Creating Solid Perfumes: A Guide For Filipinos

Solid perfume is a great DIY project that allows you to create a unique scent and express your creativity. It's easy to make, practical, and spill-proof, making it perfect for gift-giving or personal use. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make your own solid perfume at home in the Philippines. This guide will teach you how to choose the right ingredients, create your desired scent, and properly mix and store your solid perfume.

Choosing a container

Type of Container: You can use a variety of containers for your solid perfume, such as lockets, compacts, tins, or even small compartments like Altoid tins or lip balm tubes. If you want to hang your perfume around your neck, a locket is a great option, as it makes reapplication easy. For easy transport in your purse or pocket, small tins or tubes are ideal.

Size of Container: Consider how much solid perfume you want to make and choose a container that is the appropriate size. Standard solid perfume tins on the market typically hold about 0.5 ounces of product. You can also find smaller containers, such as lip balm tubes, which are great for individual applications.

Material of Container: The material of the container is also important to consider. Glass or aluminium containers with lids are ideal for storing your solid perfume, as they create an airtight seal. This will help your perfume last longer, especially if you are using oils that have a shorter shelf life, such as grapeseed oil.

Aesthetic of Container: If you are making solid perfume as a gift or simply want to add a decorative touch, consider choosing a container with a pretty design or embellishment. You can find containers with intricate patterns, colourful lids, or unique shapes that add a special touch to your creation.

Number of Containers: Depending on the batch size of your solid perfume, you may need multiple containers. It is always a good idea to have a few extra containers on hand in case you make more perfume than expected or want to create different scents.

By considering the type, size, material, aesthetic, and number of containers, you can make an informed decision when choosing a container for your solid perfume. Remember to have fun with the process and get creative!

Picking a carrier oil

Carrier oils are a crucial component when making solid perfume, as they act as a base for blending and diluting essential oils. They help to carry and disperse the aromatic molecules of essential oils, allowing the scent to linger on the skin and releasing its fragrance gradually. Carrier oils also contribute to the overall texture and longevity of the perfume. With that in mind, here are some factors to consider when picking a carrier oil:

Skin Type

Carrier oils can be chosen based on their compatibility with different skin types. For instance, golden jojoba oil is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile option. Sweet almond oil is also a good choice for individuals with sensitive skin, ensuring a gentle and comfortable application.

Scent

While most carrier oils are unscented, some have a natural aroma that can add a subtle note to your fragrance. For example, virgin coconut oil adds a tropical note to fragrances, enhancing their allure. If you want the pure essence of your essential oils to shine through, consider a carrier oil with a neutral scent, such as grapeseed oil.

Texture and Longevity

The texture of the carrier oil will influence the overall texture of your solid perfume. Carrier oils like virgin coconut oil and jojoba oil have a lightweight and non-greasy texture, ensuring a smooth application and leaving a velvety, luxurious feel on the skin. Additionally, these oils are highly stable, which helps to maintain the integrity of your fragrance over time. Grapeseed oil is another excellent choice for its quick absorption, ensuring that your perfume lingers elegantly.

Skin Benefits

Some carrier oils offer additional skin benefits, such as nourishing and moisturising properties. Apricot seed oil is renowned for its skin-nourishing attributes, making it a popular choice for creating luxurious and long-lasting scents. Grapeseed oil also contains antioxidant properties like omega-6 fatty acids and phenolics, which are beneficial for the skin.

Creating a scent

When choosing essential oils, be sure to research any health advisories, as not all are safe for skin application. You can find a good selection of both essential oils and fragrance oils at Brambleberry. If you want to use just one scent, such as lavender or jasmine, a single essential oil will do the trick.

To test out different scent combinations, grab a small dish or some strips of blotting paper. For a dish, add a few drops of each oil and give them a sniff to see how they harmonize. If using blotting paper, add a drop or two of each oil to separate strips, then fan them under your nose to test the individual scents and how they might blend.

When you've found a combination you like, it's time to add it to your melted wax and oil mixture. You can use about 15-20 drops of oil per tablespoon of the wax and oil blend. This can be adjusted to increase or decrease the intensity of the scent.

It's important to note that essential oils are more likely to cause skin irritation if used in high concentrations. To avoid this, keep the concentration of essential oils at around 2% of the total weight of your perfume.

Melting the wax

Preparing the Wax

Firstly, you'll need to measure out the desired amount of wax. A common ratio is equal parts wax and carrier oil, but you can adjust this slightly if you want a more solid or liquid consistency. Beeswax is a popular choice for solid perfumes and can be sourced from local health food stores. You can also use other types of wax, such as bleached or deodorized beeswax, to eliminate any unwanted scents.

Melting Techniques

The recommended method for melting the wax is to use a double boiler. This involves placing a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of boiling water. Alternatively, you can directly heat the wax over a low flame or candle, being cautious not to burn it. Do not use a microwave to melt the wax.

Combining with Oil

Once the wax is melted, it's time to combine it with your chosen oil. For this step, you can use a wooden stick for stirring, but be aware that the wax will coat the stick. Pour your oil mixture into the melted wax and stir until you have a smooth and shiny liquid. At this point, you can add your fragrance oils, but work quickly to prevent the mixture from hardening.

Pouring and Setting

After incorporating all your ingredients, carefully pour the hot liquid into your chosen containers. Small tins, lockets, or compact containers are ideal for solid perfumes. Leave the containers open for around 15 minutes to allow the mixture to cool and solidify. Once solid, close the lid and let the perfume develop its scent, which is enhanced after sitting untouched for a week.

Pouring and storing

When you are happy with your scent, it is time to pour your perfume into its containers. If you are using a small locket, a pipette is a useful tool to avoid spills. The wax will start to harden, so work quickly and use a pipette that you don't mind getting wax on.

Let your container sit open for 15 minutes to allow the perfume to solidify. Once it has cooled and looks hard, close the lid. Your perfume is now ready to use, but it will smell even better if you can leave it untouched for a week.

If your perfume turns out too mushy, this may be because you haven't added enough beeswax. You can melt down the mixture again and add more wax, or simply use it as a scented balm.

Store your sealed perfume in a cool, dry place. It will last for 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of oil you used. Keep the lid on your container whenever you aren't using it.

Frequently asked questions