Scented candles are an ideal way to achieve true holistic wellbeing. They have the ability to transform a space using scent only, and create an environment to help us feel secure, comfortable and relaxed. The scent you choose can be selected to suit your mood, from creating a warming cosy feel through to an uplifting ambience to bring energy into your sanctuary.

Did you know there are Dos and Don’ts when it comes to getting the best out of your Scented Candles?

Of course, some are obvious – there for safety reasons such as never leaving a candle unattended or burning them around children. But there are also some lesser-known scented candle tips that will help make your candles to smell better, last longer, and burn more evenly.

1. READ THE FINE PRINT

Yes, candles normally carry a warning label, usually on the base of the candle itself or the box it came in. Get started by reading the label, which will outline all the important safety advice you should know about that particular product.

This info may vary from candle to candle, depending on its size, volume, wax, wick type and number of wicks, so it’s important to take a moment to read this with any new candle you purchase.

2. BURNING TIME MATTERS

You should never light a candle for 10 minutes only. This causes a narrow pooling of wax around the wick. Natio Scented Candles are designed to be used for between 1-3 hours, especially on the first use. This ensures an even, clean burn for the rest of your candle’s life.

3. WATCH THE WAX

As the candle burns, wax will naturally melt and pool around the wick. Did you know it’s important to keep an eye on the amount of liquid wax in your candle? If there is too much (more than around 12mm), it can cause your candle to crack.

TIP: If the wax does start to pool around the wick, simply extinguish the candle and allow the wax to become solid before using it again. 

4. WATCH THE WICKS

Candle wicks needs to be kept in top shape. All this takes is a little trim now and then.

Ideally you want to keep your wicks no longer than 7mm – any longer and they will burn too quickly and cause the sooting black smoke you may have seen on the inside of a candle jar.

Once the wick needs a trim, just snip it back with a pair of scissors or specialist wick trimmer. 

5. EXTINGUSH SAFELY

This may seem obvious – but you should never use the lid of a scented candle to extinguish it (by placing it back on top of the candle while still burning). Always blow a candle out, or use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame.

6. KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

How do you know when that time comes? A candle has come to the end of its life (for burning, at least) once the amount of solid wax gets down to 13mm. The jars can still be handy though. Empty the remaining wax by freezing the candle overnight, then simply tipping it upside down. The (now shrunken) remaining wax should tip right out. If it doesn’t, all it needs it a gentle push with a spoon on one side of the wax to remove the waxy disc.

Now continue using the empty vessel for storage or even as a vase for small flower arrangements and continue to fill your home with the beautiful, blissful scents of nature.

Other safety tips

• Do not leave candles burning unattended
• Do not use candles around children or pets
• Do not use under curtains, blinds, plants, near flammable items or in draughty areas
• Do not move while burning or while wax is still liquid
• Store candles in a cool, dry, preferably dark environment
• When not in use store with the lid secured

Natio Scented Candles

• Are Made in Australia
• Are refined with natural Essential Oils
• Use lead-free cotton wicks and a natural Soy-blend wax
• Have up to 50 hours burn time
• Are housed in a timeless matte white glass vessel

The beauty of essential oils lies in their simplicity and versatility. With Natio’s 100% pure and natural essential oils you can dream up any number of scent combinations to suit every mood, room and occasion to blend together, diffuse with ease and create a feeling of total wellbeing.

tips for creating the essential blend

Similarly to perfumes, essential oils are grouped into scent types - floral, woody, menthol, herbal and citrus, as well as scent notes - 'top', 'middle' and 'base', which when combined create a well-balanced fragrance that lift the mood and calm the mind. To capture the perfectly balanced essence of mother nature, try blending together floral and citrus scents, or menthol and woody oils to create a captivating, harmonious, unique fragrance.

• Floral Essential Oils - Geranium, Lavender
• Woody Essential Oils -  Cedarwood
• Menthol Essential Oils - Eucalyptus, Peppermint
• Citrus Essential Oils - Lemon, Lemon Myrtle, Orange Sweet
• Herbal Essential Oils - Lemongrass

Ideally your essential oil blend contains a top, middle and base note, allowing for a balanced blend that is pleasing to the senses. The best way to think of a top note is something that is light and subtle that evaporates quickly. The middle note makes up the bulk of the fragrance, with the scent becoming apparent under the top note. Finally, the base note is the heaviest scent and the slowest to disperse; the scent you a left with the longest.

• Top notes - Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Orange Sweet, Peppermint
• Middle notes - Geranium, Lavender
• Base notes - Cedarwood

Creating your own unique essential oil combination is as simple as following the tips listed below:

• Regardless of application, start by mixing 10 drops of essential oils in total, in a clean bowl or bottle. Small amber glass bottles are ideal as they ensure oils are not exposed to direct sunlight or have the chance evaporate quickly.
• Follow the 30:50:20 ratio when mixing scent notes - 30% top note (3 drops), 50% middle note (5 drops) and 20% base note (2 drops), label each new blend clearly.
• Essential oil blends perform best after 'resting' for a day or so, this will allow the oils to blend and harmonise fully.
• If you plan on using your essential oil blend as part of a skin or body treatment, it must first be diluted (pure essential oils should not be used directly on the skin). Do this easily by adding 1 drop of your essential oil blend to 1 teaspoon of your favourite carrier oil. For sensitive skin, add 1 drop of your essential oils blend to 1 tablespoon of your favourite carrier oil. Some common carrier oils are Jojoba or Sweet Almond.
• Your unique essential oil blend can now be added to your diffuser, a relaxing bath, applied as a luxurious skin treatment or used for a soothing massage - the possibilities for enjoyment are endless.

To deep dive into our entire 100% pure, natural Essential Oil range click the link to learn more about the individual benefits and scent profiles: https://www.natio.com.au/collections/essential-oil

essential oils recipe guide & blending tips

Create your favourite scent blend by mixing Natio's essential oils to help de-stress, relieve pain, refresh the body and calm the mind. When mixing oils, woody scents and citrus fragrances always blend well together. Stronger scents such as Peppermint and Cedarwood can overpower a scent blend, however this is easily remedied with a hint of Lemon or Lavender. Just like anything new, with practice you will learn and gain confidence creating your own personal scent preferences.

Of course, essential oils don’t need to be blended together - they can always be enjoyed as a single, pure aromatic scent. And if you enjoy the complexity of blended oils but would like the guesswork taken out of process, consider Natio’s range of Essential Oil Blends. This curated range of oils features multiple 100% pure essential oils beautifully blended in each bottle, to create inspiring natural scents for you to enjoy.

Though nothing truly compares to a professional massage, you can certainly benefit from more regular DIY massage in the comfort of your home. In this guide, we share tips for treating yourself or your partner to a papering massage using Natio’s nourishing Massage Oils.

Before you even begin, remember that a good massage starts with a tranquil and cosy environment. Make sure the room is warm and comfortable to help your body relax. Create a serene atmosphere using low lighting, soft music or by diffusing essential oils to envelop the room in naturally calming scents.

Another tip before beginning your massage is to gently wipe the area of the body being massaged with a damp, warm hand towel. Make sure both the massage oil and your hands are warm; you can heat a little oil in your hands by rubbing them together before placing on the body. Use just enough oil to prevent friction, but not so much that hands become too slippery and hard to control.

Consider your breathing during a massage. Breathe deeply during the massage to help further calm the body and mind. And there are some times to avoid massage, including just after eating, if you are injured, dizzy, have a temperature, suffer chronic pain or if you are pregnant.

1. choose your application

1. Face Massage

Facial massage is easy to do yourself and can be incorporated into your nightly routine using your favourite face oil or one of the carrier oils from Natio's Home Happiness range. Like any other type of massage, this rejuvenating ritual helps gently stimulate blood flow, relax and tone facial muscles, release tension and awaken the senses. As a bonus, working a nourishing oil into the skin also helps deeply moisturise the complexion and improve radiance.

• After cleansing, smooth a Natio Carrier Oil of your choice over the face and neck with warm hands and work it into the skin. Always use a soft and gentle touch when massaging the delicate facial area, mixing circular strokes with soft sweeping movements and gentle acupressure, lightly pushing, pressing and tapping the skin without dragging or pulling.
• Using gentle but firm pressure, massage down the jaw and neck, moving out along the collarbones.
• With your forefinger and middle finger, gently apply pressure in front and behind your ears in long downwards strokes, continuing out along the jaw.
• For the lightest pressure, use your ring finger to lightly trace circles or softly tap along your eyebrows and under your eyes.
• Massage down either side of your nose and sweep out over your cheekbones.
• Finish by massaging your forehead, moving out over your temples to release tension.
• You can massage your face daily or weekly, for as short or as long as you have time for.

2. Hand Massage

From eating, dressing and typing to doing the dishes, hands rarely rest, making them one of our most hard-working body parts. Hand reflexology is a great way to relieve tension after a hard day's work and something you can easily do yourself while relaxing on the couch or even in a warm bath.

• Start by shaking your hands and wiggling your fingers.
• Stretch hands by extending your fingers as wide as possible and releasing.
• Bend your wrists, flexing hands up and down.
• Press each finger into the palm of the opposite hand, gently bending your fingers back.
• Apply a few drops of the Natio Massage Oil of your choice to your palm and slowly massage out along each finger.
• Pinch the tips of each finger, holding for a few moments with your index finger and thumb.
• Squeeze the sides of each finger, holding for a few moments with your index finger and thumb.
• Using the opposite thumb, knuckles or heel of the hand, knead the palm of the hand. Pay extra attention to the pressure point between your index finger and thumb, massaging and applying gentle pressure to the area with your thumb and index finger.
• Applying light pressure, glide your fingers in gentle, flowing, upward motions from the wrist along the arm up to the elbow. Repeat the motion along the back of the hand upwards towards the elbow.
• Repeat the steps on the opposite hand. 

3. Foot Massage

Your feet do a lot of work every day - whether you are chasing after children, wearing your favourite heels or your job keeps you on your feet all day. A foot massage is not only delightfully relaxing, it can also help soothe soreness, improve blood circulation and increase your energy levels.

• Prepare a luxurious foot bath by adding 3-6 drops of your favourite essential oil to small amount of carrier oil and stirring through a large bowl of warm water.
• Soak feet in a warm foot bath for 10-15 minutes to soften skin and relax the body. Alternatively, rinse feet with warm soapy water, then pat dry.
• Place feet on pillow or towel roll for comfort
• Warm the Relaxation Massage Oil or Sports & Muscle Recovery Massage Oil between your hands and begin with long soothing strokes over the top of the foot, working from the ankle to the toes.
• Using the heel of your palm apply gently pressure in slow motions up the sole of the foot.
• Using your thumbs, circle over the heel of the foot, massing up the arch to the toes.
• Cupping the heel of the foot in one hand, gently flex the foot up and down to loosen any stiffness in the ankle joints. Then gently massage around the ankle bone in circular motions.
• Spend some time massaging each toe. With your thumb on top and your index finger underneath the toe, slide your thumb and finger over each toe, in a gentle pulling motion.
• Repeat the steps on the opposite foot.

4. Relaxation Massage

A common place to hold tension and stress is through the neck, shoulders and back from working long hours hunched over computers or looking at phones. A relaxation massage is ideal to help a loved one relax, relieve muscle tension and help induce sleep.

• Ask the recipient to lie down and take a few deep breaths while you warm the Massage Oil between your palms.
• Using long, sweeping strokes massage from the glutes to the upper back with the palm of your hand or fingertips.
• Keeping hands on either side of the spine, move out over the shoulders in sweeping, circular motions.
• In areas where you feel tension, apply some pressure and slowly release, easing out over the tightened area to gently relax the muscle.
• Massage down the arms and hands in soothing, sweeping motions, focusing on one arm and hand at a time.
• Using long, flowing strokes move over the back of the legs, working from the calf up to the thigh and back down again wrapping your hands over the feet and massaging the soles with your thumbs.
• Ask your recipient to turn over and lie on their back, placing a pillow underneath their head for support. Gently knead their shoulders, moving your thumbs in small circular motions either side of the spine, up the neck to the hair line.
• Finish with a relaxing head massage, spreading fingers out over the scalp in soft circular movements.

5. Sport Massage

Sports massage tends to be more targeted than relaxation massage, focusing on specific muscle groups of the body. Often excessive or repetitive exercise can result in tired and aching muscles, especially through the legs. A sports massage is ideal to help relieve muscle tension and induce sleep.

• Follow all the steps given above, but target specific areas that may be sore from physical activity. Spend longer massaging these muscles to help relieve tension or soreness. A Sports & Muscle Recovery massage can target specific areas of the body sore from physical activity.

2. choose your massage oil

Now that you know the basics of massage you’re almost ready to get started. All that’s left is to select which Natio Massage Oil to use.

Both are silky and non-sticky in a deeply moisturising Sesame Oil base, rich in Vitamin E to nourish the skin as you massage. Blended with essential oils to enhance the senses, ease away stress and tension.

• Relaxation Massage Oil – For all skin types. With Lavender and Rose Oil. Often used to calm and soothe.
• Sports & Muscle Recovery Oil – For all skin types. With Rosemary, Cinnamon and Wintergreen Oil – a slightly more peppery, botanical scent.

Massage information provided with assistance from massage experts, Marigold Relaxation

100% pure and natural, Natio's essential oils instantly fill any room with the serene scents of nature. Unlike synthetic fragrances, the mood-enhancing aromas also have profound benefits for your wellbeing. They can boost your mood or calm your mind, relax or uplift, and easily create an ideal environment in any room of your home.

To use essential oils for home fragrance, simply follow the 3 steps below:

1. Choose your delivery method

Essential Oil Diffuser
Choose from the Ultrasonic Diffuser, the more compact, USB-powered Aromatic Diffuser or the luxury glass-topped Ambient Diffuser from Natio’s range. All three will instantly diffuse oil molecules without any heat, and feature different run times or light and mist settings. With automatic power-off functions, they are safe to use with confidence at home.

Choose from Wellbeing Sleepy Blend Mist or Wellbeing Happy Blend Mist Scent Spray Mists and instantly refresh and fragrance a room with the blissful scents of nature. Infused with calming plant extracts and essential oils to create an aura of peace and tranquility with just a few light spritzes.

2. Choose your scent

Essential Oils
Natio's 100% pure natural essential oils range from floral and fruity to citrus, herbal and woody. All oils can be used singularly, or you can mix 2-3 oils together to use in your diffuser. 

Essential Oil Blends
Natio's pre-mixed essential oil blends combine multiple essential oils in each blend. 

3. Get Started

Essential Oil Diffusers
Fill the water tank of your diffuser with cold water and add 3-6 drops of your favourite essential oil or blend. Replace the hood and simply plug in and turn on to enjoy pure and natural aromatics to benefit the body, mind and home.

Home Scent Spray Mist
Shake the bottle well before use. Then hold upright, pump and spray into the air as often as desired. Avoid spraying towards face or onto delicate surfaces. Spritz around the house to refresh a space while also invigorating your senses.

Moisturising, balancing and rejuvenating, essential oils have many skin benefits, in addition to their ability to boost the mood or calm the senses. To use essential oils for creating your own skin-friendly beauty care, simply follow the below steps, remembering that as they are highly concentrated, essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil before application.

1. choose your carrier oil

Essential oils can easily be mixed in one of Natio’s plant-based carrier oils, which dilutes the highly concentrated oils into something which can safely be applied directly to the face.

Choose from:

Jojoba Carrier Oil: this pure, cold-pressed plant oil suits all skin types. Jojoba closely resembles the skin's natural oils, enabling it to absorb quickly without clogging pores. Rich in Vitamins B, C and E, Jojoba Oil is deeply moisturising and can help target stretch marks, acne and the visible signs of ageing over time.

Sweet Almond Carrier Oil: rejuvenate and condition your skin with this deeply moisturising, 100% pure cold-pressed plant oil, naturally rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids. For all skin types. Helps to hydrate and soothe the skin.

2. choose your essential oil

Natio's essential oils range from floral and fruity to citrus, herbal and woody. Oils are 100% pure and natural, and have a range of benefits for the skin, soul and senses. Each one can be used singularly or mixed to create your own unique blend.

3. choose your application method

1. Moisturising treatment
Add 1 drop of your favourite essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (or one tablespoon for sensitive skin) and warm between the palms of your hands. Using slow, circular motions, gently massage oil into the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Ensure the oil has time to absorb then wipe away any excess with a cotton wipe, leaving skin silky smooth and moisturised.

2. Cleansing oil
Add 1 drop of your favourite essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (or one tablespoon for sensitive skin) and warm between the palms of your hands. Avoiding the eye area, gently massage over the face in long, slow motions. Soak a cloth in warm, steamy water and wring out excess. Then once the oil has absorbed into your skin, press the cloth into your face and hold for a moment until it cools. Gently wipe away excess oil and impurities. Rinse cloth well and repeat as needed until skin feels clean and refreshed.

3. Swab
Add (maximum 2 drops of) 2-3 of your favourite essential oils to a basin of warm water with some carrier oil. Mix thoroughly to disperse oil, then dab onto targeted areas of the face with a cotton wipe and directly benefit from the essential oil properties. Be careful to avoid the eye area.

4. Compress
Choose your favourite essential oil, or mix 2-3 essential oils together (using 2 drops of each only) and add with a carrier oil to a basin of warm water. Mix thoroughly to disperse oil, then soak a face cloth in the water and wring out excess. Bathe the face with cloth for a few seconds, avoiding the eye area, and repeat until skin feels soft and refreshed.

Essential oils can be used to provide natural nourishment from head to toe. Try one of Natio’s luxurious massage oils or mix your favourite essential oils with one of Natio’s pure plant carrier oils to create your very own, all-natural bath, body or hair treatment.

1. choose your application 

1. Body Moisturiser Add 3-6 drops of your favourite essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and warm between the palms of your hands (for sensitive skin use half the amount of essential oil). Using long, slow motions gently massage oil into the skin, allowing time to absorb for smooth, supple skin tip to toe.

2. Aromatic bath Help relax the mind and nourish the skin with this luxurious bath-time experience. Simply mix 3-6 drops of your favourite essential oil with a small amount of your favourite carrier oil and swirl into a bath. Then sit back, relax and enjoy the aromatics and softening natural moisturisers as you bathe.

3. Foot bath To help soften and relieve dry, tired feet, choose your favourite essential oil and add 3-6 drops into a foot bath or large bowl of warm water with a small amount of carrier oil. Immerse your feet for at least 15 minutes to allow the natural oils to nurture both skin and soul.

4. Hair & scalp treatment Mix 4-6 drops of essential oil with 100ml of warm water and rinse through clean damp hair for added shine and lustre. Follow by shampooing and conditioning hair as normal. For a deep conditioning treatment, add 3 drops of your favourite essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage through the lengths of your hair (use half the amount of essential oil for sensitive skin/scalp). Allow to absorb – approx. 10 minutes - before rinsing with water then washing.

5. Massage Select from either the Relaxation or Sports & Muscle Recovery Massage Oil. To use, warm the oil between your hands and using long, slow motions, massage oil over the skin, starting at the shoulders, neck and arms and working down the back and legs to help unwind, relax and ease muscle tension.

2. choose your carrier or massage oil

Carrier Oils
Jojoba Oil – For all skin types. Used for acne and signs of ageing, suitable for the face.

Sweet Almond Oil – For all skin types. Helps hydrate and soothe skin.

Massage Oils
Relaxation Oil – For all skin types. With Lavender and Rose Oil. Often used to calm and soothe.

Sports & Muscle Recovery Oil – For all skin types. With Rosemary, Cinnamon and Wintergreen Oil. Often used to stimulate and nurture.

3. choose your essential oil

Essential Oils
Let your mood guide you as to which essential oil you choose to incorporate into an all-natural body treatment. From floral and fruity to citrus, herbal and woody, Natio essential oils are 100% pure and natural and can be used singularly or blended with other oils.

Essential Oil Blends
Choose an essential oil blend from the Home Happiness or Focus On ranges. These pre-mixed oil blends combine multiple essential oils to help calm the body, boost the mood and promote restful sleep.

4. get started

Simply mix your favourite essential oil or essential oil blend with a carrier oil to enjoy the relaxing and nourishing benefits of full body pampering. Experience a moisturising body treatment, luxurious aromatic bath, heavenly foot bath or conditioning hair and scalp treatment. Use the pre-mixed massage oils for a full body massage and take a sensory journey with essential oils.