| How to Import from China into the USA Posted: 30 Mar 2016 05:00 PM PDT Importing items from China can be an affordable way to acquire materials for use in manufacturing or products for sale. However, importing items on your own requires establishing relationships, setting up shipping, and navigating the regulatory channels of US Customs. Get started on your way to importing from China by taking steps to set up your import process and planning ahead. EditFinding a Supplier - Make sure you can legally import your chosen item. Most items will be allowed, but there are certain guidelines that must be followed for some types of items. The United States imposes stricter guidelines on agricultural products, for example. Additionally, Chinese laws may prohibit the export of certain items, like animal by-products or fake designer clothes and accessories. Check with the laws of both countries before making an order.[1]
- Make a list of Chinese exporters, or suppliers, who can provide you with your product. Fortunately, Chinese exporters actively seek out import partners in the US through online forums and trade websites.[2] You can find suppliers using online outsourcing directories or professional sourcing companies. Some good places to start include:
- Alibaba.com.
- China.cn. China.cn is an outsourcing directory with thousands of Chinese products, providing buyers with complete contact information for each listed supplier. The website also offers buying and selling leads, tradeshow information, and trading resources for buyers and sellers. China.cn is located at http://www.china.cn.
- Analema International. Analema International is a professional sourcing company providing buyers with services such as help identifying suitable suppliers, assistance negotiating with suppliers, and quality inspections both during manufacturing and before shipment.
- Export agents in China are very commonly hired by Chinese exporters. Some of these export agents are also 3rd-party suppliers, while others just provide export services.
- Contact each supplier on your list. Once you have a list of exporters, you can begin asking questions in order to narrow it down to the supplier who is right for you. Some things you will want to ask each exporter to provide you with include:
- Client references. A reputable supplier should be able to provide you with client testimonials and references. Once they do, be sure to check them.
- Business licensing information. You want to be sure that any company you do business with is properly licensed and in compliance with all applicable trade laws in order to avoid future legal problems which may affect your business.[3]
- Manufacturing and staffing information. Be sure you understand the exporter's relationship to the manufacturer. Do they manufacture the product themselves? If not, do they get paid by the manufacturer as well?
- The name and location of the factory producing the product. If an exporter refuses to provide you with the name and address of the factory where the product is manufactured, they may not be a reputable supplier.
- Investigate the product. Request information regarding the experience of each factory in producing your particular product. You should also ask for samples of the product. Unless you will be manufacturing your own new product, the supplier should be able to provide you with samples of the product so that you can get a better idea of the quality and know ahead of time exactly what you are paying for.
- Cost is not the only the consideration when choosing a supplier; quality may be just as important, and the manufacturer's experience can be a good indication of the quality of work.
EditMaking an Order - Make a trip to meet with your supplier. If at all possible, it's best to schedule a visit to your supplier in China. This will help you establish a relationship with the supplier and get a sense of how well their business is operated. This provides a better opportunity for negotiation than working on a deal over the phone.[4]
- The website should offer the supplier's physical addresses and contact details. If this information is absent, ask for their contact details and if they don't mind you coming in and checking on their offices. This shouldn't be a problem at all if they are not hiding something from you.
- Visiting trade shows is a great way to see suppliers face-to-face without traveling to China.
- Obtain a business visa. In order to enter China, you will need to apply for and receive a Chinese M visa, which is the visa specific to business activities. You can apply for this visa at the nearest Chinese consulate. In order to get the visa, you will have to submit the required documentation and items, which includes:
- A valid passport from your current country of residence.
- A black and white photocopy of the picture page of your passport.
- Black and white photocopies of previous Chinese visas you have obtained (if any).
- A recent, passport-style photo of yourself.
- A completed visa application form (available at the Chinese Embassy's website).
- An invitation letter from the supplier you are meeting.
- A fee of approximately $140, plus any additional service or administrative fees.[5]
- It may take three weeks for your visa to be processed and shipped once you have applied for it. However, you may be able to pay for expedited service. Ask the consulate for details.[6]
- Negotiate a deal with the supplier. Remember that business interactions with Chinese exporters are governed by Chinese culture and customs, and different negotiation skills and tactics may be required. Some things to keep in mind when negotiating with Chinese suppliers include:
 - The focus is on relationships. Chinese do not do business with companies, they do business with people, and each business deal creates a new relationship with the other party. Chinese exporters are therefore not likely to jump into a deal until they have had the opportunity to get to know you a little.
- Reliance is on moral influence, not legal practice. Chinese executives tend to rely more on a party's moral obligation, rather than its legal one. This does not mean you should ignore the wise business practice of having a signed contract, but you should let your desire to get a signature on a contract take a back seat to building a trusting relationship where each party will feel morally obligated to perform, even if they did not have a signed contract.
- Hierarchy is important. Shaking the hand of a low ranking executive first or calling a high-ranking executive by his first name can jeopardize interpersonal relationships and affect a Chinese executive's willingness to negotiate. Pay close attention to how executives address each other and follow their lead.[7]
- Begin placing your orders. Each company will have a minimum order amount and a basic shipping agreement. Most exporters expect orders of at least 10,000 units, depending on the item in question.[8] The most common types of shipping arrangement for Chinese exports to the U.S. include:
- Carrier air mail. This service is best for samples and smaller orders, but can be costly. Check with companies like DHL International, UPS, and EMS to set up an import shipping account.[9]
- Sea freight. For larger orders and bulky items, or to save money, you can use sea freight to import your items. This type of order is shipped as either a full container load (FCL), which is a full shipping container for your items, or a less than container load (LCL), which allows your shipment to share space in the same container with other shipments. FCL shipments are cheaper per cubic meter but require a large order to make the cost worth it.[10]
- Pay for your products. To place your order, you will have to pay a deposit on the value of your order. Usually an initial deposit of between 30-50% will be requested by a Chinese manufacturer to get your product/order into production. The remainder is paid upon delivery of the goods. Never pay the entire amount of the purchase price upfront. If there is a problem with the order, you may not be able to get your money back.
- Remember that the wholesale cost of your product is not simply the recorded cost of the item on the order, but the total cost of having it shipped to you, including taxes, tariffs, shipping, and insurance fees.[11]
- A letter of credit is commonly used in trade with China. Go to your bank to get detail formality and cost.
- Payment for Chinese exports is most often made by credit card, but many Chinese suppliers also accept other forms of payment, such as cash, check, or even PayPal.
- You need to have a good estimate of the landing cost before you make your order. Landing cost = cost of the goods + transport costs by forwarder + import duties (if any) + local transport costs + cost of service providers (inspections, agents, etc.).
- There may be many hidden costs and you can consult an import management company, but the best way to avoid bad surprises is by making a first order of a small quantity, and collect all costs and fine tune your landing cost estimate.
- Use escrow services for payment whenever possible. Escrow companies allow a buyer to deposit funds with an independent third party, to be delivered to the seller once he or she has fulfilled his or her end of the supply and shipping agreement.
- Avoid payment fraud. Some importers may experience this type of fraud when placing their orders. It typically involves their payment for orders being sent to the wrong bank account, which can leave both the supplier and the importer out of a large amount of money. Reduce your risk of this type of fraud by following two simple steps:
- Don't send your payment to a bank account that isn't registered under the name of the company you are ordering from.
- Don't send your payment to a bank account registered in a different city from your supplier, even if the name on the account is similar.
- Otherwise, you will simply lose your money and have virtually no legal recourse to get it back.[12]
EditGetting Your Items Through Customs - Hire a customs broker. Locating and hiring a licensed customs broker can make your importation process much easier. This professional facilitates communication between you and the government, fills out and files necessary paperwork, and can help you navigate import regulations. They can also help estimate import costs and how long the import process will take. Just make sure that you can cover their fee with the sale of your imported products.[13]
- Neglecting compliance can be very costly. This may force you to pay expensive and unexpected customs duties, such as the anti-dumping duty, as well as risk delaying your customs clearance. This will cost you expensive storage fees at a railway station or container yard. Avoid these expenses by hiring a qualified customs broker.
- Find a certified broker by searching on the website for the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America.[14]
- Acquire necessary permits and licenses. Work with your customs broker to identify which licenses and permit you need, if any. Apply for them through the appropriate US government channels and wait for your application to be accepted before placing an import order.[15]
- You will need a specialized license to import items that fall under certain categories, such as food products, plants, animal products, prescription medication, trademarked items (brand name or designer goods), and copyrighted items (CDs, DVDs, etc.).[16]
- The specific licenses needed for each good may come from different government agencies. You can find which licenses you need by visiting the US Customs and Border Patrol's website and searching for "licenses and permits."
- File the Import Security filing (ISF). The ISF is a document is a document specific to items shipped by sea freight that provides advance shipment information to US Customs. This document should be filed 24 hours before shipment sets sail. If this is not done by either you or your broker, you may have to pay a $5,000 fine. The data points required on the ISF are:
- Identities of the buyer and seller.
- Importer of Record number.
- Consignee numbers.
- Country of Origin.
- Ship to party.
- Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States number (if your Chinese supplier has some export experience, he should have the harmonized schedule code, or HS code, for your product).
- Manufacturer or supplier information.
- Container stuffing location.
- Consolidator.[17]
- Get your product through US Customs and Border Protection ("CBP"). For help with this, contact a service port of entry near you. Ask to speak with a CBP import specialist assigned to the product you are importing. Import specialists can provide you with product specific requirements, advisory duty rates, answer your questions about filing an entry, and can assist you with preparing and filing the required paperwork. You can locate a port of entry and its contact information by visiting the CBP's website.
- You should be aware of any entry requirements specific to the particular product you are importing, including those of federal agencies besides CBP.
- For more information about getting your product through U.S. Customs, read Basic Importing and Exporting at CBP's website: http://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export.
- Submit initial import documents. Once the goods are received by the port of entry, you (or your customs broker) have five days to submit the first round of required import documents. These must be accepted by customs before further documentation can be filed. Required documents include:
- Bill of lading.
- Packing lists.
- Commercial invoice.
- Certificate of origin.
- Customs bond.
- Inward cargo manifest or immediate delivery form.[18]
- File additional documents. After the first documents are accepted by the port of entry, you or your broker now have ten days to file two additional required documents. These are the entry summary (US Customs Form 7501) and any relevant invoices that can be used to value the shipment.[19]
EditTaking Possession of Your Items - Pay your import duties. Your import duties will be calculated using the value of your shipment as estimated by customs officers and the shipment's grouping on the harmonized tariff schedule. The value of the shipments includes the price paid, commissions incurred from the purchase, royalty fees, license fees, packing costs, and the value of assists (specialized machinery or molds used in the manufacturing process). Your duties are then determined by using the tax rate specific to items of your shipment type on the US Government's Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
- Tariffs may vary by origin as well. For example, liquor (alcoholic beverages containing over 20 percent but no more than 50 alcohol by volume) is taxed at a standard rate of 8.4 cents per kilogram and an additional 1.9% of total value. However, this fee is waived when the items are coming from certain locations (including Canada and Singapore).[20]
- If any of your filed documents are inaccurate, you will need to file corrected documents before you can pay your duties.
- Your duties are due within ten days of the receipt of your initial import documents.[21]
- Your customs broker should be able to help you estimate the cost of your duties before you import the goods.
- Arrange for pick-up and transport. Contact a commercial cargo company to arrange to have your shipment picked up at the port of entry and shipped to your warehouse or local resellers. Cargo companies can be located by consulting your local yellow pages or favorite online phone book.
- Check your shipment for accuracy and damage. Once the items have made it to you, look at the packaging and items themselves for any damage sustained over the course of the trip. If there is significant damage, you may want to rethink your choice of shipping method or urge your supplier to better prepare your items for shipment.
- Search online for the name of any supplier you are considering. Watch for results from websites that track scam suppliers and disregard the supplier if others have had bad experienced with them.[22]
- During the initial contacts, wholesalers should request to see a business license or sales tax ID. These are required by legitimate wholesalers. Deceitful or fraudulent wholesalers, however, may not ask for this documentation.
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| How to Tune a Guitar Posted: 30 Mar 2016 09:00 AM PDT If you want to be a guitar god, you need to have a properly tuned guitar. While there are electric tuners to make the job effortless, a good musician must know how to tune his own instrument in a pinch by correctly tuning one string and then using it as a reference point for all the others. No matter what your tools, you can tune your guitar all by yourself easily. EditTuning Without a Tuner - Know which note is assigned to each string on the guitar. You'll need to know which string is which to tune them correctly. Guitars have six strings that count from the bottom up -- so the thinnest string is your first string (an E) and the thickest string is your sixth string (also an E). The strings, in order from first to sixth, should be tuned to the following notes:
- e (thinnest string)
- B
- G
- D
- A
- E (thickest string)
- Know the correct tuning pegs for each string. Follow a string all the way up the neck to find it's associated tuning peg. Pluck the string and turn the tuning peg to make the pitch go up (clockwise) or force it to go down (counterclockwise). Turn each peg smoothly and slowly, getting used to applying constant pressure in both directions.
- You may have to turn the pegs the opposite direction if your guitar was improperly strung. However, any professional stringing will follow the above system.
- Tune the low-E (6th string) to a tuner, guide, or piano. This is the string you will use as a reference for the other five strings. To get it right, pull up a YouTube clip of a "Guitar Low-E" and match the note you hear to your guitar. You can also get another instrumentalist, like a piano, to play an E, then match the notes. Slowly turn the tuning peg, plucking the string for reference, until the notes match.
- Find a way to listen to an E note. This can be done using a (properly tuned) piano, a pitch pipe, a tuning fork, or a recorded E note found on the web as a .wav or .mp3 file.
- When the string is slightly out of tune, the E from the guitar will combine with the E from the sound source (i.e. piano), and cause the sound to "waver" in pitch. This is dissonance. As you tighten the guitar string, you should hear this wavering slow down; the two strings are in tune if the wavering has stopped. If you go too far, the wavering will increase again.
- Tune the A string to the 5th fret of the E string. Now that you have correctly tuned the bottom-E string, you can use it to tune the next string over. Place your finger on the 5th fret of the thickest string, then pluck. This note is the exact same A you need from the string below it. Holding the 6th string down, match it to the open 5th string to tune the A.
- Playing the two strings at the exact same time is a good way to check for dissonance, and if the A note is matched up.
- Tune the D string to the 5th fret of the A string. This is the same system as the one used above. Play the open D string, the 4th string, and tune it to the 5th string, 5th fret note, which is another D.
- Tune the G string to the fifth-fretted D string. Keep moving down the guitar the same way you tuned the first three strings. Note, however, that the next string must be taken somewhat differently. Don't stop paying attention now -- the B is the only different string!
- Tune the B string to the 4th fretted G string. The B string (second string from the bottom) is slightly different -- it tunes to the 4th fret of the G string, not the 5th. This is the only exception across the guitar in standard tuning. Pluck the B string and compare it to the sound of the 4th-fretted G string. Pluck the two strings in succession and then simultaneously, checking for that dissonance that means they are out of tune.
- Tune the high-E string to the 5th fretted B string. Returning to your old pattern, hold the 5th fret of the 2nd string to get an E. This note is identical to the correctly tuned E string, the thinnest, smallest string. This string should be an identical note, though higher pitched, as the top string, as well -- the are both E. You can use this similarity to check your work by comparing the top and bottom strings.
- Be very careful when tightening this string as it can break easily. Tune it slowly.
- Know that, if these are new strings, you'll need to retune a few times. Strings actually stretch when placed on the guitar. The note on a string is determined by it's length, thus why fretting changes the note -- it essentially "cuts" the string at that point. But as strings stretch they get longer, meaning they pull out of tune. After retuning 3-4 times, they should be fully stretched and ready to play.
EditUsing Different Tuning Methods - Purchase a chromatic tuner. If you really want to play guitar professionally, you'll need to get perfect tuning. This is only possible, really, with a high-quality chromatic tuner. This is one case where spending a bit more money is really worth it -- the more precise it is, the better your guitar will sound and stay in tune.
- To use one, simply turn the tuner on and play a note. It will pick up the note and tell you if it is sharp or flat automatically.
- Remember -- from top to bottom your strings are E-A-D-G-B-e.
- Use free online apps and videos to tune guitars. You can find plenty of videos online that simply strum each perfectly tuned note for you, allowing you to compare easily to the pitch on your guitar. Play the note on the computer, then tun the guitar, continuing to play along and tune until the notes sound identical.
- Tune the guitar to itself harmonically. Harmonic tuning is more accurate and easier for some people to hear. To do it, compare the harmonic on the fifth fret of one string to that of the seventh fret of a higher string. To play a harmonic, lightly touch the string directly above the fret and let it go as you pluck the string -- you should get a high, clear note ringing out. Another advantage of harmonic tuning is that both strings will continue to ring as you let go of the neck to adjust the tuning pegs.
- Note: this doesn't work for the second (B) string. To tune the second string using harmonics, play the harmonic of the seventh fret on the sixth string and play the second sting open. The harmonic pitch of the fifth fret of the sixth string is the same as the first string played open.
- Use tuning forks. Start by tuning the A note of the fifth fret of the first string to the standard A440 reference pitch of tuning fork by adjusting the string tension. Second, tune the E note at the fifth fret of the second string to the E note of the first open string by adjusting second string tension using an electronic tuner to help move note pitch to reference pitch. Third, tune the open third string to the G note at the third fret of the first string by adjusting tension of third string. Next tune the fourth open string to the D note at the third fret of the second string by adjusting fourth string tension. Next tune the fifth open string to the A note of the A440 tuning fork pitch by adjusting tension of fifth string. Last, tune the sixth open string note to the E note of the first open string by adjusting sixth string tension. If your commercial chromatic electronic tuner is not properly calibrated to the chromatic musical scale, this is likely the best way to tune string tensions. Do not use a low cost electronic tuner; they are off from the guitar fret locations; use a A440 pitch tuning fork to tune all the four A notes from nut to fifth fret instead.[1]
- If you have trouble remembering the notes for the strings, think, "Every Afternoon Dad Goes, Buys Eggplants" or "Every American Dog Growls Before Eating" (going from low E to high E) or "Every Body Gets Dinner At Eight' (going from high E to low E).
- You will find it easier to tune each string if you loosen the string to flatten the note, then increase the tension to come up to pitch. Some of the strings have a tendency to "stick" where they slide over the nut, and will be in tune until they suddenly slip flat. By coming up to pitch, this tendency is avoided. You can also lubricate the slot in the nut with graphite (pencil lead) and it will help to avoid sticking during tuning.
- If you have a microphone on your computer, you can use online tuners, instead of buying a real life one. Avoid using electronic tuners; this old fashioned method of tuning by ear seems best.
- If you don't have access to a piano, keyboard, or tuner, pick up your phone! In the US, standard dial tone is an F.
- A more accurate and easier way of tuning the open string notes is the use the fifth fret harmonic pitch and the fifth fret note. First tune the A note of the fifth open string by adjusting string tension using an A440 tuning fork as a reference pitch. Play the D note of the fifth fret of fifth string, and make the harmonic pitch as the D note over the fifth fret of fourth string the same pitch as the D note at fifth fret of fifth string by adjusting tension of fourth string. Do the same for the other strings.
- After tuning, make sure the G string and the G at the eighth fret of the B string sound the same (other than being an octave apart, obviously). These two notes being slightly out of tune is a common problem and will make chords sound very bad. It's better to have the E and B strings a little bit flat relative to the low E string than to have the G string sound out of tune with the E and B strings.
- After tuning all strings from the 6th to the 1st, check the 6th string pitch again. Most probably it will go out of tune because you changed strings tension and the neck changed its shape, making all strings shorter or longer. This is especially the case for acoustic guitars. If this happened, tune your guitar again.
- If you are tuning a bass guitar, the layout is the same. The difference is a bass guitar doesn't have a B and high E string.
- Tune your guitar every time you use it. Playing can make your guitar go out of tune, especially if you have a cheap guitar or old, cheap strings or if you use tremolo a lot.
- This is not the case with all guitars. Guitars that have "fanned frets" use different scale lengths for each string and are called Novax guitars.
- If you begin tuning with the higher E string [the thinnest string on the guitar] instead of the thicker, lower E string, you're more likely to break a string in tuning, especially if your strings are old or the guitar has not been tuned in a while. Be sure to keep your face away from the fretboard to avoid being injured by broken strings!
- There are a few countries left that do not use the standard A440; do your research just in case.
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| How to Make Lipstick Out of Crayons Posted: 30 Mar 2016 01:00 AM PDT One of the best ways to get new lipstick is by recycling old crayons. While many name-brand lipsticks contain a wide array of chemicals, lipsticks made from crayons are non-toxic, include a single ingredient, and have been handled by you alone. Plus, producing customized shades can be lots of fun. This article will show you how to make lipstick out of crayons; it will also give you a few customization ideas as well. - 1 non-toxic crayon
- ½ teaspoon shea butter
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon food-grade oil (almond, argan, coconut, jojoba, or olive)
- Cosmetic glitter (optional)
- 1-2 drops of essential oil or extract (optional)
EditPreparing Your Ingredients - Select your lipstick container. You will need to store your lipstick in something so that it doesn't get dusty or dirty. Here is a list to give you some ideas:
- Contact lens case
- Empty lipstick or chap stick tubes
- Empty lip balm container
- Empty eye shadow or blush containers
- Pill boxes
- Clean and sterilize your container. If you have not already done so, clean your container well using soap and warm water. Wipe your container down using a cotton ball soaked with rubbing alcohol; use a Q-tip to get into small spaces, such as corners.
- Keep the container open and set it aside. Your lipstick will start to harden quickly and you will need to pour it into its container before it sets. Make sure that your containers are within reach and open, so that they will be ready.
- Remove the paper from the crayons. You can do this by placing the crayon under warm, running water for a few minutes, then peeling the wrapper off.[3] You can also use a craft knife to score a shallow line down the length of the crayon and peel the paper off.
- Dispose of crayon parts that were not covered by paper, as these parts may be tainted with germs, bacteria or other crayon colors.
- Break the crayon into four equal parts. Hold the crayon between your fingers and snap it into smaller pieces. If you are having difficulties breaking the crayons, you can cut them using a sharp knife. Breaking the crayon into smaller pieces will not only make it easier to melt, but it will also make it easier to mix colors together.
EditMaking the Lipstick Over the Stove - Assemble a double-boiler. Fill a pot with 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) with water. Place a metal or heat-safe glass bowl on top of the pot. The bottom of the bowl should not be touching the surface of the water.
- Turn the stove on and bring the water to a boil. You will be using the hot steam to melt the crayon, butter, and oils.
- Once the water in the saucepan is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.[4] You are working in small amounts, so your ingredients will melt faster. Using a lower temperature will prevent them from melting too fast.
- Put the crayon pieces into the bowl and let them begin to melt. You can use all one color, or you can combine different colors to create your own unique shade. Stir the crayon pieces occasionally with a fork or spoon.
- Add the shea butter and food-grade oil into the bowl. You can use any type of food-grade oil, but some oils (such as coconut oil) might give the lipstick a more pleasant taste and smell than others.
- For a sheer lipstick, use ½ teaspoon of oil; for a more intense color, use only ¼ teaspoon.[5]
- Continue stirring the ingredients until everything is completely melted. At this point, you can also add in additional ingredients, such as extracts or essences, or even some cosmetic-grade glitter.
- Lift the bowl off the pot. Use oven mitts or a dish towel to lift the bowl so that you do not burn yourself.
- Pour the lipstick into the empty container. Use a spoon to help guide it into the container so that the melted wax does not get everywhere.
- Allow the lipstick to cool. You can let it cool in the kitchen (or whatever room you were making it in), or you can leave it in the freezer or refrigerator.
EditMaking the Lipstick Over a Candle - Set a candle down on a heat-safe surface and light it. You can use a match or lighter. Make sure that you are working close to a sink, or have water close by, in case the candle tips over.
- Hold the spoon above the flame. Keep the spoon about one inch (2.54 centimeters) above the flame.[6]
- Place the crayon pieces into the spoon and let them melt. It will take about 30 seconds before the crayons start to melt.[7] Be sure to stir them occasionally using a toothpick.
- Add in the shea butter and oil, and stir some more using a toothpick. You can use any type of food-grade oil, but some types, such as coconut oil, will give the lipstick a nicer smell and taste.
- For sheer lipstick, use ½ teaspoon of your chosen oil.
- For a more intense color, use ¼ teaspoon of your chosen oil.
- Keep stirring the ingredients until they melt completely. At this point, you can add in other ingredients, such as an extract for flavor or cosmetic glitter for shimmer. If the spoon becomes too hot to hold, consider using an oven mitt or wrapping the handle with a towel.
- Pour the melted ingredients into the container. Once the ingredients have melted and there are no more lumps, pull the spoon away from the flame and carefully pour the melted lipstick into the container. Be sure to blow out the candle.
- Let the lipstick cool. You can leave the lipstick to cool in the room you were working in, or you can stick the container into the fridge or freezer.
EditAdding Variations to the Lipstick - Consider adding some sparkle with cosmetic glitter. Avoid using craft glitter; even the finest grain craft glitter will be too chunky to use for lipstick. Try using some cosmetic-grade glitter instead; you can purchase it in a beauty shop or online.
- You can also use metallic crayons to create a pearlescent lipstick.
- Consider using castor oil to give your lipstick some shine. When making your lipstick, use castor oil instead of the food-grade oil.[8]
- Create custom colors by mixing two or more crayon colors together. You can mix however many colors you want, so long as you end up with what amounts to one crayon. Here are some color combinations you can try:[9][10]
- To deepen a pink color, add some deep burgundy.
- If the pink is too bright, add some peach-colored crayon.
- Create a shimmery red-violet by mixing 1 part Gold and 2 parts Red Violet. You can add more shimmer with some gold cosmetic glitter.
- Use one part each of Melon and Magenta to create a bright pink.
- Create a bright red using 1 part each of Red Orange and Wild Strawberry.
- For a creamy, neutral color, use 1 part each of Bittersweet and Peach.
- For a silvery purple, use 1 part each of Silver and Violet.
- Use extracts and essences to add flavor and scent. You will only need one or two drops of your chosen extract or essence. Keep in mind that certain flavors and scents will be stronger than others, so you will need to use a little bit more/less. Also, the flavor and scent will become stronger after the lipstick hardens.[11] Here is a list of extracts and essences that work well in homemade lipstick:
- Coconut
- Grapefruit or tangerine
- Peppermint
- Vanilla
- Try to get higher-quality, brand-named crayons; lower quality crayons, such as those in restaurants, tend to be less pigmented and more waxy.
- Consider using a funnel to help guide the melted lipstick into narrow containers, such as empty lipstick and chap stick tubes.
- Keep in mind that certain colors tend to be more pigmented than others.
- Crayon manufacturers do not endorse the use of crayons for makeup. Crayola has gone so far as to state that it discourages and does not recommend the use of crayons as makeup.[12] On the other hand, the "rigorous" testing makeup apparently undergoes is about as transparent as mud, so you be the judge.
- Be aware of reactions and irritations. Crayons have only been tested to be used artistically; they have not been tested to be used cosmetically. As such, the long-term effects of using crayons as lipstick are not known.[13]
- Do not pour melted lipstick down the sink. If you have any lipstick leftover, either pour it into another container or dump it into the trash. If you pour it into the sink, it will harden and create a clog.[14]
- Be aware that crayons have a higher lead content than regular lipstick. To prevent any complications, avoid using this lipstick on a daily basis; consider using it only once or twice a month, or for costumes and special events.[15]
EditThings You'll Need EditStove-top Method - Pot
- Metal or heat-safe glass container
- Something to stir with
- Small containers (contact lens cases, empty chap stick tube or lip balm container, pill boxes)
EditCandle Method - Large spoon
- Candle
- Toothpick
- Small containers (contact lens cases, empty chap stick tube or lip balm container, pill boxes)
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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