Pure beeswax may have a yellowish tint from exposure to pollen. If you buy your beeswax from a hobby store or candle company, it's probably already cleaned. But if you go straight to the source and get beeswax from a beekeeper, you'll need to drop your beeswax in a tub of hot water: The beeswax will float to the top where you can scoop it out, while the impurities sink to the bottom. Once your beeswax is ready to use, there are plenty of things to do with it.
Candles
Beeswax is perhaps most commonly used to make candles. Beeswax is a good material for candles because it's slow-burning and doesn't have a scorched smell when it burns. Also, when it's used properly, it makes smoke-free and drip-free candles. Beeswax can be used to make molded candles, dipped candles or rolled candles.
Cosmetics
Beeswax is often blended with mineral oil and olive oil to make cosmetic balms for the face and body. In cosmetics, beeswax provides a thin, flexible coating that seals in skin's moisture while protecting it from the elements, making it a popular ingredient in lip balms and treatments for dry feet and hands. Though beeswax stays put in water, it washes off easily with soap.
Furniture Polish
Rubbed slowly over wooden furniture by itself or mixed with mineral oil, beeswax leaves a thin, water-resistant layer of shine. The layer of beeswax protects furniture and wooden floors from scuffs and spills and enhances the natural grain of the wood. A mixture of beeswax and turpentine similarly protects leather, tile and linoleum.
Other Uses
Rubbing the end of a piece of thread through a little beeswax makes it easier to thread a needle. Working a little beeswax onto a nail makes it easier to hammer the nail into hard surfaces. You can use beeswax to lubricate metal machinery to prevent rust and maintain the sharpness of cutting edges. Fly fisherman use beeswax to wax their fishing lines, and hunters may use beeswax to wax their bows.
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