Homemade Perfume With Essential Oils
Are you ready??? Here is a little primer on making your own body sprays, perfumes, Eau de parfum, cologne or whatever you want to call it. Honestly, it's really not too complicated. Oh sure, you can MAKE it complicated if you want. Or as refined as you want. It's kinda like drinking wine; drink for fun, or turn yourself into an actual wine connoisseur. I'm no perfume connoisseur. I just add a few drops of this and a wee bit 'o dat. Super fun. BUT. There are still a few general guidelines to start with which will help in your initial choices.
It's all based on the concept of "notes":
Top) Top notes are what you smell first, but they last the shortest amount of time. It's the first impression whiff. Use roughly 20-40% of top notes in your recipe.
Middle) Middle notes are the backbone of the blend. They help to bring it all together without leaving any sharp edges. Use about 40-80% in your blends.
Base) Base notes are the ones that last the longest and give a deep and rich scent to the blend. A little goes a long way. Use about 10-25% in a blend.
Here is a little chart I made up that is a great reference and cheat sheet. Notice that some oils are in more than one category. That is because certain ones have properties of more than one note and/or because in my research there was a discrepancy. Which I took to mean that they have varying notes in them.
Click the link below if you wish to print it out for reference.
There tend to be 3 popular ways of applying the essential oils as a body scent.#1) As a body spray or light perfume using vodka.#2) As a "cologne" using jojoba oil.#3) Or as a solid perfume using a combination of beeswax, coconut oil, etc. Here is another chart that shows the oils and their main "scent" group. Keep in mind, though, that this is just another guideline. Because of the complexity of essential oils some are, again, in more than one category. And again, if you wish to print this out, feel free to click on the blue link below.
Between these two sheets you should have a pretty good starting point for blending your own fragrances. Most of it really is just experimenting, though. I have to say that I feel the most "witch doctor-ish" when I'm blending oils. :) So fun!To get you started here are a few of my favorite blends that I've created. Try 'em out and then go create your own!I'm giving you the recipes in extremely small batches so you don't have to use alot of oils during the experimenting process. I'm also giving you the recipes as if you'd be making it with vodka for a body spray. But all of these blends can be substituted for other methods of application.
Invigorating:
1 Tablespoon vodka
3 drops peppermint
5 drops grapefruit
1 drop clove
1 drop birch
Mix everything in a small glass jar and roll vigorously between your palms to disperse the oils. Shake before each use. This is a great one for waking up in the morning. So refreshing.
Floral:
1 Tablespoon vodka
3 drops ylang ylang
5 drops lemongrass
4 drops ginger
Mix everything in a small glass jar and roll vigorously between your palms to disperse the oils. Shake before each use. I'm not a huge floral person, but this one I really like because it's floral, and yet not too overpowering.
Woodland:
1 Tablespoon vodka
4 drops juniper
2 drops fir
3 drops cedarwood
2 drops bergamot
Mix everything in a small glass jar and roll vigorously between your palms to disperse the oils. Shake before each use. This is more of a masculine scent, although I wear it on occasion when the mood strikes me.
Enjoy!
