Transforming Alcohol-Based Colognes To Oils: A Simple Guide

Alcohol-based perfumes are typically made the same way, and the most time-consuming part of the process is designing your scent. Once you've mastered the technique, you can experiment with different scents and create your own unique fragrance. The process involves mixing essential oils with perfumers' alcohol, which dilutes the oils and makes the perfume suitable for use on the skin. The alcohol also helps to disperse the oils and prolong the fragrance's longevity. However, it's important to note that using alcohol can dry out the skin with frequent use. As an alternative, you can use carrier oils such as fractionated coconut oil, which has little to no scent and won't interfere with your chosen blend.

Choose your essential oils

The essential oils you choose will depend on the type of scent you want to create. You can create a masculine scent or a feminine scent, or something in between.

Masculine scents

If you want to create a masculine scent, there are a number of essential oils with a wonderful woodsy, earthy, spicy or citrus scent that are typically favoured by men. These include:

• Wild orange
• Sandalwood
• Frankincense
• Lemon
• Cardamom
• Ylang ylang
• Vetiver
• Lemongrass
• Basil
• Cedarwood
• Douglas fir
• Bergamot
• Clove
• White fir
• Siberian fir
• Juniper
• Cypress
• Peppermint
• Pine
• Fennel
• Bergamot
• Cedarwood
• Black pepper
• Myrrh
• Wintergreen
• Orange
• Blue spruce

Feminine scents

If you want to create a feminine scent, you might lean towards romantic florals such as:

• Jasmine
• Rose
• Ylang ylang

Other popular essential oils

Other popular essential oils that can be used in colognes include:

• Lavender
• Violet leaf
• Vanilla
• Geranium
• Lotus flower
• Neroli
• Magnolia
• Mandarin
• Bay
• Lime
• Bergamot
• Cedarwood
• Northern Lights Black Spruce
• Roman chamomile
• Clary sage
• Balsam fir needle
• Myrrh
• Ylang-ylang
• Vetiver
• Spearmint
• Valerian
• Nutmeg
• Orange
• Sandalwood
• Clove
• Juniper
• Rosemary
• Lemon verbena
• Nutmeg
• Fennel
• Orange
• Cedarwood

Blending essential oils

When blending essential oils, it's important to choose oils that complement each other. You can do this by grouping essential oils by their aroma category:

• Citrus aromas: bergamot, orange, lime, and lemongrass
• Herbal aromas: fennel, spearmint, camphor, and clary sage
• Resin aromas: frankincense, balsam fir needle, and myrrh
• Spice aromas: clove, black pepper, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom
• Woodland aromas: cedarwood, juniper, eucalyptus, cypress, and pine
• Floral aromas: Roman chamomile and neroli
• Exotic aromas: ylang-ylang, sandalwood, and vetiver

Ratios

When blending your essential oils, it's important to use the correct ratios of top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Top notes will be the first thing you smell, followed by middle notes, and then base notes will be the fragrance foundation. A good starting point is to use 10-15% top notes, 25-30% middle notes, and 55-65% base notes. However, you can experiment with different ratios to find the perfect blend for your cologne.

Understand the fragrance scale

The fragrance scale, or fragrance concentration, refers to the strength of a fragrance. The higher the concentration, the stronger the fragrance, and the longer it will last on your skin. Fragrances with a higher concentration contain more perfume oils and less alcohol.

There are several categories of fragrance concentration, including:

• Parfum, or Extrait de Parfum: This has the highest concentration of fragrance, typically between 15-40% but generally around 20-30%. Parfum fragrances last the longest, usually around six to eight hours, and are the most expensive. They are also a good option for people with sensitive skin due to their lower alcohol content.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP): This has the second-highest concentration of fragrance, typically between 15-20%. An Eau de Parfum will usually last for four to five hours and is less expensive than Parfum. It is a common type of fragrance and is suitable for everyday wear.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT): This has a fragrance concentration of between 5-15%. It is cheaper than Eau de Parfum and is one of the most popular types of fragrances. An Eau de Toilette will normally last for two to four hours and is often considered a daywear fragrance.
• Eau de Cologne (EDC): This has a much lower concentration of fragrance, typically between 2-5%. The scent usually lasts for up to two hours. Eau de Cologne is cheaper than the other types but generally comes in bigger bottles as more of the product needs to be used.
• Eau Fraiche: This has the lowest concentration of fragrance, typically between 1-3%. The scent will last for up to two hours. Eau Fraiche is similar to Eau de Cologne in longevity but does not contain a high amount of alcohol; instead, the main ingredient is water.

In addition to these categories, some sources also include "Perfume Oil" as a separate category. Perfume Oils have a pure oil base and no alcohol or water. The concentrations of essential oils in Perfume Oils can vary, but they typically have up to 20% fragrance essential oils, with a carrier oil making up the remainder of the blend.

It is important to note that the longevity of a fragrance can also depend on individual factors such as skin type, hormones, weather conditions, and level of activity.

Alcohol vs oil

The Basics

Alcohol-based perfumes are the traditional choice and consist of a blend of fragrance oils and alcohol. Oil-based perfumes, on the other hand, have a carrier oil base. Both types of perfumes have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on personal preference.

Alcohol-Based Perfumes: The Classic Allure

Alcohol-based perfumes offer an instant burst of fragrance upon application. The alcohol facilitates quick evaporation, creating a bold and immediate impact. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a strong first impression. The lighter consistency of alcohol-based perfumes allows for a broader range of fragrance notes, enabling perfumers to create a diverse array of scents. These perfumes are also suitable for warm climates as the alcohol provides a refreshing feel and lightness on the skin.

Oil-Based Perfumes: The Natural Elegance

Oil-based perfumes tend to have a longer staying power on the skin due to their slower rate of evaporation. They are ideal for those with sensitive skin as they contain fewer allergens and irritants, and the moisturising properties of carrier oils nourish the skin. The fragrance of oil-based perfumes develops intimately on the skin, reacting with individual body chemistry to create a unique scent for each wearer.

Practical Considerations

Alcohol-based perfumes are highly flammable, which makes it difficult to ship them abroad. Oil perfumes, on the other hand, can be easily shipped as they are non-flammable. Alcohol-based perfumes are usually sold in larger bottles, while oil fragrances tend to come in smaller bottles with a higher concentration of aromatic compounds. A little goes a long way with oil perfumes, and they are typically applied directly to the skin rather than sprayed on.

The Bottom Line

The choice between alcohol-based and oil-based perfumes ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a bold and immediate impact, an alcohol-based perfume may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you favour a long-lasting, skin-friendly, and intimately evolving fragrance, an oil-based perfume may be a better option.

How to make perfume at home

Making perfume at home is a fun and rewarding process. It's a great way to create a unique fragrance that expresses your personality, and it can also be a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Ingredients

You'll need a few basic materials and ingredients to make your own perfume. These include:

• Vodka or Everclear (high-percentage alcohol)
• Essential oils, fragrance oils, infused oils, or flavour extracts (such as vanilla extract)
• Distilled or spring water
• Glycerine (available at pharmacies)
• Glass bottles for storing your perfume (preferably coloured glass)
• Glass jar for mixing
• Measuring cup and spoons
• A dropper (optional)
• Aluminium foil or wrapping paper (if using clear glass bottles)
• Pencil and paper for recording your recipe

Step 2: Prepare Your Bottles

Start by sterilising your bottles and jars, especially if you're reusing old containers. This step is crucial to ensure your perfume mixture doesn't get contaminated.

Step 3: Understand Fragrance Notes

Fragrances in perfumes are typically divided into three categories: top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Top notes are the initial scents you smell when you first apply the perfume, while middle notes emerge after the top notes fade. Base notes are the foundation of the perfume and linger for the longest time. When mixing your perfume, it's best to add the base notes first, followed by the middle notes, and then the top notes.

Step 4: Choose Your Scents

Now comes the fun part—selecting your scents! You can choose from a wide range of essential oils or fragrance oils, each with its unique aroma. Popular options include citrus scents like lemon, orange, and grapefruit; floral notes such as jasmine and rose; and woody or spicy fragrances like cedarwood and sandalwood. Feel free to experiment and create a blend that appeals to your senses.

Step 5: Mix Your Scents

Once you've chosen your scents, it's time to start mixing. Add approximately 25 drops of essential or fragrance oil to your mixing jar. You can adjust the number of drops and add different scents to create your desired fragrance. If you're feeling adventurous, you can divide your alcohol into smaller portions and experiment with different combinations. Remember to record your recipe as you go!

Step 6: Age Your Perfume

After you've created your fragrance, let it age in a cool, dark location for at least 48 hours to several weeks. This ageing process allows the scents to blend and intensify. After ageing, smell your perfume again and make any necessary adjustments by adding a few more drops of your chosen scents.

Step 7: Dilute Your Perfume

Once your fragrance is ready, it's time to dilute it. Add 2 tablespoons of distilled or spring water to your mixture. If you're making a perfume spray, you may want to add more water. Also, add about 5 drops of glycerine to help preserve your fragrance.

Step 8: Bottle Your Perfume

Now, carefully pour your perfume into your chosen bottles using a funnel. If you're using clear glass bottles, cover them with aluminium foil or wrapping paper to protect the fragrance from light, which can cause it to spoil. Finally, add a label, decorate your bottle, and give your perfume a name.

Tips for Success:

• Practice and patience are key when making perfume at home. Don't expect to create the perfect scent on your first try.
• Be open-minded—not everyone will like the same scents, so don't be discouraged if your creations don't appeal to everyone's taste.
• Familiarise yourself with the fragrance scale and the different notes (top, middle, and base). This will help you understand how to create well-balanced perfumes.
• When blending essential oils, remember that not all notes go together. Experiment and accept that there will be some trial and error.
• Always use high-quality ingredients and materials, especially when it comes to your essential oils and alcohol.

How to store your cologne

Storing cologne correctly is essential to preserving its scent and preventing it from going bad. Here are some detailed tips on how to store your cologne:

Choose the Right Storage Space:

• Keep your cologne in a dark place: Avoid direct sunlight and artificial light. The best places are usually closets or drawers.
• Store it in a cool, dry place: Maintain a constant temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Avoid humid areas: Humidity can negatively affect the quality of your cologne. If possible, use a dehumidifier in the storage area.
• Don't store it in the bathroom: The heat and humidity from showers can alter the scent and cause damage.
• Consider the refrigerator: Storing cologne in the fridge is an option, but only if it's not too cold. Very cold temperatures can damage the cologne.

Select the Right Storage Container:

• Keep it in its original bottle: The original bottles are designed to be airtight and protect the cologne from air contamination.
• Store it in its original box: The boxes provide additional protection from heat and sunlight.
• Use travel containers: For travelling, purchase travel-sized bottles or transfer a small amount to an empty container to avoid risking your entire supply.

Prevent Damage:

• Keep the bottle sealed: Always put the cap back on tightly to prevent exposure to air, which can cause the cologne to evaporate and go bad.
• Avoid shaking the bottle: Shaking introduces unwanted oxidation and can break delicate chemical bonds in the cologne.
• Limit the use of applicators: Reusable applicators can introduce bacteria and oils into the bottle. Instead, opt for spraying the cologne.
• Keep fragile bottles off high shelves: This prevents accidental breakage, especially in areas prone to earthquakes or drafts.

Frequently asked questions