Hi, Rachel I am so glad you started with M&P testing. I started about 8 weeks ago doing some testing as well. Mostly I make bath salts, lotions, and scrubs. I have a friend that talked me into trying M&P soap and I have found it is addictive. My bases so far have been from C&S. I bought the sample pack and am working my way through them. My favorite so far is the hemp. It seems to lather well without many additives. I am now seeing on their website that the are out of stock on alot of M&P bases. May be a problem for me in the future. I think I am going to try the Chemistry Store bases since I have seen them recommended here. I would hate to need bases and the supplier be not able to meet my demand. Candybee, Your knowledge is outstanding. It is always a pleasure to read your post. I think you have been through and tried it all! Where is the best place to get cigar bands from? or is it better to make your own. I am currently shrinkwrapping my tested soaps in saran wrap, but when I start selling and going to my shows with them, the cigar band sounds like a nice addition instead of a label.