Seamus Hammond
Essential oils are a great natural substitute for perfumes. They are known for their various beneficial properties, but most people are drawn to them because of their smell. Lavender essential oil, in particular, has been used in perfumery for thousands of years and is known for its uniquely herbaceous floral aroma. It is believed that the name Lavender is derived from the Latin word lavare, meaning to wash, which may be why people often describe lavender as having a clean or fresh aroma.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Lavender essential oil is a more affordable alternative to designer perfume |
| Scent | Lavender essential oil has a uniquely herbaceous and floral aroma |
| Longevity | Using oil instead of alcohol will make the scent last longer, but it won't be as strong |
| Application | Lavender essential oil can be applied to pulse points like the wrists and neck |
| Customization | Essential oils can be blended and customized to create unique perfumes |
| Natural | Essential oils are 100% natural and pure, avoiding potentially harmful ingredients found in some perfumes |
| Historical use | Lavender has been used in perfumery for thousands of years |
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What You'll Learn
The history of lavender oil in perfumery
Lavender oil has been used in perfumery for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians are credited with developing one of the first distillation machines to extract essential oils from cedarwood, clove, cinnamon, and lavender plants. The practice of using infused aromatic oils as a mood enhancer is thought to have originated in China, although little is known about the first culture to employ them. The Romans extracted lavender oil to add to their baths and cosmetics and used it as a perfume, an insecticide, and a remedy for healing wounds. Glove makers in Grass also used lavender essence to perfume their leather.
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, French women who took in washing for hire were known as "lavenders." Lavender was also used to scent cabinet drawers and perfumed the air, in addition to warding off infection and healing wounds. John Parkinson, an English herbalist, wrote in the 1500s that lavender was useful for pains of the head and brain. Charles VI of France reportedly insisted that his pillows always contain lavender to help improve his sleep.
By the turn of the 20th century, lavender was largely wild-harvested from the hills in the north of the Mediterranean region, and the essential oil was distilled in small, mobile direct-fire stills. Experimental lavender farms began to appear in Southern France in the 1910s, but most of the lavender used for essential oil distillation still came from wild plants. This small-scale production of essential oil, harvested mostly from wildflowers and supplemented by small planted fields, remained the standard through the 1920s. However, a sharp decline in wild lavender affected Southern France at the start of the 1930s, leading to much lower yields in the region.
Following World War II, more successful lavender cultivation operations began to appear in the traditional growing regions of Europe. English lavender, which is different from Mediterranean lavender, reached new levels of popularity in the 19th century as a perfect olfactory representation of the Anglo-Saxons' ideal of nature and their gardens. It remained popular until World War II and was used in cleaning products and home and linen products. Today, lavender oil is still commonly used in perfumery and is known for its sweet, floral, and herbaceous scent. It blends well with other notes such as orange blossom, neroli, bergamot, oakmoss, and patchouli.
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$6.32 $8.72
How to apply lavender oil as perfume
Lavender essential oil has a uniquely herbaceous floral aroma, making it a common choice in perfumery for thousands of years. It is also believed that the name "Lavender" is derived from the Latin word "lavare," meaning "to wash," which is why people often describe lavender as a "clean" or "fresh" aroma.
Roll-on bottles
Roll-on bottles are a convenient way to apply lavender oil topically. The rolling ball evenly distributes the oil onto your skin and allows only a small amount of oil to come out, maximising efficiency and reducing waste. You can make your own roll-on perfume by adding 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil to the bottle and filling the rest of the bottle with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil. Shake the bottle well to combine the ingredients, and you're ready to roll it onto your wrists and the nape of your neck.
Spray bottles
You can also make a lavender oil perfume spray by adding all the ingredients to an 8 oz spray bottle and shaking well to combine. Spritz the perfume all over your body for a fresh floral scent. You can also add a small amount of vegetable glycerin to help the carrier oil and essential oils emulsify with the water, resulting in a well-blended perfume.
Hair perfume
Your hair can pick up unwanted scents from the environment, so a hair perfume can be a great way to combat this. Adding jojoba oil to your lavender perfume can help the aroma cling to your hair while also moisturising dry ends.
Body oil or moisturiser
You can also mix lavender essential oil with your body oil or moisturiser. However, keep in mind that diluted lavender essential oil may not last as long as perfume.
Blending with other essential oils
When blending essential oils for perfume-making, it's important to create a balanced aroma. Lavender is an extremely versatile scent that blends well with many other essential oils. You can experiment with different combinations of top, middle, and base notes to create a unique and pleasing scent. For example, lavender, geranium, and grapefruit essential oils combine to make a bright floral scent with a unique citrus twist. For a deeper, more masculine take on lavender perfume, you can try blending lavender with frankincense, cedarwood, and patchouli essential oils.
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Cost comparison between lavender oil and designer perfume
The cost of lavender essential oil varies depending on the brand, volume, and quality. On Amazon, prices range from $10 for a 10ml bottle of 100% pure and natural lavender essential oil to $20 for a 4oz bottle of premium organic lavender essential oil. The price per ml decreases as the volume increases, with larger bottles offering a more cost-effective option.
On the other hand, designer perfumes can vary significantly in price, ranging from affordable options to high-end luxury fragrances. While the exact cost of production is not always clear, it is estimated that most designer fragrances cost around $2-3 to produce, with a significant portion of the final price attributed to marketing and branding. Niche fragrances may cost slightly more to produce, ranging from $10 to $50, but still represent a small fraction of their selling price.
When comparing the costs of lavender oil and designer perfume, it is important to consider the concentration and intended use. Lavender essential oil is highly concentrated and is often diluted before use, making it a cost-effective option for those seeking a natural fragrance. Designer perfumes, on the other hand, typically contain a lower concentration of fragrance oils and are designed to be applied directly to the skin.
While it is challenging to provide an exact cost comparison due to the varying volumes and concentrations of lavender oil and designer perfume, it is safe to say that lavender essential oil offers a more affordable option per millilitre. However, designer perfumes may offer a longer-lasting fragrance and a more complex scent profile due to their unique blends and branding, justifying their higher price point for some consumers.
Ultimately, the decision between lavender essential oil and designer perfume depends on individual preferences, budget, and intended use. For those seeking a natural, calming fragrance, lavender essential oil offers a cost-effective and versatile option. For those who value brand recognition, complex scent profiles, and long-lasting fragrances, designer perfumes may be worth the higher price point.
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DIY perfume with lavender oil
Lavender essential oil has been used in perfumery for thousands of years, from the ancient Egyptians to the French women of the Middle Ages and Renaissance who were known as "lavenders". The name "lavender" is believed to be derived from the Latin word "lavare", meaning "to wash", which may be why lavender is often described as having a "clean" and "fresh" aroma.
Lavender oil is a great natural substitute for perfume, and you can create your own unique blends and personalised scents. Here is a simple recipe for DIY perfume with lavender oil:
Firstly, you will need a perfume bottle, ideally a roll-on bottle for easy application. Fill the bottle with just under 1oz of carrier oil such as jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil, or avocado oil. Then, add 20-30 drops of lavender essential oil, depending on the desired intensity of the scent. Put the lid on the bottle and shake it for a few seconds so that the oils can blend together.
You can also experiment with different essential oils to create unique blends. For a bright, floral scent with a citrus twist, try combining lavender with geranium and grapefruit essential oils. Alternatively, for a deeper, more masculine woodsy scent, blend lavender with frankincense, cedarwood, and patchouli essential oils.
There you have it! Your very own DIY perfume with lavender oil, a natural and cost-effective alternative to traditional perfumes.
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Health benefits of lavender oil
Lavender oil is a popular ingredient in perfumes, thanks to its versatile and calming aroma. It has been used as a fragrance for thousands of years and is known for its ability to blend well with other essential oils.
Lavender oil is also associated with several health benefits, although many of these are not yet conclusive. Here are some of the potential health benefits of lavender essential oil:
Anxiety and Stress Relief
Lavender oil is best known for its calming properties. Inhaling lavender oil or using it in aromatherapy is said to reduce anxiety and stress. Several studies have found that inhaling lavender oil can reduce feelings of anxiety and alter emotional states. It is also believed to promote better sleep, which can further help reduce stress.
Skin Health
Lavender oil is often used to promote skin health. It has natural antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, which can aid in wound healing and prevent infections. It also contains antioxidants that can help reduce skin damage and improve skin elasticity. Additionally, lavender oil may help treat acne, reduce spots, and stimulate hair growth.
Pain Relief
Lavender oil is sometimes used to relieve muscle pain and soreness when applied topically as a massage oil. It has also been found to reduce menstrual pain when used in aromatherapy or applied to the abdomen.
Other Benefits
Lavender oil is believed to have several other benefits, including boosting mood, reducing colic symptoms in infants, and improving sleep quality. It has a long history in herbal medicine and was used in ancient times to purify the body and mind.
While lavender oil has many potential health benefits, it is important to use it with caution. Essential oils are very concentrated and can irritate the skin or mucosa if not diluted properly. Always do a patch test before using lavender oil, and be sure to keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, lavender essential oil can be used as perfume. In fact, lavender has been used in perfumery since ancient times.
You can add one or two drops of lavender essential oil to your neck and pulse points throughout the day for an uplifting fragrance. You can also mix it with other essential oils and a carrier oil, like jojoba oil or coconut oil, to create your own unique perfume blend.
Using lavender essential oil as perfume allows you to create a 100% natural fragrance that suits your mood and personality. It is also a cost-effective alternative to designer perfumes, as a small amount of essential oil can last a long time.
