Monday, November 25, 2013

DIY Perfume


PERFUME #1-

3 tsp. Jojoba Oil (you could also use Sweet Almond oil)
5 TBSP. Vodka (the higher quality the less odor)
2 TBSP. Distilled Water
25 drops of Essential oils

1. Add Oil
2. Add 7 drops of Base Note
3. Add 7 drops of Middle Note
4  Add 7 drops of Top Note
5. Add Vodka
6. Shake bottle for 2 minutes and let set for 48 hours-6 weeks
7. Add water and shake
8. Filter through a coffee filter and transfer into dark glass bottle(s)

OR-if you are not comfortable using alcohol or want a simpler recipe-you can follow RECIPE # 2

5 ml dark glass bottle
20 drops of oil all together-10 drops Base note  5 drops Middle note  5 drops Top Note
fill the rest with Almond Oil or Jojoba Oil
1. Mix ingredients together
2. Let set for 48 hours-6 weeks
3. ENJOY! 

*It is very important that you follow the order listed in perfume #1's instructions.  Always add your oil first then add your base note, middle note, and top notes in that order.  If you don't, the fragrance will actually be different.  Always take notes and write down exactly what you do in case you come up with something that you love and will need to make more of!* 

A little background about Essential Oils and Perfume making-

The Frenchman, Piesse classified the scents of essential oils in the 19th century according to musical scales, and this is where the top, middle and base notes came from.
Typically top notes make up 15 - 25% of the blend. Middle notes make up 30 - 40% of the blend. Base notes make up 45 - 55% of the blend.  How poetic, huh?  Your perfume is like a musical chord!  All the oils should "harmonize" together.  I love that!

Top notes

Top notes tend to evaporate very fast and normally have anti-viral properties.
They tend to be light, fresh and uplifting.  Top notes give the first impression of a perfume but usually don't last long.
Here are a list of essential oils considered to be Top Notes
  • Basil
  • Bergamot
  • Cinnamon
  • Clary Sage
  • Coriander
  • Eucalyptus
  • Grapefruit
  • Lemon
  • Lemongrass
  • Lime
  • Orange
  • Peppermint
  • Spearmint
  • Tea Tree
  • Thyme


Middle notes 

Middle notes typically have a balancing effect on the perfume.  They are the body of the scent.
The smells of middle notes are not always immediately evident and may take a couple of minutes to come into their own right.  They are normally warm and soft fragrances.
The following essential oils are considered middle notes:
  • Black Pepper
  • Cardamom
  • Chamomile
  • Cypress
  • Fennel
  • Geranium
  • Juniper
  • Lavender
  • Marjoram
  • Melissa
  • Myrtle
  • Nutmeg
  • Palma Rosa
  • Pine
  • Rosemary


Base notes 

The base notes tend to be heavy.  They will evolve over time and will slow down the evaporation of the top notes.  They are rich and relaxing and anchor the perfume while their scent lingers.
The following essential oils are considered base notes:
  • Cassia
  • Cedarwood
  • Cinnamon
  • Clove
  • Frankincense
  • Ginger
  • Jasmine
  • Myrrh
  • Patchouli
  • Rose
  • Rosewood
  • Sandalwood
  • Vanilla
  • Vetiver
  • Ylang Ylang

How interesting was that?!  Get creative and mix oils that make sense to your senses!  You are going to have to takes some risks here because we can't know for sure how it will blend and mature over those 6 weeks.

My favorite trio is TOP NOTE-Lemon MIDDLE NOTE-Lavender and BASE NOTE-Sandalwood.  Absolutely heavenly to my nose!

 “A woman's perfume tells more about her than her handwriting. ”
― Christian Dior


As promised, there is a simple recipe for solid perfume.  It's a salve of sorts.  I made mine because it will be great to take on vacations or keep in my purse.  No worries of spills and when I need a boost of scent or a mini aromatherapy session it's right there!

 Solid Perfume

 1 TBSP Beeswax
20-25 drops Base Note
20-25 drops Middle Note
10-15 drops Top Note
Melt beeswax and oil in a double boiler.  Once beeswax is completely melted, remove from heat and add essential oils.  Pour into containers.  This recipe makes 1 ounce. 

Don't forget, this would make a creative Christmas gift for friends and family!
http://jenniraincloud.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/a-woman-who-doesnt-wear-perfume-has-no.html

No comments:

Post a Comment