Making Fragrance Oils With Clover Flowers: A Beginner's Guide

Clover, also known as trifolium or trefoli, is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the herbaceous pea family Fabaceae. Its scent is described as a sweet honey floral and green note.

Perfume oils are made without alcohol, which is why they feel silky and luxurious on the skin. They are created from natural, plant-derived essences, which is why they have a highly concentrated smell.

Clover fragrance oils are available commercially, but it is also possible to make perfume oils at home using fresh flower petals and water.

How to make fragrance oils with clover flowers

Yes, you can make fragrance oils with clover flowers.

Clover, also known as trifolium or trefoli, is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the herbaceous pea family Fabaceae. It is typically recognised by its trifoliate leaves and thick spikes of tiny red, violet, white, or yellow flowers.

Clover fragrance oil is described as having a sweet honey floral and green note.

To make fragrance oil with clover flowers, you will need to create an infusion using carrier oil and the clover blossoms. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

• Clover blossoms: Ensure you have access to an abundant supply of fresh clover blossoms. Pick them on a dry day, making sure to leave some behind for the environment.
• Carrier oil: Choose a carrier oil with a neutral scent, such as fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, or jojoba oil.
• Glass jar: Use a clean, dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to store your infusion.
• Cheesecloth or muslin: You will need this to strain the oil and separate the blossoms.
• Glass bowl: Have a glass bowl ready for the strained oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Clover Blossoms

• Pick the blossoms: Carefully pick the clover blossoms from the stems, rinsing them gently if needed.
• Dry the blossoms: Spread the blossoms out on a paper towel or clean cloth and allow them to air dry. This step is important to remove excess moisture and prevent mould.

Step 3: Infuse the Oil

• Fill the jar: Fill your glass jar about halfway with carrier oil.
• Add the blossoms: Place the dried clover blossoms into the jar, making sure they are completely submerged in the oil. You can add more oil if needed.
• Seal the jar: Secure the lid on the jar tightly. Give the jar a gentle shake to remove any air bubbles and ensure the blossoms are well coated in oil.
• Store in a cool, dark place: Find a cool, dark cupboard or pantry to store your infusion.

Step 4: Strain the Infused Oil

• After 4-6 weeks: Allow your infusion to steep for at least four weeks. The longer it infuses, the stronger the fragrance will be.
• Strain the oil: Place the cheesecloth or muslin over the glass bowl. Slowly pour the infused oil through the cloth to separate the blossoms from the oil.

Step 5: Bottle and Label Your Fragrance Oil

• Pour the strained oil: Carefully pour your clover fragrance oil into a clean, dry bottle of your choice.
• Label and date: Label your fragrance oil, including the date it was made. This will help you keep track of its potency and freshness.

Your clover fragrance oil is now ready to use! You can add it to homemade cosmetics, use it as a perfume, or even add a few drops to your bath for a sweet, floral aroma.

Remember to perform a patch test before using your fragrance oil on your skin to ensure you don't have any allergies or sensitivities.

The clover drying method

Firstly, you will need to collect your clover flowers. It is best to pick them in the spring and summer when they have a sweeter flavour. Make sure to only pick fully open blossoms that are brightly coloured and avoid any browned flowers. Leave a small bit of stem attached to each flower, as this will be useful for drying purposes.

Once you have collected your flowers, you will need to wash them to remove any dirt and bugs. Spread the blossoms out onto dehydration trays or wire racks. Keep them out of direct sunlight while they dehydrate. Alternatively, you can place them in a dehydrator without turning it on, or in an oven with just the light on.

The drying process will take several hours, or even a full day, depending on the temperature and humidity. You will know the flowers are ready when they are completely dry and crispy. At this point, cut the flowers from the stems and place them in an airtight container. Label the container with the date and the type of flower.

Overall, the clover drying method is a simple and effective way to prepare flowers for fragrance oil creation. By following these steps, you can ensure your flowers are properly dried and ready for the next stages of the perfume-making process.

Other flowers used in homemade perfume

While it seems that fragrance oils can be made with clover flowers, as evidenced by the existence of products such as "Green Aloe & Clover Fragrance Oil" and "4 Leaf Clover Fragrance Oil", there is a lack of information on the specific process of making fragrance oils with clover flowers at home. However, you can certainly make fragrance oils with other flowers, and the process is quite simple.

When creating your own fragrance oils from flowers, it is important to choose flowers with captivating scents. Popular choices include roses, lavender, jasmine, honey suckle, gardenias, and violets. These flowers are known for their aromatic profiles and can be easily sourced from your garden, a health food store, or a farmer's market. Ensure that the flowers you select are organic, as you will be applying the final product directly to your skin.

Once you have chosen your flowers, you will need to dry them out. This can be done by spreading the petals or leaves on a sheet of fiberglass netting or cheesecloth and allowing them to air dry until they become limp. The drying process helps reduce the water content, resulting in a more concentrated fragrance.

For the extraction process, you will need a glass jar, a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, and a few other easily attainable supplies. Place the flower petals in the glass jar and cover them with the carrier oil. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least 48 hours. This allows the petals to infuse their fragrance into the oil.

After the infusion period, strain the mixture using a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to separate the flower petals from the oil. Prepare an alcohol base by mixing vodka or witch hazel with distilled water. Combine the infused oil with the alcohol base, shake well, and let the mixture mature for a few weeks in a cool, dark place. This allows the scents to meld and develop.

Finally, pour your homemade perfume into dark glass bottles, as these help protect your fragrance from light. Seal the bottles tightly and store them in a cool, dark place to maintain their freshness.

Experiment with different flower combinations to create unique scents and find one that resonates with you. You can also add other natural ingredients, such as citrus blossoms, leaves, mint, or rosemary, to enhance your fragrance.

How to apply perfume

Clover, or Trifolium/Trefoli, is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the herbaceous pea family Fabaceae. It is typically recognised by its trifoliate leaves and thick spikes of tiny red, violet, white, or yellow flowers.

Clover fragrance oils are available to purchase, but if you're looking to make your own, you'll need to extract the oil from the flowers.

Now, here is a detailed guide on how to apply perfume:

Perfume application is an art, and there are several factors that can impact the longevity of your fragrance, such as where you spray it on your body, how much you apply, and even how you store it. Here are some tips to help you apply perfume like a pro and make your signature scent last:

• Moisturise first: Apply perfume after showering, when your skin is still warm and dried off. Before spraying, moisturise with an unscented body lotion or a touch of Vaseline to prevent the perfume from evaporating quickly and to give the perfume oils something to cling to.
• Don't rub: Avoid rubbing perfume into your skin, as this can cause the top notes to fade and evaporate before they settle. Instead, let the perfume slowly mix with your skin's natural oils, as this will make your scent last longer and may even give it a unique twist.
• Spray onto pulse points: Apply perfume to your pulse points, which are areas where your veins sit closest to your skin. These include the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, below your belly button, behind your earlobes, and the back of your knees. These warm spots emit extra body heat, helping to diffuse the scent.
• Spritz, then walk into your perfume: Avoid concentrating the perfume in one area, as this can be overwhelming. Instead, dab it onto your pulse points, then spray in front of you and walk into the mist. This will leave a light layer on your clothes, ensuring a pleasant fragrance that complements, rather than masks, your natural scent.
• Spray your clothes: Applying perfume to your clothing is another way to make your scent last all day. Just be cautious of fabrics that can stain, like silk, and test on a small area first, as some perfumes can cause discolouration.
• Store it properly: Keep your perfume in a cool, dark, and dry place, as water, humidity, and temperature changes can alter its composition and reduce its shelf life. Light, especially sunlight, can also break down the perfume, so storing it in its original box is a good idea.
• Spray your hair: You can spritz a bit of perfume into your hair, but be cautious of alcohol-based formulas, as they can dry out your strands. Pure perfume oils or water-based perfumes are better suited for hair application.
• Don't overdo it: One spritz per pulse point is usually enough. You want to smell good without overwhelming yourself or others. Remember, you can always add more, but it's harder to remove excess perfume once applied.
• Change your perfume regularly: Our sense of smell has a memory, and over time, it can become accustomed to a particular fragrance, causing it to be less noticeable. Switching up your perfume now and then will help activate your sense of smell and keep the fragrance noticeable to you.
• Carry your perfume with you: Even with proper application, most perfumes won't last an entire day, especially fresher perfumes with citrusy or green notes. Carry your perfume with you for touch-ups throughout the day.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your favourite fragrance, ensuring it lasts longer and smells delightful.

How to store perfume

Storing perfume correctly is essential to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips to ensure your fragrance lasts longer:

• Keep the bottle closed until the first spritz. Once a bottle of fragrance is introduced to oxygen, the scent inside will start to dilute and become oxidised.
• Store your perfume in a dark place. Light can break down a perfume's chemical makeup and can melt plastic bottles.
• Store your perfume in a dry place. Humidity can cause unwanted chemical reactions in a perfume's ingredients. If possible, store your perfume in a room with a dehumidifier.
• Avoid storing perfume in the bathroom. Bathrooms have both extreme humidity and temperature fluctuations, which can cause your perfume to spoil.
• Keep your perfume in its original box and on a low-level shelf. The boxes are designed to protect the bottles, and placing them on a low shelf will reduce the distance they fall if knocked over.
• Keep the bottle sealed when not in use to prevent oxidation and evaporation.
• Avoid excessive shaking of the bottle, as this can introduce unwanted oxidation via bubbles.
• Keep your perfume in its original bottle. Decorative bottles are often not airtight and can cause contamination with air.
• Store your perfume at a constant temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Check your perfume for discoloration, which could indicate that it is starting to spoil.
• Store your perfume in an airtight container, such as an opaque bag, to minimise oxidation.
• If shipping your perfume, use a secure box with padding such as bubble wrap and newspaper to protect the bottle.
• Opt for long-lasting fragrances with notes like oud, which maintain their form for extended periods.
• You can store some fragrances, like cologne and eau de toilette, in the fridge due to their robust chemical makeup.

Frequently asked questions