Our Journal
From thoughtful tips on fragrance and home living, you’ll find guides on how to enjoy our products, the stories behind our fragrances, and glimpses of life on our island home. Our journal is where we introduce you to the team behind Essence of Harris and share the inspiration that shapes everything we create.
Journal
Thank You! From All of us at Essence of Harris
(1 min read)It is no secret that the last several years have been difficult on small businesses – particularly those on remote islands like ourselves. As everyone continues to venture in this new season of uncertainty in the world – our team knows one thing is for certain, that our loyal customer base will continue to support us and our mission to showcase our island home. Our most recent Black Friday was our largest to date - this is as a thank you to all of those who love our products and continue to support us, we wanted to ensure that despite current economic circumstances, everyone had a chance to take home the scents of the Isle of Harris or buy a gift for that special someone. Your purchase from us ensures we can continue to employ local individuals and build a brand that helps sustain the economy here on the island. As we look to the new year, sustainability will remain at the forefront of our business. We recognise the pressing nature of the climate crisis and respect that our customers want to purchase products they know are not contributing to the situation. We continue to innovate new packaging and glass solutions that maintain our premium quality but are kinder to the planet. Our refill stations in both our Tarbert and Prince’s Square stores remain open, and we sell refill options for our diffusers and hand & body wash. Our followers can also expect an expansion on our home living line in 2024. We’ve begun this journey this past year with the addition of our Harris Sands blanket and matching scarf – both 100% Merino lambswool and woven in the Scottish Highlands. The pantones of this collection have been inspired by the colours of our beloved Classic collection. Merry Christmas to all of our customers, near and far!
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Transforming Princes Square
Transforming our store in Glasgow’s Princes Square We’re super excited to share the new look of our Glasgow store in Princes Square. This year we decided to bring a more experiential, Hebridean feel to the shop. Our home on the Isle of Harris is at the heart of the brand and we thought it was important that our roots could be felt in our Glasgow store too. This led us to a complete redesign. When you enter the store, you’ll now be greeted with a wash of natural tones and textures echoing those found on Harris. A combination of characterful wood paired with rich blue walls, curved smoky glass and soft lighting create an atmospheric, coastal vibe. Bespoke lighting by Midton hangs above our scent station where we invite customers to discover each unique fragrance belonging to both our ‘Classic’ and ‘Elements’ collections. From the whipping fresh saltiness of Mara to the soft, sunny warmth of Losgaintir, each hand-poured candle sits on top of the star ingredient which when blended together create our luxury scents. We’ve kept our bespoke refill station which is a popular addition to both Glasgow and Tarbert stores. Customers can bring in their empty hand and body wash and refill them for less; saving their pennies as well as the planet. For those ordering online, diffuser refills as well as hand & body refill pouches can be purchased. This reduces single-use plastics as our refills use 80% less plastic than buying new! Sustainability is something we are very passionate about and we’re constantly learning and striving to implement this into our brand. You’ll notice little nods towards this throughout the store, like our candle jars repurposed as plant pots, empty diffusers storing matches or displaying stems of refreshing eucalyptus. For us, the design is all in the detail. If you look closely at our display wall, you’ll notice the organic de-bossed shelves cast dappled shadows across the blue to which look like the reflections of light dancing across water. So much of what is special about our Island is the beauty of nature and the lifestyle which accompanies living in this remote, beautiful landscape. To celebrate our home even more, you’ll now find gorgeous products by other Hebridean creators like Ruth A Morrison, Islewear and The Resin Chapter as well as from other Scottish independents like Iona Crawford and Zoe Scott who fit with out values and aesthetic too. We can’t wait for you to visit soon and see our transformation for yourself!
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How To Care for Your Candles So They Last Longer and Burn Brighter
(4 min read) Who doesn’t love coming home to their favourite scents flowing through the air? But have you ever wondered how to get the most from your candle? With a little TLC, your candle can actually last much longer than you might think possible! Proper care and upkeep can make all the difference when it comes to the longevity of your candles. We want you to get the most from your Essence of Harris candle, so we’ve put together a few simple steps that can help you do just that. The First Burn Have you just taken your candle out of its packaging for the first time? There’s nothing quite like the excitement that comes with opening a fresh new candle and lighting it for the very first time. The first time you light your Essence of Harris candle determines how it will burn for the rest of its life. Strike a match and watch as the flame ignites the candle wick. Allow your candle to burn until the wax has melted fully to the edge of the glass. This creates an even melt pool and will stop the candle from tunnelling. Did you know soy wax has an excellent memory? by perfecting the first burn you will ensure your candle burns evenly. Your candle will remember where it is burnt up to on its first burn, and this will act as a guide for all future burns. We recommend burning your candle for no longer than four hours at a time. This prevents your candle from overheating, and ensures you experience the maximum burn time. Watch our video tutorial where we show you how to achieve the perfect burn with your Essence of Harris candle. Make Your Room Look and Feel Cosy and Inviting Create a cosy and inviting space by placing your candles in just the right spot. Lighting multiple candles is an easy way to create a relaxing atmosphere in your room with minimal effort while maximising scent throughout the room. Our Classic Collection has been beautifully designed to not only provide ambience to your space but to decorate it too. It’s best to keep your candle away from open windows and draughty areas, so if you notice the flame flickering a little more than usual, try moving your candle. When burning multiple candles, try placing them at different heights. If you have a large space, make sure to spread them so the warm glow fills your room. We recommend using the same fragrance to scent your space, to enjoy a consistent scent throw. Dressing either side of a shelf can help create balance and symmetry in your space. Keep Consistent with your Candle Care Having well-kept wicks and wax plays an important role in helping you enjoy your candle for as long as possible. And it’s super easy to stay on top of! Once your candle has an even melt pool and it’s time to put out the flame, we recommend using a candle snuffer. Don’t worry if you don’t have one to hand, you can simply blow out your candle gently. Your candle wick should be trimmed to a quarter of an inch each time before lighting. A well-trimmed wick will prevent tunnelling and help your candle burn slowly. Our wick trimmer has been designed to make this process even easier. While burning, the wick may become misshapen and look a little like a mushroom. Simply trim these off before lighting your candle next, to avoid a smoky flame. Your Candle is Almost Finished, What Now? We know it’s disappointing when your favourite candle inevitably reaches its end but take some comfort in knowing it’s time to light another. Why not take this opportunity to try a new scent! We recommend leaving a quarter of an inch of wax at the bottom of your candle. This helps prevent the bottom of the glass from overheating. Once the remaining wax is cooled it can be wiped clean, leaving you a beautiful vessel to be reused as a plant pot, stationary jar or anything else you’d like. - Whether you're looking to set an enchanting evening table for a romantic meal or snuggle up on the couch with your favourite book, now that you’ve got all our best candle care tips, you can enjoy your favourite scents for even longer. All Essence of Harris candles are made from natural soy wax, which is free from parabens and any harsh chemicals. Read our candle care guide for more information.
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How To Spend Your Summer on the Beaches of Harris
(6 minute read) Summer is a truly wonderful time to experience the Isle of Harris, and although we can't always guarantee great weather, we can guarantee that you will see gorgeous scenery, spectacular beaches and even spot some furry friends on the way. All of our beaches are incredibly unique, featuring different landscapes, sand textures and surroundings, all of which inspired our Classic Collection. Our team have put together our top recommendations for how to enjoy some of our favourite beaches on the island. This world-famous beach is a must-visit Losgaintir (English spelling 'Luskentyre') is recognised as one of the world's best beaches. Its white sand shoreline is often compared to those found in the Caribbean, and those visiting for the first time are often shocked to discover this Hebridean paradise is located just off the west coast of Scotland. Only a twenty-minute drive from Tarbert, on the west coast of Harris, Losgaintir is the perfect spot for a peaceful dog walk or a day out with friends. As you drive along the route towards the beach, you will find one of the island's many Honesty Boxes - The Luskentyre Beach Hut, which sells locally made gifts, snacks and drinks. Shortly after, you will turn round the final bend towards the beach, where you will catch a first glimpse of what’s to come. You won’t truly appreciate the beauty of Losgaintir until you walk right onto the soft white sand and dip your toes in the turquoise water. We recommend exploring the sand dunes just above the beach to take in the magnificent views from a different perspective. There aren't any places to grab a bite to eat at Losgaintir, so we recommend fuelling up before you set off. Loomshed Deli is conveniently located in the heart of Tarbert. The deli serves fresh homemade soup and sandwiches, mouth-wateringly good treats and hot drinks, making it the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch. Enjoy swimming at Seilebost With impressive views of Taransay, Losgaintir shares its crystal-clear waters with the picturesque Seilebost beach. The shallow waters extend further than other beaches on the island, which makes it a popular spot for adventure seekers to swim or even enjoy some paddleboarding. It's easy to miss the entrance to this little pocket of beauty, so keep your eyes peeled for the turn in the road. A short walk through the machair flowers will lead your toes into the soft sand of Seilebost. Although extremely close in location, Seilebost isn't as well-known as its big sister Losgaintir, so it's usually much quieter. The perfect spot for camping Another white-sand Hebridean beach is Horgabost, which shares the same crystal-clear blue-green waters as Losgaintir and Seilebost. Sheltered by the coarse landscape of Harris, the campsite at Horgabost provides the perfect location for a beach picnic or barbecue, with picnic benches located close to the beach. Horgabost is the perfect place for those looking to camp near the ocean. You can listen to the waves glide against the sand as you drift into a deep slumber. If you're lucky, you might even awaken to some new friends sleeping by your tent. Careful though; they're known to be a tad sheepish! Visit the beach where our story began On the far west coast of Harris, following an exceptionally scenic drive, you will find Huisinis. The single-track road that leads to this beach is the gateway to awe-inspiring scenery. It's no surprise our founders, Jamie and Deenie, found the inspiration for Essence of Harris while surrounded by such stunning surroundings. Huisinis is an excellent spot for water sports, such as kayaking and surfing. If you are a keen walker, the walk to Cravadale from Huisinis is an absolute must! Start the walk from behind the bird-watching tower block and follow the path along the rocky cliff edge to discover a hidden beach. If you're looking to spot some of the best wildlife in the Outer Hebrides, then Huisinis is the place to go. You might even be stopped in your tracks by a few of Huisinis' finest Highland Cows – they're known to roam wherever they please and aren't afraid to have a rest in the middle of the road. Another great camping spot where visitors can spend the night for a small donation is Huisinis campsite. The campsite even has electric hook-up points available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Watch as the sun meets the horizon at Nisabost Watch the sun melt into the horizon when you spend the evening at Nisabost. There's no better spot for watching the sun set over the island while you cosy into the rocks and enjoy a campfire with friends. If you're visiting during the day, we recommend checking out the West Harris Trust Community Centre, which often hosts events such as art exhibitions and pop-up shops. There's even a cafe where you can enjoy a bite to eat with spectacular island views. If beaches aren't your thing Don't worry if a relaxing day at the beach isn't for you. Although we are huge fans of spending time on our beautiful beaches, there is so much more to our island. The Isle of Harris has a rugged and mountainous landscape, making it a hillwalkers dream. Home to the tallest hill in the Outer Hebrides, the Clisham is one that can't be missed. Walking routes can be found on the Walk Highlands website. Explore a different side of the island by embarking on the walk from Urgha to Rhenigidale, where you'll experience the more rugged landscapes of Harris. The North Harris Trust have many guided walks across the island. You can stay up to date on their events by checking their Facebook page. Looking to venture off land for the day? Sail away from shore on a boat trip from Harris to St Kilda. These trips are popular, especially at peak times, so we'd recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Check our Sea Harris and St Kilda Tours for bookings. The Eilean Glas Rib Tour is a shorter boat trip located in Scalpay. Sightseers will be taken to see the Eilean Glas Lighthouse, and you're guaranteed to spot some local wildlife on the way. Say hello to the seals for us! Whether you are relaxing on the beach, swimming in turquoise waters, or enjoying a walk amongst the rocky landscape, please help us preserve the beauty of our island by familiarising yourself with Wilderness Scotland’s Leave No Trace Principles. No matter where you end up, we are sure you will enjoy your time here on the Isle of Harris.
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Why We Love Reed Diffusers - And Why You Will Love Them Too - in 4 Minutes
(4 min read) There’s nothing better than having a gorgeous scent permanently flowing throughout your home. Our reed diffusers are the perfect low-maintenance solution to having a long-lasting scent prominent in your home. They work particularly well in areas you want to keep scented but can’t keep a watchful eye on the open flame of a candle. They also work well to help decorate your home, filling those empty spaces. Where to place your reed diffuser: To get the most from your reed diffuser, we recommend putting it in a cosy space where you’ll be sure to notice the aroma. An entryway is the perfect setting where you and your guests will be welcomed with an inviting fragrance as you enter your home. Our Seilebost reed diffuser exudes warmth and sophistication, making a perfect addition to entryways and cosy living spaces. You’ll notice your scent much better in small rooms, so believe us when we say you won’t regret putting one in a small space. When scenting larger spaces, using multiple diffusers throughout will help you achieve a consistent fragrance and a more obvious scent throw. Create the perfect retreat in your own bedroom: We know how important it is to create a calming environment within the four walls of your bedroom. Lightly scenting your sleeping space makes it easier to relax as you unwind from busy days. The subtle notes of our Losgaintir reed diffuser will make a welcome addition to your night-time routine, whisking you away to a peaceful slumber. We said it before, and we’ll say it again, reed diffusers work well in small spaces, making bathrooms another perfect spot to place yours. Using a reed diffuser in your bathroom creates an inviting and vibrant environment for you, your family, and your guests. Choosing a crisp fresh scent will give your bathroom that much-needed boost. Our Oceana range is perfect for this, giving you that clean feeling all day long. Revitalise your kitchen: Often named the hub of the home, kitchens can be a tricky space to scent, especially after cooking. Placing a few reed diffusers can help eradicate lingering cooking smells. Filling this area with the gorgeous scent of Horgabost will bring a zesty refresh to be enjoyed by everyone. Bring positive vibes to your home office: As many of us are now working remotely, scenting your home-office, or working space will make you feel at ease throughout the day. The light and fruity notes of pink pomelo in our Huisinis reed diffuser will bring essential uplifting positive vibes. Now you know where to put your reed diffusers, here’s how to get the most from them: Our reed diffusers come sealed within their glass vessels, just pop off the top to begin scenting your home. Although fairly low maintenance, there are a few things to remember while using reed diffusers in your home. On the first use of your reed diffuser, you should allow several hours for the scent to draw up through your reeds and the scent to disperse into the air. Flipping your reeds is the most effective way to boost scent throw, when you do so is entirely up to you! Keep in mind that the more frequently you flip your reeds the quicker the oil will evaporate. Flipping your reeds may cause a drip or splash of oil here and there, using a coaster is the perfect way to protect your surfaces while decorating your display at the same time. We find that flipping all the reeds at the same time is the best way to accomplish the most consistent scent throw. If you’re looking for a more subtle scent throw, giving your reed diffuser a level swirl will give you the lightest boost. When to replenish your reeds: It is important to remember to replenish your reeds along with your oil. Over time reeds can become dusty and clogged with fragrance. Our recommendation is to replace reeds when you refill your diffuser and that’s why each Essence of Harris refill comes with a set of fresh reeds. Key points to remember: You should refrain from positioning your reed diffuser near radiators, as the heat will evaporate the oil more quickly. You should also keep the reed diffusers away from windows, as the draft may result in a loss of fragrance – we certainly don’t want that. Having reed diffusers situated throughout your home doesn’t only boost home fragrance but they are also a perfect mood booster. Whichever scent you choose, your home will become a perfectly fragranced haven. Last updated 09/10/23. *Oceana is now known as Mara
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Candle Care
All of our candles have been made with the utmost precision and care to ensure that they burn evenly for you. However, the following ‘candle care’ tips will maximise the length of time they will last and give our valued customers the best experience possible from each candle. Get the most from your candle…. The first time you light your candle, it is best to let it burn for at least 3 hours, to let it burn completely so you have an even 'meltpool' across the width of the glass. Due to the fact that wax has a 'memory', it means that each time you light your candle after this the wax won't ‘tunnel’ i.e leave wax around the edges/burn unevenly. We know our candles smell fantastic, however you should not let your candle burn for more than 4 hours at a time as this can cause the wick to form ‘mushrooms’ on the tips and soot to form making the wick unstable. Take care of your wick… We advise trimming the wick down to approximately 1/4 of an inch after each burn. This prevents the flame becoming smoky and adds a much longer life to the candle. Candle burning safety… Here at Essence of Harris we care about keeping our customers safe when using our products, so here are a few candle burning safety tips for in the home: Keep candles out of any draughts and also ensure they are not too close to a heat source, both of these factors can cause the flame to smoke and burn unevenly. Always display candles on steady heat resistant surfaces and also make sure they are not placed too closely to any flammable materials such as curtains. Once your candle has been extinguished and cooled, remove any charred pieces of wick to prevent a smoky flame when it is next lit. It is obviously never a good idea to leave a burning candle unattended- especially around children, one can never be over cautious when it comes to an open flame. We hope this has been helpful, but if you have any questions please feel free to ask us! Send us an email on info@essenceofharris.com and one of the team will get back to you shortly. And lastly, if you’d like the chance to be featured on our social media, tag us in your pictures of you enjoying your products with @essenceofharris. Enjoy your candle calm!
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