Seamus Hammond
Creating your own perfume with essential oils is a fun way to develop a signature scent that's personal to you. Essential oils are pure plant extracts with amazing properties for our bodies and minds. They are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way, and they are also highly volatile, meaning the scent will change over time. There are three types of notes in perfumery: top, middle, and base. Top notes are the first impression, with citrus and herb-y oils being popular choices. Middle notes are usually warm and comforting, and they slow down the evaporation of top notes. Base notes provide depth and longevity to the scent. When blending, you can experiment with different ratios of these notes to create a unique fragrance. It's important to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and perform a patch test to avoid skin irritation. You can then apply your blend to pulse points like the neck and wrists using a roller bottle, spray, or as a solid perfume.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application | Spray, roller bottle, solid |
| Types | Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, Body Splash, After Shave |
| Number of drops in each type | Eau de Parfum: 26-41, Eau de Toilette: 17-26, Eau de Cologne: 13-17, Body Splash: 4-8, After Shave: 2.5-5 |
| Top notes | Citrus oils, herb-y oils |
| Middle notes | Warm and comforting scents |
| Base notes | Woody scents |
| Examples of top notes | Bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, jasmine |
| Examples of middle notes | Lavender, chamomile, rosemary |
| Examples of base notes | Cedarwood, pine, sandalwood |
| Carrier oils | Jojoba, grapeseed, olive, fractionated coconut oil |
| Dilution | 10-12 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dark place |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing your essential oils: Select oils from top, middle and base notes
- Dilution ratios: Mix 80 drops of carrier oil with 6 drops of a top note, 10 drops of a middle note and 4 drops of a base note
- Safety: Avoid 'hot oils' that can irritate skin. Always patch test
- Application: Apply to pulse points like the neck and wrists
- Solid perfume: Melt beeswax and oil together, then add 10-12 drops of essential oil
Choosing your essential oils: Select oils from top, middle and base notes
When creating your own perfume with essential oils, it's important to select a variety of oils from the three main categories: top notes, middle notes, and base notes. This will ensure your perfume has depth and longevity.
Top notes, or head notes, are the first impression of the scent. They tend to be potent, assertive, and citrusy or herby. Examples include bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, and other citrus oils. These oils evaporate quickly, so you will get the full scent initially, which will then dissipate.
Middle notes, or heart notes, take a little longer to be noticed, usually around 20-60 minutes after application. They are often warm and comforting scents, such as lavender, rosemary, chamomile, geranium, and juniper berry. These oils will make up the body of your perfume and slow down the evaporation of the top notes.
Base notes provide depth and longevity to your perfume. Woody scents are commonly used as base notes, such as cedarwood, sandalwood, and pine. Musk scents, including ambrette and vetiver, are another option for base notes, providing an earthy depth to your perfume.
When selecting your essential oils, it's important to consider the scent combinations and experiment with different ratios to create a well-rounded fragrance. You can also play around with recreating blends that elicit happy emotions or reflect your personality. Remember to always dilute essential oils and perform a patch test before use to ensure they don't irritate your skin.
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Dilution ratios: Mix 80 drops of carrier oil with 6 drops of a top note, 10 drops of a middle note and 4 drops of a base note
To make your own perfume with essential oils, you'll need to use a blend of top, middle, and base notes. These are the different elements that combine to create a full perfume. Top notes are the most volatile, giving you the full scent quickly, but then dissipating fast. Middle notes are less volatile, taking a little longer to be noticed, and providing a warm, comforting scent. Base notes are the most foundational fragrances, noticeable for quite a while, and they also slow down the evaporation of the top and middle notes.
When blending essential oils, a good starting point is a 3:2:1 ratio of top, middle, and base notes. A more precise dilution ratio is 30% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 20% base notes. For an adult with no particular skin sensitivity, a 2% dilution is recommended, which means 2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil, or 10-12 drops per 30ml.
So, for a dilution ratio of 80 drops of carrier oil with 6 drops of a top note, 10 drops of a middle note, and 4 drops of a base note, you'd be looking at a 2% dilution, which is suitable for most adults. This would give you a blend that's safe to use and won't be overpowering.
You can apply your homemade perfume in a few ways: spray, roller bottle, or solid. If your blend contains citrus oils, take care when applying to areas of skin exposed to sunlight, as these oils are photosensitive. Pulse points like your neck and wrists are perfect places to apply your perfume.
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Safety: Avoid 'hot oils' that can irritate skin. Always patch test
When creating your own perfume with essential oils, safety is a key consideration. Some essential oils are considered "hot", meaning they create a warming or tingling sensation when they come into contact with the skin. While some people enjoy this sensation, others may find it irritating.
To avoid skin irritation, it is important to always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil. To do this, apply 1-2 drops of the essential oil diluted with a carrier oil, such as vegetable oil or jojoba oil, to a small area of skin, such as your forearm. Observe the area for 1-2 hours, but note that reactions will typically occur within 5-10 minutes. If you notice any redness or irritation, you may be sensitive or allergic to the oil.
It is also important to use caution when applying essential oils topically. Always dilute the oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. A good rule of thumb is to start with a 1% dilution (1 drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil) and increase as needed. Be sure to check the label of the essential oil for safe usage instructions and any warnings.
Additionally, some essential oils, such as cinnamon, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, peppermint, black pepper, and bay, are known to be skin irritants. Avoid using these oils if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. If you are allergic to a certain plant, you may also be allergic to that botanical's essential oil. For example, if you are allergic to almonds, you may be allergic to sweet almond oil.
Finally, avoid using citrus-based essential oils on areas of the skin that will be exposed to sunlight, as these oils are photosensitive and can cause skin irritation or other adverse reactions when combined with sun exposure.
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Application: Apply to pulse points like the neck and wrists
Applying your essential oil perfume to pulse points is a great way to enjoy your bespoke fragrance. Pulse points include the neck and the inside of the wrists—perfect places to add a little dab of your new perfume.
Before applying, be sure to complete a patch test to reduce the risk of irritation or allergy issues. It is also important to note that certain essential oils are considered "hot oils" and can cause a burning sensation, irritation, and/or redness. Avoid using these in your homemade perfume, and if you experience any irritation, apply a carrier oil, such as olive oil or fractionated coconut oil, to the affected area.
When applying your essential oil perfume to pulse points, use a rollerball bottle or dab from a small glass bottle. Simply place a small amount of your perfume on your fingertips and gently massage it into your pulse points. You can also dilute your essential oil blend with a carrier oil to create a roll-on perfume. For everyday use, add no more than 10 to 12 drops of essential oils to a 10-mL glass bottle, then fill the rest of the bottle with your chosen carrier oil.
Pulse point application offers a luxurious, slow-living experience that engages multiple senses. The warmth of your skin will help to activate and diffuse the fragrance, allowing you to enjoy your unique scent throughout the day. Reapply as needed, and be sure to give your bottle a little shake before each use.
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Solid perfume: Melt beeswax and oil together, then add 10-12 drops of essential oil
Solid perfume is a great option if you're looking for a natural, long-lasting fragrance that's also travel-friendly. It's incredibly easy to make and can be a fun, personalised gift for your loved ones.
To make a solid perfume, you'll need a carrier oil, beeswax, and essential oils of your choice. The ratio of oil to beeswax is usually 2:1, which creates the right consistency—hard but not too hard. You can use a variety of carrier oils, such as jojoba, olive, grapeseed, or sweet almond oil. These oils have neutral scents so they won't overpower the fragrance of your essential oils.
The process of making solid perfume is simple. First, melt your beeswax and carrier oil together. You can do this over a candle or use a stove or microwave. Once the beeswax is completely melted, add your essential oils. For a small batch, you'll need about 10-12 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of the wax and oil mixture. You can use a single essential oil or blend a few together to create a unique fragrance.
Once your perfume mixture is ready, carefully pour it into your chosen containers. You can use lockets, tins, compact cases, or even lip balm tubes. Let the mixture harden, and then your solid perfume is ready to use! You can apply it to your pulse points, such as your neck and wrists, and reapply as needed throughout the day.
Remember to always dilute essential oils and avoid applying them directly to your skin. It's also important to do a skin patch test before using any new blend, as some essential oils can be skin irritants. Have fun creating your own natural fragrances!
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Frequently asked questions
There are three types of essential oils used in perfume blends: top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Top notes are the first impression and tend to be citrus or herb-y oils. Middle notes are generally warm and comforting scents. Base notes are foundational fragrances that are rich and relaxing.
Common top notes include citrus oils such as bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit. Popular middle notes are herbal scents like lavender, chamomile, and rosemary. Base notes are often woody scents such as cedarwood, pine, and sandalwood.
There are three common ways to apply your perfume blend: spray, roller bottle, or solid. If you choose a spray or roller bottle application, simply apply to your pulse points, such as your neck and wrists, and reapply as needed. If you opt for a solid perfume, melt a small amount and gently massage it into your pulse points.
