Clare Makes Australian Handmade Botanical Candles

Clare Makes creates Australian botanical candles and home fragrances inspired by native flora, personal memories and iconic Australian landscapes. Each fragrance is handcrafted in small batches, blending natural soy wax with essential oils and botanicals to evoke a sense of place, nostalgia and connection.

Clare Makes began on Gadigal land when founder Clare Neilson, a long-time beauty blogger with a passion for scent and design, discovered the joy of candle-making. After crafting her first candles for a baby shower in 2015, she fell in love with the creative process. Over the years, this passion evolved into a full range of botanical candles, diffusers and fragrance products - all inspired by the plants, people and places that shape Australian life.

In 2020, Clare welcomed her first child and reignited her commitment to building a meaningful, founder-led brand. By August 2021, Clare Makes relaunched with a refreshed design aesthetic, a deeper focus on storytelling and a renewed dedication to Australian-made craftsmanship.

What You Can Shop at 2A Essence

  • Australian Native Botanicals - Every fragrance is inspired by native plants, bush walks and lived Australian experiences.
  • Handcrafted in Small Batches - Candles and fragrance products are poured, blended and finished by hand with attention to detail.
  • Story-Driven Scents - Each candle is named after an iconic Australian figure or memory, creating emotional connection through scent.
  • Sustainable Materials - Natural soy wax, reusable vessels and eco-conscious packaging honour the brand’s love for the environment.

  • Female-Founded & Independent - Clare Makes is proudly run by founder and maker Clare Neilson.

FAQ

What is Clare Makes?

Clare Makes is an Australian brand creating botanical candles and home fragrances inspired by native plants and local stories. Each product is handcrafted in Sydney.

Are Clare Makes candles made in Australia?

Yes. All Clare Makes candles, diffusers and home fragrances are handcrafted in Australia using local ingredients wherever possible.

What ingredients are used in Clare Makes products?

Clare Makes uses natural soy wax, Australian essential oils, fragrance oils and botanicals to create clean-burning, long-lasting candles with a distinct sense of place.

What makes Clare Makes candles unique?

Each scent is inspired by an Australian botanical or cultural reference — blending storytelling with fragrance to create products that feel personal and meaningful.

Is Clare Makes an eco-friendly brand?

Yes. The brand focuses on sustainability by using reusable vessels, natural wax, eco-friendly packaging and small-batch production to reduce waste.