Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our fantasy-inspired candles, shipping, and more.

About Our Candles

What are your candles made of?

Our candles are hand-poured using a premium wax blend (coconut-apricot and soy-free alternatives), phthalate-free fragrance oils, and clean-burning cotton wicks. We use high-quality, non-toxic ingredients to create a luxury candle that's safe for you and your space.

How long do your candles burn?

Our 8oz candles burn for approximately 40-50 hours when properly cared for. Our 2oz discovery tins burn for approximately 10-12 hours. Burn time can vary based on how you care for your candle—trimming the wick and following our candle care instructions will help you get the maximum burn time.

Are your candles vegan and cruelty-free?

Our candles are made with vegan wax and phthalate-free fragrance oils. We are a cruelty-free brand and never test on animals.

Are your candles soy-free?

Yes! We use a premium coconut-apricot wax blend that is completely soy-free, making our candles a great option for those with soy sensitivities.

Are your candles safe for pets?

While our candles are made with non-toxic, phthalate-free fragrance oils, we always recommend burning candles in well-ventilated areas and keeping them out of reach of pets. If your pet has respiratory sensitivities, consult your veterinarian before using scented candles.

What sizes do your candles come in?

We offer two sizes:

• 8oz glass jars (net 7oz wax fill) - Our full-size luxury candles
• 2oz tins (net 40g wax fill) - Available in our Discovery Set so you can try scents before committing to a full-size candle

Can I reuse the candle jar?

Absolutely! Our glass jars are perfect for repurposing. Once your candle has burned down, you can clean out the jar and use it for storage, as a planter, or for any creative purpose you'd like.

What does [candle name] smell like?

Each product page includes detailed fragrance notes (top, middle, and base) to help you understand the scent profile. We also describe the mood and inspiration behind each candle. If you're unsure about a scent, we recommend trying our Discovery Set first!

What if I'm not sure which scent to choose?

We created our Discovery Set for exactly this reason! It includes 2oz tins of multiple scents so you can try before committing to a full-size 8oz candle. It's the perfect way to find your signature scent.

Candle Care

How do I care for my candle?

To properly care for your candle and get the most out of it, we recommend the following:

• First burn is crucial: Let the candle burn until the wax melt pool reaches the edge of the vessel. This is especially important during the first burn and can take 3-4 hours for our 8oz candles. Wax has a burn memory—if there is not a complete melt pool, the candle may tunnel.
• Trim the wick: Trim the wick to 1/4" before each lighting. This helps prevent buildup, provides a better flame, and creates an even wax pool.
• Burn safely: Burn on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from open drafts, children, and pets. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Don't over-burn: Let the wax harden between burns. We recommend burning for no more than 4 hours at a time.
• Know when to stop: Discontinue use when 1/2" of wax remains at the bottom.

Why is my candle tunneling?

Tunneling happens when the wax doesn't melt all the way to the edges during burning, creating a "tunnel" down the middle. This is usually caused by not burning the candle long enough during the first burn. Make sure to let your candle burn for 3-4 hours (or until full melt pool) on the first use.

Can I fix a tunneled candle?

If your candle has already tunneled, you can try wrapping aluminum foil around the top of the jar (leaving the center open) to help the wax melt evenly. However, prevention is best—always ensure a full melt pool on your first burn!

My wick is smoking or the flame is too high. What should I do?

This usually means your wick needs trimming. Extinguish the candle, let it cool, trim the wick to 1/4", and relight. A properly trimmed wick should produce a steady, teardrop-shaped flame.

How do I clean out my candle jar to reuse it?

Once your candle has burned down, there are a few ways to clean the jar:

• Freezer method: Place the jar in the freezer for a few hours. The remaining wax should pop right out.
• Hot water method: Pour boiling water into the jar and let it sit. As it cools, the wax will float to the top and harden, making it easy to remove.
• Oven method: Place the jar upside down on a foil-lined baking sheet in a 200°F oven for 15 minutes. The wax will melt out onto the foil.

After removing the wax, you can use isopropyl alcohol on a paper towel to remove any residue. This works perfectly for cleaning up. (Never put these in the dishwasher or wash down the sink - that can lead to a clogged drain!)

Ordering & Shipping

How long does it take to process my order?

Orders are processed within 2-3 business days (sometimes sooner!). You'll receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information once your order ships. Please note that processing time may be slightly longer during peak seasons or sales.

Where do you ship?

We currently ship to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If you're located outside these areas and would like to inquire about international shipping, please contact us!

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes! We offer free shipping on orders over $75 within the US, Canada, and Mexico.

What shipping carriers do you use?

We primarily ship via UPS for faster, more reliable delivery. In some regions, we use USPS as a backup option. We'll always choose the best carrier for your location to ensure your candles arrive safely and quickly.

When will my order arrive?

Delivery times vary by carrier and location:

• UPS: Typically 3-5 business days after shipping
• USPS: Typically 5-7 business days after shipping

You'll receive tracking information when your order ships so you can monitor its progress!

My candle arrived damaged. What do I do?

We're so sorry! Please contact us at hello@brilliantbutscary.com within 7 days of delivery with your order number and photos of the damage. We'll send you a replacement right away.

I haven't received my order yet. What should I do?

First, check your tracking information to see the latest update. If your package appears lost or hasn't moved in several days, please contact us with your order number and we'll investigate with the carrier.

Returns & Exchanges

What is your return policy?

Due to the nature of our handmade products, we cannot accept returns or exchanges on candles. If you're unsure about a scent, we highly recommend trying our Discovery Set first—it includes 2oz tins of multiple scents so you can find your perfect match before committing to a full-size candle.

What if I receive a damaged or defective product?

If you receive a damaged or defective candle, please contact us at hello@brilliantbutscary.com within 7 days with your order number and photos of the issue. We'll send you a replacement immediately.

Can I exchange a candle for a different scent?

We don't offer exchanges, but we do encourage trying our Discovery Set if you're unsure which scent is right for you. This way, you can sample multiple scents before purchasing a full-size candle!

Gifting

Are your candles gift-ready?

Yes! All of our candles are beautifully packaged and gift-ready. Please note that single-order packages will have a shipping label on the exterior box. If you'd prefer a label-free presentation, we can ship it in a discreet poly mailer instead. Please leave us a note at checkout.

Can I include a gift message?

Absolutely! During checkout, you can add a gift message in the notes section. We'll include a handwritten note inside the box with your candle at no extra charge.

Do you offer gift sets or bundles?

We offer our Discovery Set, which makes a perfect gift for book lovers who want to try multiple scents! We're also working on curated gift bundles—sign up for our email list to be notified when they launch.

Can I send a candle directly to someone as a gift?

Yes! Just enter their shipping address at checkout and include a gift message in the order notes. We'll make sure it's beautifully presented for them.

Custom Orders & Wholesale

Do you offer custom orders?

We're open to custom orders depending on the request! Please email us at hello@brilliantbutscary.com with details about what you're looking for (custom scent, bulk order, special occasion, etc.) and we'll discuss options and pricing.

Do you offer wholesale?

Yes! We'd love to work with retailers, bookstores, gift shops, and other businesses. Please email us at hello@brilliantbutscary.com for wholesale pricing and minimum order requirements.

Can I request a custom scent?

Possibly! While we don't offer fully custom scent creation for individual orders, we're always open to hearing ideas. If you have a specific book, character, or world you'd love to see as a candle, reach out to us—we might add it to a future collection!

About Brilliant, but Scary

Where are your candles made?

All of our candles are hand-poured in small batches in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We're a small, woman-owned business—it's just me pouring every candle with love and a whole lot of fantasy book inspiration!

What inspired your candle collections?

Our candles are inspired by the fantasy books and worlds we love—from Dark Academia libraries and secret societies to fae courts, wizarding schools, dragon riders, enchanted forests, and witchy apothecaries. Each collection captures the essence of these magical worlds so you can bring a little fantasy into your everyday life. As a fellow book lover, I wanted to create candles that transport you into your favorite stories.

Are you really a small business?

Yes! Brilliant, but Scary is a one-woman operation. Every candle is hand-poured, labeled, and packaged by me. When you support this shop, you're directly supporting a small, woman-owned business and a fellow book nerd living her dream!

How can I stay updated on new releases?

Sign up for our email list at the bottom of our homepage! We'll notify you about new scents, restocks, exclusive offers, and behind-the-scenes updates. You can also follow us on Instagram, and Pinterest for daily inspiration and sneak peeks.

Do you have a physical store?

Not yet! We're currently online-only, but we'd love to participate in local markets and pop-ups in the future. If you're in the Tuscaloosa area and interested in carrying our candles or hosting an event, please reach out!

Payment & Security

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and Shop Pay through our secure Shopify checkout.

Is my payment information secure?

Absolutely! We use Shopify's secure, encrypted checkout system. We never see or store your payment information—it's all handled safely by Shopify's PCI-compliant payment processor.