Creating Natural Scents: Crafting Your Own Cologne

Creating a natural cologne is a fun and experimental process that allows you to develop a unique fragrance that suits your preferences and personality. In this guide, you will learn about the different steps involved in crafting your own natural cologne, from understanding fragrance notes to blending essential oils and even making your own botanical cologne from scratch. So, get ready to dive into the world of perfumery and explore the art of scent-making!

Choosing your essential oils

The essential oils you choose will make or break your cologne. It's important to select oils that blend well together and result in a fragrance that you like.

Top, middle, and base notes

First, it's helpful to understand fragrance notes. Notes are divided into three classes: top, middle, and base. The top note will be the first scent noticed after application, but it will also be the quickest to fade. The middle note will be the next most powerful scent, and the base note will be the scent that lasts the longest.

It's recommended to have at least one oil from each note category to ensure your fragrance is balanced and long-lasting. You can find out which note category your chosen essential oils fall into by checking their fragrance profile.

• Top notes: Basil, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Peppermint, Wild Orange, Siberian Fir, Lemon, Lemongrass
• Middle notes: Black Pepper, Cypress, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Cardamom, Ylang-Ylang, Basil, Frankincense, Copaiba, Clove, Douglas Fir, Fennel, Bergamot
• Base notes: Cedarwood, Copaiba Basalm, Frankincense, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Vetiver, White Fir, Clove, Tonka Bean, Violet Leaf, Lotus Flower, Neroli, Magnolia, Mandarin

Aroma categories

Another way to approach choosing your essential oils is by grouping them into aroma categories. Here are some examples of essential oils for each category:

• Citrus: Bergamot, Orange, Lime, Lemongrass, Sweet Orange, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Lemon
• Herbal: Fennel, Spearmint, Camphor, Clary Sage, Basil, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Coriander, Cajeput
• Resin: Frankincense, Balsam Fir Needle, Myrrh
• Spice: Clove, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cardamom
• Woodland: Cedarwood, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Cypress, Pine, Douglas Fir
• Floral: Roman Chamomile, Neroli, Jasmine, Rose
• Exotic: Ylang-Ylang, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Blending

Once you've chosen your essential oils, it's time to start blending. Remember, not all notes will go together, so this is where trial and error come into play. Start by dropping a few oils (one by one) and mixing. It's recommended to use no more than 30 drops total, and if one scent is much stronger than the rest, use less.

• Base notes like Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Violet Leaf, and Vanilla blend well with middle notes like Geranium, Ylang-Ylang, Rose, and Lotus Flower. Top this formula off with Lavender, Neroli, Magnolia, and Mandarin.
• Sandalwood, Bergamot, and Cedarwood
• Lime, Bergamot, Bay, and Cedarwood
• Juniper, Cypress, Peppermint, and Pine
• Fennel, Bergamot, and Cedarwood
• Nutmeg, Fennel, Orange, and Cedarwood
• Lime, Roman Chamomile, and Sandalwood
• Wintergreen, Orange, and Blue Spruce
• Sandalwood, Black Pepper, and Myrrh
• Lemongrass, Copaiba, and Frankincense
• Basil, Lemongrass, Cedarwood, and Douglas Fir
• Bergamot, Lemon, Clove, and White Fir

Blending the oils

Firstly, decide on a ratio of oils to use. One source suggests 20% base, 50% middle, and 30% top notes. Another recommends 10-15% top notes, 25-30% middle notes, and 55-65% base notes. However, it is up to you to figure out the formula that works with the type of profile you are trying to create.

Once you have decided on your ratio, start by dropping a few oils (one by one) and mixing. It is recommended to use no more than 30 drops in total, and if one scent is much stronger than the rest, use less.

For a woodsy and herbal scent, you could try cedarwood, which is very grounding. If you prefer something more floral, jasmine, rose, or ylang-ylang might be a better option. For a citrus scent, bergamot, orange, lime, and lemongrass are good choices.

Once you have your desired formula, add two ounces of alcohol. Then, allow the fragrance to sit for 48 hours, or even refrigerate for two weeks. Finally, shake it up so that the molecules can mix.

You can also add in other ingredients to enhance your cologne. For example, glycerin will add longevity to your formula and help it stick to your skin. Dried flowers can also be added for an extra touch of sophistication.

Using alcohol

Alcohol is a key ingredient in cologne-making. It is used to dilute the essential oils and make the cologne more suitable for use on the skin. Alcohol also helps to extend the longevity of the cologne and intensify the fragrance.

Types of Alcohol

Perfumers typically use perfumer's alcohol, but other types of alcohol can be used, such as:

• Vodka
• Grain alcohol
• Witch hazel
• Rum
• Denatured alcohol
• Rectified spirits

Steps for Using Alcohol in Cologne-Making

• Choose your essential oils: Select 1-3 essential oils to create your desired scent. You can go for a floral, musky, or energizing scent by mixing different oils.
• Dilute the essential oils: Add 20-25 drops of essential oils to a small bowl containing 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of high-proof alcohol, such as vodka or grain alcohol. Stir the mixture to combine the oils and alcohol thoroughly.
• Pour the dilution into a bottle: Carefully add the diluted oils to the bottom of the bottle, using a funnel or pipette to avoid spills.
• Add more alcohol: Once the diluted oils are in the bottle, top off the bottle with more high-proof alcohol, leaving about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of headspace.
• Shake the bottle: Secure the cap tightly and shake the bottle to combine the dilution and alcohol. If using a clear bottle, you should see a uniform colour when it's fully mixed.
• Test and adjust: Spray or apply the cologne and let it dry for a few seconds before smelling it. If the scent isn't strong enough, add a few more drops of essential oils.
• Storage: Store the cologne in a cool, dark place, as sunlight can break down essential oils.

Applying to the skin

Applying your natural cologne to the skin is the moment of truth. You've sourced your essential oils, blended them to perfection, and allowed the mixture to mature. Now, it's time to enjoy your unique fragrance. Here are some tips for applying your natural cologne:

Choosing the Right Application Method

There are two common methods for applying cologne: spraying and rolling. For a spray cologne, use a glass spray bottle and fill it with your cologne mixture. Spray it onto your chest, wrists, and neck. For a roller cologne, use a roller bottle and apply the cologne by rolling it onto the same areas.

Preparing Your Skin

To make your cologne's scent last longer, it's recommended to apply an unscented moisturiser to your skin before applying the cologne. Moisturised skin will hold a scent upwards of 30% longer. You can use a natural moisturiser such as grapeseed or jojoba oil.

Application Technique

Apply your cologne to pulse points, which are areas of the body that produce a lot of heat. These include the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. The heat from these areas will help to activate and diffuse the fragrance. You can also apply cologne to the chest and sides of the neck.

Frequency of Application

Reapply your cologne every few hours or as needed. Natural colognes tend to have a lighter fragrance and may not last as long as commercial perfumes. However, you can extend the scent by reapplying throughout the day.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store your homemade cologne in a cool, dark place to preserve the fragrance and prevent deterioration. Your cologne's shelf life will depend on the ingredients and storage conditions. Spray colognes can last up to six months, while roller colognes can last up to a year.

Storing your cologne

Choose the Right Storage Space:

• Keep it in a Dark Place: Store your cologne in a dark area, away from direct sunlight or any artificial light. Sunlight can damage the bottle and alter the sensitive chemical composition of the fragrance.
• Select a Dry Location: Humidity and water damage can negatively affect your cologne, so avoid storing it in humid environments. Keep it away from bathrooms, as the humidity and temperature fluctuations can ruin the scent.
• Maintain a Stable Temperature: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can impact the quality of your cologne. Aim for a storage area with a consistent, cool temperature; 60 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
• Avoid the Bathroom: Despite the name "eau de toilette," do not store your cologne in the bathroom. The humidity and temperature changes can be detrimental.
• Opt for a Closet or Cabinet: A closet or a cabinet, especially in a hallway or living room, is a perfect spot for storage. It provides shelter from light and maintains a relatively stable temperature.
• Store on Lower Shelves: Keep your cologne on lower shelves to prevent accidental spills or breakage, which can ruin the fragrance and leave a lingering scent in the room.

Select the Right Storage Container:

• Keep in the Original Bottle: Unless the original bottle is unattractive, it's best to keep your cologne in it. Transferring it to another container increases exposure to air, causing the scent to deteriorate.
• Store in Boxes: Place the bottles in boxes before putting them into storage. Boxes provide an extra layer of protection from light and temperature changes. Ensure the caps are sealed tightly to prevent leaks.
• Use Travel Containers: For travelling, purchase travel-sized bottles or transfer a small amount to an empty container. This reduces the risk of losing your entire supply and minimizes air exposure.

Prevent Damage:

• Keep the Bottle Sealed: Always keep the cap on tightly when not in use. Exposure to air can disrupt the balance of the fragrance and accelerate evaporation.
• Avoid Shaking the Bottle: Shaking introduces unwanted oxidation and can break delicate chemical bonds, especially in perfumes with intricate formulas.
• Limit Applicator Use: Reusable applicators can introduce bacteria and oils into the bottle, damaging the cologne. Opt for spraying instead, and if you must use an applicator, choose a disposable one.
• Protect Fragile Bottles: Store fragile bottles on lower shelves or in a closet to prevent them from falling and shattering. This is especially crucial in areas prone to earthquakes.

Frequently asked questions