Create Your Own Walnut Cologne At Home

Making cologne from walnuts is a fun and creative process, but it can also be challenging with so many options available. Here are some tips to help you create a wonderful fragrance:

Firstly, understand the different notes in a fragrance. Top notes are what you smell first, middle notes are the heart of the fragrance, and base notes are the foundation. When mixing a fragrance, add your base notes first, then your middle notes, and finally your top notes. The ideal ratio for blending notes is 30% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 20% base notes.

Next, choose your scents. Your cologne can be made from a wide variety of ingredients, including essential oils, flower petals, leaves, herbs, and even walnuts. For a nutty, earthy fragrance, walnuts can be a great base note.

Then, gather your materials. You will need a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil, high-quality alcohol such as vodka, glass containers, and a funnel.

Finally, mix your ingredients and allow your cologne to sit for at least 48 hours. Shake the bottle vigorously to ensure the contents are well blended, and then transfer your cologne to a clean glass bottle.

Choosing a walnut-based fragrance oil

When choosing a walnut-based fragrance oil, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the type of walnut fragrance you prefer. Black walnut fragrance oil, for example, is described as having a sweet aroma of warm maple sugar and butter, with a vanillin content of 3.9%. On the other hand, regular walnut fragrance oil is described as having a delicious nutty blend, with a lower vanillin content of 2.1%.

The intended use of the fragrance oil is another important factor. Both black walnut and regular walnut fragrance oils are skin-safe and can be used in bath and body products such as soaps, lotions, and creams. They can also be used as air fresheners and in candle-making. If you plan to use the fragrance oil in a candle, ensure that it has a flashpoint above 190°F.

The presentation and packaging of the fragrance oil may also influence your decision. The Candlemaker's Store, for example, offers black walnut fragrance oil in a 16 oz bottle, while walnut fragrance oil is available in various quantity-based price points.

When choosing a walnut-based fragrance oil, it is always a good idea to read reviews from other customers to get a sense of their experience with the product. Some reviews for black walnut fragrance oil, for instance, mention disappointment with the scent not resembling black walnuts and issues with packaging, such as a lack of UV protection and unsealed spouts.

By considering your preferred walnut fragrance, intended use, packaging preferences, and customer reviews, you can make an informed decision when choosing a walnut-based fragrance oil.

Mixing the fragrance oil with a perfume base

To mix the fragrance oil with a perfume base, you'll need to follow a few steps. Firstly, gather your ingredients and materials. These include a perfume base, fragrance oil, spray bottles, a digital scale, a funnel, and a whisk. You will also need to decide on the ratio of fragrance oil to the base. Typically, colognes have a 2-4% fragrance load, but you can adjust this to your preference.

Once you've calculated the desired amount of fragrance oil, set up your digital scale and tare it to zero. Place your funnel on the scale and pour in the desired amount of perfume base. Next, add your chosen fragrance oil to the funnel. You may find it helpful to use a plastic pipette for neatness.

Stir the mixture with a whisk to ensure the fragrance oil is thoroughly combined with the base. Then, pour the mixture into your chosen spray bottle and secure the cap. If making multiple bottles, use the scale to ensure each bottle is filled to the same level.

Your DIY cologne is now ready for use! Be sure to label the bottle accordingly, and store it in a cool, dark place to preserve the fragrance.

Adding alcohol to the mixture

For a true cologne, the fragrance load should be 2-4% of the total mixture. However, you can adjust the fragrance load to your preference. The amount of alcohol you will need can be calculated by multiplying the total amount of cologne by the percentage of fragrance you want to use. For example, if you want to make a 2.5 oz bottle of cologne with a 15.44% fragrance load, you will need 0.38 oz of fragrance oil and 2.12 oz of alcohol.

It is recommended to use high-quality alcohol with a high alcohol content. Vodka is a popular choice, but other options include organic neutral grape alcohol or Everclear, a grain spirit. The higher the percentage of alcohol, the better.

Once you have added the alcohol to the mixture, it is important to let the cologne sit for at least 48 hours to allow the fragrance to develop. You can leave it for up to six weeks, which is when the scent will be at its strongest. During this time, shake the bottle 1-2 times per day to ensure that the oils and alcohol are fully combined.

After the aging process, you can add a few drops of distilled water to your cologne. This will further dilute the fragrance and make it less intense. Finally, add a few drops of glycerine, which will act as a preservative and help the cologne last longer.

Pouring the cologne into a spray bottle

Once you've created your cologne, you'll need to transfer it to a spray bottle. This is a simple process, but it's important to be careful to avoid spillages.

First, gather your equipment. You'll need a funnel, a clean glass spray bottle, and your cologne. Make sure the spray bottle is completely clean and dry before you begin.

Next, place the funnel in the opening of the spray bottle. If your funnel is a similar width to the bottle, you may want to wrap the end of the funnel in cling film or similar to ensure a tight seal.

Now, carefully pour the cologne into the funnel. Take your time with this step, as you don't want to spill any of your carefully crafted cologne.

Once you've finished pouring, remove the funnel and seal the bottle. If your spray bottle has a screw-on lid, make sure it's tightened securely.

Finally, give the bottle a gentle shake to ensure the cologne is fully combined. Your cologne is now ready to use!

Allowing the cologne to sit and cure

Allowing your cologne to sit and cure is a crucial step in the perfume-making process. This stage enables the fragrance oils to infuse with the alcohol base, enhancing the scent's longevity and depth. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for this curing process:

Curing Time:

It is recommended to let your cologne sit for at least 48 hours to a few weeks. The longer you allow it to cure, the stronger the fragrance will become. The ideal curing time seems to be around 2 to 3 weeks, with some recipes specifying 21 days. This extended curing period allows the fragrance to fully develop and mature.

Storage:

During the curing process, store your cologne in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can affect the quality and scent of your cologne.

Shaking:

Some recipes suggest giving your cologne bottle a gentle shake every day or every few days during the curing process. This helps to ensure that the fragrance oils and alcohol base are thoroughly combined. However, other recipes recommend avoiding shaking to let the ingredients settle and separate naturally. Experiment with both methods to see which works best for your cologne.

Refrigeration:

One recipe suggests refrigerating your cologne for two weeks after the initial 48-hour curing period. This method may help to enhance the fragrance further and improve its longevity.

Testing:

During the curing process, you can periodically test your cologne to determine its progress. Spray or apply a small amount to your wrist or a piece of fabric to gauge the strength and development of the scent. This will help you decide if your cologne needs more curing time or if it's ready for the final steps.

Final Steps:

Once the curing process is complete, you can proceed with the final steps of your cologne-making journey. This typically involves diluting your cologne with distilled water and carefully pouring it into a spray bottle or glass container. Your cologne is then ready for use or gifting!

Frequently asked questions