Seamus Hammond
Making cologne from essential oils is a great way to create a unique and appealing fragrance that suits your preferences. By blending different essential oils, you can craft a cologne with layered aromas and balanced notes that will last longer and be more pleasing to the senses. Whether you're aiming for a masculine or unisex fragrance, understanding the different types of perfume notes and aroma categories is crucial to creating an effective cologne. This involves combining top, middle, and base notes in a way that ensures the fragrance is well-rounded and long-lasting. Additionally, using a carrier oil is essential to help disperse the essential oils and prevent them from evaporating too quickly. With the right ingredients and some experimentation, you can create a signature scent that not only smells amazing but also offers the aromatherapeutic benefits of essential oils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of drops of essential oil | 20 drops of top note essential oil, 15 drops of middle note essential oil, 10 drops of base note essential oil |
| Alcohol | 5 oz. 70 proof alcohol or vodka |
| Water | 1 oz. distilled water |
| Container | Glass roll-on or spray bottle |
| Mixing | Combine oils in a small bowl, then add alcohol and pour into the glass bottle |
| Mixing time | Shake the bottle 1-2 times a day for 72 hours |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dark place |
What You'll Learn
Understanding perfume notes
Perfumes are made up of individual scent layers or "notes" that, when combined, form a unified, pleasing fragrance. These notes are the building blocks of a fragrance and contribute to its overall scent profile. Notes are classified in a fragrance pyramid, with top notes at the top, followed by middle notes, and base notes at the bottom. Each note plays a specific role in the fragrance's development and longevity.
Top Notes
Top notes, sometimes referred to as head or opening notes, are the first scents you detect after spraying a perfume. They play a role in setting first impressions and shaping a fragrance's story. Top notes usually evaporate quickly, lingering for only the first few minutes to an hour after application. Their main purpose is to give off an initial scent and then transition smoothly into the next part of the fragrance. As a result, top notes generally consist of lighter and smaller molecules.
Some common top notes include:
- Citrus scents like lemon, orange, and bergamot
- Light floral scents like lavender and rose
- Basil
- Anise
Middle Notes
Middle notes, also known as heart notes, make up the "'heart' of the fragrance." They appear as the top notes start to fade and remain evident for the full life of the fragrance. Middle notes retain some of the top notes' aroma while also introducing new scents to deepen the experience. They serve as a buffer for the base notes, which may not smell as pleasant on their own. Middle notes usually last longer than top notes and can make up around 70% of the total scent.
Middle notes include:
- Full-bodied, aromatic floral oils like jasmine, geranium, neroli, and ylang-ylang
- Cinnamon
- Pepper
- Pine
- Lemongrass
- Black pepper
- Cardamom
Base Notes
Base notes, along with middle notes, form the foundation of the fragrance. They help boost the lighter notes while adding depth and resonance. Base notes kick in about 30 minutes after application and work together with the middle notes to create the fragrance's scent. Since base notes sink into your skin, their scent lingers the longest, up to six hours or more.
Popular base notes include:
- Vanilla
- Amber
- Musk
- Patchouli
- Moss
- Woody notes like sandalwood and cedarwood
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Blending essential oils
Top notes are the first scents that you smell in a blend, but they disappear quickly, usually within 1-2 hours. Examples of essential oils with top notes include basil, bergamot, eucalyptus, grapefruit, and peppermint. Middle notes, also known as the "bouquet", last a little longer (2-4 hours) and add depth to the fragrance. Examples include black pepper, cypress, lavender, pine, and rosemary. Base notes are the lingering scents that ground the fragrance and can last for days. Examples include cedarwood, frankincense, myrrh, patchouli, and vanilla.
When blending essential oils, it's important to consider the aroma categories that you want to include. Examples of aroma categories include citrus, herbal, resin, spice, woodland, floral, and exotic. You can blend essential oils from different categories to create a textured scent that is appealing and complex.
- Start with a small number of drops of each essential oil and adjust as needed.
- Use a small bowl to blend the oils and waft the aroma with your hand to see how you like it.
- Consider the notes and aroma categories of each essential oil to create a well-rounded blend.
- Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own signature scent.
- Allow the blend to sit for 24 hours before use, to make sure the oils have combined properly.
- Store your cologne in a cool, dark place to preserve the fragrance.
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Using a carrier oil
There are several carrier oils to choose from, each with its own unique properties. Some popular carrier oils include fractionated coconut oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil. Fractionated coconut oil is a good choice for cologne as it has a lightweight feel and doesn't have a strong scent that could overpower your essential oil blend.
The amount of carrier oil you use will depend on the strength of the scent you want to achieve. A good starting point is a ratio of 20% essential oils to 80% carrier oil. If you want a stronger scent, you can adjust the ratio to 30% essential oils and 70% carrier oil.
To make your cologne, simply combine your chosen essential oils in a glass bottle, and then add your carrier oil. For a 10 ml bottle, you'll typically use 25-30 drops of essential oils and fill the rest of the bottle with the carrier oil. You can then attach a rollerball or spray top to your bottle.
It's important to shake your cologne well to combine the oils and allow it to sit for at least 24 hours before use, so the oils can fully infuse. You may also want to shake the bottle once or twice a day for the first 72 hours to ensure the oils are fully combined. Store your cologne in a cool, dark place to preserve the fragrance.
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Application methods
The application method for your essential oil cologne will depend on the type of bottle you have chosen. If you have chosen a roller bottle, you can apply the cologne to your wrists, neck, and behind the ears. If you have chosen a spray bottle, you can spritz the cologne onto your neck and wrists.
It is recommended that you apply your cologne in the morning, after showering, to ensure that your skin is clean and ready for the day ahead.
If you are using a cologne with citrus essential oils, such as bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, or lime, be aware that these can increase your skin's photosensitivity and make you more likely to get sunburnt. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid applying these colognes before spending time in the sun.
To make your cologne last longer, you can apply an unscented moisturiser to the area before application. This will help the fragrance to stick to your skin, and the scent will last upwards of 30% longer.
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Storing your cologne
Container
Use a glass container for storing your cologne. Glass is the best material to use as it is non-porous and non-reactive, meaning it won't absorb the fragrance or react with the essential oils. Choose a bottle with a tight-fitting lid or a roller or spray nozzle for easy application. If using a spray bottle, opt for a dark-coloured or amber glass bottle to protect the essential oils from light degradation.
Storage Location
Store your cologne in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. A cupboard or drawer is ideal. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as the humidity and temperature fluctuations from showers and baths can affect the cologne's longevity. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Shelf Life
The shelf life of your cologne will depend on the ingredients used and the storage conditions. Typically, a well-stored cologne can last for up to one year. However, if you notice any changes in colour, scent, or texture, or if it develops sediment, discard it and make a fresh batch.
Preserving the Fragrance
To prolong the fragrance of your cologne, add a few drops of vitamin E or rosemary antioxidant to the mixture. You can also use rubbing alcohol or vodka as the base liquid to help preserve the scent. Ensure the bottle is tightly closed after each use to prevent evaporation and spillage.
Labelling
Label your cologne bottle with the date it was made and the essential oils used. This will help you keep track of its shelf life and allow you to recreate the blend or make adjustments in the future. You can also design custom labels to give your cologne a personalised touch.
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Frequently asked questions
To make an appealing cologne that lasts longer, it's important to consider perfume notes, choose the right essential oils, and understand that some essential oils may not blend well with others. A well-structured cologne with top, middle, and base notes will be more appealing and longer-lasting.
Examples of essential oil aroma categories include Citrus Aromas (e.g. bergamot, orange), Herbal Aromas (e.g. fennel, spearmint), Spice Aromas (e.g. clove, black pepper), Woodland Aromas (e.g. cedarwood, juniper), and Floral Aromas (e.g. Roman chamomile).
First, combine the essential oils in an empty bottle, aiming for 25-50 drops of oil depending on the bottle size. Then, fill the rest of the bottle with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex. For a spray cologne, add distilled or purified water. Finally, insert a roller fitment or spray nozzle, secure the cap, and shake well. Allow the cologne to sit for 24 hours to several days before use to ensure the oils have fully combined.
