Lance Carson
Creating a fragrance oil perfume with vodka is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients. Vodka is used as a preservative and base in perfume-making, carrying and diffusing essential oils while evaporating quickly after application. The process of making perfume involves choosing at least three essential oils: a top note, a middle note, and a base note to create a well-rounded, full-bodied, and long-lasting scent. The top note provides the first impression, the base note anchors the scent, and the middle note gives it depth. Once the desired essential oils are selected, they are mixed with vodka and, in some cases, carrier oils and distilled water. The mixture is then stored in a dark, cool place for at least 12 hours or up to several weeks to allow the fragrances to blend and mature. After this resting period, the perfume can be tested and, if needed, adjusted by adding more essential oils or vodka.
How to make fragrance oil perfume vodka
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Vodka |
| Carrier oils | Jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or almond oil |
| Essential oils | Orange oil, cedarwood oil, peppermint oil, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, etc. |
| Other ingredients | Distilled water, glycerin, orange peel, vanilla pod, etc. |
| Process | Mix essential oils in desired ratios, add carrier oil and vodka, shake, and set aside for 48 hours to 6 weeks. Then, add distilled water and shake again. |
| Notes | The top note provides the first impression, the base note anchors the scent, and the middle note gives it depth. |
| Tips | Experiment with proportions to create your desired fragrance. |
| Caution | Essential oils can be dangerous for pets, especially cats. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your essential oils
For a citrusy, summery fragrance, you could choose from the following top notes: grapefruit, tangerine, orange, or bergamot. For a warm, spicy, and inviting fragrance, you could use cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves for the middle notes, with vanilla as the base note. If you want to create a forest-inspired scent, you could use orange oil as the top note, cedarwood oil as the middle note, and peppermint oil as the base note.
When choosing essential oils, it is important to look up any health advisories as not all essential oils are safe for skin contact. Some citrus oils, for example, can cause photosensitivity, and some herbal oils can cause skin irritation or induce allergic reactions. If you are a first-time user, it is recommended to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using a new essential oil.
You can also choose your essential oils based on the scent profiles of famous people. For example, if you want to channel Marie Antoinette, you could opt for a floral fragrance, or if you want to emulate Queen Elizabeth I, you might choose marjoram as she suffered from migraines.
The concentration of essential oils in your perfume is also important. A general guideline is to use a maximum of 20% essential oils in your carrier oil, but if you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to use a lower concentration of up to 15%. For a 5ml bottle of perfume, this equates to approximately 100 drops of liquid, with 20 drops being your fragrance combination and the remaining 80 drops being the carrier oil. However, these ratios can be adjusted to suit your preferences, and you can experiment with different combinations as you become more experienced.
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Selecting a carrier oil
When creating a fragrance, selecting a carrier oil is an important step in the process. Carrier oils are natural, unscented oils that serve as a base for blending and diluting essential oils. They help carry and disperse the aromatic molecules of essential oils, allowing the scent to linger on the skin and gradually release its fragrance. They also contribute to the overall texture and longevity of the perfume.
There are many different carrier oils to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Jojoba oil, for example, is highly favoured for its remarkable stability and long shelf life, making it an excellent choice for preserving the aromatic integrity of essential oils. It is also non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types. Other popular options include fractionated coconut oil, which is lightweight and fast-absorbing, allowing the perfume to blend seamlessly with the skin and create a lingering scent, and almond oil, which is another versatile carrier oil.
When selecting a carrier oil, it is important to consider your preferences and skin type. For instance, if you have oily skin, you may want to choose a carrier oil that is lightweight and non-greasy, such as sunflower oil. If you are looking for a longer-lasting perfume, opt for oils with a longer shelf life, like jojoba oil.
In addition to carrier oils, you can also use alcohol as a base for your fragrance. Alcohol lifts the fragrance and allows it to radiate outward, enveloping you in a cloud of scent. However, alcohol-based perfumes can be drying to the skin and may not last as long as oil-based perfumes.
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Adding vodka
When adding vodka to your fragrance, it is important to consider the proof of the vodka. Higher-proof vodka will have less of an alcohol smell, so it is recommended to use a higher-proof vodka when creating your perfume. You can experiment with the amount of vodka you use, but typically, recipes call for around 2-4 tablespoons of vodka as a base for your fragrance.
To add vodka to your fragrance, start by placing your desired amount of essential oils into a clean glass mixing bottle. The general rule is to use around 6-8 drops of base note, 15-20 drops of middle note, and 9-12 drops of top note, but you can adjust these ratios to your preference. Once you have your desired combination of essential oils, add the vodka and carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, to the bottle.
After adding the vodka and oils, be sure to thoroughly shake the bottle to combine all the ingredients. Set the bottle aside in a cool, dark place and let it rest for at least 48 hours to allow the fragrances to infuse. For a stronger scent, you can let it rest for up to six weeks. After the resting period, you can add distilled water to your fragrance and shake the bottle again.
It is important to note that not everyone may find vodka to be a suitable base for their perfume. If you are looking for an alternative, you can consider using carrier oils such as jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, or grapeseed oil. These carrier oils provide a colourless medium, have a longer shelf life than alcohol-based perfumes, and are gentler on the skin.
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Blending and mixing
Firstly, you will need a clean glass bottle for mixing, preferably dark-tinted or stored in a dark place while the perfume settles. This is because, when creating your own perfume, light can cause the fragrance to spoil. You will also need a small glass bottle for storing your final product, and this should also be dark-tinted to prolong the life of the perfume, but clear glass can also be used.
Next, you need to select your essential oils. It is recommended to choose at least three essential oils: a top note, a middle note, and a base note, to create a full-bodied, longer-lasting scent. The top note is strong but fleeting and provides the first impression; the base note anchors the scent, and the middle note, or 'heart', gives it heft. For a citrus-based fragrance, you could use grapefruit, tangerine, orange, or bergamot as your top note. For a warm and inviting fragrance, you could use cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves for the middle and base notes, and add vanilla for a gentle, comforting touch. If you are creating a forest-inspired scent, you could use orange oil as the top note, cedarwood oil as the middle note, and peppermint oil as the base note.
Now you are ready to start blending and mixing. Place your chosen essential oils in the ratios you desire into your mixing bottle. A general rule is six to eight drops of base note, 15 to 20 drops of middle note, and 9 to 12 drops of top note, but you can adjust this to your preference. You will use about 30 to 40 total drops of essential oil. Add your carrier oil and vodka, place the lid on the bottle, and thoroughly shake. Set the bottle aside for at least 48 hours and up to six weeks, preferably in a cool, dark place.
After this resting period, you can add distilled water and shake the bottle again. Now you need to wait another week before adding the alcohol. After a week, check your oil blend to make sure you like it. If you are happy with it, you can add 7ml of alcohol to your bottle, put the lid on, and shake it up. If not, you may need to adjust the ratios of your essential oils or add a few more drops of your preferred essential oil.
Your perfume will be ready to wear after about a month, but the longer you leave it, the better it will be. After three months, these perfumes really shine.
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Storing and testing
Storing your fragrance is an important step in the perfume-making process. It is recommended to use a clean glass bottle for mixing, preferably dark, or store your perfume in a dark place while it settles. Dark bottles or storage places are preferable because they prolong the life of the perfume. However, clear glass bottles will also work.
When creating your fragrance, you will need a mixing bottle and a small glass bottle for storing. The small glass bottle should be able to hold 30ml of liquid.
After mixing your fragrance, it is important to let it rest for at least 48 hours and up to six weeks. During this resting period, it is best to store your fragrance in a cool, dark place. After the resting period, you can add distilled water to your fragrance and shake the bottle.
Testing your fragrance is a crucial step in the perfume-making process. It allows you to evaluate the different notes of your perfume and make adjustments if necessary. Here are some tips for testing your fragrance:
- Use paper smelling strips (also known as blotters or Mouillettes) to test your fragrance. These strips are typically found in the perfumery sections of department stores, specialist shops, or airport duty-free areas. They are simple and neutral tools for smelling perfume because they are clean, allow for multiple fragrances to be tested cleanly, and can be stored to smell later and understand how the perfume develops.
- Avoid testing too many fragrances at once to avoid nasal fatigue. It is recommended to stop after smelling three different scents and then take a break for a few minutes before testing the next three.
- Do not wear your own fragrance or strong deodorant when sampling different fragrances, as they can interfere with the test.
- Avoid testing perfumes just after eating a dish that is heavily spiced or laden with garlic, as this can affect your sense of smell.
- Allow the alcohol in the perfume to evaporate before smelling it.
- Take notes on your reactions to each perfume and track your sampling journey for future reference.
In addition to using paper strips, you can also test your fragrance on your skin. However, keep in mind that the perfume will react differently on your skin than on the paper strips. Spray a small amount of perfume on your wrist or pressure points to test it. If you notice a strong odour of alcohol, this is generally okay. The alcohol smell should dissipate after a few seconds, leaving behind the scent of your perfume. If the alcohol smell persists, you may need to adjust the ratio of alcohol to essential oils in your blend.
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Frequently asked questions
The basic ingredients are essential oils, carrier oil, distilled water, and vodka.
The general rule is six to eight drops of base note, 15 to 20 drops of middle note, and 9 to 12 drops of top note. You will use about 30 to 40 total drops of essential oil. Add two tablespoons of carrier oil and four tablespoons of vodka.
Examples of top notes include grapefruit, tangerine, orange, and bergamot. Middle notes, or heart notes, provide heft to the perfume. Examples of base notes include cedarwood oil and vanilla.
Place the essential oils in the desired ratios in a mixing bottle. Add the carrier oil and vodka, and shake thoroughly. Set the bottle aside for at least 48 hours and up to six weeks in a cool, dark place. After this resting period, add distilled water and shake the bottle again.
It is important to note that vodka is not a common choice for perfumery as it is mostly water, and water does not help with extraction. It is also important to consider the safety of your pets when using essential oils, as certain oils can be dangerous for them.
