sweetscents

Hi all, Not sure if this would be the right place to put this, but does anyone have a recipe for a reed diffuser base? A friend told me that DPG and FO is not the right method of creating the base. Also, if there is already a thread regarding this topic, please point me in the right direction! lol. Thanks in advance!!

Would you need a preservative at all if making a pure coffee/shea butter whip?

Hi all, I am wondering, in order to use a pearlizer in a body wash base, would it have to be a suspsending base? I've heard some people say they've had the pearlizer sink to the bottom of bottles, but I'm unsure of what base they were using. Thanks in advance for any help!!

Hi all, have any of you used menthol in any lotion bases, or any products for that matter? I know its becoming a very popular thing with some friends of mine, who buy it from C.O. Bigelow, or some company like that. LOL But I'd be interested in hearing any of your thoughts or experiences!

Here's some more plastic options, however, if you are looking for the old fashioned glass bottles, I found a resource, but I believe you must buy in high quantities. HTH! http://www.freundcontainer.com/product.asp?pn=37508&EID=FD051206pop86&gclid=CIHV7_Dcs40CFR6AWAodrUzezw&bhcd2=1184851768

One more question Has anyone had problems with labels physically coming off of bottles when wet?

Has anyone tried the Crystal Clear labels from onlinelabels.com? These are what I was looking at, it says they're smudge resistant. Are laser labels more water resistant? Thank you everyone for all your help and suggestions!

Hi all, I am looking at clear inkjet labels to use for my shower gels and lotions, but wonder if anyone has suggestions. Does the ink rub off?? What is the quality like? Thanks in advance for your help!!

Thanks Jami for the reply, I think I will be ordering some from WSP as well, I like that it takes very little, and considering the reviews, I think it is a good buy. Have you used coloring with the pearlizer?

anyone?

Hello, Has anyone used a pearlizer in your body wash/gel products? If so, what were your results, and would you recommend?

Hello, Does anyone have a good source for a shower gel, or liquid soap base? We're looking to create a 3 in 1 shower gel, shampoo, and bubblebath. I'm having troubles finding a reasonable source for a shower gel or unscented liquid soap base. Thank you for your help!

jojoba microbeads? I'm want to make a body wash with them. Any resources? Thanks!

I have looked into Diptyque, and yes, they are quite expensive. I haven't burned one of their candles, but if I get requests for them or people asking about them, I may consider adding them to my offering. Also---we just signed our intent to lease and gave our deposit today, so we're one step closer! Craig

I have experienced Pacifica's line, in fact, they sent me a huge box with testers of all of their fragrances. Some were great, and some were really disappointing. I've talked to others that have burned Pacifica candles, and their results were really spotty. It seems there is great inconsistency with their batches. I'd hate for a customer to spend $18+ on a candle and want to return because they couldn't smell it. I burned Pacifica's Hawaiian Ruby Guava, and the first 2-3 times I burned it, nothing. About the 4th time it filled the room, but half of it was already gone! I'd have to say my favorite is Voluspa's line, their fragrances and quality are awesome! Craig

Thanks everyone again for your input! Besides the companies I named, have any of you tried other "luxury" brands, or have and reccomendations? Craig

Thank you everyone for the input! My wife and I were talking and going over some of everyone's comments, and we've decided to expand our offerings. Going over our purchasing plan, we had $4,560.50 just in Voluspa alone! The space is very large and will require tens of thousands in inventory, however we are now planning on having "cabin" style signs (the old rustic wooden ones) some B&B items from Votivo and Malie Kauai, and some other fun things (quirky greeting cards etc). We took a trip to the Minneapolis Gift Mart, which is a wholesale market for retail stores, and we got some great ideas. I think the best way to go is focusing on one main category, and adding items that will bring customers who may not be interested in a candle in to the store, and who knows, maybe they'll "smell around" and find something they like! After many hours of deliberating, I think we're going to go for it. I'll feel horrible if I don't do it and wonder "What if?" I guess I'd rather fail than not trying. But in any event, thank you all for the comments, and I do greatly value your input! Craig

Whoa--I have no problem selling another companies candle next to mine. I make country homemade style candles, the manufacturer's I intend to carry offer something completely different. Yes their packaging is beautiful, but the quality is also there. If I offer my candles and some of the other major brands, it gives customers a variety of prices, styles, scents, and options. Wouldn't that be better than offering just mine?

Hi All! I recently was presented with the opportunity to rent a space at our local mall. It is quite large, approx 2400 sq/ft. I make my own line of candles, but I want to incorporate other "luxury" candle brands. I only say luxury because that is how they are marketed. I plan on carrying all of the usual suspects, Votivo, Voluspa, Paddywax, Slatkin, Trapp, DL&CO. The prices average around $20 per candle. My question is, do you think it is a viable concept for a retail store? I live in a somewhat small town, with a huge tourist population in the summer. The retail space is about 50 feet down from a bath and body works. Please share your thoughts! Craig

**UPDATE** Thank you for your help! Libbey is the distributor for Crisa glass in the US, and I've contacted them to buy direct. Thanks again!

Is Reike's an online outfit? Any info on where they are located or how I can get in touch with them? Or does Charissa have a website or contact info? I'm looking to get pallet quantities, so perhaps I can get directly from the manufacturer.

Hello- I've been searching and searching for the type of jars the Votivo (www.votivo.com) Company uses for their "Candles in Glass" Collection, and Paddywax (www.paddywax.com) uses the same type of jar for their classic collection. Basically I'm looking for a 7-10oz jar without the heavy base and somewhat slender. If anyone has any ideas or links I would greatly appreciate it!! Thanks Craig

Wetspots? The wax does feel "moist" is this what a wetspot is? How can we fix them?

Hi I am using soy wax 120 with a 3% additive of palm steric. I also am adding about 10% fragrance. I am pouring into 8 and 14 oz hourglass shaped jars, and during curing, there seems to be air pockets forming all away around the sides. We tried heating the jars, and they still did it. Is this happening because we are adding to much scent? Thanks! Greg