Make Your Own Fragrance: A Diy Guide

Creating your own fragrance is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to express your personality and creativity. Not only is making your own perfume an enjoyable process, but it also has several advantages over buying commercial perfumes. Firstly, you can avoid the high prices and sticker shock often associated with store-bought perfumes. Secondly, you have complete control over the ingredients used, enabling you to exclude harmful chemicals and include only natural, organic, and non-toxic components. This ensures that your fragrance is safe for your skin and health while also being environmentally friendly. Lastly, crafting your own perfume gives you the freedom to experiment with different scents and create a unique fragrance that perfectly suits your taste and personality. Whether you prefer fresh and light, musky, floral, woody, or spicy scents, the possibilities are endless when you make your own perfume.

Choosing your essential oils

Top notes are the first impression of a fragrance and don't last very long. They are light, fresh, and fleeting. Examples of top notes include citrus fruits, spices, and herbs such as lemon, orange, bergamot, basil, grapefruit, lavender, and rosemary.

Middle notes, also known as the "heart" of the fragrance, develop after the top notes and can last a couple of hours. They are usually florals, herbs, or spices such as rose, jasmine, geranium, rosemary, cardamom, and chamomile.

Base notes are the foundation of the fragrance and can last for hours or even days. They are rich, syrupy, and heavy, and often boost the top and middle notes. Examples of base notes include vanilla, cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood, musk, and amber.

When creating your own fragrance, it's recommended to use a combination of top, middle, and base notes to create a well-rounded scent. You can experiment with different essential oils in these categories to find a blend that appeals to you. Keep in mind that you should use fewer drops of the top and middle notes compared to the base notes.

In addition to the scent category, there are several other factors to consider when choosing your essential oils. First, think about the scent families you are drawn to. Do you prefer citrusy, floral, woodsy, or spicy scents? You can create a unique blend by combining essential oils from the same family or from different families.

Another factor to consider is the potency of the essential oil. Some essential oils, such as citrus essences, can be very strong and may cause photosensitivity. Others, such as herbaceous oils like peppermint, oregano, and cinnamon, may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Therefore, it's important to stick to the recommended ratios and do a patch test before using your fragrance.

Finally, if you have pets, be aware that certain essential oils can be harmful to them. Tea tree, cinnamon, clove, and peppermint oils, among others, are considered potentially toxic to animals.

• Fresh & Kicky: Grapefruit, Ginger, Vetiver
• Romantic & Wistful: Rose, Lime, Vetiver
• Sensuous & Deep: Sweet Orange, Ylang-Ylang, Sandalwood
• Sweet & Summery: Lavender, Chamomile, Cardamom, Cedarwood, Geranium
• Bright & Refreshing: Peppermint, Rosemary, Lemon, Sage, Juniper
• Wild & Woody: Spruce, Juniper, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Bergamot
• Rich & Spicy: Lavender, Clove, Nutmeg, Vanilla, Ylang-Ylang

Selecting the right carrier oil

Carrier oils are an important component of making your own fragrance. They dilute essential oils and ensure they are safe to apply to the skin.

Carrier oils can be chosen based on their viscosity, scent, and how they interact with your skin.

Types of carrier oils

There are many types of carrier oils to choose from, including:

• Jojoba oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Coconut oil
• Grape seed oil
• Avocado oil
• Apricot kernel oil
• Fractionated coconut oil
• Sunflower oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Rosehip oil

How to choose a carrier oil

When choosing a carrier oil, it is important to consider the viscosity of the oil. Some carrier oils, such as jojoba and sweet almond oil, are lighter and less greasy, while others, such as coconut and avocado oil, are thicker and more moisturising.

It is also important to consider the scent of the carrier oil. Some carrier oils, such as coconut and avocado oil, have a stronger scent that may interfere with the fragrance you are trying to create.

Finally, it is important to consider how the carrier oil will interact with your skin. Some carrier oils, such as jojoba oil, are closer to the natural sebum produced by your skin and are less likely to cause irritation.

How much carrier oil to use

The amount of carrier oil you use will depend on the strength of the fragrance you want to create. A good rule of thumb is to use a ratio of 80% carrier oil to 20% essential oils. This can be adjusted to suit your personal preference, but it is important to remember that high levels of essential oils can cause skin irritation.

Storing your fragrance

Once you have created your fragrance, it is important to store it in a cool, dark place to prevent degradation. It is also important to use glass bottles and containers as essential oils can break down plastic over time.

Adding alcohol for longevity

Alcohol is a key ingredient in perfume-making. It acts as a carrier, which "carries" the scent. A carrier has three functions: to protect the wearer, to lift and carry the scent, and to dilute the fragrance.

Perfumers use a type of alcohol called perfumer's alcohol, which is basically ethyl alcohol that has been denatured, meaning something has been added to it to make it undrinkable. This is done for safety reasons.

Alcohol lifts a fragrance. As the alcohol evaporates, the scent will radiate outward, enveloping you in a cloud of scent. With alcohol-based perfumes, a little goes a long way. However, what you gain in projection, you lose in longevity.

When making your own perfume, you can use 100-proof vodka as a safe alternative to perfumer's alcohol. The higher the percentage of alcohol, the better the outcome.

To make your perfume last longer, it's important to apply it to the right places. Pulse points are the best spots, due to the warmth of your blood.

Alcohol vs Oil Carriers

The type of carrier you use will influence the length of time a perfume lasts and the range at which others can smell it. Alcohol-based perfumes will carry the scent further, while oil-based perfumes will keep the scent closer to your skin.

Unlike alcohol, oil does not evaporate, so the scent will stay with you longer. However, what you gain in longevity, you lose in range, as only those who come in close will be able to smell your fragrance.

DIY Perfume Recipes Using Alcohol

• Vanilla-Rose and Orange-Mint Cologne: Infuse vodka with vanilla and rose or orange and mint.
• Citrus Sunshine Perfume: Combine sweet orange, grapefruit, and peppermint essential oils with alcohol.
• Jasmine Perfume: Mix jasmine, lavender, and vanilla essential oils with vodka and distilled water or orange blossom water.
• Natural Vanilla Perfume: Infuse vanilla beans in sunflower oil, then add bergamot, cedarwood, and anise essential oils, along with vodka.
• Summer Perfume: Mix peppermint, rosemary, lemon, and sage essential oils with vodka and distilled water.
• Citrus Perfume: Combine grapefruit, sweet orange, peppermint, and chamomile/lavender essential oils with jojoba oil and vodka.
• DIY Rose Perfume: Combine rose petals, vodka, distilled water, and rose essential oil.
• DIY Cedarwood Perfume: Combine cedarwood, clear sage, rosemary, and lemon essential oils with vodka and distilled water.

Mixing and storing your fragrance

Mixing your fragrance is an art form that allows you to create a scent that is unique to you. Before you begin, it's important to research different scent notes and understand how they interact with each other. Scent notes are typically categorized as top notes, middle notes, and base notes, each contributing to the overall fragrance profile. Top notes are the initial impression of the perfume, tending to be lighter and more volatile, while middle notes provide balance and are usually the most prominent aromas. Base notes are the anchor of the fragrance, lending depth and longevity.

When blending your fragrance, experiment with different fragrance oils from various scent families to create harmonious and balanced perfumes. Consider factors such as intensity, longevity, and compatibility to achieve the desired scent composition. You can also layer different fragrances by combining multiple oils or perfumes to see how they interact.

To mix your fragrance, you will need essential tools and supplies such as measuring cups, droppers, glass bottles, and pipettes for accurate measuring and blending. Always use high-quality fragrance oils that are free from additives, diluents, and other synthetic ingredients to ensure the purity and potency of your blends.

• Select your fragrance oils: Choose a combination of essential oils, aroma chemicals, and/or fragrance oils (blends of essential oils, aroma chemicals, and carrier oils).
• Understand scent notes: Research and understand the different scent notes of each fragrance oil you have selected.
• Choose complementary scents: Experiment with blending oils from different scent families to create a well-rounded fragrance.
• Prepare your workspace: Set up a clear workspace with all the necessary tools and supplies.
• Measure and blend: Using your measuring tools, carefully measure and blend your selected fragrance oils in a glass bottle.
• Dilute: Depending on your desired application, dilute your fragrance oil blend with a carrier oil or perfumer's alcohol.
• Test and adjust: Test your perfume on your skin and make adjustments to the scent intensity as needed.
• Age your perfume: Allow your perfume blend to mature and develop its full potential over time. Aging allows the scent molecules to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious and balanced fragrance.

Once you have created your custom fragrance, it's important to store it properly to preserve its integrity and potency. Here are some tips for storing your fragrance:

• Use dark glass bottles: Store your fragrance in dark glass bottles to protect the oils from oxidation and degradation.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat: Store your fragrance in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Allow perfume to mature: Perfumes benefit from aging for a few days to several weeks after blending. This allows the scent molecules to meld and creates a more harmonious fragrance.
• Proper labelling and packaging: If you are making perfume in big batches, consider labelling and packaging your creations to launch your own homemade perfume brand.
• Store in a cool, dark place: Store your fragrance in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator, to make it last longer.
• Avoid plastic containers: Fragrance oils can break down plastic, so always use glass containers and bottles for storage.
• Understand shelf life: Homemade perfumes may not be consistent due to variable ingredients and blending techniques. Manage your expectations and understand the shelf life of your creation.

Application methods

The best way to make your fragrance last longer is to apply it right after a shower. The warmth of your skin will help the scent to anchor itself and unravel. Make sure your skin is clean, dry, and moisturised. You can also use petroleum jelly or an unscented moisturiser to help the scent last longer.

Where to Apply

Apply your fragrance to your pulse points, which are the warmest parts of your body. These include your wrists, neck, collarbone, behind your ears, and the insides of your elbows, knees, and chest. You can also apply fragrance to the back of your neck, your belly button, or down your back.

How to Apply

Hold the bottle 3-7 inches away from your skin and spray. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can dull the top notes and change the way the scent develops on your skin. Instead, let the scent soak into your skin or dab it gently.

You can also walk into a cloud of fragrance, but make sure the product is biodegradable so that you can safely inhale it.

How Much to Apply

Less is more when it comes to fragrance. Start with one spray on one area of your body, and add more if you feel it's too subtle. If you're using a stronger scent, one or two sprays are usually enough. For lighter fragrances, you may need two or three sprays.

Other Application Tips

• Apply fragrance to your skin, not your clothes.
• Avoid storing your fragrance in the bathroom, as fluctuations in temperature and humidity can shorten its lifespan.
• If you want to apply fragrance to fabric, stick to washable items and avoid materials like silk, which can be easily stained.

Frequently asked questions