Creating Cologne: Scented Secrets From Nature's Flowers

Creating cologne from flowers is a fun and simple process that can be done at home. The basic steps involve selecting and preparing flowers, extracting their fragrance, and mixing the scent with other ingredients to create a personalised fragrance. This process, known as enfleurage, has been used for centuries by French perfume houses. By following these steps, anyone can make their own unique and natural cologne right in their kitchen!

Selecting flowers

Types of Flowers

When it comes to choosing flowers for cologne or perfume, the options are endless. You can use roses, lilies, carnations, honeysuckle, lavender, jasmine, violets, gardenias, peonies, or even herbs. The key is to select flowers that are highly fragrant and have a strong scent. This will ensure that your final product has a noticeable and pleasant aroma. If you want to create a single-scent cologne, choose one type of flower, such as all rose or all lily. Alternatively, you can combine several floral scents to create a bouquet-like fragrance.

Flower Source

It is recommended to use fresh, organic flowers for making cologne. You can pick flowers from your garden, ensuring they are free from chemicals and pesticides. If you don't have a garden, you can purchase flowers from a local nursery, health food store, or farmer's market. Avoid flowers that appear wilted or old, as they may not have a strong scent. Additionally, try to avoid mixing in any green parts of the flower, such as stems, stalks, leaves, or calyx, as these can harbour fungi that may ruin your perfume.

Timing is Everything

To capture the most intense fragrance, it is important to pick your flowers at the right time of day. Night-blooming flowers, such as certain varieties of jasmine, should be harvested after dark when their scent is at its peak. On the other hand, day-blooming flowers, like roses, should be picked early in the morning before the dew evaporates. This ensures that the flowers are fresh and have not been exposed to the sun for too long, which can cause their scent to fade.

Experiment and Customise

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of flowers and create unique combinations. You can also add spices or citrus rinds to your floral mix to create intriguing scents. For example, a dash of cinnamon, cloves, mace, nutmeg, or vanilla can add a spicy twist to your cologne. Alternatively, mixing in some lemon or lime rind can give it a fresh, citrusy note. Trust your instincts and let your imagination guide you in creating a scent that speaks to you.

Preparing petals

Selecting the Right Flowers:

Choose flowers that are highly fragrant and organic, as these will be in direct contact with the skin. You can opt for flowers from your garden or buy them from a local nursery, health food store, or farmer's market. Some popular options include rose, lavender, honeysuckle, jasmine, violet, and gardenia.

Cleaning the Petals:

Gently wash the flower petals with water to remove any dirt or sediment. This step ensures that your final product is free from impurities.

Drying the Petals:

Spread the cleaned petals on a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap. Allow them to air-dry until they become slightly limp. This step helps reduce the water content, which can dilute the fragrance.

Extracting Fragrance:

There are different methods to extract the fragrance from the petals. One common technique is to place the petals in a glass jar and cover them with a neutral alcohol, such as vodka or perfumer's alcohol. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours, then mash the petals with a spoon to release their oils. Cover and let the mixture sit for another 7 days, mashing the petals every couple of days. Finally, strain the mixture to separate the flower petals from the alcohol, and your flower-infused alcohol is ready!

Alternatively, you can use the enfleurage method, a traditional French technique. This process involves layering fresh flower petals onto fat-coated glass plates or bowls. The plates are sealed together and left for a day or two to allow the fat to absorb the fragrance. Fresh petals are replaced multiple times over several days until the fat is saturated with the floral scent. This fragrant fat, called "pomade," is then mixed with alcohol and strained to create the final perfume.

Adding oil or alcohol

Purifying the Fat

First, you need to purify the fat, which can be beef suet or store-bought lard. If using suet, cut it into chunks and place it in a large pot. Add water to cover the fat and dissolve a teaspoon of alum in the water. Boil gently for 45 minutes, adding more hot water as needed. After boiling, remove the suet, let the mixture cool, and skim the purified fat from the top. Repeat this process until the fat is completely odourless.

Preparing the Flowers

Select highly scented flowers, such as roses, lavender, or honeysuckle, and pick them at their peak fragrance. Night-blooming flowers should be harvested after dark, while day-blooming flowers are best picked early in the morning. Remove the petals, being careful to exclude any green parts of the flower, as these can cause rot. You can also add spices or citrus rind to your mixture for a unique scent.

Infusing the Scent

Take pairs of matching plates, platters, or soup bowls and fill them with the purified, slightly cooled fat to a depth of about half an inch. Score the surface of the fat in a crisscross pattern to increase the exposed surface area. Sprinkle the petals and any spices or citrus rind over one of each pair of dishes, then place the matching fatty dish on top, sealing the edges with tape. Leave the containers in a safe place for 24 to 48 hours.

Replenishing the Petals

After the fat has absorbed most of the fragrance, remove the tape and old petals, and replace them with fresh petals. Reseal the containers and repeat this process over the next week, or until the fat is fully saturated with scent. Congratulations, you've just made floral pomade!

Extracting the Fragrance

Chop the pomade into small pieces and use a coat hanger or glass rod to stuff the pieces into bottles, filling them halfway. Fill the bottles with rubbing alcohol and cap them tightly to prevent evaporation. Store the bottles in a dark place for three months, shaking them occasionally to mix the contents.

Finalising Your Cologne

After three months, strain the aromatic alcohol into clean bottles with tight-fitting caps. At this point, you can add a fixative, such as oil of cedar or sandalwood, to retard the evaporation of the alcohol and enhance the longevity of your cologne. Experiment with different amounts of fixative to find the right balance between counteracting evaporation and retaining the primary scent of your cologne.

Tips for Success

• Always use fresh, fragrant flowers for the best results.
• Ensure your work area is not too hot, drafty, or dry, as this can cause the flowers to lose their scent.
• Be creative and experiment with different flower combinations and additives to create a unique fragrance.
• Allow your cologne to mature for a week after blending to achieve a smoother, more appealing fragrance.

Sealing and storing

Now that you've crafted your cologne, it's important to seal and store it properly to ensure its longevity and maintain its scent. Here are some detailed tips on sealing and storing your cologne:

• Choose the Right Storage Location: Select a storage spot that is away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid windowsills or areas with prolonged sun exposure. Instead, opt for a cool, dark, and temperature-controlled environment, ideally with a consistent temperature of around 15-20°C (59-68°F). Stay away from areas with extreme temperature changes, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
• Use Airtight Containers: Transfer your cologne into airtight containers or bottles designed for long-term storage. This will help seal out air and slow down the oxidation process, preserving the fragrance.
• Store in a Cool, Dark Place: In addition to using airtight containers, choose a storage location that is cool and dark. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. Fluctuations in temperature can affect the fragrance, so aim for a temperature-controlled environment.
• Maintain Low Humidity: High humidity can cause the fragrance to deteriorate, so it's important to store your cologne in a dry environment. Aim for humidity levels below 60%, and consider using a dehumidifier if you live in a humid climate.
• Protect from Light Exposure: Choose opaque or tinted bottles for your cologne to protect against light exposure. Clear glass bottles offer less protection. Store your cologne in a dark location, such as a drawer, cabinet, or cologne storage box, to minimize light exposure and preserve the fragrance.
• Secure Fragrance Bottles Properly: Always tighten the caps or lids of your cologne bottles securely to prevent leakage or evaporation. Store the bottles upright to minimize the risk of leakage and ensure the liquid remains in contact with the stopper or sprayer.
• Avoid Contamination: Regularly clean the exterior of your cologne bottles to remove dust or dirt. When applying the cologne, avoid touching the nozzle or sprayer against your skin to prevent the transfer of oils or bacteria into the bottle. Do not share bottles, and use separate applicators for each fragrance to prevent cross-contamination.
• Long-Term Storage: If you plan to store your cologne for an extended period, take extra precautions. In addition to airtight containers, store your cologne in its original packaging or wrap the bottles in a soft cloth for added protection. Avoid temperature fluctuations and choose a stable, cool environment.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Regularly dust the surfaces in your storage area to prevent dust from settling on the bottles. Keep the area dry and well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup. Inspect for mold or mildew growth and take steps to prevent it. Avoid overcrowding to give each bottle sufficient space and minimize the risk of accidental damage.
• Refrigerator Storage: Although it may seem unconventional, storing your cologne in the refrigerator can work if the temperature is consistent and not too cold. However, very cold temperatures can damage the perfume, so exercise caution.

Straining and bottling

Once you have created your fragrance, it's time to strain and bottle it.

Straining

The method you use to strain your cologne will depend on the ingredients you have used. If you have used the enfleurage method, you will need to chop your pomade into small pieces and stuff them into bottles using a coat hanger or glass rod. Fill the containers with rubbing alcohol and seal tightly. Leave the bottles in a dark place for three months, shaking them from time to time. After this period, strain the alcohol into clean bottles using a fine sieve.

If you have used the water-based method, you will need to remove the lid from your bowl and gently bring the four corners of the cheesecloth together, lifting the flower pouch out of the water. Squeeze the pouch over a small saucepan to extract the flower-scented water. Simmer the water over low heat until only a small amount of liquid remains. Allow the liquid to cool before bottling.

Bottling

Your cologne can be bottled in a small spray bottle or rollerball container. Decorate your bottle as you wish and label it with the ingredients and date. Store your cologne in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. It should be used within three months.

Frequently asked questions