We are inching closer to the “BER” months of the year. A short 15 days as I’m writing this! Maybe that’s why I’m beginning to feel a pull toward the cozy season. 

And you know what that means—time to fill the house with those comforting scents that make you want to curl up with a cup of cider and a good book!

The crisp, woodland aroma of juniper essential oil, citrusy orange oil notes, and a warm hug of cinnamon does just the trick. Blended into natural soy wax and poured into little stars that sparkle these essential oil wax melts are as luminous as the night’s sky. 

So, pour yourself a cup of hot cider and grab a soft blanket because I’m sharing the secret to how to make wax melts sparkle, shimmer, and shine. 

It’s easy to create cozy vibes with the warmth of orange, juniper, and cinnamon star-shaped wax melts shimmering as they melt. The trick is to sprinkle gold flakes into a silicone mold before pouring the candle wax. 

When you sprinkle it before pouring the wax, it will stick to the outside surface of each wax melt. It’s the easy way to make wax melts shimmer! 

Can you put gold leaf in wax melts? I also questioned if it was safe to put gold flakes in candle melts. Then I learned that gold leaf can be used in both candles and melts because it doesn’t melt below 1,950° degrees Fahrenheit! 

Just make sure you’re using genuine gold flakes. You’ll know it’s genuine when its edible gold leaf. 

What about glitter – is it safe to put glitter in wax melts?

Yes and No. It depends on the type of glitter. Traditional craft glitter, often made from plastic, is NOT SAFE for wax melts. It can release toxic chemicals or even pose a fire hazard when it melts! 

However, biodegradable or mica-based glitter, made specifically for candles and wax melts is safer. It’s designed to handle the heat and won’t release harmful fumes. So yes, if you use glitter made for candle-making, it’s safe to add that sparkle to your wax melts! Just be sure to use the right kind.

These essential oil wax melts have an aroma that wraps you in a blanket of crisp forest air, with warm spicy notes of steaming hot cider. Perfect for a cozy night at home when the weather cools and the evenings grow longer.

The key is knowing how much essential oil to use in wax melts. Adding 50 drops of essential oil per every ¼ pound of candle wax is recommended.

Yes! When you add too much essential oil to wax mels they will sweat with an oily surface.

Adding more than a 10 to 12 percent fragrance load can cause a whole lot of problems. Like discolored wax or goop (is that word?) that won’t hold its shape.

A lot can go wrong when you don’t get this right! 

If you have never made wax melts or are wondering what makes soy wax melts different from others, let me explain. 

Soy wax has a lower melting point than beeswax. Soy melts at around 120°F (49°C), while beeswax has a higher melting point between 144-149°F (62-65°C). This makes soy wax a bit softer and easier to melt, which is why it’s often preferred for wax melts.

The same can be said for paraffin wax that typically melts between 130-160°F (54-71°C). Paraffin is also less eco-friendly because it’s derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, that can release harmful chemicals when burned.

Soy wax, like beeswax burns cleaner, which is a win for both the environment and indoor air quality. But, at the lower melting point of soy, the fragrance of a candle or wax melt is released faster. 

And when you follow my tips below for wax melt use, you’ll enjoy the scent of your homemade wax melts faster and longer than others!

Creating Sparkly Soy Wax Melts

Wax melts have never looked so pretty, handmade with a dusting of gold that sparkles and shimmers. Learn this safe technique that gives each wax melt star a luminous effect. 

Step 1: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of genuine gold flakes or biodegradable glitter across each section of the star silicone mold. Set aside.

Step 2: Place a glass liquid measuring cup on a digital kitchen scale. Tap tare weight and measure 1.5 ounces of soy wax.

Step 3: Next, place the glass measuring cup of wax inside the microwave to melt. I love how these soy wax beads quickly melt so that you can craft them in a short amount of time! (Only do this if your candle wax is microwavable.)

Step 4: Melt the wax beads in two 25-second intervals in the microwave. Then, carefully remove the pitcher from the microwave and set it on a hot pad. 

Step 5: Use a no-touch infrared thermometer to monitor the wax temperature. When the temperature is 150°F, add 30 drops of cinnamon, 40 drops of juniper, and 20 drops of orange essential oil into the melted wax. 

Step 6: Slowly stir for 1 to 2 minutes to thoroughly incorporate the essential oil. 

Step 7: Then, carefully pour the wax into each cavity and allow the candle melts to cure in the mold for at least 1 hour. Wait 24 hours after popping out each star before use.