Enhancing Your Cologne: The Power Of Essential Oils

Essential oils can be added to cologne, and many people make their own cologne using essential oils. However, it is important to note that making cologne that smells similar to designer colognes is difficult because they contain many synthetics, semi-synthetics, and processed naturals. In addition, the formulas for designer colognes are proprietary information, so it is challenging to find their specific ingredients. When creating your own cologne, it is crucial to understand fragrance notes, which are divided into three classes: top, middle, and base. The top note is the first scent noticed after application, the middle note blends the scents together, and the base note is the longest-lasting scent. When blending essential oils, it is recommended to stick to earthy, woodsy, spicy, and citrus scents for a more masculine fragrance. It is also important to dilute essential oils and not apply them directly to the skin.

Essential oils and alcohol

Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be powerful, so it's important to use them safely. Always dilute essential oils before applying them to your skin, and be cautious when handling them.

When creating your own cologne, it's important to understand fragrance notes. Notes are typically divided into three classes: top, middle, and base. The top note is the first scent you notice after application, but it also fades the quickest. The middle note blends the scents together and is the next most powerful scent. The base note is the longest-lasting scent.

When blending essential oils for cologne, you can experiment with different oils to create your desired scent. Some popular essential oils for cologne include:

• Wild orange (top note)
• Sandalwood (middle note)
• Frankincense (base note)
• Lemon (top note)
• Cardamom (middle note)
• Ylang-ylang (middle note)
• Vetiver (base note)
• Cedarwood (base note)
• Lemongrass (top note)
• Basil (middle note)
• Douglas fir (base note)
• Bergamot (top note)
• Clove (middle note)
• White fir (base note)
• Siberian fir
• Lavender
• Rose geranium
• Palmarosa
• Grapefruit
• Sweet orange
• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus
• Tea tree
• May Chang
• Cedarwood
• Patchouli
• Rosemary
• Clary sage
• Petitgrain

You can use a variety of carriers for your essential oils, such as perfumer's alcohol, pure grain alcohol, Everclear, vodka, or witch hazel. Alcohol helps to disperse the oils, making the cologne more intense and long-lasting. However, alcohol can also dry the skin, so it's important to use it in moderation.

To make a simple cologne, add 12 drops each of your chosen essential oils to a container with 30 grams of perfumer's alcohol. Stir the mixture slowly to ensure the oils are thoroughly dispersed. Let the perfume mature for about three weeks, then filter it through a coffee filter to remove any sediment. Finally, pour your cologne into a glass bottle, and it's ready to use!

Blending essential oils

• Select your essential oils: Choose a variety of essential oils, including staple oils, top, middle, and base scent notes. You can also add special treats like organic rose or organic helichrysum.
• Gather your tools: You will need gloves, droppers or pipettes, small glass bottles for storage or blending, perfume blotters or cotton balls, a pen and paper, and towels.
• Start small: Work with a small amount of oil at a time, so you don't waste precious oils if you don't like the result. A good starting point is 10 drops, which is easy to work with and converts nicely for figuring percentages.
• Create your blend: Begin with the base notes, as these are the longest-lasting notes of a blend. Add one to three drops to your blending vessel. Then, move on to adding two to four drops of middle note oils, which will make up the body of your blend. Finally, add your top note oils, which will create the first impression of your blend.
• Test and adjust: Put some of your test blend on a perfume blotter or cotton ball and inhale to see how the aromas evaporate. This is the time to add new oils or boost an ingredient that is not as prominent as you would like. Retest the blend the following day to see if you want to make any more adjustments.
• Record your recipe: Write down the amounts of each oil used so you can recreate the blend or make a larger batch.
• Allow your blend to rest: Essential oil blends perform best after "resting" for a day or so, allowing the oils to blend and harmonise fully.
• Dilute before use: If you plan to use your blend on the skin, it must first be diluted by adding one drop of your blend to one teaspoon of a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond.

• Start with three drops of a base note oil such as cedarwood.
• Add four drops of middle note oils such as lavender and geranium.
• Finish with three drops of top note oils such as eucalyptus, lemon, or peppermint.
• Test, adjust, and retest your blend as needed.
• Record your recipe and dilute before applying to the skin.

Synthetic fragrances vs natural fragrances

Synthetic fragrances and natural fragrances have their own pros and cons. Natural fragrances are perceived to be safer, more healthful, and therapeutic. They are also believed to be greener and more sustainable. Natural fragrances are generally made from ingredients harvested from sustainably grown plants rather than from petrochemicals. However, natural fragrances can be very expensive and hard to obtain. For example, rose oils can range from $3,000 to $25,000 per kilogram.

On the other hand, synthetic fragrances are stronger, longer-lasting, more complex, and less expensive than natural fragrances. Synthetic fragrances are also easier to manufacture as their components are more reproducible from lot to lot. Synthetic fragrances are created through reactive chemistry and have the same chemical structure as natural fragrances but are not derived from botanicals. For example, synthetic linalool is chemically identical to linalool, which is fractionally distilled from lavender oil, but it is not derived from a plant.

There are also some misconceptions about synthetic fragrances. Synthetic fragrances are not necessarily worse for your health than natural fragrances. In fact, both synthetic and natural fragrances can contain allergens, and synthetic fragrances do not necessarily cause more allergic reactions than natural fragrances. Additionally, not all synthetic fragrances are made from petrochemicals—some are created in a laboratory through processes such as acetylation.

When it comes to creating complex and long-lasting fragrances, a combination of synthetic and natural fragrances is often used. This combination allows perfumers to create longer-lasting and more complex smells. For example, famous perfumes like Chanel No. 5 and CK One contain synthetic ingredients and would not exist without them.

In terms of sustainability, both natural and synthetic fragrances have their advantages and disadvantages. Natural fragrances can help support farmers and local economies, but they can also be environmentally destructive. For example, the pursuit of Rosewood, orchids, and sandalwood has been brought to a halt thanks to the existence of sustainable and safe synthetic molecules. On the other hand, synthetic fragrances may require less raw material, but the chemical process can be more time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Overall, both synthetic and natural fragrances have their pros and cons, and it is up to consumers to decide which type of fragrance they prefer.

Carrier oils

There are many different carrier oils, each with unique properties and benefits. Some popular carrier oils include:

• V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex: a blend of fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil. This blend is moisturising, nourishing, and rich in vitamin E. However, it may cause a reaction in individuals with nut allergies.
• Fractionated Coconut Oil: liquid at room temperature, this oil absorbs well and leaves the skin feeling silky and moisturised. It is high in essential fatty acids and has no noticeable aroma.
• Sweet Almond Oil: commonly used as a carrier oil due to its antioxidant content, sweet almond oil helps keep the skin soft. It is easily absorbed and can be used to gently cleanse the skin.
• Jojoba Oil: an excellent carrier oil as it is odourless and helps to soothe the skin. Jojoba oil is a plant wax rather than an oil and can be used to moisturise, protect, and cleanse the skin, as well as prevent razor burn. It is rich in vitamin E and B vitamins, making it ideal for treating sunburns and wounds.
• Olive Oil: high in healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, olive oil can be used as a carrier oil to hydrate the skin and promote wound healing. It may also help fight infections and improve skin conditions such as acne and dermatitis.
• Avocado Oil: a very moisturising carrier oil, avocado oil is perfect for individuals with dry, rough skin. It helps improve skin texture, remove makeup, and hydrate hair. Research suggests that it may also reduce inflammation and increase collagen production, aiding in the treatment of skin wounds.
• Argan Oil: containing omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid, and vitamins A and E, argan oil is one of the best carrier oils for the skin. It absorbs quickly, is gentle on sensitive skin, and helps reduce sebum levels in oily skin. Argan oil also improves skin elasticity and has anti-aging effects.
• Arnica Oil: containing helenalin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, arnica oil can be used to reduce inflammation, improve muscle pain, and heal bruises. However, it should not be used on open wounds or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Rosehip Oil: high in essential fatty acids, rosehip oil promotes cellular and tissue regeneration and has anti-aging effects. It is considered a dry oil, absorbing quickly without leaving an oily residue, making it suitable for normal to dry skin types.

Other carrier oils include broccoli seed oil, flaxseed oil, grapefruit seed extract, magnesium oil, neem oil, sea buckthorn oil, and evening primrose oil.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. It can be tempting to spray your new scent all over yourself and your clothes, but this is not the best way to apply cologne. Here is a guide on how to apply cologne correctly and effectively:

• Apply to clean skin: The best time to apply cologne is right after a shower. This ensures that your skin is clean and free of any other scents, and the heat from the shower will open your pores, helping the scent absorb. Dry your skin completely, then apply cologne.
• Target pulse points: Aim for your wrists and neck, where you can feel your pulse. These are the warmest points on your body, and applying cologne to these spots will help the scent diffuse throughout the day. Other pulse points include your chest, forearms, and inner elbows.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: Holding the bottle too close can lead to over-application, while holding it too far away will result in under-application. The ideal distance is 3-6 inches from your body.
• Start with a light application: Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there the next time you apply. You can always add more, but it's harder to fix over-application.
• Re-apply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to re-apply, especially if you are going out in the evening. When re-applying, dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
• Don't rub: Rubbing the cologne into your skin can make the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. If you're not going to spray, simply dab it on.
• Less is more: A subtle enhancement to your image is best. You don't want your cologne to be overpowering. Start light and ask a friend or family member for feedback if needed.
• Store properly: Cologne does not have an infinite shelf life. To make it last longer, keep it in its original box, as light exposure can cause fragrances to deteriorate. You can also store it in a dark drawer or cabinet, but avoid direct sunlight and fluctuations in temperature.

Frequently asked questions