You’ve done it. Finally found the perfect summer scent. The one that reminds you of warm evenings with cool breezes, the one that brings cherished memories of sitting on the beach hearing the waves lap in the distance. The smell of fresh cut fruit waiting for you just inside on a hot day. You light the candle for its first burn, and it's exactly like you had imagined. But the next time you light the candle,  everything goes wrong: the wax seems to only melt down instead of out, pieces of wick have made black smudges in your previously unblemished candle, it melts too quickly and there is discolored wax.

 Don't fear, we can face your candle woes with these 5 simple tips!

1. The first burn is the most important

Wax has a “memory." A burn pattern created from the first time you light it, and is where the wax will continue to burn first each time you enjoy your new candle. If the first burn is done haphazardly you will often get a tunnel burn, where the wax only burns around the wick and down...forever. To achieve the glamorous even burn, and avoid the dreaded tunnel, first light your candle for about 2-3 hours to create an even melted 1" layer at the surface before blowing it out.

2. Trim, Trim, Trim!

If you only remember one thing about candle wicks, it's this: the golden measurement for a wick is ¼ inch. This helps prevent pesky problems like uneven burning, pieces of wick falling into the wax, and high flames. Trim your wax before each and every burn.

3. Candles Love Still Air 

Burning a candle near an open window can cause candles to burn too quickly, to burn unevenly, and minimize the scent. In order to make the most out of your candle, be sure to keep it away from drafty spaces.

 4. Don't Burn to the Bottom

Remember that ¼ inch is the magic number! Before you burn a candle, check to make sure there is at least ¼ inch of wax left. This is key for glass jars to prevent them from over heating. You can also place this in the freezer and, once frozen, pop the wax out and re-use the vessel for any number of things. 

5. Burn Length

The best amount of time to burn candles is between 2 and 3 hours. This ensures that the glass container will not overheat and helps the candle burn evenly. 

 Tapered Candles

Taper Candles are a little different not just in shape, but in care. Since they come in a pair, make sure to cut leaving ¼ inch on each candle. To prevent excessive dripping, we suggest you do not trim the candle once it starts burning. Another tip would be to pop them in the refrigerator for a smoother burn.

Now, go light that candle, put on some comfy clothes, pour yourself a much deserved beverage and enjoy!