Exploring Wearable Fragrance Oils As A Cologne Alternative

There are many essential oils that can be used as cologne, either on their own or in combination with other oils. Some popular essential oils used in cologne include:

- Bergamot

- Cedarwood

- Lemon

- Lime

- Lavender

- Sandalwood

- Frankincense

- Wild Orange

- Basil

- Lemongrass

- Clove

- White Fir

- Siberian Fir

- Bay

- Vetiver

- Cardamom

- Ylang Ylang

- Douglas Fir

- Copaiba

- Patchouli

- Vetiver

- Clove

- White Fir

- Gingergrass

- Clary Sage

- Cinnamon

- Nutmeg

- Benzoin

- Myrrh

- Oakmoss

- Tonka Bean

- Vanilla

When creating a cologne, it is important to consider the different notes of the essential oils and how they will blend together. The top notes are the first scents that will be noticed, followed by the middle notes, and finally, the base notes which will be the longest-lasting scent. It is also important to use the correct ratios of essential oils to create a well-balanced cologne that is not too overpowering.

How to make cologne with essential oils

Ingredients and Equipment

To make cologne with essential oils, you will need a selection of essential oils, fragrance oils, and a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil. You will also need perfumer's alcohol, distilled water, and a few pieces of equipment, including glass beakers, a digital scale, a stainless steel spoon, a funnel, and a 100ml fragrance bottle.

Scent Notes

When creating your cologne, it is important to understand scent notes. Top notes are the scents that are recognized first and tend to be fleeting. Examples include citrus, green, and floral scents. Middle or heart notes create the 'heart' of the fragrance and give it more body and depth. Base notes are the headier, stronger scents that last the longest. When designing your cologne, start with the base notes and build from there.

Creating Accords

Creating accords is an important step in making cologne with essential oils. Accords are harmonious combinations of scents that work well together. To create an accord, dilute your chosen oils to 10% in perfumer's alcohol and use a pipette to drop one drop of each oil onto a smelling strip. This will allow you to evaluate the aroma, strength, and intensity of each oil. Use this information to create a balanced accord, combining oils in different ratios.

Recipes

Men's Cologne with Essential Oils:

• 20 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
• 38 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• 10 drops of Cardamom Essential Oil
• 10 drops of Black Pepper Essential Oil
• 15 drops of Amyris Essential Oil
• 7 drops of Vetiver Essential Oil

Women's Cologne with Essential Oils:

• 5 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil
• 10 drops of Mandarin Essential Oil
• 3 ml of Fresh Cut Roses Fragrance Oil
• 20 drops of Rose Essential Oil
• 2 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil
• 3 drops of Amyris Essential Oil

Unisex Cologne with Essential Oils:

• 2 ml of Inspired by Fleur D'Oranger Fragrance Oil
• 2 ml of Inspired by Amazing Grace Fragrance Oil
• 1 ml of Inspired by Ambre Fragrance Oil

Mixing and Storing

To make your cologne, combine your fragrance concentrate and carrier oil in a large measuring jug. Add the perfumer's alcohol and stir until well combined. Finally, add the distilled water. Use a funnel to decant the cologne into your chosen fragrance bottle. Allow the cologne to sit for at least 24-48 hours before use, preferably up to 6 weeks to fully mature. Store your cologne in a cool, dark place, and use it within 6-12 months.

Top notes for cologne

Top notes are the first scents you recognize when you smell a fragrance. They are usually the first impression you get and the most fleeting, as they are the lightest and most volatile. Citrus, green, spice, and floral are some of the families of top notes.

Citrus top notes include bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, and lime. These oils bring a sharp freshness to cologne and are often paired with heart or base notes to create a harmonious accord.

Green top notes include mints, lemongrass, galbanum, and rosemary.

Spices such as coriander and cardamom are also top notes.

Floral top notes include lavender and chamomile.

Top notes are essential in constructing a cologne as they contribute to the final scent. Without them, fragrances can seem dull, flat, and lifeless.

• Bergamot: Often referred to as the "happy oil", this citrus oil is commonly used in perfumes and skincare, giving a lemony scent.
• Lemon: Provides a sharp, fresh, and invigorating fragrance.
• Lime: Brings a zesty, fresh, and uplifting aroma.
• Wild Orange: A citrus top note with a beautiful woodsy scent when paired with middle and base notes.
• Mandarin: A sweet and woody citrus scent.
• Grapefruit: A fresh and tangy citrus scent.
• Basil: A green, herbal, and refreshing scent.
• Cardamom: A spicy, warm, and earthy scent.
• Coriander: A spicy and invigorating scent.
• Lavender: A floral, herbaceous, and soothing scent.
• Chamomile: A floral and calming scent.

These top notes can be combined with middle and base notes to create a well-rounded and long-lasting cologne.

Middle notes for cologne

Middle notes, also known as heart notes, are the "heart" of a fragrance. They make up around 50-75% of the blend and last for around 20-60 minutes. They are well-rounded and pleasant, lingering longer than the top notes before introducing the base notes.

Common middle notes include:

• Jasmine
• Rose
• Ylang-Ylang
• Cistus
• Cinnamon Bark
• Lavender
• Melissa
• Elemi
• Myrrh
• Cardamom
• Clove
• Damiana
• Clary Sage
• Ginger Grass
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Patchouli
• Vetiver
• Frankincense
• Myrrh

When creating a cologne, it is recommended to start with the base notes and then layer the middle notes on top, as the base notes are the strongest and can accidentally overpower the lighter top notes.

Base notes for cologne

Base notes are the strongest scents in a fragrance and last the longest on the skin, lingering for hours. They underpin the entire scent composition and anchor it, creating a harmonious balance.

Essential oils that are considered base notes come from a variety of natural materials including barks, beans, grasses, pods, resins, and roots.

Some examples of base notes include:

• Benzoin
• Frankincense
• Myrrh
• Oakmoss
• Patchouli
• Sandalwood
• Tonka Bean
• Vanilla

Vanilla is very popular in the global perfumery market. It is often associated with a sense of comfort and can bring back comforting memories.

Benzoin is a great fixative, helping your scent last longer, and it is also very easy to blend with other essential oils.

When creating a fragrance, it is recommended to start with the base notes and layer the middle and top notes on top to avoid overpowering the lighter notes.

How to apply cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply cologne correctly:

• Apply cologne immediately after showering. The shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, which helps the scent absorb.
• Dry your skin completely, then spray the cologne.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body. Holding the bottle any closer may result in over-application, while holding it further away may result in under-application.
• Apply cologne to heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. The heat will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to develop your signature scent.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If the scent fades quickly, choose another area and apply cologne there the next time. You can also ask a friend or family member for their opinion if you are unsure about the application.
• Re-apply cologne if needed, especially if you are going out in the evening. Simply dab a little onto your pulse points.
• Do not spray the cologne on your clothing. This prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and developing its unique quality. It can also be harmful to some fabrics.
• Do not splash the cologne on your skin. This is an easy way to over-apply. Instead, place one finger over the opening of the bottle, tip it gently, and dab the scent on your body.
• Do not spray a mist cloud and walk through it. This method renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor.
• Do not rub the cologne into your skin, as this will make the scent fade faster. If you are not going to spray, simply dab it on.
• Do not apply too much cologne. It should be a subtle enhancement to your image, not something that is overpowering.

When choosing a cologne, consider selecting a scent that complements your natural body chemistry and fits your lifestyle in terms of how long the scent lasts. Colognes with higher concentrations of perfume oils tend to be more expensive but have a richer scent and last longer.

Additionally, fragrances almost always contain three "notes": top notes, medium notes, and base notes. When wearing a fragrance, it goes through three stages of evaporation, starting with the top notes, followed by the medium notes, and finally, the base notes. As the layers of fragrance notes evaporate, the scent will change and evolve, making it more interesting and attractive.

To test a cologne before buying it, follow these steps:

• Research colognes online and narrow down your preferences.
• Use cologne testers or scent blotters to initially test fragrances.
• Test the fragrance on your skin. Spray one type of cologne on each wrist, or on your wrists and inner elbows if testing more than two.
• Give the scent time to develop. Wait 30 minutes, then smell each fragrance again to see how it has reacted with your body chemistry.
• If you still love the scent, buy it!

To make your cologne last longer, store it in its original box or in a dark drawer or cabinet. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or fluctuations in temperature, as this can shorten its shelf life.

Frequently asked questions