazard if left burning for too long. It is recommended to keep burning candles within sight and to extinguish them before leaving a room or going to sleep.
Additionally, candles should be kept out of reach of children and pets (https://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/). Little hands can knock over candles and curious pets may burn themselves by getting too close. Place candles up high on stable surfaces. Never leave children or pets alone in a room with burning candles.
Proper ventilation is also key for candle safety. Burn candles in rooms with open windows so smoke and fumes can escape. Avoid burning too many candles in small enclosed spaces. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe burning and trimming the wick as needed.
Taking basic precautions allows you to enjoy candles safely. Be vigilant about supervision, location, ventilation and reading any warning labels on candle products.
Benefits of Frozen Lake Candles
Frozen lake candles can provide a variety of benefits beyond just their pleasant scent. Studies show that certain scents can reduce stress, boost mood, and evoke positive memories. The crisp, clean scent of a frozen lake can mentally transport people back to cherished memories of time spent outdoors around lakes in the winter.
Inhaling calming scents from candles like frozen lakes, pine trees, and other nature-inspired fragrances is known to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The scents affect the limbic system of the brain, which controls emotions and memory. This can lower heart rate and blood pressure, easing tension in both the body and mind.
In addition to relaxation, frozen lake candles can also boost mood and energy levels. Their cool, crisp scent is uplifting and refreshing. Burning these candles makes many people feel happier and more focused. The invigorating scent can help combat feelings of anxiety, sadness, and fatigue.
Finally, frozen lake candles are especially adept at evoking nostalgic memories of favorite winter trips, sports, and activities. They capture the essence of the outdoors in winter. Many people find these scents transport them back to joyful times skiing, skating, sledding, or simply appreciating the tranquility of a frozen lake. Reliving these positive memories through scent can be both soothing and energizing.
Frozen Lake Candle Alternatives
For those who can’t or prefer not to burn candles, there are some great alternatives to enjoy the frozen lake scent in different formats. Reed diffusers are a popular option, as they allow the scent to permeate the room without the use of flame. Bath & Body Works makes a Frozen Lake reed diffuser that contains essential oils like eucalyptus, pine, and lavender to evoke the crisp, wintry aroma of a frozen lake.
Essential oil blends are another alternative for enjoying the frozen lake scent. Mixing a few drops each of eucalyptus, pine, peppermint, and lavender essential oils into an aromatherapy diffuser or carrier oil can mimic the refreshing coolness of a frozen lake. This blend can also be added to lotions, shower gels, or bath bombs to layer the scent.
For a quick scent boost, Bath & Body Works and other brands make frozen lake inspired room sprays. These spritzes offer an instant icy aroma when sprayed in the air. Keep one on hand to revive the frozen lake ambiance whenever desired. With reed diffusers, essential oils, and room sprays, candle lovers can still benefit from the crisp, tranquil scent of a frozen lake without an open flame.
Conclusion
In summary, candles that evoke the scent of a frozen lake typically contain notes of mint, pine, eucalyptus, and other wintery aromas. These scents can transport you to the feeling of standing alongside a frozen body of water on a cold, crisp day. The most popular frozen lake candles combine these notes with hints of smoke and vanilla to add depth and balance. While you can make your own frozen lake candle at home, it’s best to take safety precautions and ensure proper ventilation. Lighting a frozen lake scented candle can provide calming and refreshing benefits. But there are also alternatives like essential oil diffusers if candles aren’t your preference. In closing, frozen lake candles offer an immersive sensory experience reminiscent of the great outdoors in wintertime. They provide a wonderful way to bring the essence of nature indoors.