At first glance, the Makesy a Wish Candle-Making Kit is so wholesome it belongs in the first 20 minutes of 13 Going on 30. With ingredients to make one 12-ounce candle, along with two pens to write a wish onto the wooden wick before pouring it, it’s just the thing you could see Jenna Rink making before wishing herself older.
It’s sweet, but at $55, it was too steep for me to consider trying out. And then I saw it marked down to $20, as it’s being (sadly) discontinued. At $20, the price is right to try out the kit—and get an affordable take on some of Makesy’s top products, such as its signature wooden wicks, candlemaker-beloved Aura vessels and bestselling dark rose and labdanum fragrance oil.
I’d seen many a maker rave about Makesy’s products, but they’ve also grumbled about the prices (and how steep, as a result, your pricing needs to be, should you choose to sell any candles you make with them). There are so many people who swear by the Aura vessel, in particular, which made me wonder if the colorful-yet-restrained glass jars could really be nicer than similar styles I’ve seen in bulk sold on Alibaba, Amazon and the like.
After buying multiple waxes, three different vessels and nearly half a dozen fragrance oils, I have to say: Makesy a Wish is the best combination of the bunch. It’s a shame it’s being discontinued.
While I like the Makesy Candle Makers Starter Kit for its overall value—you get to make two 9-ounce candles in Makesy’s Glam Tins, which are sleek, sturdy and low-stress to ship, and it comes with a pouring pitcher—I have to say, this one produces better results overall.
First, Let’s Talk About the Wax
The Supernatural Soy wax included with the Starter Kit tended to get pockmarked and tunnel, and the hot throw was pretty mild, compared to most candles I’ve made.
The Makesy a Wish Kit uses Nature Wax, a blend of soy and palm oil that burns evenly and has a much stronger hot throw, filling even my living room with its sultry, floral scent. While I preferred this wax, what’s interesting—and maybe this is part of the reason it’s being discontinued—you can’t seem to buy Nature Wax anywhere on the site. In fact, it’s hard to find any mention of it, anywhere, outside of this kit.
Second, About That Scent
I’m not a rose person, but this fragrance oil makes me rethink my stance. Described as having a “rich and velvety essence,” the rose is a bit more herbal and less potpourri-ish, and the labdanum adds a warm, musky note. It’s more elevated than your typical floral scent; a bit darker and moodier.
I’ve been burned by a few other Makesy fragrance oils—particularly the Sleep and Focus scents, which are almost medicinal in their odor. I love Vanilla Gelato and Waffle Cone for its warm vanilla and boardwalk-in-the-summer vibe, but it’s much weaker than other brands’ oils with similar notes. Dark Rose and Labdanum was sweet redemption.
Third, the Aura Vessel
I get the hype surrounding this candle vessel—it’s sturdy and thick-walled, with a heft and matte finish that radiates luxury. It’s also a decent size for a candle that will cost $20+ to sell, should you decide to buy them in bulk and make your own.
If you’re just using this kit as a one-off candle to enjoy at home, you won’t be disappointed.
Finally, the Kit Itself
Honestly, the Makesy a Wish Kit is so charming. It’s remarkably easy to use—you jot a wish or note onto the wooden wick, then you pop the wick into a wick clip, and add a sticker to the bottom to stick it to the inside of the Aura vessel.
Then, like Siblings candle kits, you put the bag of wax in the microwave, heating it for a few minutes, stirring, then heating until it’s fully melted. Pour in the fragrance oil, give it two minutes’ worth of stirring to let the fragrance molecules adhere to the wax, then pour and let it cure for at least a day before lighting.
As earnest as it is, I love the wish-making aspect of this candle. It creates a satisfying ritual, where you take a moment to get clear on a goal, dream or intention and commit to writing it down. Then, every time you light the candle, you’re reminded of it. That may not be enough to make that wish come true, but it could be the catalyst to get you to keep taking steps toward it.
The Verdict: Which Makesy Products Are Worth Buying?
So, while the Makesy a Wish Kit will only be available for a little while longer, I’d recommend trying out some of the component parts, like the fragrance oil and wick. The Aura vessels are stunning, though I don’t know if they’re worth their a la carte (or even bulk) cost. I’d prefer a style that feels less ubiquitous at that price point, that’d make my candles stand out a bit more. But that’s just me; the aesthetic is pretty versatile and timeless.
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