The Ultimate Guide To Using Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils are a versatile product with a wide range of applications. They are synthetic products designed to mimic particular scents and are available in a variety of fragrances, from floral and fruity to woody and spicy. They are often used to scent the home, but can also be applied to the body and hair.

When using fragrance oils in the home, they can be added to water and sprayed into the air, or used with an oil burner or diffuser to fill a room with scent. They can also be added to cleaning products, potpourri, and even wax melts to enhance their aroma.

For personal use, fragrance oils can be applied to pulse points on the body, such as the wrists, neck, collarbones, inner elbows, and behind the knees. They can also be added to unscented shampoos, lotions, and carrier oils for hair and skin.

It is important to note that fragrance oils are not the same as essential oils, which are completely natural products with therapeutic benefits. Fragrance oils may contain irritating additives or potentially allergenic ingredients, so caution should be exercised when using them.

Using fragrance oils in an oil burner

To use an oil burner, first, choose your fragrance oil. Pick a scent that you enjoy or that suits your mood and the ambiance you want to create. Then, fill the bowl of the oil burner with water—about half to two-thirds full. Using a dropper, add the fragrance oil. For a small bowl, add 3 to 5 drops; for a medium bowl, add 5 to 8 drops; and for a large bowl, add 7 to 10 drops. You don't need to add a lot of fragrance oil at once, as you can always add more later.

Next, light the tea light candle at the bottom of the oil burner. The heat from the candle will warm the water and oil mixture in the bowl, causing it to evaporate and create a pleasant aroma. Remember to pay attention to health and safety precautions. Place the oil burner in a safe and stable location, away from flammable materials, draughts, and children. Keep it away from curtains or other fire hazards, and never leave the burning candle unattended.

Oil burners are a versatile way to enjoy different fragrances in your home. They can be used almost anywhere, including your home, office (with your colleagues' approval), salons, spas, massage centres, yoga studios, and other health and wellness centres.

Adding fragrance oil to shampoo or lotion

Adding fragrance to your shampoo or lotion can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to take the right precautions and follow the correct procedures. Here's a detailed guide on how to add fragrance oil to shampoo or lotion:

Preparing Your Work Area:

• Choose a clean and enclosed workspace that is out of reach of children and pets.
• Put on protective gear, such as an apron, goggles, gloves, and a hair net, to ensure your safety and maintain a hygienic environment.

Adding Fragrance Oil to Shampoo:

• Purchase or make a plain, unscented shampoo base. It should be free from any added fragrances or strong chemicals that might react with the fragrance oil.
• Measure out 16 ounces of the shampoo base and pour it into a clean glass container, such as a Pyrex cup or measuring jug. This will be enough to make approximately two 8-ounce bottles of fragranced shampoo.
• Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of fragrance oil per 16 ounces of shampoo base. Stir the mixture well. Be cautious as adding too much fragrance oil can thin the shampoo.
• If you want to add essential oils, use a plastic dropper to measure 1 to 2 milliliters per 16 ounces of shampoo base. Essential oils have a stronger concentration, so a small amount goes a long way. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
• You can also add cosmetic colour to your shampoo at this stage. Simply add the desired amount of cosmetic colour and stir well. Be careful not to add too much colour, as it should not stain the skin.
• Once you're happy with your mixture, carefully pour it into bottles. You can use a funnel to avoid spills. If your shampoo is very thick, you may need to heat it to around 130ºF before pouring it into bottles. Be cautious when heating, as higher temperatures can degrade the preservative system and encourage the growth of mould, bacteria, or yeast.
• If you plan to sell your fragranced shampoo, don't forget to label it with the product name, your company name, contact information, ingredients, directions for use, and product weight.

Adding Fragrance Oil to Lotion:

• Start with a plain, unscented lotion base. This will ensure that your fragrance oil is the star of the show.
• Measure out 16 ounces of the lotion base and pour it into a clean glass container, such as a Pyrex cup or measuring jug. With this amount, you can make approximately two 8-ounce bottles of fragranced lotion.
• Add your fragrance oil at a ratio of 1 to 2 teaspoons of fragrance oil per 16 ounces of lotion base. Stir the mixture thoroughly. Be cautious, as adding too much fragrance oil can thin your lotion.
• If you wish to add essential oils, use a plastic dropper to measure 1 to 2 milliliters per 16 ounces of lotion base. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Stir the mixture well.
• Now is the time to add cosmetic colour if desired. Add the amount of colour you want and stir it into the lotion base. Be careful not to add too much colour, as it should not stain the skin. The lotion should remain white when applied.
• Pour your fragranced lotion into bottles or jars. If your lotion is very thick, you may need to heat it to around 130ºF before pouring it into containers. Be cautious when heating, as higher temperatures can degrade the preservatives and encourage the growth of mould, bacteria, or yeast.
• If you're planning to sell your fragranced lotion, remember to label it with the product name, your company details, ingredients, directions for use, and product weight.

Important Considerations:

• Always perform a patch test before using any new product, especially if it contains essential oils. Apply a small amount of the fragranced shampoo or lotion to your inner forearm and wait 24 to 48 hours to ensure that you don't experience any irritation or allergic reaction.
• Be mindful of the type of fragrance oil and essential oils you use. Some oils may not be suitable for certain skin or hair types, so always research and test before use.
• When handling essential oils, avoid contact with eyes, as they can cause irritation.
• Store your fragranced products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Light, heat, and oxygen can degrade the quality of the oils over time.

Applying fragrance oil to pulse points

Some of the best pulse points to apply fragrance oil include:

• Wrists: A classic spot, as your arms are constantly moving, which creates a sense of movement in your fragrance.
• Behind the ears/neck: Applying fragrance oil behind the ears allows the scent to diffuse as you move throughout the day.
• Collarbones: Applying fragrance oil to your collarbones is a great way to create a sense of intimacy, as the scent will be projected upwards towards your face.
• Inner elbows: Applying fragrance oil to the inner elbows helps to slightly obscure the smell, as the bends of the arms will hold the scent for longer. This is also a great pulse point for those who have to wash their hands frequently, as the fragrance won't be washed off.
• Behind the knees: Applying fragrance oil behind the knees will allow the scent to rise throughout the day, as the backs of the knees are warmer and softer. This is perfect for summer, as your fragrance of choice will be emitted with every crossing and uncrossing of the legs.

When applying fragrance oil to pulse points, it is recommended to use a rollerball applicator for precision and discretion. Applying fragrance oil after a warm shower will also enhance the effect.

Creating a reed diffuser

Materials:

• Glass or ceramic container with a narrow opening at the top.
• Essential oils of your choice.
• Carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, or any other light oil.
• Reed sticks or bamboo skewers.

Method:

• Prepare your container: Look for a small container with a narrow opening, made of glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or earthenware. Avoid using plastic containers as essential oils can react with plastic. If you have a jar with a cork top, you can drill a small hole in the cork to create a narrow opening.
• Choose your essential oils: Select one or a combination of essential oils that you like. Some popular combinations include lavender and peppermint, orange and vanilla, spearmint and patchouli, and chamomile and lavender.
• Prepare the oil mixture: In a measuring cup, combine 1/4 cup of carrier oil with 25-30 drops of essential oil. If using two different oils, add 15 drops of each. Gently stir or swirl the mixture to combine the oils.
• Add the oil mixture to the container: Carefully pour the oil mixture into your chosen container.
• Insert the reed sticks: Place 4-8 reed sticks into the container, fanning them out instead of leaning them all to one side. The reeds should be about twice the height of the container so they can distribute the scent effectively.
• Flip the reeds: After an hour, remove the reeds and flip them over so that the dry ends are now in the oil mixture. This will help saturate both ends of the reeds and enhance the diffusion of the scent.
• Maintain your reed diffuser: To maintain the scent, remember to flip the reeds every few days and swirl the oil mixture once a week. You may also need to add more oil or replace the reeds after a month or when the scent diminishes.

Tips:

• Experiment with different essential oil combinations to create unique and complex scents.
• Use a pre-scented base oil or add a few drops of your favourite perfume to enhance the fragrance.
• If you want a stronger scent, adjust the ratio of carrier oil to essential oil or add more reeds.
• Decorate your diffuser container to match your room's aesthetic.

Making your own potpourri

Step 1: Choose your ingredients

You can use dried flowers, fruits, herbs, and spices such as rosemary, sage, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, dried apple or orange slices, orange peel, pine cones, and even dried flowers like calendula. You can also add essential oils like cinnamon or fir needle for a festive scent. If you're using fresh ingredients like fruit or herbs, make sure they're completely dry to prevent mould.

Step 2: Dry your ingredients

Arrange your ingredients on a baking tray or in a cardboard box, making sure they're in a single layer and not overlapping. Let them dry out completely for about two weeks. To speed up the process, you can place them in direct sunlight.

Step 3: Prepare your fixatives

Fixatives, such as orris root or citrus fruit peels, help to fix the scents and make them more evident. Grind your chosen fixatives together with spices in a separate bowl to create a fine powder.

Step 4: Combine ingredients and add essential oils

In a large bowl, combine your dried ingredients with the fixative mixture. Add a few drops of essential oils to the dry plant matter and mix well. You can use essential oils, fragrance oils, or create your own blend.

Step 5: Seal and cure the mixture

Seal the mixture in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry, and dark place for four to eight weeks. This allows the dry ingredients to absorb the essential oils, enhancing and prolonging the scent.

Step 6: Display your potpourri

After the curing process, transfer your potpourri to an open container like a bowl, jar, or sachet to allow the scent to permeate the air. You can use small jars for individual gifts or put your potpourri in a large bowl to enjoy at home.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and scents to make your own unique blend of potpourri!

Frequently asked questions