Paraffin wax and beeswax are probably the most common waxes to use to make dipped tapers. Beeswax is often used for hand dipped tapers because it is a slow burning wax and the layers go on thicker, resulting in less dipping required to get a reasonably thick taper. Paraffin wax can certainly be used to produce hand dipped tapers, and at a cost savings over beeswax. Paraffin wax will take a lot more dipping to achieve the desired thickness, but you can still get excellent results with paraffin wax. Tapers made from beeswax will often develop something called "bloom" that gives them a bit of a rustic appearance. This is especially true of naturally colored beeswax (un-dyed). Adding fragrance to tapers is not effective in producing candles with scent throw while burning. For this reason, adding fragrance is discouraged. Beeswax tapers burn longer than paraffin wax.
The taper candle is available in different heights, allowing these classic candles to be mixed and matched in different sizes or used individually to suit all tastes.