Creating Roll-On Perfume: Fragrance Oils And You

Making roll-on perfume with fragrance oils is a fun and creative way to explore new scents and experiment with aromatherapy. The process is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients: a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil, your favourite perfume or essential oil (or a mix of oils), and a rollerball container. The possibilities for customisation are endless, and you can create unique blends to suit your mood and preferences. Whether you're looking for an energising blend, a calming and soothing fragrance, or something more eccentric, the choice is yours!

Choosing your fragrance oils

When creating a perfume, you will need to combine different notes. The top notes are usually lighter scents that you smell first, such as citrus or soft florals. The middle notes, or the "heart," provide a balance and are typically bright florals, gourmands, fruits, or lighter woods. The base notes are the anchor of the fragrance and tend to be scents like vanilla, spices, musks, woods, or amber. These are the notes that linger the longest.

When choosing your oils, select 3-4 essential oils from each note category: top, middle, and base. You can test your combinations by placing a few drops of each oil on a strip of blotting paper and allowing it to sit for about five minutes before sniffing. This will help you determine if you've achieved your desired effect.

Some popular fragrance oils for each category include:

• Top notes: Anise, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Spearmint, Peppermint, Sweet Orange, Petitgrain.
• Middle notes: Angelica, Bay, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Chamomile, Cypress, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Neroli, Palmarosa, Pine, Rose, Rosemary.
• Base notes: Benzion, Carrot Seed, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Jasmine, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Violet, Ylang-Ylang.

Once you've chosen your oils and determined the right proportions, you can begin blending them with your carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil. This process requires some math to ensure the correct ratios, but it's a fun and creative way to make your unique signature scent.

Combining with a carrier oil

There are several carrier oils to choose from, including fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil. Fractionated coconut oil is a popular choice because it is clear, odourless, and has a long shelf life. It also helps to reduce skin sensitivity. However, some people prefer sweet almond oil, which is also good for dry skin, or jojoba oil, which is a leaner option that won't fill the room with fragrance.

The ratio of carrier oil to fragrance oil is important and can vary depending on the desired strength of the perfume. A common ratio is 90:10, with 90% carrier oil and 10% fragrance oil. However, some sources suggest a ratio of 80:20 for a stronger perfume, while others recommend using even less fragrance oil, with a ratio of 70:30 or even 60:40.

To combine the carrier oil and fragrance oil, simply mix the desired amount of each in a small bowl, then use a small funnel to carefully decant the mixture into your chosen container. It is important to leave a little room at the top of the container for the rollerball. Once the oils are combined, it is best to let the mixture sit for a week or two to allow the fragrances to mesh together and mature.

In addition to the carrier oil and fragrance oil, you can also add essential oils to your roll-on perfume to create a more complex and personalised scent. When adding essential oils, it is important to choose oils that complement each other and to use a blend of top notes, middle notes, and base notes for a well-rounded fragrance.

Blending different oils

The top note is the first scent that you will detect in a perfume blend. These notes are light and fresh-smelling, with small molecules that evaporate quickly. Examples of top notes include citrus oils such as grapefruit, lemon, and orange, as well as mint oils like peppermint and spearmint.

The middle note forms the heart of the perfume and is the most important part. These notes are full-bodied and complex, providing the foundation for the other notes to harmonise with. Popular middle notes include black pepper, cinnamon, and clove, which should be used sparingly as they can irritate the skin.

The base note is the longest-lasting scent and tends to have dense, heavy, and strong aromas. Examples of base notes include sandalwood, vanilla, and patchouli.

When blending essential oils, it's important to choose oils that complement each other and create a pleasing aroma. You can experiment with different types of oils, such as woodsy, floral, fruity, earthy, herbal, spicy, or sugary.

• Choose a base note, a heart note, and a head note. The base note lasts the longest, the heart note forms the middle layer, and the head note is strong and evaporates quickly.
• Add the base note first, followed by the heart note, and then the head note.
• Experiment with different ratios of notes to find the perfect blend. A basic ratio is 2 parts base note, 1 part heart note, and 1 part head note.
• Use small glass bottles to mix your oils in small quantities, so you can test different ratios without wasting product.
• Consider the blending factors of the oils, which indicate the strength of the scent on a scale of 1 to 10.
• Start with a small number of drops of each oil and increase the number of drops until you achieve the desired scent.
• Allow the oils to sit and mix for a few minutes before decanting them into a rollerball container.
• Remember that blending oils is an experimental process, and it may take a few tries to find the perfect combination.

Applying your perfume

You can also try applying your roll-on perfume onto items of clothing, though be sure to avoid sensitive fabrics like silk. Rollerballs can be applied at any time during the day and at any location, thanks to their portable size. If you want to make the most out of the scent, try applying it to your pulse points just after taking a warm bath or shower. This will open up your pores and allow the aromas to absorb better.

Storing your perfume

Choose the Right Container:

• It is recommended to use a dark glass bottle or container for storing your perfume. Essential oils can seep into and break down plastic, often causing leaching, which is when plastic starts to mix with your product.
• Dark tinted glass helps protect your perfume from sunlight, preserving the properties and scent of the oils.
• A roller bottle is convenient for direct application, but you can also use a dropper bottle if you prefer.

Store in a Cool, Dark Place:

• After mixing your perfume, it is important to store it in a cool, dark place. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause the fragrance to deteriorate.
• A cupboard or drawer in a cool room is ideal. You can also wrap the bottle in a small cloth or place it in a box to further protect it from light.

Allow it to Mature:

• Before using your perfume, it is best to let it sit and mature. This allows the essential oils to fully blend and develop their aromas.
• The waiting period can vary, but generally, it is recommended to wait for at least a week and up to a month. The longer you can wait, the more developed the scent will be.

Shelf Life and Storage Tips:

• The shelf life of your perfume will depend on the ingredients used and the storage conditions. Oils such as fractionated coconut oil and jojoba oil have excellent shelf lives.
• To extend the life of your perfume, continue to store it in a cool, dark place and keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• Avoid exposing the perfume to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or moisture, as this can affect the quality and scent.

By following these storage instructions, you will be able to enjoy your custom-made roll-on perfume for a long time, and you can experiment with different fragrances and blends to find your signature scent.

Frequently asked questions