Our sense of smell is very powerful. It warns us of danger, and often reminds us of precious memories. For example, if you smell gas or burning rubber, you would immediately begin to look for the source of the odor. If you smell rose oil or lavender oil, you may think of a favorite teacher that wore those scents.
If you’d like to be associated with fond, happy memories, perhaps you should make your own signature perfume. After all, creating and wearing scents made from natural plants dates back to the Roman Empire.
Create your own scent
Fun fact: 60 percent of women over the age of 16 wear perfume. Design a signature scent of your own that not only makes you smell good, but actually contributes to your overall health and well-being. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to help us focus, elevate our moods, calm anxiety and much more.
What you should know
Essential oils are very concentrated and very powerful. Avoid putting essential oils directly on your skin. Use a carrier oil to dilute the oil before applying to the skin. Also, before mixing your fragrances, try them in a diffuser. Diffusers disperse the oils (mixed with mists of water) into the air. The oils are absorbed through the sinus membranes. This will allow you to test the fragrance combos before you commit to a specific scent.
Different oils provide different effects. Peppermint is often used to reduce pain. It also relieves nausea. Lavender is well known for its ability to calm the nerves and induce sleep. Clary sage, bergamot, ylang ylang and citrus oils boost the mood and relieve anxiety and stress.
The quality of the essential oils you use is important. Opt for oils that are 100 percent pure.
Note: you should not use essential oils without your doctor’s permission if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some essential oils are dangerous for infants.
How to make your own perfume
The recipes we are providing give a light and balanced scent. As you work with essential oils, you will ultimately find a mixture (or several mixtures) that you like. Use up to 20 drops base note oil, 25 drops middle note oils and up to 15 drops top note oils. Add drops slowly, taking the time to smell the mixture often. Adjust the scents as you like.
Perfume has three notes. The base note is the heaviest scent. They are the scents that will last the longest. Middle notes come next. They last longer than the base notes. The top notes evaporate fastest. The scents blend very well. The perfume gets stronger as it sits and the note blend to make a unique smell. It is the scent notes in the perfume at work.
When you are mixing the essential oils in the bottle, start with the base notes, then middle notes, and finally the top notes. The base note is going to be your prominent smell.
Note: If you are making a cologne for men, use more woodsy oils such as sandalwood or cedarwood. For a light and fresh fragrance use citrus oils. Sweet orange or lemongrass for women and lime for men.
Supplies
1 (4-oz.) dark glass bottle with tight-fitting top, spray top with cap or corks
Small funnel or funnel-shaped coffee filter
Vodka, 100 Proof
Essential oils of choice
Directions
- Sterilize bottle(s) in your dishwasher or boiling water before use. In clear jar or glass bowl, pour 4 oz. vodka.
- Add essential oils, a few drops at a time, beginning with base notes and working up to top notes.
- Let mixture sit in clear bottle for 1 week. This allows scents meld.
- Place funnel in dark bottle(s).
- Pour perfume into bottles and cover tightly with lid.
Note: As you are adding the drops, swirl liquid to mix. If mixture is too strong, dilute with distilled water.
Beginners guide to base notes, medium notes & top notes
Base notes:
- Cedarwood
- Vanilla
- Ylang ylang
- Sandalwood
Medium notes:
- Rose
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Geranium
Top notes:
- Bergamot
- Wild orange
- Neroli
- Lemongrass
- Lime
Making perfume from essential oils is easy and a lot less expensive (and safer!) than buying perfume. The ingredients are natural and free of toxic chemicals. These perfumes also make great gifts! Experiment with scents until you get the perfect blend.
For more information on essential oils for beginners, including tips, recipes and more, visit www.madewithoils.com.