Creating Unique Scents: Mixing Cologne Oils Like A Pro

Mixing cologne oils is an art form that can take years to perfect. It involves blending different scents together to create a unique fragrance. The two key components of a basic perfume are oil and a diluting agent, such as alcohol. When mixing cologne oils, it's important to understand the fragrance scale, which consists of top, middle, and base notes. Top notes are the first thing you smell, middle notes blend the scents together, and base notes are the longest-lasting scent. The standard blending ratio is 20% top notes, 30% middle notes, and 50% base notes. However, you can experiment with different ratios to find the formula that works best for you. It's also important to keep detailed records and clearly label everything when mixing cologne oils, as even a small change in the amount of one oil can make a big difference in the final aroma.

Choosing your essential oils

There are several scent categories to choose from when selecting your essential oils. These include:

• Floral: sweet, classic scents, including jasmine, ylang-ylang, lavender, and neroli.
• Mint: fresh mint aromas, including spearmint.
• Musk: earthy, musky scents, including patchouli.
• Spice: strong, warming scents, including ginger and clove.
• Citrus: bright, cheerful scents, including bergamot and vanilla.
• Wood: earthy, woody scents, including cedarwood and sandalwood.
• Medicinal: strong, medicinal scents, including frankincense.

When selecting your essential oils, it's important to understand the fragrance scale and the different notes. Top notes are the first thing you'll smell, followed by middle notes, and then base notes, which last the longest. The ratio of these notes is important, and there are different approaches you can take. One approach is to use 60% base notes, 30% middle notes, and 10% top notes. Another approach is to use 20% base notes, 50% middle notes, and 30% top notes.

When choosing your essential oils, consider the overall scent profile you want to create. For example, if you want a masculine scent, you might choose woody, earthy, spicy, or citrus essential oils. If you want a romantic, floral scent, you might choose jasmine, rose, or ylang-ylang. You can also combine different categories of scents to create unique fragrance combinations.

Once you've selected your essential oils, it's time to start blending and experimenting until you find the perfect combination. Remember that not all notes go together, so you may need to adjust and refine your blend until you achieve the desired result.

• 4 drops of wild orange (top note)
• 6 drops of sandalwood (middle note)
• 10 drops of frankincense (base note)
• 3 drops of lemon (top note)
• 4 drops of cardamom (middle note)
• 4 drops of ylang-ylang (middle note)
• 6 drops of vetiver (base note)
• 3 drops of lemongrass (top note)
• 3 drops of basil (middle note)
• 4 drops of cedarwood (base note)
• 6 drops of Douglas fir (base note)
• 2 drops of bergamot (top note)
• 3 drops of lemon (top note)
• 6 drops of clove (middle note)
• 8 drops of white fir (base note)
• 4 drops of lemongrass (top note)
• 6 drops of copaiba (middle note)
• 8 drops of frankincense (base note)

Blending the oils

When blending your oils, it's a good idea to follow the basic pyramid accord, which is 60% base notes, 30% middle notes, and 10% top notes. However, you can experiment and adjust the ratios to create a recipe you love. For example, one source suggests a ratio of 20% base, 50% middle, and 30% top notes, while another recommends 20% top notes, 30% heart notes, and 50% base notes.

You can also use fragrance strips to test out your scent blends before mixing them together. This will help you determine if the notes go well together. It's generally recommended to use no more than 30 drops total of essential oils, and if one scent is much stronger than the rest, use less.

Once you've selected your desired oils and determined the ratios, it's time to start mixing. Add your essential oils to a container with alcohol, glycerin, or another diluting agent, and slowly stir the mixture to ensure the oils are thoroughly dispersed. Then, leave the mixture to sit for at least 48 hours, or even up to six weeks, to allow the fragrance to mature and the scents to blend.

After the waiting period, you can add a few tablespoons of distilled water and/or filter the cologne through a coffee filter to remove any sediment. Finally, pour your cologne into a glass bottle, and it's ready to use!

Diluting the blend

Choosing a Carrier

The first step in diluting your cologne blend is selecting an appropriate carrier. A carrier is a base material that helps to "carry" the scent of the essential oils. It serves several important functions: protecting the wearer, lifting and carrying the scent, and diluting the fragrance. You can choose between alcohol carriers and oil carriers, each with its own unique properties.

Alcohol Carriers

Alcohol carriers, such as perfumer's alcohol, are commonly used in cologne-making. This type of alcohol is typically ethyl alcohol that has been denatured to make it undrinkable for safety reasons. Alcohol is an excellent choice for fully diluting your ingredients and acts as a preservative. It also allows you to spray your cologne, as the alcohol will evaporate, carrying the fragrance with it. However, alcohol-based colognes may be less long-lasting compared to oil-based options.

Oil Carriers

On the other hand, oil carriers, such as fractionated coconut oil, result in colognes with scents that stick closer to the body. The fragrance intensity increases with body heat, and oil-based colognes have the added benefit of moisturising the skin. They tend to be longer-lasting than alcohol-based colognes, but the scent may not project as far.

Dilution Ratios and Guidelines

When diluting your cologne blend, it is important to use the correct ratios to ensure the final product is safe and effective. A typical cologne might contain around 3-5% essential oils, resulting in a lighter fragrance. It is recommended to use a scale, rather than counting drops, to ensure accuracy and repeatability. For a 10g batch, you might use 1g of essential oils and 9g of diluent for a 10% dilution. For more potent materials, a 1% dilution may be more appropriate.

Storage and Usage

Once you've diluted your cologne blend, it's important to store it properly. Use glass containers, preferably amber or dark-coloured bottles, to protect the potency of the essential oils. Store your cologne in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality. Before using your cologne, be sure to perform a patch test to ensure it doesn't irritate your skin.

Storing the cologne

Storing your cologne correctly is essential to maintaining its quality and prolonging its lifespan. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your cologne remains in optimal condition:

Choose the Right Storage Location

Select a storage spot that is away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Sunlight can accelerate the degradation of fragrances, so avoid windowsills or areas with prolonged sun exposure. Instead, opt for a cool and dark environment, such as a temperature-controlled area with a consistent temperature of around 15-20°C (59-68°F). Avoid placing your cologne near radiators, vents, or in areas with extreme temperature changes, like bathrooms or kitchens.

Protect Against Light Exposure

Choose opaque or tinted bottles for your cologne, as they offer better protection against light exposure than clear glass bottles. Dark-coloured bottles help filter out harmful UV rays, which can deteriorate the fragrance. Store your cologne in a drawer, cabinet, or dedicated cologne box to keep it in a dark environment. Avoid display shelves, especially if they are exposed to constant light.

Properly Secure Fragrance Bottles

Always tighten the caps or lids of your cologne bottles securely to prevent leakage or evaporation. Store the bottles upright to minimise the risk of spillage. When travelling, use travel-friendly, leak-proof containers to safely transport a small amount of cologne. Avoid excessive shaking, as it can introduce air into the fragrance and potentially cause oxidation.

Avoid Contamination and Cross-Contamination

Regularly clean the exterior of your cologne bottles to remove dust or dirt. When applying cologne, avoid touching the nozzle or sprayer against your skin to prevent the transfer of oils and bacteria into the bottle. Do not share cologne bottles with others, as this can increase the risk of cross-contamination. Use separate applicators for each fragrance to prevent mixing and reduce the chances of contamination. Store your colognes away from other strongly-scented products, such as perfumes or essential oils, to prevent their scents from transferring.

Long-Term Storage Considerations

For long-term storage, consider transferring your cologne to airtight containers or bottles designed for this purpose. This will help seal out air and minimise the risk of oxidation. Choose a cool, dark, and dry storage location, away from extreme temperature changes. If possible, store your cologne in its original packaging, as it is designed to protect the fragrance from light and external factors. Avoid temperature fluctuations by keeping the cologne away from heat sources.

Applying the cologne

Applying your cologne is an art in itself. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your scent:

• Where to apply: The key areas to apply cologne are your neck and chest, as these are pulse points that emit heat to help amplify the fragrance. You can also apply cologne behind your ears and on your wrists, but be aware that these areas have more blood flow, which can cause the scent to evaporate quicker.
• How much to apply: Avoid overdoing it; a little cologne goes a long way. Start with a small amount and increase gradually if needed.
• When to apply: It's best to apply cologne right after a shower, as your skin is still damp. This helps to lock in the moisture and the scent.
• How to apply: There are different ways to apply cologne, depending on the type of bottle you have. If you have a spray bottle, simply spritz the cologne onto the desired areas. For a rollerball or glass bottle, dab a small amount onto your fingers and then apply to your skin.
• Storing your cologne: Keep your cologne in a cool, dark place, as heat and light can break down the fragrance over time.
• How long it lasts: The scent of cologne typically lasts for around two hours, so you may need to reapply throughout the day.
• Skin sensitivity: Be mindful of any skin sensitivities or allergies when applying cologne, especially if it contains essential oils. It's always a good idea to do a patch test before using any new product.

Frequently asked questions