Most of the candles manufactured today are done so using colorant formulas that evoke a certain feeling, usually relating to the scent of the candle in question. There are as many color options for candles as there are for cars or crayons, or in other words, an infinite amount. The two ways that color can be added to a candle include dyes and pigments. As most synthetic and natural waxes are translucent to white in their virgin state, color is one of the easiest elements to infuse.
Dyes are used to gain color throughout the entire candle, whereas pigments are usually applied to the outer edge of a finished candle. The latter may be used as an artistic take on the chandler process, but is more often used by low budget companies in an attempt to save time and money. Depending on the amount of dye that a wax needs to absorb for optimum color, the wick and fragrance used will vary. Most dyes, however, have been formulated to have very little effect on the cleanliness or burn of the candle.
Whether synthetic or natural, most dyes used in candle wax are completely safe, but you will want to check the reputation of the company from which you are buying to ensure that you will receive a strong candle with good balance and smooth fragrance. The better companies will label their products with weight information, as well as the type of wax, fragrance, and wick components used to construct it.
Studies show that the consumer is most apt to be drawn to those colors which closely symbolize the fragrance of the candle. This means that the spices are expected to give that brownish or burnt tinge to the reds and greens that set the tone for the color. Breezy scents are expected to stay powdery and to the blue or green end of the spectrum, and so on.