The Perfect Base For Your Cologne: A Guide

Creating your own cologne is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to design a unique scent that suits your preferences. The base of a cologne is an important consideration, as it forms the foundation of your fragrance and influences its longevity. The base notes are typically bold scents that linger for several hours and are often described as earthy, woody, or musky. Examples of common base notes include sandalwood, vetiver, cedarwood, and vanilla. When creating your own cologne, you can use a pre-made perfume or cologne base, or you can experiment with different carrier oils such as perfumer's alcohol, fractionated coconut oil, or witch hazel. The choice of base will depend on your desired scent profile and the intensity you wish to achieve.

Alcohol

There are different types of alcohol that can be used as a base for cologne. Perfumer's alcohol is a popular choice and is made up of ethanol, which has a lack of smell. This type of alcohol is good for combining with essential oils and fragrance notes to produce aromatic perfumes. It is also used to create a longer-lasting fragrance that is more intense, so others are more likely to be able to smell it.

Another option is to use rubbing alcohol, which is isopropyl alcohol. This type of alcohol has a strong odour and evaporates quickly. It can be used to create a strong fragrance, but it may not mix well with some ingredients.

When creating a cologne, it is important to consider the ratio of alcohol to other ingredients. The amount of alcohol used will affect the intensity and longevity of the fragrance. A higher percentage of alcohol will create a stronger and longer-lasting scent.

Essential oils

Cologne Notes

Fragrance notes refer to the different scents that can be detected in a fragrance, and they are typically divided into three classes: top, middle, and base notes. Top notes are the first scents noticed after application and fade the fastest. Middle notes blend the scents together and form the "heart" of the fragrance. Base notes are the longest-lasting scents and anchor the entire composition.

When creating a cologne, it is important to understand the role of each type of note and how they interact with each other. Generally, colognes have a higher percentage of base notes, followed by middle notes, and then top notes. However, the specific ratios may vary depending on the desired fragrance profile.

When creating a men's cologne, it is important to choose essential oils that have a woodsy, earthy, spicy, or citrus scent. Some popular essential oils for men's cologne include:

• Wild Orange (top note)
• Sandalwood (middle note)
• Frankincense (base note)
• Lemon (top note)
• Cardamom (middle note)
• Ylang Ylang (middle note)
• Vetiver (base note)
• Lemongrass (top note)
• Basil (middle note)
• Cedarwood (base note)
• Douglas Fir (base note)
• Bergamot (top note)
• Siberian Fir (top note)
• Clove (middle note)
• White Fir (base note)
• Copaiba (middle note)

Blending Essential Oils

Blending essential oils is an art form and requires experimentation to create a well-balanced fragrance. It is important to choose essential oils that complement each other and create a harmonious accord. When blending, start with the base notes and gradually add the middle and top notes.

Recipes for Men's Cologne with Essential Oils

• Daytime Blend: 4 drops of wild orange, 6 drops of sandalwood, and 10 drops of frankincense.
• Nighttime Blend: 3 drops of lemon, 4 drops each of cardamom and ylang-ylang, and 6 drops of vetiver.
• Outdoor Blend: 3 drops each of lemongrass and basil, 4 drops of cedarwood, and 6 drops of Douglas fir.
• Citrus Spice Blend: 2 drops of bergamot, 3 drops of lemon, 6 drops of clove, and 8 drops of white fir.
• Stress Relief Blend: 4 drops of lemongrass, 6 drops of copaiba, and 8 drops of frankincense.

Tips for Using Essential Oils in Cologne

When using essential oils in cologne, it is important to:

• Use glass containers and dark-colored or amber bottles to store the cologne and avoid sunlight exposure.
• Allow the cologne to mature for at least 24-48 hours, preferably up to 6 weeks, before use.
• Perform a patch test before using the cologne to ensure it does not cause any skin irritation.
• Store the cologne in a cool, dark place to prolong its shelf life.

Glycerin

According to Matthew Milèo, a chemist, former in-house nose for Chanel and founder of skincare line Milèo New York, glycerin is one of the ingredients you need to make cologne, along with alcohol, essential oils/absolutes, water, and a spray bottle.

However, some perfumers advise against using glycerin in perfume. One perfumer with over 30 years of experience says that adding glycerin will create solubility problems and make the fragrance sticky. They advise that perfume is simply a mixture of a fragrance compound and alcohol, and that you shouldn't add a fixative afterward as the fragrance compound should have enough fixative power of its own.

Another perfumer agrees, saying that glycerin is "supremely BAD" and that people should "purchase a good fragrance compound instead."

Despite this, glycerin is sometimes used in fragrance oils, particularly those used in soap-making. One fragrance maker explains that the misconception about glycerin comes from its use in the fragrance oil industry, where some fragrance oils are uncut and mixed with a vegetable oil. They clarify that this is not the same as making perfume.

Distilled water

Firstly, distilled water amplifies the symphony of scents. Its lack of impurities allows for the unadulterated diffusion of essential oils and aroma compounds. The result is a perfume that fully embodies the intended scent profile. Distilled water acts as a blank canvas, allowing for the full expression of the perfume's blend without interfering or competing with the delicate balance of scents.

Secondly, distilled water boosts the performance of essential oils. It lacks minerals that might otherwise interfere with the oils, preventing reactions and ensuring they remain potent for longer. Essential oils are delicate and can deteriorate in non-distilled water, where minerals can react with the oils, leading to a deterioration in their scent and potency.

Thirdly, distilled water enhances the shelf life of cologne. Its purity helps prevent unwanted bacterial growth or chemical reactions that can shorten the lifespan of a fragrance. It acts as a shield, protecting the perfume from microbial contamination, which can drastically reduce its shelf life and alter its scent.

Finally, distilled water optimises clarity and colour. Its colourless characteristic and absence of particulate matter contribute to the creation of clear, vibrant luxury perfumes. The lack of mineral content ensures crystal-clear elixirs, maintaining the intended colour throughout the cologne's shelf life.

In summary, distilled water is a critical yet often overlooked ingredient in cologne-making. Its purity, lack of impurities, and non-reactive nature make it ideal for maximising fragrance potency, maintaining quality, and enhancing the consumer experience.

Spray bottles

When making your own cologne, it's important to use a spray bottle to store and apply your fragrance. Here are some things to consider when choosing a spray bottle:

Type of Bottle

The most common types of bottles for cologne are glass or plastic. Glass bottles are often preferred as they can be more durable and look more elegant. However, plastic bottles are also a good option, especially for travel or if you're looking for a more lightweight and affordable choice.

Size

The size of the bottle you choose will depend on your needs. If you plan to use the cologne regularly, a larger bottle (e.g., 100ml or more) may be ideal. On the other hand, if you want a small amount for travel or to test out your fragrance, a smaller bottle (e.g., 5ml or 8ml) could be perfect.

Spray Mechanism

Look for a bottle with a fine mist sprayer that evenly distributes the cologne and doesn't leak. You may also want to consider the material of the spray mechanism, as some may be more durable or resistant to corrosion than others.

Design

The design of the bottle can be an important factor, especially if you plan to display your cologne or give it as a gift. Consider the shape, colour, and style of the bottle to find one that suits your taste and the fragrance you've created.

Refillable

If you plan to use and refill the bottle multiple times, look for a bottle that is designed to be refillable. This will ensure that the bottle is easy to fill and has a durable spray mechanism that can withstand repeated use.

• Enslz Frosted Glass Bottle Perfume Atomizer (100ml)
• LISAPACK 8ML Atomizer Perfume Spray Bottle for Travel (3 PCS)
• 2 Pack 100ml/3.4 Oz Empty Frosted Glass Spray Bottle
• Yamadura Mini Refillable Perfume Portable Atomizer Bottle (5ml, 4 Pack)
• Empty Frosted Glass Spray Bottle 3.4oz, Perfume Atomizer (2 PACK)
• Segbeauty Travel Perfume Atomizer Bottle Refillable (5pcs 10ML)

Frequently asked questions