How to Use a Body Oil Candle (Step-by-Step)

First time using a body oil candle? Here's exactly how to do it right.

Step 1: Light it and wait

Trim the wood wick to about 3/16 of an inch if it's not a first burn. Light the candle and let it burn until a good pool of melted oil has formed around the wick. For a first burn, let it go until the melt pool reaches the edges of the jar. For later burns, 20 to 30 minutes gets you a solid pour.

Step 2: Extinguish the flame

Use a candle snuffer or gently blow it out. A snuffer is cleaner, no wax spray. Either way, make sure the flame is fully out before the next step.

Step 3: Wait 2 to 3 minutes

This is the step people skip, and then they go "wow that's hot." The oil needs a moment to cool from flame temperature to skin-safe temperature. It won't be cold. It should be warm and pleasurable. Test a small drop on the inside of your wrist first if you're new to it.

Step 4: Pour slowly

Tilt the jar carefully and let the warm oil pour onto your skin. Start with less than you think you need. You can always add more.

Step 5: Massage in

The warm oil absorbs quickly and goes deep. Work it in with slow, intentional strokes. This is the part of the ritual worth slowing down for. Don't rush it.

Best spots to apply

Elbows, knees, and heels love it. So does dry skin anywhere. Post-shower is ideal: your pores are open, your skin is clean and warm, and the oil absorbs even faster.

The whole ritual from light to application takes about 35 minutes. Most of that time you're just living your life while the candle burns. That's kind of the point.