Heidi Norton
Making perfume with fragrance oils is a fun way to create a unique scent. When making perfume, you can choose between an oil or alcohol base. Alcohol-based perfumes have a stronger scent and longer shelf life, but oil-based perfumes can be moisturizing. Vodka is a popular choice for an alcohol base as it has no scent, allowing the fragrance to shine through. However, it is possible to make perfume without vodka by using a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or grape seed oil. To make perfume with a carrier oil, simply mix your chosen essential oils and allow the scents to meld for 24 hours to a month.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Fragrance oils, essential oils, carrier oils, alcohol |
| Alcohol type | Pure (190+) proof ethanol, Everclear, or 100 proof vodka |
| Oil type | Fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil |
| Additional items | Funnel, measuring cup, spray bottle, distilled/spring water, glycerine |
| Process time | Minimum of 24 hours to a few months |
| Testing | Smell, spritz on pressure points |
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What You'll Learn
Choose your fragrance oils
Choosing the right fragrance oils is an important step in making perfume. You can use essential oils, fragrance oils, infused oils, or even flavour extracts such as vanilla extract. However, make sure that the extracts are pure.
When choosing essential oils, it is important to be aware of any health advisories as not all essential oils are safe for skin application. Some essential oils are considered "hot oils" and can cause irritation or redness. It is recommended to do a patch test before using a new essential oil in your perfume.
The fragrance oils you choose will depend on the scent profile you want to create. Fragrances can be divided into three notes: top, middle, and base. Top notes are the initial scent when you first apply the perfume, middle notes appear after the top notes fade, and base notes are the foundation of the perfume that lingers after the other notes have dissipated. Common top notes include citrus scents like lemon and orange, as well as spearmint and peppermint. Middle notes can include coriander, palmarosa, lavender, and rose geranium. Base notes are typically deeper, woodier scents like patchouli, cedarwood, and sandalwood.
You can create your own unique blend by mixing and matching different fragrance oils from each category. It is recommended to add the base notes first, followed by the middle notes, and then the top notes. The number of drops of each oil will depend on the desired strength of the perfume and the type of oil, but a general rule of thumb is 20-24 drops per ml of oil.
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Dilute with a carrier oil
If you're making a perfume with fragrance oils and want to avoid using vodka, you can dilute your fragrance with a carrier oil. Carrier oils are odourless and can help to moisturize the skin. Examples of carrier oils include fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil.
When diluting your fragrance with a carrier oil, you will need to use a rollerball applicator, as oil will not spray out of a traditional spray bottle. You can find rollerball applicators online or at specialty stores.
To dilute your fragrance with a carrier oil, start by adding your essential oils to a bottle or rollerball. The number of drops of each oil will depend on the scent profile you want to create. A typical fragrance has top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Add your base notes first, followed by your middle notes, and then your top notes.
Once you have added your essential oils, swirl the mixture for a few seconds to allow the oils to mix together. Then, fill the rest of the bottle or rollerball with your carrier oil. Replace the top of the applicator and swirl again to combine.
Allow your perfume to sit for at least 24 hours or up to a month to let the scents meld together. After this period, your perfume will be ready to use. Apply one to two rolls to your wrist and/or neck, as desired.
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Add drops of essential oils
When making perfume with fragrance oils, you can use essential oils to add your desired scent. Essential oils are available in a variety of fragrances, including jasmine, lavender, rosemary, and more. You can also use food flavour extracts such as vanilla extract.
It is important to note that some essential oils are considered "hot oils". Due to their chemical composition, they can cause skin irritation, redness, or a burning sensation. It is recommended to avoid using these in homemade perfumes. If you are unsure about the safety of an essential oil, always research its health advisories before use.
Now, let's get into the process of adding essential oils to your perfume blend:
- Firstly, understand the different notes of your essential oils. Perfumes are typically composed of top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Top notes are the initial scent that fades quickly, including fragrances like lemon, orange, and peppermint. Middle notes emerge after the top notes and include scents like coriander, basil, and lavender. Base notes form the foundation of the perfume and appear last, with examples such as patchouli, cedarwood, and sandalwood.
- When adding the essential oils, start with your base notes. Add 4-6 drops of your chosen base note essential oil(s) to your bottle or rollerball.
- Next, add your middle note essential oil(s). You can add around 10 drops of your chosen middle note fragrance(s).
- After that, incorporate your top note essential oil(s). Include about 6 drops of your selected top note fragrance(s).
- Gently swirl the bottle or rollerball to combine the essential oils. You can also use a funnel or dropper to help mix the oils if needed.
- At this point, you can add your carrier oil or vodka to dilute the essential oils and create a cohesive perfume blend. Add enough carrier oil or vodka to fill the rest of your bottle.
- Once you have added all the ingredients, securely close the bottle or rollerball and give it a final swirl to ensure everything is combined.
- Allow your perfume to sit and mature. The minimum aging time is about 24 hours, but you can let it sit for up to a month. During this time, the scents will meld and develop into a more complex fragrance.
- After your perfume has rested, it's ready for use! Apply one to two sprays to your wrists and/or neck, or roll it on as per your preference.
Remember, the process of creating perfume with fragrance oils and essential oils is a creative journey. You can adjust the number of drops or experiment with different combinations of essential oils to create a unique scent that suits your taste. Enjoy the process of crafting your signature fragrance!
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Mix in alcohol
When making perfume with fragrance oils, you can use alcohol as your base instead of a carrier oil. Alcohol-based perfumes have a longer shelf life and a stronger scent, as the alcohol evaporates faster than oil. However, they can be drying to the skin.
If you are using alcohol, it's important to use the right type. Pure ethanol or grain alcohol is best, as other types of alcohol can have a strong scent that may overpower your fragrance oils. You can use 190- or 200-proof alcohol, or Everclear if it's available where you live. If you're serious about making perfume, it's worth investing in high-proof alcohol, but if you're just experimenting, a lower-proof alcohol will work.
To mix in the alcohol, start by putting your blended fragrance oils into a bottle. Then, pour in the alcohol. You can use a funnel to minimise mess. Once the alcohol is added, shake the bottle well and put it away in a dark place for at least 24 hours or up to a month to let the scents meld together.
After this period, smell your perfume. If it has a strong odour of alcohol, that's generally okay. The alcohol smell should dissipate after a few seconds on the skin, leaving only the fragrance notes. If the alcohol smell is all you can detect, you may have added too much, or your blend of fragrance oils may need adjusting. You can also try letting the perfume sit for longer—up to three months.
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Bottle and store
Once your fragrance is ready, it's time to bottle and store your perfume. If you're using clear bottles, cover them with aluminium foil or wrapping paper first, as your fragrance needs protection from light. Then, pour your perfume into your chosen bottle using a funnel if necessary. You can reuse old bottles, but make sure to sterilize them in the dishwasher first, especially if you're using essential oils.
If you're making a perfume spray, add more water to the mixture. You can also add a few drops of glycerine to help preserve the fragrance. After bottling, allow the perfume to sit for a minimum of 24 hours or up to a month to let the scents meld together.
The maturation period of your perfume depends on the essential oil blend. Some blends don't change much, while others evolve significantly over time. Generally, after about a month, your perfume should be ready to wear. However, the three-month marker is when the perfume really shines.
Store your perfume in a dark place, and always keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can affect the fragrance and cause it to degrade over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Oil-based perfumes are moisturising and stay on the skin longer.
Alcohol-based perfumes have a longer shelf life and a stronger scent.
Top notes include lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime, bergamot, spearmint, peppermint, and mandarin.
Base notes include patchouli, vetiver, frankincense, cedarwood, sandalwood, and amber.
