#357 - SLOW BURN 4:11PM

The Slow Burn fragrance candle from Boy Smells is one of the few candles I burn regularly.

Across the side of the candle, there is a rectangular gold foil label describing the content's scent. I rub my thumb across the smooth label and feel just a slight embossing where each letter raises up from the label. The label is thicker than the depth of embossing of its message, and I perceive that extra depth as my thumb slides across the edge and onto the candle's glass container.

The glass container is an intensely colored gradient, starting with deep maroon at the base and gradually changing to a passionate red before quickly ending with a serene pink. I think the color matches the scent well.

The scent is deep and earthy, a slight hint of musk and wood—strike that, smoldering wood. Then there is the fruity raspberry, just barely lingering in the middle. And I'm left at the top with spiciness from black pepper and ginger. I can focus on the scent, or I can let it linger. It's not overpowering; it's not pungent. Neither sweetly feminine nor strongly masculine.

Unlit, the candle's wax is solid and smooth. I run my index finger across the pink wax, and it feels firm, not forgiving. The oils in my skin make the wax feel moist. When it warms up slowly, the wax relents and I can gently press into it. I pull my finger out and it slowly retakes its shape, sometimes morphing into something new, seemingly at will. I can work the wax with my finger, warming it up. As it gets hot, the wax becomes gooey.