Like any candle, you must properly care for it. On the first burn, make sure to keep your candle lit until you have a full melt pool across the entire top of the candle (anywhere from 1 to 2+ hours depending on the size of candle you purchased). Melting the candle across the entire top on the first burn helps to ensure an even burn throughout the life of your candle and also helps to make sure you get your money's worth out of it, too!