Here is the method that i have found works best for me 1) I use a 16 oz solo cup and put in 1 tsp of glycerin 2) i add 1/2 of mica (pops in this case) 3) I use a frother to mix it all up. got it at walmart.com for 10 bux http://www.walmart.com/ip/BonJour-Oval-Frother-with-Stand-Silver/14892514?sourceid=1500000000000003260370&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=14892514 4) once i have all my colors mixed up and smooth I mix in my lye and bring it to a very thin trace. 5) add about 14 oz of thin soap to the cups (you can use less for smaller batches) 6) mix it well with the stick blinder. 7) by the time you get it all mixed up your soap should be around medium trace. 8) pour in fragrance oil to unscented soap 9) do 1 pot swirl method or layer in mold! I had a lot of issues in the beginning because most of the pops can come out very light. I had a Honeysuckle that i was doing what i though was a light yellow , dark yellow , pink and bright red. It came out looking like yellow and orange not quite the pretty i was looking for lol