Candle powder, also called pearled wax or sand wax, is candle wax in small grains that you pour into a jar or bowl, push a wick into and light, with nothing to melt or mould. It suits anyone who wants a quick home-made candle, a candle you can refresh, or matching table decor for an event. At Buyrouth, a 1 kg pack with 20 wicks costs $13 in five colours, a glass jar for powder candles $7, 20 spare wicks $4 and a 5 kg bucket $70.
Powder candles vs poured wax candles
A poured candle is made by melting wax, pouring it hot around a wick and waiting for it to set. Candle powder skips all of that: the pearls pour like sand, and when you light the wick, the flame melts only a small pool of wax around it while the rest stays loose.
- No melting: no stove, no hot wax and no waiting.
- Any shape: the pearls take the shape of the container, from a small jar to a wide bowl.
- Refreshable: remove the used wick, top up the pearls and add a new wick instead of throwing the candle away.
What you need
- Pearled Sand Wax Candle Powder with Wicks ($13): 1 kg of pearled sand wax and 20 wicks, in White, Black, Red, Green or Nude.
- Glass Jar for Powder Candle ($7): 85 × 100 mm. A jar, bowl or glass of your own also works if it can take heat.
- Sand Candle Wicks Pack of 20 ($4): spare wicks for sand candles.
- 5kg Sand Wax Pearled Candle Bucket ($70): 5 kg of pearled sand wax for bigger projects or events, gently scented according to the supplier. Wicks and containers are not included.
See everything in Candles & Accessories.
How to make a powder candle step by step
- Choose the container: the glass jar, or another clean, dry jar, bowl or glass that can take heat and sits flat.
- Pour in the pearls: fill it, leaving a little space below the rim, and tap it gently to level the surface.
- Add the wick: push it straight down into the centre, leaving a short tip above the pearls. In a wide bowl, use several wicks spaced well apart.
- Light it on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Blow it out when you're done, and let it cool before you touch or move it.
For a layered look, pour two colours in layers in a glass jar.
How long a powder candle burns
Burn time depends on the size of the container, how many wicks you burn at once and how long you keep them lit. Because you can lift out a used wick, top up the pearls and add a new wick, the same candle keeps going over many evenings. For the 5 kg bucket, the supplier says the pearls burn slower than traditional candles.
Refreshing and reusing the wax
When a wick has burned down, let the candle cool, then lift out the used wick together with the hardened wax around it. Top up with fresh pearls, level the surface and push in a new wick: the candle looks new again.
Candle safety basics
- Never leave a burning candle unattended, and blow it out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Keep candles away from curtains and anything else that can catch fire, and out of reach of children and pets.
- Don't move a lit candle. Glass gets hot, so let it cool first.
Gift and event ideas
- Table centrepieces: wide bowls or matching jars for weddings, engagements or dinners.
- Colour themes: match the decor with one of the five colours, such as red and green for Christmas.
- A gift set: the 1 kg pack with a glass jar makes a ready-to-make candle gift for $20.
Buying from Buyrouth
Standard delivery costs $5 and takes 2 to 5 working days to all of Lebanon, free on orders of $75 or more. Fast delivery costs $8: within 24 hours in Beirut and 72 hours outside. Pay cash on delivery or by card, or pick up from Sin El Fil between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Returns: request a return within 48 hours of receiving your order. Defective or damaged items are always accepted and exchanged free. For a change of mind, the item must be unopened and sealed, and you pay the delivery both ways. Clearance items can't be returned for a change of mind. See the refund policy.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to melt candle powder?
No. Pour the pearls into a container, add a wick and light it. Only a small pool around the flame melts as it burns.
How long does a powder candle burn?
It depends on the container, the number of wicks and how you use it. When a wick burns down, top up the pearls and add a new wick to keep the candle going.
Can you reuse sand wax?
Yes. Remove the used wick with the hardened wax around it, top up with fresh pearls and add a new wick.
What container can I use for a powder candle?
Any jar, bowl or glass that can take heat. Avoid plastic, wood or paper.
Does the 5 kg bucket come with wicks?
No, wicks and containers are not included. Add the Sand Candle Wicks Pack of 20.