February is an important gift month for me. First, the Mrs. birthday is next week and then of course there is Valentine's Day, the ultimate day for loving. I got busy thinking about gifts and ordered several things from EF for the Mrs. One of these is the Little Afterglow Sampler, a set of 6 scented massage candles, by JimmyJane.

The box from EF arrived today but I ordered it several days ago (usually, EF packages arrive 2 days after ordering, but the weekend extended the time) and had forgotten what I ordered. In the box was a large white box with the JimmyJane logo in the lower right corner and an abstract gray design on the left side of the box. A large deep pink satin ribbon was wrapped around the box. Such simplicity and class--I knew the Mrs. would love it, but what was in the box? I completly forgot. Luckily, the back of the box describes the contents. I was so impressed with the presentation, and since it was wrapped already, I handed it over early to the Mrs.

Inside the box are 6 white candles in small square ceramic holders. Each candle has its own scent, all of which are light and pleasant. My personal favorite is the cucumber water and the Mrs actually agrees with me on this one. Sometimes even I get it right!! The other candle scents are: grapefruit; pink lotus; dark vanilla; bourbon and trufle/gardenia. The wax in each candle weiths 48 grams (about 1.75 ounces) and is said to burn up to 12 hours (per candle). This will give you up to 72 hours of burning time. Keep in mind that the burning time does not take into account the fact that you will be pouring off some of the oil each time you use the melted candle to massage and moisturize. The more liquid you use to masssage, the less burning time you will have.

We picked the cucumber water and lit the wick--very easy to light and stay lighted. We were watching TV and let the candle burn for about 30 minutes. Our TV room is pretty large, so that could have influenced the scent, but it did not. We were able to pick up the scent from the burning candle from at least 12 feet away. The scent was very light and not at all offensive to the nose. The scent lingered for about 30 minutes after being extinguished.

As the candle burns, a pool of liquid forms around the wick This pool of melted wax is designed to be a warm massage oil so we decided to test it out. We poured a small amount on both of our forearms. By using the corners of the ceramic containers as a spout, it is very easy to control how much you pour--a drop at a time or a slow, steady stream. Your choice. It felt really nice and (to both our surprises) did not burn but was pleasantly warm. We then proceeded into a full back massage. The Mrs. lay face down and I slowly poured some of the liquid wax onto her back and started to rub her back muscles. The oil spread easily and I was able rub her entire back, neck and arms. The skin that I massaged and my hands were left feeling smooth and soft--not at all greasy, sticky or gritty. The wax remained liquid, probably due to the heat of the Mrs. body and the friction from the massage. All in all, we burned the candle for 2 hours and there is plenty remaining for another use (or several). Within another 30 minutes, the liquid around the wick had solidified once again.

The next day we pulled out the cucumber water candle and light it once again. We thought about testing another frangrance but decided it was more important to test the burnability. Each candle smells great in the box and we are sure they smell just as great when burning. It was my turn and the Mrs. light the candle. We occupied ourselves with our own warm up while the candle heated up and melted the wax. In about 10 minutes there was a pool almost the size of a quarter so we repeated yesterday's approach. I must say that the melted wax/oil felt really nice--the warmth of the oil added a little something to the massage. Mrs. also commented on how soft her hands felt and I agreed (nice).

Each candle has its own fragrance. The Mrs. didn't taste the melted oil, but as I massaged the oil into her back I admit I did sneak a sample taste. Well, I tried, but the oil had no taste on her lovely skin. I would say that is a good quality because truely, would you rather taste something sweet and fruity or the pure, natural taste of your partner? I thought so.

I can not say it often or emphatically enough--each candle smells great. If I have to pick a favorite, it would be the cucumber water, but they are all so nice it is a photo finish. Smell is so subjuctive so 6 people will have 6 different favorites.

The ingredients of each scent are listed on the back of the box. Soybean oil, shea butter, vitamin D and aloe vera are common to most of the candles. These, as well as other ingredients are all natural and the candles are vegan and never tested on animals. Its nice to have a useful, beautiful product that is so ethic

What can I say? A massage is a massage is a massage...right? Well, yes and no. The mechanics of a massage has certain movements that vary little from time to time, although each person does have their own techniques. The massage oil is very important and the JimmyJane Afterglow massage candles, when heated and melted really do help your hands slide around your partner's body. They also help sooth dry and/or flaky skin as it moisturizes. It also leaves the skin smelling nice and light which really puts me in the mood. I love when the Mrs. uses her perfume and these candles are light enough not to interfere with other frangrance and also nice on their own.

The packaging is just awesome. As I described above, the box is just pure elegance. In addition to the beautiful packaging, an "Experience Guide" is enclosed. On one side of the card each scent is given a "trait" For example, the cucumber water and grapefruit are listed under "wit" with the cucumber water also being given the trait "explore" and the grapefruit being"profoke". On the other side of the card are 6 "recipes" for combining the scents to acheive an affect. Combining the provocative grapefruit (to wake up the senses) alows you to easily explore with the cucumber water. Suggestions for what parts of the body respond to the different scents are included.

Using the different scents can wake up, relax, seduce and engage all parts of the body. It will surprise you and your partner(s) how much a JimmyJane afterglow massage candle can elevate the experience to another level. I think having such a beautifully made candle makes the experience more tempting.