Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes beeswax candles better than paraffin or soy?
A: Pure beeswax candles are a natural, sustainable choice. Unlike paraffin (a petroleum byproduct) or even soy (which is often genetically modified), our candles are 100% pure beeswax with no additives. They burn cleaner, emitting virtually no soot. They also have a longer, brighter burn and a subtle, natural honey aroma.

Q: Do your candles have a scent?
A: Yes, but not from added fragrances. Pure beeswax has a naturally warm, sweet, and subtle honey-like scent from the nectar and pollen collected by the bees. It is mild, non-artificial, and often appreciated by those sensitive to strong perfumes.

Q: Why are beeswax candles more expensive?
A: Beeswax is a precious, limited resource. It takes bees visiting approximately 30 million flowers to produce just half a kilo of wax! This, combined with our commitment to 100% purity and handcrafted quality, results in a premium product that offers superior burn time and a beautiful natural glow.

Q: How long does shipping take?
A: We try to process orders within 1-3 business days. Domestic shipping typically takes 3-7 business days, depending on your location. You will receive a tracking number as soon as your order ships.

Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Currently, we ship to the Australia, United States and Canada and some European countries. We are working to expand our shipping options in the future.

Q: What is your return policy?
A: Due to the nature of our handmade, consumable product, we do not accept returns on used candles. However, if your order arrives damaged or defective, please contact us within 7 days of delivery with photos, and we will happily send a replacement or issue a refund.

Q: How do I burn my decorative beeswax candle safely and properly?
A: Due to their artistic shapes, our decorative candles require special attention:

• Burn on a Protected Surface: Always place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant candle holder or plate, away from drafts, curtains, and flammable materials.

• Limited Burn Time: To maintain the candle's shape and prevent overheating, do not burn for more than 2 hours at a time. This is especially important for intricate designs.

• Supervision is Key: Never leave a burning candle unattended.

• First Burn is Crucial: Allow the wax to melt to the edge of its container or main pillar section on the first burn to set a good "memory." For free-standing shapes, this may not be even—that's okay and part of their character.

Q: My decorative candle is tunneling/dripping unevenly. Is this normal?
A. Yes, this is expected with non-container decorative shapes. Unlike jar candles, pillars and shaped candles are designed to create a shell as they burn. Some uneven melting, drips (especially on intricate designs), and a wax "shell" are part of their natural, beautiful burn process. Follow the 2-hour rule to control this.

Q: Can I fix tunneling or an uneven top?
A. For minor tunneling, you can use the "foil method": Carefully wrap foil around the candle's rim, leaving an opening over the wick. Burn for an hour to melt the excess wax edges. For our decorative candles, we often recommend embracing the unique, organic shape each burn creates, as it adds to their rustic charm.

Q: Why should I trim the wick if there isn't much of one?
A. Always check before lighting! For candles that have burned before, carbon "mushrooms" can form on the wick tip. Gently pinch these off before relighting. For a new candle with a short wick, lighting it as-is is fine. Maintain a wick length of about 5mm for a clean burn.

Q: My intricate shape (like an animal or flower) is melting quickly. What should I do?
A. This is a key point: Delicate projections (like ears, petals, or thin edges) will melt much faster than the main body. This is unavoidable due to physics and is part of the candle's evolving beauty. To enjoy the design longer, we recommend these as ambient decor and for shorter, supervised burn sessions (30 mins to 1 hour).

Q: Why does my candle look "frosted" or have a natural texture?
A. This is a sign of 100% pure beeswax! Natural crystallization or "bloom" is a unique characteristic, similar to chocolate bloom. It does not affect the candle's performance. Many customers cherish this as a mark of authenticity and natural beauty. You can gently warm the surface with a hairdryer to restore a glossy look if desired, but note this may soften fine details.

Q: Can I burn my decorative candle all the way down?
A. Exercise extreme caution. Stop burning the candle when 1 cm of wax remains at the base or if the flame gets too close to any part of the holder or surface. Never let the flame burn all the way down. For multi-wick or wide-based candles, extinguish if the melt pool becomes very deep or the container gets hot.

Q: Are your candles non-toxic and safe for pets or people with sensitivities?
A: Absolutely. Our candles are made from a single ingredient: 100% pure New Zealand beeswax with a natural fibre wick. They contain no dyes, synthetic fragrances, parabens, paraffin, or petroleum by-products. Beeswax candles are a brilliant choice for homes with allergies, asthma, or pets, as they clean the air by releasing negative ions that bind to common pollutants and allergens.

Q: Where do you source your beeswax?
A: We are proud to support our local beekeepers and environment. All our beeswax is sourced ethically from sustainable hives right here in New Zealand. We build direct relationships with beekeepers who practice responsible hive management, ensuring the health of our vital bee populations and the purity of our wax.

Q: Are your wicks lead-free and eco-friendly?
A: Yes, without compromise. All our wicks are made from braided cotton or paper, and are completely lead-free, zinc-free, and metal-free. They are chosen to pair perfectly with the burn properties of pure beeswax, ensuring a clean, consistent flame.

Q: How are your candles made?
A: Our decorative candles are hand-poured and crafted in small batches in Cromwell. This allows us to focus on the artistry of each unique shape and ensure the highest quality. We never use industrial bleaches or chemical hardeners—just the natural goodness of NZ beeswax.

Q: Is your packaging sustainable?
A: We have a strong commitment to reducing waste. For our local markets and customer pick-ups, we try to bavoid all plastic and use fully recyclable or compostable materials.
For delivery, our first priority is ensuring your delicate candle arrives undamaged. This sometimes means we must use protective packaging that is not plastic-free, though we always prioritise recyclable materials. We are actively researching better plastic-free protective solutions for shipping and will update our practices as soon as feasible.