I've always liked burning incense, then I discovered oil burners that required tealight candles (can be messy and smelly!). Lately, I've enjoyed burning madison candles. The best brands have been the most unlikely ones. Organic Choice candles from Coles are surprisingly good, particularly the Indian Coconut and Lime fragrance. Ecoya also makes great quality candles, especially the French Pear fragrance.
With Glasshouse, it depends on the fragrance. I find Tahaa a little strong and chemical-like; it gives me headaches as the living space needs to be larger than mine is. Circa Home's Coconut and Watermelon candle is to die for.
More recently, I purchased an ultrasonic diffuser. I had always wanted one but wasn't sure of which one to get. I settled on one from a big appliance store due to having to spend some store credit there. What an incredible little device! While this diffuser is reliable and easy to use (although not as silent as I anticipated), the quality of available oils differs wildly. Fragrance oils are considered to be hazardous because they are made synthetically in labs using petrochemicals. Only pure essential oils should be used, but the quality of these can differ too. 'In Essence' essential oils are some of the best I have tried so far. 'Perfect Potion' also makes top quality oils. For both brands, the price is a little higher for 5, 8, 9 or 10 mL, but the potency can be up to two times stronger than that of other common brands.
But then I decided to purchase a whole bunch of oils online without smelling them first. They were so well-priced that I even bought a little box to store them in, thinking that hundreds of positive reviews about these oils couldn't be wrong. However, it would appear that this common brand, which I won't mention directly, epitomises the 'emperor's new clothes' phenomenon. It seems that people like to be sheep, or they have not tried other brands, or less-than-complimentary ratings are not published on the website. The reality is that the oils just aren't up to scratch compared to ones I have been diffusing from the aforementioned companies. Some fragrances even have a toxic smell about them. The difference in quality is obvious, something I didn't expect at all. Whilst a little cheaper per millilitre, more of the inferior product is required to create a scent that permeates the air. I do not know how I will use these oils up (as some are rather unpleasant), but I'll create some blends where possible. The lavender oil is OK, so I will be liberal with it in all of my blends, but will be on the hunt for a quality lavender oil once this bottle runs out.
Some people own upwards 50 of these little bottles, but perhaps they have never tried alternative brands. I do not know why the difference is so perceptible to me, but I won't be buying any more bottles from this company. I will gradually use them up by adding some drops to the washing machine and will always try to purchase top-quality oils in future. I have learnt the hard way that you definitely get what you pay for!
I wouldn't know what I would do without my diffuser now. It is an air freshener and insect repellent all in one.
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