From the delicate art of candle maintenance to the science of the grand second act, this is how to make a Second Life last. Consider this the fine print for your existential crisis.
Candles remember your mistakes even more than your ex, and will hold an improper first burn against you forever.
A long wick is a messy wick. Trim that wick to about 1/8th of an inch before every light. It keeps the flame controlled, minimizes soot, and ensures the burn stays clean enough for your pets and your conscience.
Open windows, ceiling fans, and high-traffic hallways are the enemies of an even burn. Keep your candles away from moving air to prevent smoking and uneven melting. Wasting a luxury fragrance on a breeze is a tragedy nobody needs right now.
Safety isn’t a suggestion; it’s a requirement. Stop burning when a half-inch of wax remains at the bottom. Overheating the vessel is a great way to ruin a perfectly good Second Life before it even begins.
Take a look at the obsession behind the brand. From thrifting hauls across California to the chemistry of 100% soy wax, this is how a "second life" goes from a concept to a centerpiece.
"I have difficulty finding candles that don't dry my eyes out after ten or so minutes of them burning in the same room, I can coexist with this one indefinitely. This is the best gardenia (my favorite) scented anything I've ever owned aside from my beloved gardenia plant that my husband accidentally killed when I had to travel for work. It's so clean and crisp, it smelled just like my plant in bloom after a rain. Absolutely love this. It was well packaged and a box of matches was included (wonderful touch) with wick care instructions."
Allison
Beautifully done
"Clever gift beautifully done! Seller was able to accommodate express shipping and posted the item the same day. Will purchase from her again!"
Cindy
Will buy again
"The craftsmanship and superior scent quality really shine in this candle. The scent is sophisticated and comforting, and fills my office when lit. The candle truly lasts as long as it’s advertised, I’ve been using it every night and it’s still not half way gone. The seller was super helpful when I had a question about shipping. She hand makes these amazing candles and I can really feel how much she cares in her help and in her product. Will buy again for the holidays and looking forward to trying more scents and candle sizes. 11/10!"
Mimi
Highly recommend
"The candles ordered were outstanding and beautiful. The interaction with the seller was great, and I highly recommend purchasing from her."
Anthony
Absolutely amazing
"Absolutely amazing. The scent, the size…beautifully made. Bought it for a gift, but will probably keep it for myself. Picture does not do it justice."
Holly
Loved the aroma
"Cute little jar & lid with a grapefruit & mint smelling candle. Loved the aroma, the jar is a keeper! Thank you. ❤️"
Cathy
Highly recommend
"I love the massage oil that this candle produces. It's very long lasting, allowing for longer duration massages. It smells amazing without being overwhelming. The instructions say to burn until it melts, wait until it cools, then use. We prefer to use it before it cools because the heat is soothing to sore muscles and it cools back into a solid pretty rapidly. The comments on the candles are funny. The candle holder is ceramic. It's sturdy but small. It also comes with two additionally inserts for more massage oil once you've used up the first insert. We can get 3-4 focused massages out of one insert or 2 whole body massages. Great value, great experience, great smell. I highly recommend."
Kimberly
I LOVE this massage candle
"I LOVE this massage candle. It's easy to use and feels great, and it doesn't stay greasy forever. Plus, Sixty Eight is hilarious."
Tanya
Gonna need bigger size
"I'm gonna need a bigger size, because why would I ever want to go back to using lotion from a plastic pump bottle?"
Lucky
Smells wonderful
"The candle is a great piece of art, and it smells wonderful. The scent is not too strong, but just right. It's a great conversation starter."
Phoenix
The perfect gift
"Hilarious! We tease the boss all the time about being a slave-driver, so this made a perfect gift for her. Plus, it smells gorgeous."
Tanya
Simply amazing
"This candle is both high quality and highly relatable. The Shared Trauma line from Second Life Candles is so clever. The candle is gorgeous, smells AMAZING, and burns beautifully with the wood wick. I definitely plan to buy more of these, and I love giving them as gifts, too!"
Cynthia C
They are perfect
"They are perfect. We will hopefully be ordering more of the unscented ones soon!"
Ashley
Absolutely obsessed
"CANDLES ARE UNREAL. Beyond obsessed I could literally cry. Thank you!!! Packaged so thoughtfully and you were so fast. Very grateful- appreciate it"
Shannon
Best candles
"Ohhhh!!! Julie the candle is beautiful and the fragrance. WOW! Don’t give up, these are the best candles I’ve ever had. I have 2 daughters and 2 daughter in laws. Also my sister, friends and I’ll want more by Christmas."
Holly
Absolutely love it
"I have difficulty finding candles that don't dry my eyes out after ten or so minutes of them burning in the same room, I can coexist with this one indefinitely. This is the best gardenia (my favorite) scented anything I've ever owned aside from my beloved gardenia plant that my husband accidentally killed when I had to travel for work. It's so clean and crisp, it smelled just like my plant in bloom after a rain. Absolutely love this. It was well packaged and a box of matches was included (wonderful touch) with wick care instructions."
Allison
Beautifully done
"Clever gift beautifully done! Seller was able to accommodate express shipping and posted the item the same day. Will purchase from her again!"
Cindy
Will buy again
"The craftsmanship and superior scent quality really shine in this candle. The scent is sophisticated and comforting, and fills my office when lit. The candle truly lasts as long as it’s advertised, I’ve been using it every night and it’s still not half way gone. The seller was super helpful when I had a question about shipping. She hand makes these amazing candles and I can really feel how much she cares in her help and in her product. Will buy again for the holidays and looking forward to trying more scents and candle sizes. 11/10!"
Mimi
Highly recommend
"The candles ordered were outstanding and beautiful. The interaction with the seller was great, and I highly recommend purchasing from her."
Anthony
Absolutely amazing
"Absolutely amazing. The scent, the size…beautifully made. Bought it for a gift, but will probably keep it for myself. Picture does not do it justice."
Holly
Loved the aroma
"Cute little jar & lid with a grapefruit & mint smelling candle. Loved the aroma, the jar is a keeper! Thank you. ❤️"
Cathy
Highly recommend
"I love the massage oil that this candle produces. It's very long lasting, allowing for longer duration massages. It smells amazing without being overwhelming. The instructions say to burn until it melts, wait until it cools, then use. We prefer to use it before it cools because the heat is soothing to sore muscles and it cools back into a solid pretty rapidly. The comments on the candles are funny. The candle holder is ceramic. It's sturdy but small. It also comes with two additionally inserts for more massage oil once you've used up the first insert. We can get 3-4 focused massages out of one insert or 2 whole body massages. Great value, great experience, great smell. I highly recommend."
Kimberly
I LOVE this massage candle
"I LOVE this massage candle. It's easy to use and feels great, and it doesn't stay greasy forever. Plus, Sixty Eight is hilarious."
Tanya
Gonna need bigger size
"I'm gonna need a bigger size, because why would I ever want to go back to using lotion from a plastic pump bottle?"
Lucky
Smells wonderful
"The candle is a great piece of art, and it smells wonderful. The scent is not too strong, but just right. It's a great conversation starter."
Phoenix
The perfect gift
"Hilarious! We tease the boss all the time about being a slave-driver, so this made a perfect gift for her. Plus, it smells gorgeous."
Tanya
Simply amazing
"This candle is both high quality and highly relatable. The Shared Trauma line from Second Life Candles is so clever. The candle is gorgeous, smells AMAZING, and burns beautifully with the wood wick. I definitely plan to buy more of these, and I love giving them as gifts, too!"
Cynthia C
They are perfect
"They are perfect. We will hopefully be ordering more of the unscented ones soon!"
Ashley
Absolutely obsessed
"CANDLES ARE UNREAL. Beyond obsessed I could literally cry. Thank you!!! Packaged so thoughtfully and you were so fast. Very grateful- appreciate it"
Shannon
Best candles
"Ohhhh!!! Julie the candle is beautiful and the fragrance. WOW! Don’t give up, these are the best candles I’ve ever had. I have 2 daughters and 2 daughter in laws. Also my sister, friends and I’ll want more by Christmas."