Jewel531

I have used MP soap bases, and even goats milk mp soap base, and have had great results. I really like to use MP for the convienence of it, but CP def. is more rewarding when you create something that works, and smells well. Go for it, it will be fun!

I would go with the Bourbon vanilla (Vanilla Planifolia). I see this one more than the Tahitian Vanilla. Also you can always make a quick choice by price, I know I'm always budgetting so I would go with the cheaper of the two in most instances.

I agree with Kya - I use two scales - one measures to the .01 gram and the other only to .1. I use the smaller one for the preservative and things that need only trace amounts. It gets a little tedious, but it works rather well for me.

I don't think I have found that 1 yet. I have liked to many, but have always wanted to tweak them with different scents. I did however have the "aha" moment with my lotion. After finishing the lotion and letting it cool and all, I opened it - I immediately loved the smell - you can say I am a little addicted to it at this point. And when I rubbed it in it just seemed more perfect. When I dug into it again, I just knew I still loved it as much. I wasn't sure if I could recreate the recipe - I had written it down, but was still uneasy because I hadn't recreated any other product - none I liked wholly and fully enough not to tweak the second time around. But I did recreate it - a little thicker - but that was alright. Since then I have made tons more - given it away, offered it to co-workers - all kinds of things. And no one had anything bad to say about it, and they all wanted more of it - so it became my "signature" lotion. And I still love it - everytime I open it, its like relaxation in a bottle. I think that when you found your "signature" product - you know... you have no qualms with it, and you want to recreate it exactly how it is. If you want to tweak it - it probably isn't going to be your "signature" anything. Thats just my two cents - hopefully it helps.