Not tempering your butters can lead to the grainy feeling, with both shea and mango butter. Difference being, mango butter only needs to go to 100F or slightly higher, but needs to be held for 45 min to an hour. Also, it is the cooling down part that leads to the crystallization, so after you temper your butters, cool them off fast and completely. You can even simply freeze them until you are ready to use them. Personally, I put mine in the freezer for a while, then move to the fridge for at least 4 hours, but usually over night, then move to my storage area (a dark cabinet). I have had great success with this method, but different strokes, different follks, so experiment away!
You can use the candelilla wax for anything that you would use beeswax for. Just keep in mind that it is 2x harder as beeswax. It will accelerate trace in soap but will cause a soft soap if you use too much, so check the usage rate if you are going to try it. I never have soaped with it, but like it in some salves and balms.
_________________ Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.
Tammy
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