Colognes And Oils: Blending Artistry For Unique Scents

Essential oils are a great natural alternative to cologne. They can be combined in a variety of ways to create unique blends to suit everyone. They are also safer than synthetic fragrances, which can be toxic and cause allergic reactions.

When creating your own cologne, it's important to understand the fragrance scale and the different notes. Top notes are the first thing you'll smell, followed by middle notes, and finally, base notes, which last the longest. You can blend essential oils with different notes to create a well-structured cologne that will be more appealing and last longer.

Some popular essential oils for cologne include bergamot, cedarwood, sandalwood, basil, cinnamon, and black pepper. These oils are all-natural, stimulating, and refreshing.

To make your own cologne, you will need a blend of essential oils, alcohol, glycerin, and a spray bottle. You can follow a recipe or experiment with different oils to create your own unique blend. Simply mix the essential oils with the alcohol, add the glycerin, and then top off the bottle with distilled water. Allow the cologne to sit for a few days to a week so that the fragrance can mature and reach its full strength.

How to blend cologne with essential oils

Creating a cologne with essential oils that is long-lasting and appealing requires three key considerations: perfume notes, essential oil choices, and understanding that some essential oils do not blend well together.

Perfume Notes

A cologne structured with top, middle, and base notes will be more appealing and last longer than a single strong-smelling essential oil. The top note is the first scent noticed after application and also the first to fade, followed by the middle note, and then the base note, which lasts the longest. For a 10ml bottle, the recommended number of drops is 25-30, while for a larger bottle, 35-50 drops are suggested.

Essential Oil Choices

Some essential oils are more popular for colognes than others. For example, men typically prefer woodsy, earthy, spicy, and citrus scents. Popular essential oils include wild orange, sandalwood, frankincense, lemon, cardamom, ylang-ylang, vetiver, cedarwood, basil, douglas fir, bergamot, lemon, clove, white fir, Siberian fir, lime, juniper, cypress, peppermint, pine, fennel, rosemary, lemon verbena, spearmint, valerian, nutmeg, black pepper, myrrh, eucalyptus, cypress, pine, Roman chamomile, neroli, ylang-ylang, balsam fir needle, clary sage, ginger, and cardamom.

Blending

Not all essential oils blend well together. To create a harmonious cologne, match essential oils by comparing them with aroma categories such as citrus, herbal, resin, spice, woodland, floral, and exotic.

Steps to Blend Cologne with Essential Oils

To make a cologne with essential oils, follow these steps:

• Choose a blend of essential oils.
• Use a mini funnel to fill a 10ml glass cologne bottle with 1 part witch hazel.
• Add your chosen essential oil blend.
• Add 2 parts distilled or purified water.
• Place the cap on the bottle and let it sit for a week so that the oils can infuse.

Additional Tips

• To make the scent last longer, apply an unscented moisturiser to the skin before applying cologne.
• Store the cologne in a cool, dark place, preferably in an amber or dark-coloured glass bottle.
• When creating your own cologne, it is important to use glass bottles and avoid synthetic ingredients.
• To create a spray cologne, add 8 drops of essential oil and 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to a 2-ounce glass spray bottle. Top off the bottle with witch hazel, shake well, and spray onto the chest, wrist, and neck.
• To make a roll-on cologne, add 8 drops of essential oil to a 10ml roller bottle, fill the rest of the bottle with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, and shake well. Apply to the chest, wrists, and neck.

Experimenting with different essential oils and accepting that the first attempt may not be perfect are important parts of the process.

How to make cologne last longer

Cologne is a great way to smell fantastic, but it can be frustrating when it doesn't last as long as you'd like. Here are some tips and tricks to help your cologne's scent linger throughout the day.

Moisturize Your Skin

One of the best ways to make your cologne last longer is to moisturize your skin before applying it. Dry skin absorbs the perfume oils, causing the scent to fade faster. By using an unscented moisturizing cleanser and body lotion, you create a better base for your cologne to sit on. Try to moisturize immediately after a shower, as your pores are more open, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin and create a longer-lasting aroma.

Store It Properly

The environment in which you store your cologne can impact its longevity. Keep the bottle somewhere cool, dark, and dry. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as heat, humidity, and light can accelerate the breakdown of the fragrance.

Apply It to Pulse Points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas have veins and arteries closer to the surface of the skin, making them warmer and helping the scent develop and linger. However, avoid rubbing your wrists together after application, as this can "bruise the scent," causing it to break down faster.

Layer Your Fragrance

Use complementary products like soaps, aftershaves, and body balms from the same fragrance line. This helps to remove competing scents, allowing your cologne to stand out and last longer.

Spray on Clothes or Hair

While you should avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes, as it may damage the fabric, you can try spraying a small amount into the air and walking through it while wearing your clothes. The fabric will hold the fragrance, and it will last all day. Alternatively, you can spray a small amount into your hair, as the fibres will lock onto the scent molecules and keep them longer. Just be careful not to over-spray, as alcohol-based colognes can dry out your hair.

Avoid Overapplying

Resist the temptation to douse yourself in cologne, thinking it will make the scent last longer. Overapplying can be overwhelming for both you and those around you. Instead, stick to a spritz or two, and you can always reapply later if needed.

Choose the Right Type

When purchasing cologne, opt for an Eau De Parfum (EDP) or Extrait De Parfum, which have higher concentrations of fragrance and will last longer on your skin. Eau De Toilette fragrances have lower concentrations and tend to fade more quickly.

How to make cologne with fragrance oils

Creating a cologne with fragrance oils is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to design a unique scent that appeals to your senses. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make cologne with fragrance oils:

Step 1: Understanding Cologne Notes

Before you begin blending, it's important to understand the different notes in a cologne. A well-structured cologne typically consists of three types of notes: top notes, middle notes, and base notes.

• Top notes are the first scents you notice after applying the cologne. They are usually strong and eye-catching but evaporate quickly. Examples include lime, bergamot, and juniper.
• Middle notes tend to be more mellow and create the core of the scent. They blend the top and base notes together. Examples include pine, cypress, and geranium.
• Base notes are the foundation of the cologne and linger the longest. They ground and complement the other notes. Examples include cedarwood, sandalwood, and patchouli.

Step 2: Selecting Fragrance Oils

The key to creating an appealing cologne is choosing the right fragrance oils. Select oils that appeal to your sense of smell and complement each other. Consider using a blend of essential oils with woody, spicy, citrus, or exotic notes for a masculine scent. Popular essential oils for men's cologne include wild orange, sandalwood, frankincense, lemon, cedarwood, and bergamot.

Step 3: Blending the Fragrance Oils

Now comes the fun part—blending your chosen fragrance oils! The art of fragrance blending takes time and experimentation. Remember that not all notes will go together, so it's important to mix oils one by one and pay attention to how they interact. A good starting point for a blend is 60% base notes, 30% middle notes, and 10% top notes. However, feel free to adjust the ratios to create a unique scent that suits your taste.

Step 4: Adding a Carrier

Once you've created your desired fragrance blend, it's time to add a carrier. Alcohol is a common carrier used in colognes, as it helps to dilute the fragrance oils and make them suitable for skin application. You can use perfumer's alcohol, pure grain alcohol, or even vodka. Alternatively, you can use a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, especially if you plan to apply the cologne directly to your skin.

Step 5: Aging and Diluting

After blending your cologne, let it sit for a few days or even weeks. This ageing process allows the fragrance oils to fully infuse and develop a more mature scent. Once your cologne has aged, dilute it with distilled water or witch hazel. This step helps to soften the scent and prepare it for application.

Step 6: Bottling and Application

Pour your cologne into a glass spray bottle or a roller bottle, depending on your preference. If using a spray bottle, you may also want to add a small amount of vegetable glycerin to help the fragrance last longer. Apply your cologne to the chest, wrists, and neck. Store your cologne in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency.

Creating your own cologne with fragrance oils is a rewarding experience that allows you to express your creativity and design a signature scent that's truly yours. Experiment with different oils, ratios, and carriers to find the perfect combination that suits your unique taste and personality.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. It's important to apply it correctly so that you don't end up over-applying or having a scent that fades too quickly. Here is a guide on how to apply cologne correctly:

• Apply cologne immediately after showering. The shower will cleanse your body of any other scents and open your pores, helping the scent absorb. Make sure your skin is completely dry before spraying.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Holding the bottle any closer could lead to over-application, while holding it further away may result in under-application.
• Apply cologne to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. The heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to blend with your body chemistry to create a unique signature scent.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply cologne there the next time. You can always ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you're unsure about the application.
• Re-apply cologne if needed, especially if you're going out in the evening. When re-applying, simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
• Avoid common mistakes such as spraying the fragrance on your clothing, splashing it on your skin, or rubbing it into your skin, as these can lead to over-application or faster scent fading.
• When choosing a cologne, consider your body chemistry, the types of scent notes you find appealing, and how long you want the scent to last. Colognes with higher concentrations of perfume oils tend to be more expensive but will also have richer scents and longer-lasting power.
• Test different colognes before buying to see how they react with your body chemistry. Use scent blotters or fragrance testers to try out different fragrances, and when you've narrowed it down to a few options, test them on your skin to see how they develop over time.
• To make your cologne last longer, store it in a cool, dark place, as light exposure and temperature fluctuations can cause fragrances to deteriorate. Keeping it in its original box or a dark drawer can help extend its shelf life.

Remember, the key to applying cologne is subtlety. Your cologne should be discovered, not announced. It should be a hint of fragrance that draws people in, rather than something that overpowers them. So, spray with restraint and let your scent work its magic!

How to store cologne

Storing cologne correctly is essential to preserving its scent and preventing damage to the bottle. Here are some tips on how to store cologne to ensure its longevity:

• Keep it in a dark place: Sunlight can damage perfume bottles, so it's best to store cologne in a dark place like a closet or drawer. Even if the bottle is colourful, direct light can still cause damage.
• Consistent temperature: Avoid storing cologne in areas with extreme temperature changes, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Instead, choose a spot with a consistent temperature, like a hallway or bedroom closet.
• Avoid humidity: Humidity can negatively affect the quality of cologne. If possible, store it in a dehumidified area of your home.
• Refrigerate: Storing cologne in the refrigerator is an option, as long as the temperature is not too cold. Very cold temperatures can damage the perfume.
• Use the original box: Keeping cologne in its original box provides extra protection from light and temperature changes.
• Use travel containers: When travelling, transfer cologne to smaller bottles to reduce the risk of losing or damaging the entire bottle.
• Keep the bottle sealed: Always keep the cap on the bottle when not in use to minimise oxygen exposure and prevent evaporation.
• Avoid shaking: Shaking the bottle introduces excess air and can harm the delicate chemical bonds in the perfume.
• Store in original bottle: Decorative bottles may be attractive, but they are not airtight and can cause the scent to deteriorate faster.

Frequently asked questions