Think it would be nice to have your own signature fragrance? Try making it.
Perfume can be crafted at home. Yours may not smell exactly like the exotic whiffs from expensive brands, but there’s satisfaction in doing it yourself - and saving some cash.
It’s not difficult to concoct your own perfume. For some, the process is downright addictive.
The primary ingredients in fragrances are the essential oils; a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba; distilled water, and vodka, as a preservative.
Perfume crafting’s guiding principle: Choose at least three essential oils: a top note, middle note and base note to create a full-bodied, longer-lasting scent. It’s not unlike writing music, according to Faith Rodgers, general manager of Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary & Supply in Boulder, Colo.
“When you formulate with the different notes, it really makes a more well-rounded perfume,” says Rodgers.
The strong but fleeting top note provides first impressions, the base note anchors the scent and the middle note gives it heft; Griffin calls it the “heart” of the perfume.
For example, Rodgers says, for a top note, look at grapefruit, tangerine, orange and bergamot - her citrus favourites. (Bergamot flavours Earl Grey tea.) She recommends rose, lavender, camomile and geranium as attractive middle notes, and sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli and the strong, earthy vetiver for base notes.
You’ll need a clean glass bottle for mixing, preferably dark (or store it in a dark place while the perfume settles), and a small glass bottle for storing, preferably dark to prolong the life of the perfume, but clear glass works too
Sherri’s No. 3
2 tbsp (30 mL) carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil
4 tbsp (60 mL) vodka (higher proof means less alcohol smell)
2 tbsp (30 mL) distilled water (not tap water)
At least 3 essential oils, representing the top, middle and base notes
Coffee filter
Funnel
In mixing bottle, place essential oils in ratios desired. A general rule is six to eight drops of base note, 15 to 20 drops of middle note and 9 to 12 drops of top note, depending on preference (mix, sniff, adjust). You will use about 30 to 40 total drops of essential oil.
Add carrier oil and vodka; thoroughly shake. Set bottle aside for at least 48 hours and up to six weeks, preferably in a cool, dark place. After this resting period, add distilled water and shake bottle.
Put coffee filter into funnel and transfer perfume from blending bottle to storage bottle. This is a slow process; be patient. The perfume is ready (shake before use).
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