Creating a perfume from essential oils involves blending top, middle, and base notes with a carrier such as witch hazel instead of alcohol. Here’s a detailed guide:
Ingredients:
- Essential Oils: Choose from top, middle, and base note oils.
- Witch Hazel: Acts as a carrier.
- Distilled Water: To dilute the mixture.
- Glass Spray Bottle: For storage.
Steps:
- Gather Materials:
- Top Notes (15-25%): These evaporate quickly and give the initial impression of the perfume. Examples: Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Eucalyptus.
- Middle Notes (30-40%): These form the heart of the perfume. Examples: Lavender, Rose, Geranium, Chamomile, Clary Sage.
- Base Notes (45-55%): These last the longest and provide depth. Examples: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Vanilla, Frankincense.
- Blend the Oils:
- Combine the essential oils starting with the base notes, followed by middle notes, and finally the top notes. A typical ratio might be 3 drops of base note, 2 drops of middle note, and 1 drop of top note.
- Add Witch Hazel:
- Pour 1 tablespoon of witch hazel into the glass spray bottle. Witch hazel helps to blend the oils with water and acts as a preservative.
- Dilute with Distilled Water:
- Fill the bottle with 2 tablespoons of distilled water. Shake well to mix.
- Let it Mature:
- Allow the mixture to sit for at least 48 hours, preferably up to a month, to let the scents meld together.
- Test and Adjust:
- After maturing, test the scent. You can adjust the balance by adding more of the essential oils as needed.
- Store Properly:
- Store your perfume in a cool, dark place to preserve its fragrance.
Example Recipe:
- 3 drops Sandalwood (Base Note)
- 2 drops Lavender (Middle Note)
- 1 drop Bergamot (Top Note)
- 1 tablespoon Witch Hazel
- 2 tablespoons Distilled Water
Shake well and let it mature before use. Adjust as necessary.
Tips:
- Record Your Blends: Keep notes on your recipes for future reference.
- Patch Test: Always test a small amount on your skin to ensure there are no allergic reactions.
This method allows for the creation of a personalized perfume with a unique blend of scents.