Essential Oils As Cologne: A Guide To Fragrance And Application

Creating cologne with essential oils is a fun way to make your own customised fragrances. It's important to understand the different fragrance notes before mixing your blend of essential oils. Notes are divided into three classes: top, middle, and base. The top note will be the first scent noticed after application, followed by the middle note, and then the base note, which lasts the longest.

When creating a cologne, it's best to use a blend of essential oils to create a well-rounded scent. You can experiment with different oils to find your preferred combination, but some popular choices for cologne include wild orange, sandalwood, frankincense, lemon, cardamom, ylang-ylang, vetiver, lemongrass, basil, cedarwood, bergamot, clove, and white fir.

To make a cologne with essential oils, you'll need a glass bottle or jar, your chosen essential oils, a carrier such as alcohol or witch hazel, and optionally, a few drops of glycerin to help the fragrance last longer. Simply combine your chosen essential oils in the bottle or jar, add your carrier and glycerin if using, and shake well. Allow the fragrance to sit for several days or weeks to mature, then it's ready to use!

Choosing the right essential oils

There are three types of notes in a cologne: top, middle, and base. Top notes are the first scents you smell and they evaporate quickly. Examples include lime, bergamot, juniper, and wild orange. Middle notes are more mellow and create the core of the scent, like valor, pine, cypress, stress away, cardamom, and basil. Base notes are the scents that linger, like cedarwood, sandalwood, patchouli, and fir.

When creating your cologne, it's important to blend the essential oils in the right ratios. A good starting point is 10% top notes, 25-30% middle notes, and 55-65% base notes. However, you can experiment and adjust these ratios to create your desired scent.

• 4 drops of wild orange (top note), 6 drops of sandalwood (middle note), and 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), and 6 drops of vetiver (base note)
• 3 drops of lemongrass (top note), 3 drops of basil (middle note), 4 drops of cedarwood (base note), and 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), and 8 drops of white fir (base note)
• 4 drops of lemongrass (top note), 6 drops of copaiba (middle note), and 8 drops of frankincense (base note)

You can also refer to a blending wheel of aroma categories to help you choose essential oils that complement each other. Some examples of aroma categories include citrus aromas (like bergamot and orange), herbal aromas (like fennel and spearmint), spice aromas (like clove and black pepper), and floral aromas (like Roman chamomile).

Blending the oils

Blending essential oils is an art form and it can take years to perfect a fragrance. However, you can experiment and be creative to design your own cologne.

Firstly, it is important to understand the fragrance notes. Notes are divided into three classes: top, middle, and base. The top note will be the first scent noticed after application and it will also be the quickest to fade. The middle note blends the scents together and the base note is the longest-lasting scent. For a 2-ounce spray bottle, the recommended number of drops are 10-15% for top notes, 25-30% for middle notes, and 55-65% for base notes.

When blending essential oils, it is also important to consider the aroma categories. Some examples of essential oil aroma categories are:

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

When blending essential oils, it is best to stick to 2-3 aroma categories to create a cohesive fragrance. For example, a blend of citrus, herbal, and spice aromas could include bergamot, lime, and clove essential oils.

Once you have chosen your essential oils, it is time to start blending. Remember that not all notes will go together, so it is important to experiment and find the right combination for you. Start by adding a few drops of each essential oil one by one and mixing them together. The total number of drops should not exceed 30. Once you are happy with your blend, add two ounces of alcohol to preserve the fragrance and help it stick to the skin.

After blending, allow the fragrance to sit for at least 48 hours so that the molecules can mix. It is also recommended to refrigerate the blend for two weeks for best results. Finally, dilute the cologne by adding two tablespoons of distilled water and five drops of glycerin to a spray bottle and slowly swirling in your fragrance mixture.

And that's it! You now have your very own custom cologne blend.

Applying the cologne

Applying cologne is an art, and there are a few ways to do it. Firstly, it is important to remember that cologne is best applied to the pulse points of the body. These include the wrists, neck, chest, and behind the ears.

One method of applying cologne is to spray or roll it onto the desired area. For example, if you are using a spray cologne, hold the bottle a few inches away from the skin and spray a small amount onto the wrist or neck. You can then gently rub the wrists together to help the scent develop and ensure it is absorbed into the skin.

Another way to apply cologne is to use the "spritz, delay, and walk into" method. This involves spraying the cologne into the air and immediately walking into the mist, allowing the fragrance to settle onto the body and hair. This is a good way to apply cologne if you want a lighter scent or if you are using a stronger cologne.

When applying cologne, it is also important to consider the strength of the fragrance. A stronger cologne will require fewer applications, while a lighter cologne may need to be reapplied throughout the day. It is also a good idea to moisturize the skin before applying cologne, as this can help the scent last longer.

In addition to the wrists and neck, cologne can also be applied to the chest and behind the ears. To apply cologne to these areas, simply spray or roll a small amount directly onto the skin and allow it to dry.

Finally, when applying cologne, it is important to avoid overdoing it. A few small sprays or applications are usually enough, and you can always add more if needed. Applying too much cologne can be overwhelming for both the wearer and those around them.

Making cologne last longer

Making cologne with essential oils is an art, and it can take years to perfect a fragrance. However, there are some tips and tricks you can use to make your cologne last longer.

Firstly, the application is key. Applying cologne to pulse points such as the wrists, inside of the elbows, neck, back of the knees, and back of the ears will help the fragrance slowly diffuse throughout the day. You can also spritz or roll a little into your hair as the fragrance latches onto hair fibres for longer than skin. Another tip is to apply cologne directly after a shower as wet skin holds onto oils better than dry skin. If you're not fresh out of the shower, you can apply a base such as Vaseline, coconut oil, or a heavy unscented lotion, and then layer your fragrance on top.

In terms of the cologne's ingredients, using a high-quality concentrated fragrance will make it last longer. Pure roll-on oils tend to be longer-lasting than spray perfumes or eau de toilettes, which contain additives such as alcohol. Alcohol can dry out the skin and hair, so it is best avoided if possible. Instead, opt for a carrier oil such as coconut oil, or use glycerine and water as these evaporate much more slowly.

When creating your cologne, you can also increase the concentration or complexity of the base notes. These are the strongest notes in a perfume and, when blended correctly, can add depth and longevity to your fragrance.

Using alcohol as a base

When making a cologne with alcohol, you will need the following ingredients and materials:

• Alcohol: Perfumers typically use perfumer's alcohol, but you can also use pure grain alcohol, Everclear, vodka, or rubbing alcohol. However, keep in mind that rubbing alcohol has a strong scent that may overpower the essential oils.
• Essential oils: Choose three essential oils—a top note, a middle note, and a base note. Popular choices for colognes include woody, earthy, spicy, and citrus scents.
• Glycerin: This ingredient adds longevity to your formula and helps the cologne stick to your skin.
• Spray bottle or roller bottle: A glass bottle with a spray nozzle or a rollerball applicator is ideal for storing and applying your cologne.
• Other equipment: You will also need a container for mixing, a funnel, and a coffee filter.

• Familiarize yourself with the fragrance scale: Understand the difference between top notes, middle notes, and base notes, and their respective ratios in a fragrance composition. A typical fragrance pyramid consists of 60% base notes, 30% middle notes, and 10% top notes. However, you can experiment with different ratios to create your desired scent profile.
• Choose your essential oils: Select essential oils that appeal to your olfactory preferences. If you enjoy woody and slightly sweet scents, you might opt for cedarwood. If romantic florals are more to your taste, consider jasmine, rose, or ylang-ylang.
• Blend the essential oils: Add your chosen essential oils to the alcohol, following the ratio guidelines from step one. Start with a small number of drops of each oil and increase as needed. The total number of drops should not exceed 30. Once you are happy with your blend, add two ounces of alcohol.
• Allow the fragrance to brew: Let the fragrance sit for 48 hours. You can also refrigerate it for two weeks to enhance the blending process. Then, shake the mixture well.
• Dilute the fragrance: In a spray bottle, combine two tablespoons of distilled water and five drops of glycerin. Carefully swirl in your fragrance mixture.
• Store and apply: Store your cologne in a cool, dark place, and allow it to mature for at least three weeks before using. Apply to the chest, wrists, and neck as desired.

Your DIY cologne will have a stronger scent and a longer shelf life due to the use of alcohol. However, frequent use of alcohol-based colognes may dry out the skin.

Frequently asked questions