Anisha Riggs
Solid perfume is a great alternative to store-bought scents, and it is easy to make with minimal ingredients. Solid perfumes are also convenient for travelling without the mess of liquid perfumes. They can be stored in small tins, lockets, or compact containers. To make a solid perfume, you will need a liquid oil and some wax. For the liquid oil, choose an oil with a neutral scent like jojoba oil, unless you want to add the scent of your oil to your fragrance. For the wax, beeswax is commonly used, but you can also use a vegan option like candelilla wax. You can also add essential oils or cosmetic-grade fragrance oils to create your desired scent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of making | Easy |
| Time taken | 5 minutes to a few hours |
| Ingredients | Beeswax, essential oils, carrier oil (e.g. jojoba, grapeseed, olive, almond, coconut) |
| Containers | Small tins, lockets, compacts |
| Customisation | Customisable scent and container |
| Gift | Can be gifted |
| Alcohol-free | Yes |
| Application | Rub onto skin |
| Longevity | Scent lingers longer than liquid perfumes |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place for up to 12 months |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a base oil
When making scented solid perfume, choosing the right base oil is crucial. The base oil will act as a carrier for your chosen fragrance and help it adhere to the skin. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a base oil:
Skin compatibility
It is important to choose a base oil that is suitable for your skin type and does not cause any irritation or allergic reactions. Some people may prefer lighter oils that absorb quickly into the skin, while others may opt for richer, more nourishing options.
Scent compatibility
The base oil you choose should complement the scent of your perfume. If you want the fragrance to be the star, opt for a base oil with a neutral scent, such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. These oils have mild or no scents of their own, allowing the fragrance to shine through. On the other hand, if you want to add a subtle twist to your perfume, you can choose a base oil with a distinct scent, like coconut oil, which can add a tropical twist to your blend.
Texture and consistency
Different base oils have varying textures and consistencies, which can impact the final product. Some oils, like olive oil, are thicker and can create a richer, more emollient perfume. Others, like grapeseed oil, are lighter and can result in a more fluid, easily spreadable perfume. Consider the desired texture and feel of your solid perfume when selecting a base oil.
Shelf life
The shelf life of your solid perfume can be influenced by the base oil you choose. For example, if you use grapeseed oil as your carrier, your perfume will have a shelf life of about six months. In contrast, opting for olive oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil as your base will give your perfume a longer shelf life of up to 12 months.
Fragrance longevity
Some base oils can help extend the longevity of your perfume's fragrance on the skin. Oils with slower evaporation rates, such as those rich in fatty acids, can make your scent last longer. Consider this factor if you want your solid perfume to leave a lingering aroma.
When choosing a base oil, you can select a single oil or a combination of oils to achieve your desired results. Experiment with different base oils and fragrances to create unique, personalised solid perfumes.
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Select a wax
The wax is the solidifying agent in your perfume. It is important to choose a wax that suits your preferences and is easily accessible to you.
Beeswax is a commonly used wax in solid perfumes. It is easily accessible and can be purchased from Brambleberry or your local health food store.
If you are looking for a vegan alternative, candelilla wax is a great option. Floral waxes are also available, though they may be slightly more expensive and harder to find. These floral waxes can add their own fragrance to your perfume.
Once you have selected your wax, you will need to melt it down. This can be done over a candle or on a stove using a double boiler. If you do not have a double boiler, you can fill a pot with water and place a heat-safe bowl or smaller pot inside to melt the wax. Ensure that the wax is thoroughly melted and has become a pourable liquid.
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Combine scents
Combining different scents is a fun part of making solid perfumes. The only rule when it comes to combining scents is that there are no rules. You can combine whichever scents you prefer. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to make a successful perfume blend.
Firstly, you should combine different notes from each part of what is known as the fragrance pyramid. At the base of the pyramid are the ground notes, which give depth to your fragrance and keep the scent lasting longer. These include woody scents like sandalwood, cedarwood, or patchouli, as well as vanilla, ginger, cocoa, musk, and frankincense. You can pick 10 drops of your choice as a base.
In the middle of the pyramid, the heart notes last longer than the top notes but not as long as the bottom notes. The middle notes include floral scents like jasmine and geranium, spices like cinnamon and clove, and fruit fragrances like strawberry and peach. They also include herbs like rosemary, clary sage, and lavender. You can add 5 to 10 drops of a middle note.
Finally, at the top of the pyramid, the top notes are the first scents you notice when you smell the fragrance. These scents tend to be lighter and more delicate.
When creating your scent, it's important to experiment and find a combination that you like. You can use a small dish or ramekin to test out different scent combinations and ratios. Once you've found a scent you're happy with, you can add it to your wax and oil mixture.
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Melt and mix
The process of making solid perfume is similar to making lip balm, lotion bars, or a salve. It is quite simple and can be done in a few simple steps.
Firstly, you need to decide on the scent of your perfume. You can use essential oils or cosmetic-grade fragrance oils for this. Experiment with different oils and scents to create a unique fragrance. You can also add in a few leaves or flowers for decoration and extra scent. Once you have decided on the scent, mix your oils in a small dish to create your fragrance.
Next, you will need to melt your wax. You can use beeswax, or a vegan alternative such as candelilla wax, or floral wax for an added fragrance. You can melt the wax using a double boiler, or a microwave-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water. Once the wax is melted, turn off the heat and add in your oil mixture.
Stir the wax and oil together until they are combined and the mixture is smooth and shiny. You can use a wooden stick to stir, but be aware that it will get wax on it, so don't use anything you want to cook with later.
Finally, pour the mixture into small containers with lids and let it sit until it hardens. This will take about an hour in a cool space. You can also add a few drops of your scent directly into the containers and mix with a spoon or toothpick for a stronger fragrance.
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Pour and set
Once you are happy with your scent, it's time to pour and set your perfume.
First, remove your bowl from the heat and give the mixture a stir. Use oven mitts to handle the hot bowl. Combine the wax and oil together until the mixture is smooth and shiny. You can use a wooden stick to stir, but be aware that it will get wax on it, so don't use anything you want to cook with later.
Next, stir your chosen essential oils into the hot mixture. Try to work quickly so that the wax doesn't harden. The scent may be very strong at this stage, but don't worry—it will spread out in the wax mixture.
Now, carefully pour your perfume mixture into your containers. You can use small containers with lids, lockets, or compacts. Leave your containers open for around 15 minutes to allow the liquid perfume to solidify. Once it has cooled and hardened, close the lid.
Your perfume is now ready to use, but solid perfumes often develop an even better scent if left to sit untouched for a week. If your perfume is too soft, you may need to re-melt it and add more wax.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a liquid oil, some wax, and essential oils or cosmetic-grade fragrance oils.
It is best to choose an oil with a neutral scent, like jojoba oil, unless you want to add the scent of your oil to your fragrance.
Beeswax is a popular option, but you can also use a vegan alternative like candelilla wax. Floral waxes can add their own fragrance to your perfume but are more expensive and harder to find.
