Creating A Pine Scent: Diy Cologne For Men

Pine is a popular scent for colognes, air fresheners, and perfumes. The scent is associated with freshness and is often used to evoke a sense of winter and the holiday season. Many commercial fragrances use pine as a main note, but it is also possible to make your own pine-scented cologne at home.

Essential oils and pine cones

Pine cones can be scented with essential oils to create a natural fragrance for your home or to give as a gift. This is a simple process that can be done in a few hours, and the scent will last for at least two weeks.

Firstly, collect your pine cones. You can find these outside, or buy them from a craft store. If you are collecting them yourself, it is best to use dried pine cones. If they are damp, you can dry them out in the oven: preheat the oven to 300 °F, lay the pine cones on a baking tray, and place them in the oven for 30-45 minutes.

Once your pine cones are dried out, allow them to cool. Then, using a dropper, add 3-5ml of essential oil to each pine cone. You can use any essential oil you like, but pine, cinnamon, and lavender are all popular choices for a festive fragrance. Drop the oil in different areas of the cone to distribute the fragrance evenly. Place newspaper on your work surface to protect it and absorb any excess oil. It is also a good idea to wear gloves, as undiluted essential oils can irritate the skin.

Finally, allow the pine cones to sit overnight so that the oil can be fully absorbed. After this, your scented pine cones are ready to display! You can place them in a bowl, hang them on the Christmas tree, or use them to make a wreath or garland.

Pine needle potpourri

Ingredients and Materials:

• Christmas tree clippings (these don't have to be Balsam)
• Pinecones (found outside or bought at a craft store)
• Large seed pods (usually available in large bags at craft stores)
• Essential oils: pine, lavender, and cinnamon
• A large basket
• Smaller baskets or fabric for sachets (optional)

Method:

Step 1: Cut Pine Branches

Use pruning scissors to cut pine branches from your tree, including some smaller pieces for a stronger scent. Place the pine clippings into your large basket.

Step 2: Add Pinecones

Collect large pinecones from outside or purchase some from a craft store, and add them to the basket.

Step 3: Add Large Seed Pods

Find seed pods at your local craft store and add them to the basket.

Step 4: Add Essential Oils, Lavender, and Cinnamon Sticks

Scatter cinnamon sticks, lavender, and pine essential oil over the contents of the basket. Mix gently with an old wooden spoon.

Your potpourri basket can now be placed anywhere in your home. To extend the life of your potpourri, store leftovers in plastic bags. After a few months, you can refill smaller baskets or make sachets with fabric squares.

Tips:

• The pine needles may scatter when you first start the project, but they will stay in the basket once placed inside.
• The potpourri should last for a few months. You can refresh it by adding more essential oil or using stored leftovers.
• Be careful with essential oils as undiluted oils can irritate the skin.

Enjoy the sweet aroma of pine, lavender, and cinnamon in your home!

Air freshener spray

Making your own air freshener spray is a great way to fill your home with a natural, pine scent. It's also a healthier, cheaper alternative to store-bought air fresheners, and you can customise the fragrance to your liking. Here is a simple recipe for a pine-scented air freshener spray:

Ingredients:

• 25 drops of black spruce essential oil
• 20 drops of Siberian fir essential oil
• 15 drops of cedarwood essential oil
• 5 drops of vetiver essential oil
• 4 ounces of high-proof alcohol (151 proof or higher)
• 4 ounces of distilled water
• 8-ounce spray bottle

Method:

• Measure 4 ounces of high-proof alcohol and pour it into a clean mason jar.
• Add the essential oils to the alcohol, starting with fewer drops and adding more to suit your preference. Stir the mixture well.
• Allow the mixture to sit for several hours, or even overnight, so that the oils can combine.
• Using a funnel, pour the perfume mixture into your spray bottle.
• Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water, leaving enough room for the sprayer.
• Secure the spray bottle top and shake well to combine the ingredients.
• Label your bottle, and it's ready to use!

Tips:

• You can customise this recipe by swapping vetiver with lemon or another citrus oil for a brighter scent.
• Any of the conifer oils can be replaced with other conifer variants, such as Balsam fir, cypress, white fir, or pine.
• Be cautious when spraying this mixture, as the alcohol content can damage wood and other surfaces.
• Keep the spray out of reach of children and avoid spraying near eyes, mouths, or noses.

Solid cologne

To make a solid pine-scented cologne, you will need:

• Beeswax
• Carrier oil (such as jojoba, olive, grapeseed, or shea butter)
• Essential oils (pine, cypress, vetiver, etc.)
• Containers to hold your cologne (lockets, tins, etc.)
• Pipettes or glass droppers
• Two small glass or ceramic bowls

First, decide how much cologne you want to make. A good rule of thumb is to use equal parts beeswax and carrier oil. Experiment with different essential oils in a separate bowl until you find a scent you like. As a general guideline, use around 15-20 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, adding more or less depending on how strong you want the scent to be.

Next, measure out your beeswax and carrier oil and heat them together in a double boiler or glass bowl over a candle. Stir the mixture as it melts. Once it has liquefied, add your essential oil blend and stir over low heat.

Finally, pour the mixture into your chosen containers and let it cool and harden for a few hours. Your solid cologne is now ready to use! You can also let it sit for a week to develop an even stronger scent.

If your cologne turns out too solid, you can remelt it and add more carrier oil or shea butter to soften it. Solid colognes are a great DIY project and make excellent gifts for friends and family.

Pine tar soap

Ingredients:

• 10.5 oz distilled or filtered water
• 4.5 oz sodium hydroxide (lye)
• 2 oz essential oils (pine, cedarwood, and orange)
• 3 tsp activated charcoal powder
• 2 TBS oats, ground super fine
• Pine tar (ensure it is creosote-free)
• Pumice (optional)
• Kaolin clay (optional)
• Sea salt (optional)

Steps:

• Measure 10.5 oz of water and pour it into ice cube trays. Freeze.
• Measure out all other ingredients and have them ready.
• Once the water is frozen, pour the measured sea salt over the ice, followed by the sodium hydroxide. Gently stir while the ice melts, and set aside.
• Melt your hard fats and butters, then remove from heat.
• Pour the liquid oils and pine tar into the melted fats and butters, mixing well.
• Add in the pumice and charcoal.
• Mix the kaolin clay with 1 tsp of water and the fragrance oils, then add this mixture to the soap batter.
• Test the temperature of the lye and oils; each should be 90 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
• Pour the lye solution into the oils and add the oats.
• Stir until you reach trace.
• Pour the mixture into your prepared mold.
• Cover and let sit overnight.
• Unmold the next day, cut into bars, and allow to cure for 4-6 weeks.

Note: It is important to work at low temperatures and mix by hand to prevent the soap from hardening too quickly. Additionally, only melt the solid fats and butters; do not heat the rest of the oils.

Frequently asked questions