Frequently Asked Questions 

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What makes our pure NZ beeswax candles so special?

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• Natural and Non-toxic: Our beeswax is a natural byproduct of our honey production, making it a healthier, renewable and highly sustainable resource. Our beeswax candles burn cleaner and longer than other candles and can also be recycled. Our beeswax comes directly from our beehives and our candles are also created on site, so zero carbon footprint 
   

• Honey Scent: Our beeswax has a subtle, natural honey scent that many find pleasant. 
   

• Pollen & Propolis: Our beeswax also contains pollen and propolis contributing to its golden tint, unique scent and specks of colour.
   

Why do our pure NZ beeswax candles have different colors?
 

Our Beeswax candles can vary in color from light yellow to dark amber, depending on

the type of flowers our bees have foraged on. New Zealand has a wealth of endemic

native flora which produces a wide range of pollen colours thus contributing to the gorgeous natural range of colour variations in our candles.

 

Why do our pure NZ beeswax candles sometimes contain dust looking particles/ specks on their surface or during melting?
 

This is not dust nor dirt nor an imperfection! The specks found in our candles are pollen and propolis particles which can positively contribute to the colour and aroma of our candles. As both pollen and propolis have antimicrobial properties we do not apply vigorous filtering to our wax rendering processing, therefore our pure beeswax candles

can contain natural specks of NZ pollen and propolis. 

 

What is beeswax? 

Our candles are made of pure beeswax. Beeswax is a natural wax that worker bees produce through wax glands on their abdomens. Honeybees then use this wax to build honeycomb cells in which they store pollen, nectar, honey, bee bread, propolis, water and brood (larvae) . 

 

What is propolis? 

Our candles contain specks of propolis. Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect from trees and plants then mix with their own enzymes and beeswax to create a protective barrier for their hives. In New Zealand, propolis is harvested and used in various health products due to its potential health benefits, including immune support and antioxidant properties. 

 

What is pollen? 

Our candles contain specks of pollen dust. Pollen is a powdery dust like substance produced by most flowers, shrubs and trees for the purpose of reproduction . Different geographical locations have distinct plant life which results in a unique pollen signature or footprint. Said signature or footprint refers to the composition of diverse pollen types found in a specific location at a specific time. In honey analysis, pollen plays a vital role in identifying fraud honey. 

 

Why do pure beeswax candles “bloom” and become covered in a fine white substance ? 

The fine white layer that forms on pure beeswax candles is called White Bloom. This is a natural occurrence and a sign of beeswax purity . Bloom is due to the natural oils rising to the surface during oxidation, temperature fluctuations and humidity. White bloom does not affect the candle's performance and can easily be removed by rubbing the candle’s surface with a soft cloth or by just rubbing away the bloom with your warm hands.

 

What is candle tunnelling? 

When a candle is not burnt long enough on its first burn and the wax pool does not melt to the edge of the candle rim, tunnelling will occur. Tunnelling is when a candle only burns down the centre with a ring of solid unmelted wax around the edges, leaving a ‘tunnel effect’. This will shorten the life span of the candle but also make it more difficult to light again. 

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How to prevent candle tunnelling?

Ensure the first burn is long enough to melt the beeswax to the edge of the candle - usually a minimum of 2hrs . Avoid drafts, which can cause an uneven burn pool and keep the wick trimmed after each use.  

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How can you verify if a candle is 100% pure beeswax?

Only 100% pure beeswax candles will “bloom” . If you have purchased a beeswax candle and it has never “bloomed” after several weeks or months then you can safely assume it is not 100% beeswax. Pure beeswax candles will always bloom at a certain point due to temperature fluctuations and the beeswax candle’s natural oxidation process. For more info read our FAQ : Why do beeswax candles ‘bloom’? 

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