Lance Carson
Making perfume at home is a fun and easy way to create a unique scent that you can't find in stores. All you need are some essential oils, a base such as vodka, and a container to hold your perfume. Vodka is a great option for a base as it is a colourless liquid with little to no odour that evaporates quickly, allowing your chosen essential oils to shine. To make your own perfume, simply mix your chosen essential oils in an opaque bottle, let the mixture sit for a few days, and then add your vodka base. After adding the vodka, let the perfume sit in a cool, dark place for at least a month to allow the scents to blend and mature. Once it's ready, you can spritz or roll on your unique fragrance and enjoy!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Vodka |
| Container | Perfume bottles |
| Other ingredients | Essential oils, distilled water, glycerine, etc. |
| Process | Measure and mix ingredients, let sit, test, and adjust |
| Storage | Cool, dark place; cover clear bottles with foil or paper |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a base
Vodka: Vodka is a popular choice for a perfume base due to its colourless and odourless nature. It evaporates quickly, allowing your chosen essential oils to take centre stage. When selecting vodka as your base, opt for the highest proof available, as this will ensure the best results.
Carrier Oils: Carrier oils such as jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, or grapeseed oil offer a colourless medium and a longer shelf life compared to alcohol-based perfumes. They are also gentle on the skin. Carrier oils can be infused with herbs, botanicals, spices, or dried flowers to add a subtle scent and dimension to your perfume.
Alcohol: High-proof alcohol, such as vodka or grain alcohol, can be used as a base for your perfume. It has little to no scent and will combine well with the oils. If you cannot find high-proof alcohol, you can use denatured alcohol or perfumer's alcohol, which can be purchased at home improvement stores or ordered online, respectively.
Natural Infusions: Creating your own natural infusions can add unique and subtle scents to your perfume. For example, you can infuse vanilla beans in oil or alcohol to add a hint of vanilla to your fragrance. However, keep in mind that natural infusions may require more time and experimentation to achieve the desired strength.
It's important to note that the base you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the type of fragrance you wish to create. Experimenting with different bases and combinations will help you discover the perfect formula for your homemade perfume.
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Blending essential oils
Firstly, it is important to understand the three types of notes in perfumery: top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Top notes are the initial scent when you first apply the perfume, and they evaporate quickly. Common top notes include citrus scents like lemon, orange, and grapefruit, as well as other refreshing scents like spearmint and peppermint. Middle notes appear just after the top notes disappear and tend to be more subtle. Examples include coriander, palmarosa, marjoram, and basil. Base notes are the foundation of the perfume and appear last. They are usually deeper, woodier scents like patchouli, vetiver, and cedarwood.
When blending essential oils, it is crucial to balance the different notes to create a harmonious fragrance. A good rule of thumb is to use a ratio of 30% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 20% base notes. However, this can be adjusted based on personal preference and the desired strength of each note.
It is also important to consider the number of essential oils used in the blend. Using too many different oils can result in a muddy, confusing scent. It is generally recommended to stick to 1-3 essential oils for a more cohesive fragrance.
The process of blending essential oils is fairly straightforward. Start by adding the essential oils to a clean, opaque bottle using a dropper or pipette. Begin with the base notes, followed by the middle notes, and finally, the top notes. The number of drops of each oil will depend on the desired strength of the scent and the evaporation rate of the particular oil. It is always better to start with fewer drops and add more gradually, as you can always add but can't take away.
Once all the oils are added, screw on the lid tightly and shake the bottle to combine the oils. Let the perfume sit for a few days to allow the scents to mix and mature. After a few days, test the perfume by spraying it into the air or onto a piece of paper. Let it dry for about 10 seconds before smelling it. If the scent is too weak, add 3-5 more drops of essential oil and let it sit for another day or two before testing again.
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Adding alcohol
Vodka is a great base for creating perfume as it is a colourless liquid with little to no odour that evaporates quickly. It is also easily accessible and affordable. However, it is important to note that it is not the only option for a base and some people may prefer to use carrier oils such as jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, or grapeseed oil, which have a longer shelf life.
When making perfume with vodka, it is important to use the highest proof available. The higher the proof, the less water the vodka contains, and water does not help with extraction. Pure (190+) proof ethanol is a better option for perfume, although it can be difficult to find and expensive.
To add the vodka to your perfume, first combine your chosen essential oils in a bottle, leaving a little headspace. Then, pour in your vodka. You can use a funnel to prevent spills. Leave about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of headspace in the bottle in case you want to add more oil later.
After adding the vodka, secure the cap on the bottle tightly and shake it to combine the oils and alcohol. For an alcohol-based perfume, shaking it once should be sufficient to mix the ingredients.
Finally, let your perfume sit in a cool, dark place for at least a month. This step is not mandatory, but it helps to get rid of the alcohol smell, leaving the oils more pungent. After this period, test your perfume by spraying or applying a small amount and observe if the alcohol smell dissipates after a few seconds, leaving behind your desired fragrance.
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Storing the perfume
Storing your homemade perfume correctly is essential to maintaining its quality and prolonging its shelf life. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for storing your perfume:
Choosing the Right Container
Use a clean glass bottle for storing your perfume. Preferably, opt for a small, dark-coloured glass bottle as it helps to prolong the life of the perfume by protecting it from light. However, clear glass bottles can also be used if wrapped in aluminium foil or stored in a dark place.
Storing Location
Store your perfume in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. A cupboard or drawer is ideal. Avoid storing it in areas with temperature fluctuations, such as bathrooms, as temperature changes can affect the perfume's composition and scent.
Shelf Life and Ageing
The shelf life of your homemade perfume will depend on the ingredients used and storage conditions. Generally, carrier oils like jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oil offer a longer shelf life than alcohol-based perfumes. Ageing your perfume for a few weeks to several months can help the scents blend and mature, resulting in a more well-rounded fragrance.
Prolonging Shelf Life
To prolong the shelf life of your perfume, consider using higher-proof vodka, as it will result in less alcohol smell. Additionally, adding a preservative like glycerine can help preserve the fragrance.
Storing Multiple Batches
If you have created multiple batches of perfume with different scents, it is essential to label the bottles clearly. This will help you identify each fragrance and keep track of their ageing processes.
Storing for Gifting
If you plan to gift your homemade perfume, consider sterilising the bottles, especially if they are reused containers. Ensure the perfume has settled and matured before gifting, and include instructions for optimal storage and usage.
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Testing the perfume
Testing your homemade perfume is an important step in the perfume-making process. Here is a detailed guide on how to test your perfume effectively:
Blotters or Paper Strips:
The first step in testing perfume is to use blotters or paper strips. These are absorbent, porous papers that allow perfumes to be absorbed quickly, providing an initial impression of the fragrance. Spray two to three quick sprays downwards into a cloud, and wave the scented strip under your nose without touching it. This method helps you evaluate the perfume's scent without direct skin contact.
Skin Testing:
After trying the perfume on blotters, it's time to test it on your skin. Apply the perfume directly to pulse points like your wrists, behind your ears, or the inner elbow. Your unique body chemistry interacts with the scent, giving you a true understanding of how the perfume will develop on your skin over time.
Taking Your Time:
When testing perfume on your skin, it's important to take your time. The fragrance will deepen as you experience each level of notes in its formulation. Allow at least 15-30 minutes between applications, and take note of how the scent evolves and wears over time. Your sense of smell usually peaks in the morning, so testing scents earlier in the day is recommended.
Cleansing Your Palate:
When testing multiple fragrances, it's easy to overload your sense of smell. Avoid this by cleansing your olfactory palate between scents. Coffee beans or coffee aromas have traditionally been used for this purpose, but they may not be effective for everyone. Instead, try stepping outside for fresh air, taking a sip of water, or sniffing your own unscented skin or sleeve.
Comparing Scents:
When deciding between multiple fragrances, narrow down your options to two or three scents that you really like. Spray one scent on the inside of your left arm and another on the inside of your right arm. Go about your day and pay attention to how each scent dries down and wears off. Compare the two and choose the one that better suits your preferences and skin chemistry.
Adjusting and Refining:
If, after testing, you feel that your perfume could benefit from adjustments, you can experiment with different essential oils, ratios, or aging times. Remember that creating a personalised fragrance takes time and experimentation. Don't be afraid to make changes and test again until you achieve your desired scent.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a base of vodka, essential oils, and a perfume bottle. You can also add distilled water and glycerine to preserve the fragrance.
It is best to use a high-proof vodka as it has little to no scent.
First, collect your favourite essential oils. Then, add 20-25 drops of each oil into your perfume bottle. You can add more drops later if you want a stronger scent. Next, pour in the vodka, leaving a little space at the top. Tighten the cap and shake well.
It is best to let the perfume sit for at least a month in a cool, dark place. This will help get rid of the alcohol smell and allow the oils to blend together.
Scents can be divided into three notes: top, middle, and base. When mixing your perfume, add the base notes first, followed by the middle notes, and then the top notes. You can also try combining scents from neighbouring families, such as floral, oriental, woody, and fresh, to create harmony in your perfume.
