cheesequeen

I like emulsified butters better than whipped. In my research, I read many times that skin needs water for moisturizing - the butters soften, but were still leaving my skin feeling dry. I started making em butter using the butter at 17-20% with no other oils. Some came out firmer than others, but my skin is doing better. I use hydrolized oats for moisture retention and silicones, as they cut greasiness and seem to form a barrier so the good stuff stays put. Not a chemist here, but it works great for me. I also use btms instead of e-wax and stearic. My new fav is golden shea from AK. I get that baby whipped up to marshmallow consistancy - at least for the winter.

According to the Soapmaker program, the sap is 136.

I love GL's 70/30, but shipping to the east coast is killing me, so I think I'll try this one also. I wish they would quote shipping on the site, tho.

I like this one. It does have an alcohol scent, but my fo covers it completely. I like that it doesn't settle out like some I've tried.

http://www.greenleafcandlesupply.com/bathandbody_bases.htm

I've bought milk powders here, and she has them in bulk.

http://www.thesoapdish.com/milkpowder.htm

I have those coming also. Good to hear your thoughts on them.

Satsuma Guava is another one that sticks forever, as does Mayan Gold.

I stick blend 1-2 TBS of powder ppo into my oils before adding the lye and it works fine for me. HTH

I like them too. I have some bar shapes, imbeds, and one of the log molds.

So MB, did ya make it yet? What's on tap for batch #3?

I was surprised that the rice milk turned the solution orange, but it cured out. I couldn't even pick out the control bar from the milk bars.

They ae both thickeners, but I find the cetly gives a better "feel".

Do you have cetyl alcohol? I've stopped using steric altogether and use cetyl, along with emulsifying conditioner or e-wax.

Rustic Escentuals carries the one from soap-and-candles, which is a good one.

Everything a monkey eats - jade green beans used to describe it that way.

I have to agree - it throws like mad for me in containers and tarts.

They were the first place I ever ordered from, and still did for quite a while, but when I went there today, the wax I use is 6 bucks higher than before - while Bittercreek is still the same. And the shipping is less from BC. It's getting crazier by the minute:eek:

OMG, Fern - I'm in Niantic!

I love it in candles - not as in your face as Maduro or IT, but not shabby in the throw department. I'm also hp soaping it, definite discoloration, but smells divine.

I've had pretty good luck with their scents, using them in tarts, and b&b. I usually get the regular grade. I made a container candle with White Tea & Ginger that has great throw.

L' Occitane Honey is very realistic. Don't know the source, but I got a scrub in a swap that was scented with this dupe and it was killer good!

I got some of this in an IFT co-op a while back. Honey Nectar from SoapSilly is very, very close.

I just ordered both samplers - they sound yummy. I use several ICS scents. The Japanese Plum is killer in candles, and the Perfect Peach is the same in tarts (seemed weaker in a candle).

Mine came in two days - 25 little bottles to sniff!

I'm working on a solution for this issue. I'm trying to get a distribution/shipping point out of NJ (for wax only) that would make shipping a LOT cheaper to surrounding areas. I will let you know if it works out.

Thanks

Oh Brenda, that would be wonderful. I love the wax, but the shipping makes me wish I kived in Texas again. Keep us posted.

I used to use J123 or j223, and the 70/30 blows them both away IMHO. I can now smell my candles!