A discussion about making perfuming

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

A discussion about making perfuming might start with the consideration of essential oils. In order to bring some sense to the puzzle, parfumiers usually sort essential oils according to their "weight" within a formula. Thus, oils may be high or top notes, middle or heart notes, bottom or base notes.

Another important group of oils are those that bridge or sustain a blend. Instead of acting as a top, middle or bottom note, sustaining notes such as litsea cubeba, lemongrass, lavender and ylang ylang lend themselves to creating harmony within the blend.

Prepare your essential oil blends in clear glass beakers or vials so you can observe and smell at the same time. You can transfer into UV resistant glass when you are ready to begin the aging process.

Write down each new addition to your essential oil blend. Some parfumiers create a base they use as a springboard, adding new essential oils to it to create each new perfume. Writing down your recipe is a great habit and will save you time, money and effort in the long run.

Once you are satisifed with your blend, transfer it to a cobalt blue or amber glass bottle and cap tightly. Visit with your perfume every 2-3 days. Rather than inhaling directly, uncap and "waft" the scent by creating a breeze with your fingers over the top of the container. This will carry the scent molecules to your nostrils. If you decide to add more essential oil or introduce a new essential oil to the existing blend, you should add time to your process so that all of the oils will be able to mix and meld together. Generally, this will take about 2-3 weeks from the date of the last addition.

Once your perfume has completed aging and the scent molecules have intermingled and married to your happiness, it is time to dilute. If you are considering making perfumes or colognes, please visit our blending page. You may also choose to dilute with a vegetable oil such as jojoba or fractionated coconut for use as a perfume, massage or bath oil.

Here are two non-alcohol based perfume recipes for your consideration: Glace de Perfum
It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of how to make perfume. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

An excellent carrier for scent, this formula is rich, yet sinks right into the skin, leaving NO greasy after-feel.
Ingredients List Beeswax, white or yellow 5 gramsCarnauba wax 4 gramsFractionated Coconut 50 gMango butter 5 grams20-25 drops essential oil or fragrance blendVitamin E , natural, 10 drops Combine waxes in a microwave proof bowl and heat in microwave for 2-3 mins. on 50% power, till all waxes are melted and fluid. Stir. Addmango butter, fractionated coconut and stir. Heat for 20-30 seconds on 50% power, or until all is fluid. Stir. Add vit e and scent. Stir. Pour into waiting tins or tubes. Allow to cool thoroughly before capping. Yield: approx. 2.5 ounces.

Perfume Oil Dry Spray Dries upon contact. This spray recipe can be used with any essential oil blend. May also be used as an after bath spray.

15 ml Cyclomethicone20 drops sandalwood16 drops Ylang Ylang III or extra10 drops Bergamot
Mix well and place in a pretty perfume spray bottle.

Knowing enough about how to make perfume to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you've just learned about how to make perfume, you should have nothing to worry about.