I’ve written this candle glossary for those who wish to know more about candles. If there are terms I haven’t included here, just let me know in the comments. Enjoy! 
Types of candles:
Container candle – Candle that is made by pouring wax into a container, usually metal or heat-resistant glass. Waxes that are used to make container candles are usually softer than waxes used for molded candles, and can generally hold more fragrance.
Gel candle – Clear, translucent candles made of a specially formulated candle gel containing mineral oil and polymer resin.
Molded candle – Candle that is made using a mold. Includes pillars and some tapers and votives. Molded candles can be many different shapes and sizes. Waxes used to make molded candles tend to be harder than waxes used for container candles, and typically cannot hold as much fragrance.
Pillar – Free-standing candle that is typically 2”-4” in diameter (can be larger or smaller too). Made using a mold. Can have single or multiple wicks.
Taper – Free-standing skinny candle. Made in a mold or by dipping.
Tart/melt – Wickless scented wax that is melted in a tart warmer to release fragrance.
Tea light – Small container candle, usually in an aluminum or heat-resistant plastic container. Typically measures 1 ½ inches in diameter by ¾ inch high.
Votive – Small candle that is meant to be burned within a tight-fitting votive candle holder. Typically about 1 ½ inches in diameter by 2 inches high, although size can vary.
Other candle-related terms:
Additives – Chemical, such as stearic acid or Vybar, added to wax to enhance certain properties of the wax, such as hardness, opacity, and fragrance capacity.
Base notes – Scent that lingers the longest in a perfume or fragrance.
Beeswax – Natural wax derived from honeycomb. Not a vegan product.
Carving – Technique for enhancing a candle’s appearance. Carving is usually done to a candle that has been dipped in many layers of different colored wax.
Cold throw – Scent of a candle when it is not lit. The “throw” refers to the strength of the scent and how far it carries.
Dipping – Traditional technique for making candles. Wick is repeatedly dipped into a vat of molten wax to form a candle layer-by-layer.
Dye – Used to color candles. Usually refers to colorants that dissolve completely when added to wax.
Essential oil – Very concentrated oil, extracted from various plants, used to scent products. Also used in aromatherapy.
Fragrance oil – Synthetic oil used to scent products such as candles.
Hot throw – The scent a candle gives off when it is lit. The “throw” refers to the strength of the scent and how far it carries.
Mottled – A texture given to some pillar and votive candles.
Paraffin – Wax derived from petroleum.
Pigment – Colorant used in candles. Consists of suspended particles in the candle wax.
Top notes – First odors that are detected in a perfume or fragrance.
Wax – Insoluble, flammable substance derived from any number of oils, including palm kernel oil, soybean oil, or petroleum oil.
Wick – Probably the most important part of the candle. Provides fuel for the flame. Can be made of a wide variety of materials, including cotton, wood, paper, or hemp.
micheledodge
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