Make Your Own Perfume
You can make your own perfume at home -- it's easy, inexpensive and FUN! I love making perfume and coming up with new scents. Most store-bought perfumes are just too overpowering, not to mention costly.
Here, I'll share with you recipes with exact instructions and the resources for finding the materials and everything else you'll need to create your own unique scents.
Whether you want to make gifts for friends and family or stand out with your own scent, you'll find everything you need to know here including what you need, where to get it,recipes and links to other items of interest. You can learn to create your own perfumes!
Here, I'll share with you recipes with exact instructions and the resources for finding the materials and everything else you'll need to create your own unique scents.
Whether you want to make gifts for friends and family or stand out with your own scent, you'll find everything you need to know here including what you need, where to get it,recipes and links to other items of interest. You can learn to create your own perfumes!
Why Do You Want To Make You Own Perfume?
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(Christmas is December 25, 2009)
What perfumes are made of
Ingredients of perfume
Perfumes are made up of base perfume oils -- plant, animal or synthetic. Most are then watered down with alcohol (Ethanol) to make them light. Although you can make some from just fresh flower parts and water such as Recipe #1 below.PLANT:
The flowers and blossoms are mostly used. However, other parts such as leaves, twigs, roots, rhizomes, bulbs, seeds, fruit, wood and back can also be used. You can make your own or buy essential oils which are simply the "oil of" the plant material. Essential oil is also known as ethereal oils.
Other Plant Sources include Lichens such as oakmoss and treemoss thailli and seaweed. Seaweed is not often used due to the high cost and low potency.
ANIMAL:
Perfumes are also made from the musk of some animals such as Asian Musk Deer or Civets; Ambergris aka Amber, a fatty compound secreted by sperm whale; Honeycomb from the honeybee; Castoreum from North American Beaver odor sacs.
SYNTHETIC:
Several chemical compounds can also be used through organic synthesis to produce perfumes including: Terpenes, Coumarin, Linalool and Calone. These produce smells not know in nature.
3 Simple Ingredients Of Perfume
Water
Alcohol
Essential oils
Perfume Oils vs. Perfume
The difference between perfume oils and perfumes
It is important to understand the terminology. For instance, perfume and perfume oils are two different things. Our modern, store bought perfumes traces its beginnings to perfume oils.In ancient Egypt, perfume oils were given as special gifts to royalty. Today, perfume oils have degraded down to what we know as perfume which we can buy at perfume counters in our favorite shops and department stores.
The basic difference between the two is in the strength and concentration of scent. Perfume oils are highly concentrated and will yield a purer fragrance which will last much longer than its modern counterpart.
This makes perfume oils much more valuable and expensive than regular perfumes.
Some individuals find that they develop allergic reactions to the high concentrations of essential oils so it is prudent to test just a little on your skin. After all, a little is all you need.
Essential Oils
The Base Ingredient In Perfume
Essential oils are used as the base of perfumes. Basically, they are extracted concentrated scents from plants.What's really interesting to me is that sometimes, the different parts of a particular aromatic plant can produce different smells and the nuances of each can be used and blended along with other essential oils from totally different plants to create that wonderfully unique fragrance.
I was never good at chemistry so I was surprised just how easy it is to make my own perfume. I purchase the essential oils I use instead of extracting them myself from the plants. You decide which you'd rather do.
If you purchase essential oils, however, make sure you get them from a reputable source so that you can be sure that you get 100% essential oils rather than those with additives. The higher the concentration of the essential oils, the more aromatic it is.
Carrier Oil
Such as Almond, Apricot Kernel or Jojoba. Jojoba is a little more expensive but is especially nice. Experiment with each to determine which you like best.
Essential Oils
Choose your recipe below to determine the essential oils you need.
Fragrance oils may be used instead of the essential oils for a cheaper version.
Top, Middle And Base Notes
What are notes in perfumes?
Using a musical metaphor, it is said that perfumes have 3 Notes -- Top notes , Middle notes and Base notes -- which form the harmonious "chord" of the scent. The scents used in a perfume evaporate at different speeds.is used -- that of notes. There is said to be 3 Wikipedia.com says, "Perfume is described in a musical metaphor as having three sets of 'notes', making the harmonious chord of the scent."
The notes unfold over time, with the immediate impression of the top note leading to the deeper middle notes, and the base notes gradually appearing as the final stage. These notes are created carefully with knowledge of the evaporation process of the perfume.
Top notes: These are also known as "head notes" and gives the first or immediate impression. These are made up of the molecules which evaporate the quickest.
Middle notes: These are also known as the "heart notes" because they form the main body of the perfume. They emerge as the top notes dissipate.
Base notes: The base notes emerge as the middle or heart notes disapate. The main theme of the perfume is made up of the middle notes and the base notes together. The base notes are said to bring depth and solidity to a perfume. They are not perceived until 30 minutes after the perfume is applied.
Base Notes - Examples
- Vanilla
- Sandalwood
- Cinnamon
- Mosses
- Lichens
- Ferns
Middle Notes - Examples
- Ylang-Ylang
- Lemon Grass
- Neroli
- Geranium
Top Notes - Examples
- Bergamot
- Lavender
- Orchid
- Rose
- Lemon
- Lime
Fragrance Wheel
Different smells for different tastes
In 1983, Michael Edwards, a perfume industry consultant, created a new classification method which simplified fragrance classification and naming.The 5 family classifications are: Floral, Oriental, Woody, Fougere, and Fresh. The first 4 are considered classic and the Fresh family is made up of citrus and other clean smelling fragrances such as oceanic.
Fragrance Wheel
Tools Needed To Make Perfume
Simple tools of the perfume making
The equipment is pretty simple and easy to find. You will find them in grocery, hardware, kitchen and DIY (craft) stores. Here's what you'll need:1. Medicine droppers (some essential oil bottles don't come with them).
2. Measuring spoons.
3. Measuring cup.
4. Small Funnel.
5. Roller bottles.
6. Small Colored Bottles (Cobalt blue or amber glass)
7. A box or bag to store the items in.
8. Cheesecloth
Perfume Storage
After your perfume sits for the time called for by the recipe, it should be transferred and stored in a dark-colored bottle (opaque is fine) and kept cool.
Where to get storage and perfume bottles
Where to get bottles
Here are some places to get dark storage bottles. If you know of any others, please add them. Vote for your favorite place. Thanks!
1
Plastic Bottles Glass Bottles & Jars - eBottles.com Buy by the Case Wholesale - eBottles.com Has Plastic Bottles, Glass Bottles, Jars, Tins, and Closures
Plastic Bottles, Glass Bottles, Jars, Tins. Buy by the Case Online at Wholesale Prices Call 888-215-00231 point
2
Bulk Glass Bottles For Sale - Glass Jar Distributor - Cape Bottle ...
Distributor of Wholesale Priced Plastic & Glass Bottles, Jars & Containers in Bulk Since 1995.1 point
3
Specialty Bottle - Glass & Plastic Bottles Jars Vials Tins Other ...
Buy Glass Bottles, Plastic Bottles, Glass Jars, Plastic Jars, Tins, Metal Containers, Glass Vials, Pet Bottle, Wholesale Containers, Candle Jars, Gl...1 point
4
Plastic containers, plastic bottles and glass jars - Container ...
Plastic Containers: Specializing in plastic bottles, glass jars and wholesale plastic containers.1 point
5
Wholesale Glass bottles and bottle accessories. Glass bottle, jar and container manufacturer distributor.
Wholesale glass bottles, glass containers and more. Couronne Co recycled glass bottles selection is affordable and eco-friendly. Over 2500 items avail...1 point
6
Glass Bottles, Green Glass Bottles, Amber Glass Bottles, Blue Glass Bottles, Green Glass Bottles
Quality plastic and glass containers, perfume bottles,<br /><br /><br />
jars, vials, brushed aluminum, bags and bottle accessories0 points
Amber Storage Bottles on Amazon
Try these bottles for your perfumes
Glycerin, a fixative, can be added to recipes to help it retain its scents.
Just Add Your Unique Perfume
Recipes Added Often!
Perfume Recipe: Basic Perfume Recipe - without Alcohol
Perfume recipe
For this recipe all you need are: Water and chopped flower blossoms.Combine:
2 cups of water (preferably distilled)
2 cup fresh chopped flower blossoms. Good choices include lavender, lilac, orange blossoms or honeysuckle.
Day 1:
Place cheesecloth over a bowl and fill with your flower blossoms.
Pour water over them until they are completely covered.
Cover the bowl and let it sit overnight.
Day 2:
The following day, life up the edges of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze the now scented water into a small pot. Simmer until there is about 1-1/2 teaspoons liquid.
Let the liquid cool then pour into a small, dark bottle.
since this perfume is made without alcohol, it has a shelf life of approximately 1 month.
Perfume Recipe: Celestial Shower
Perfume recipe
This wonderfule blend of soothing flower scents will relax you.Combine:
2 cups distilled water
3 tablespoons vodka
5 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops chamomile essential oil
10 drops valerian essential oil
Mix all the ingredients together and shake well. Place in a dark color bottle. Allow the perfume to settle for at least 12 hours. Store in a cool dry area.
Perfume Recipe: Whispering Rain
Perfume recipe
All you need is sandalwood to act as the base note, bergamot to act as the middle and cassis which will serve as the top note. (These can be purchased separately in 10 ml bottles then mixed together in a glass bottle.)Combine:
10 ml sandalwood
10 ml bergamot
10 ml cassis
3 tablespoons of vodka
2 of cups of distilled water
Seal with a tight lid.
Leave it to settle for 24 to 48 hours before transferring into a sprayer bottle.
It's ready to use.
The perfume may last for a month if this is used daily. Before this runs out, it will be a good idea to prepare a new batch so this will just be refilled into the container.
Women who smelled like grapefruit
were judged by men to be 10 years younger than when the same women did not smell of grapefruit.
From: Lensmaster Margo_Arrowsmith
A Recommended book from my personal library
Best book ever on essential oils
The Aromatherapy Bible: The Definitive Guide to Using Essential Oils (... Bible)
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/07/2009)
Essential oils are the main ingredient in perfume so the more you know about them, the better. This is a great book that I keep in my personal library. It tells all about the different essential oil and even has recipes for different things you can use them for. It's a must have in my opinion!
Perfume Recipe: Light of the Orient
Perfume recipe
This recipe will bring the smell of the orient to you. (These can be purchased separately in 10 ml bottles then mixed together in a glass bottle.)Combine:
4 drops of Sandalwood
4 drops of Musk
4 drops of Frankincense
2 teaspoons of Jojoba oil (is a carrier oil)
Mix together in a dark bottle and shake well
Leave it to settle for at least 12 hours then store in a cool dry are.
It's ready to use.
This perfume will be more fragrant since it is mostly essential oils.
Perfume Recipe: Surprise (You name it)
Perfume recipe
This recipe is a surprise. You decide what to name it in the module below.Combine:
2 tablespoons ethyl alcohol
5 drops of lavender
5 drops of bergamot
1 cup of distilled water
2 teaspoons of Jojoba oil (is a carrier oil)
Mix together in a dark bottle and shake well.
Leave it to settle for at least 48 hours then store in a cool dry area.
It's ready to use. Test it and if you like it, great. If not, try adding a little more lavender to see if you like it better.
You can, as with the other recipes, double it.
Name that Perfume
What kind of names do you like for perfumes?
What would you name the Perfume Recipe above? Please add your choice or vote for your favorite(s). Thanks!
1
Surprise
1 point
2
Floral spice
1 point
3
Floral Surprise
1 point
Perfumes are individual
A perfume smells different in the bottle, on your skin and on everyone else.
Perfume Recipe: Tranquility
Perfume recipe
This recipe produces a perfume that makes you feel tranquil.Combine:
4 drops of Cedarwood
2 drops of Clary Sage
1 drop of Grapefruit
2 drops of Mandarin
1 teaspoon carrier oil (Jojoba, Almond or Apricot Kernel)
Mix together in a small dark bottle. Shake well and store in a cool, dark place for 12 days. Shake the bottle a 3 times a day. After the 12 days, enjoy!
Perfume Recipe: Ardour
Perfume recipe
Want to get in that loving mood? Try this recipe then.Combine:
3 drops of Jasmine
3 drops of Neroli
4 drops of Orange
1 tesapoon carrier oil (Jojoba, Almond or Apricot Kernel)
Mix together in a small dark bottle. Shake well and store in a cool, dark place for 12 days. Shake the bottle a 3 times a day. After the 12 days, enjoy your creation.
Perfume Recipe: Light Romance
Perfume recipe
This perfume combines the romantic scent of vanilla with the fresh and tangy fragrance of lemon.Combine:
6 drops of vanilla extract
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup distilled water
Mix ingredients together and boil covered for two minutes after it has reached a boil.
Place boiled mixture in the fridge for five minutes. Take out and boil the same way again.
After 2nd boiling, immediately transfer it into a glass container and put it in the refrigerator for an hour.
Finally, transfer into a bottle and you're set to enjoy this fresh and seductive fragrance.
Perfume Recipe: Vanilla on my Mind
Perfume recipe
Vanilla is known to be a seductive scent that permeates the subconscious. Here's a wonderful vanilla perfume.Combine:
1 vanilla bean cut into several peices
1/3 teaspoon of sugar
3 ounces of Vodka
Tightly seal these ingredients in a glass jar. Shake the jar everyday for 30 days. After 30 days, it is ready to entice!
Perfume Recipe: Lavender Breeze
Perfume recipe
This recipe is very simple lavender perfume made from lavender flowers from your garden:Combine:
Lavender flowers cut from your fresh-picked plants
Carrier oil (Jojoba, Almond or Apricot Kernel)
Simply fill a jar 3/4 full of the carrier oil you choose. Cut the flowers off the plant quickly. Add the freshly cut flowers to the jar of oil and let set for several weeks.
After a couple of weeks, you can strain the perfume through cheesecloth to get rid of the plants. Then it's ready to use!
The scent of Roses
when smelled by women in REM sleep was reported to cause positive dreams. Whereas, rotten egg smell caused negative dreams.
From: Small study in Germany
Solid Perfume Recipe with Carrying Case
How to Make a Solid Perfume with Carrying Case
Danny Seo, author of Simply Green Parties (2006, Collins), has a really nifty idea which he demonstrates in his book -- how to turn an old makeup compact into a solid perfume carrying case.What a great gift for a friend or yourself! Here's his recipe:
Used makeup compacts, thoroughly cleaned
1/4 cup of solid beeswax
3 tbs jojoba oil
Approx. 60 drops of essential oil
Pyrex measuring cup
Melting the beeswax in a Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave. Add the jojoba oil and the essential oil. Stir the mixture and pour into the compacts. Allow to cool completely. Dab your fingers over the wax and apply.
--------
My suggestion:
The above recipe should make several containers of solid perfume. I suggest that you make a smaller amount the first time to test your recipe. The following amounts should make 1 container:
1 tablespoon of beeswax
1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
8-14 drops of essential oils**
**Try 2 or 3 different essential oils together.
Solid Perfume Tips
Tips for making a solid perfume
1. How about a push up solid perfume? To do that, pour the solid perfume mixture into a cleaned out chap stick tube.2. You could use petroleum jelly in place of the beeswax.
3. Find a very thin item to stir the ingredients because the mixture will stick to anything you use.
4. Melt the wax in the microwave. If on the stove-top, then set the pyrex measuring cup in water. As the water boils, the wax will melt.
Simply Green Parties by Danny Seo
Lots of green ideas
Simply Green Parties: Simple and resourceful ideas for throwing the perfect celebration, event, or get-together
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/07/2009)
This is a great resource book for holding green parties. This is the book that has the great idea of how to create solid perfume compacts as shown in the module above. He also tells how to use these as favors at bachelorette parties or showers. The book has other great ideas. It's a must read in my opinion!
For Solid Perfume Use Decorative Pill Boxes
Items you can put solid perfumes in
Cloisonne Pill Boxes - Medium, Set of 4
Amazon Price: $40.00 (as of 12/07/2009)
These beautiful pill boxes would make great cases for solid perfumes for yourself or as gifts.
More Decorative pill boxes on Amazon
Decorative pill boxes make great solid perfume containers
1
AC/DC Licensed Pill Box with Mirror
Licensed AC/DC pill box. Collectible. 2 inch by 2 more...0 points
2
Elvis Presley Pill Box with Mirror
Licensed Elvis Presley pill box. 2 inch by 2 inch, more...0 points
3
Van Gogh Crazy Things Happen If You Forget Your Meds Pill Box
A fine chrome box with a clasp to keep your meds s more...0 points
4
Silver & Black Paisley Pill Box Case Square: Large
Modern Black Paisley Large Pill Box This sleek pi more...0 points
5
Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter Pill-case
Fine chrome box with a clasp to keep your meds saf more...0 points
7
Silver & White Paisley Pill Box Case : Large Square
New In Box: White & Silver Paisley Large Squar more...0 points
8
Silver & Pink Paisley Pill Box Case Organizer : Compact Size
New In Box: Silver & Pink Paisley Pill Box Th more...0 points
9
Windows to Heaven Floral Medallion Pill Box
A four point flower evokes both a memory of the cr more...0 points
Amazon Spotlight
Beautiful perfume bottle
BettyK Crystal Perfume Bottle - 094
Amazon Price: $30.00 (as of 12/07/2009)
Wow! This is a really beautiful perfume bottle.
What scents are in famous perfumes?
Find the perfume you like, then make your own using those scents
Ever wondered what scents are in the famous perfumes? Well, here's a list. I'll add more as I find them:Halle by Halle Berry
* freesia * hybiscus * driftwood
Jeanne Lanvin
* blackberries * raspberries * pear
Island Michael Kors Bermuda
* passionflower * white tiare blossom
Space.nk Jasamber
* citrus * amber * sandlewood
Flirt! Flowerific
* freesia * frangipani * syringa blossom * water lily * magnolia * rose
Badgley Mischka Couture
* jasmine * sweet gardenia * violet
Another great book of Essential Oils from my Library
A must have book fo natural and non-toxic products
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health - Beauty - a Safe Home Environment
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/07/2009)
This book is terrific and is another of my favorite books from my own personal library. Valerie Ann Worwood, the author, really knows her stuff and presents it well. A must read in my opinion.
Tips for buying Essential Oils
What you should know about Essential Oils
Essential oils are the primary ingredient in your perfume and therefore you should know the following things about them:- Always buy from a reputable source that provide undiluted, extended or cut essential oils.
- Be aware that frangrance oils or perfume oils are NOT the same as essential oils so even though they are less expensive they may not deliver as long-lasting a scent as essential oils will.
- Essential oils must be stored in a dark container and away from heat, moisture and light.
- Keep essential oils out of the reach of children.
- Essential oil do have a shelf-life. Many oils last for years, but some, like citrus oils tend to degrade after several months.
Essential Oils Starter Set
A Sampling of essential oils
Essential Oil Basic Sampler Set- 6/10 ml
Amazon Price: $32.95 (as of 12/07/2009)
This is a great way to get started. The kit includes: Sweet Orange, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Peppermint, Lavender and Tea Tree. A great bargain at this price. Remember, it only takes a few drops to make a perfume.
Essential oils on Amazon Search
Search for essential oils on Amazon
Books On Making Perfumes, Soaps, etc.
Resource books for making perfumes, soaps and other items
1
Making Soaps & Scents : Soaps, Shampoos, Perfumes & Splashes You Can Make At Home by Catherine Bardey
With this book, it is easy to create soothing suds more...1 point
2
Aroma~CareT Make your own Perfume by Francine Milford
Aroma~CareT: Make your own Perfume, gives easy to more...1 point
3
Good Gifts from the Home: Perfumes, Scented Gifts, and Other Fragrances--Make Beautiful Gifts to Give (or Keep) by Kelly Reno
Cameo Bouquet, Ocean Spice, Outdoorsman, Beeswax P more...1 point
Perfume Bottles On Amazon
Buy perfume bottles
More Perfume bottles on Amazon Search
Search for perfume bottles
More perfume stuff on Amazon Search
Reed Defusers: Perfume for your home
Make you house smell as good as you!
Simple Yet Beautiful Bottle
Perfume bottles on eBay
Buy perfume bottles from eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Other Essential Oil Articles and Recipes
Resources for making perfumes
- Home Remedies: Essential Oils For Hair Growth - Health News Story - WYFF Greenville
- WYFF News 4's Carol Goldsmith has put together a collection of home remedies from a variety of sources -- learn about hers, and share your own. Friday, November 30, 2007.
- How to Make Essential Oils
- Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile oils that can be extracted from aromatic plants.
- Natural Scents for Your Type
- Avoid artificial fragrances with these simple recipes for all-natural colognes for romantic, sporty, or earth-exotic types using kitchen cupboard ingredients.
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- spirituality spirituality Nov 22, 2009 @ 3:57 am
- Great lens, but you knew that :) Just wanted to remind you that this is featured on the Women and Girls Shopping Headquarters: http://www.squidoo.com/groups/women-girls
It's now transformed into a lensography and I would love it if you could feature it here, or lensroll it or something.
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Reply
- phire009 phire009 Nov 9, 2009 @ 4:52 pm
- Thank you for the lens, I love making perfumes for all the family at christmas, could you possibly find out what is in Aspen for women, no longer sold and my daughter loves it, although she loved scent she received last chrismas also.
Again, Thanks for the site.
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- Ramkitten Ramkitten Oct 30, 2009 @ 1:30 pm
- I must have a girly-girl still in me somewhere, because I love this lens! That basic perfume without alcohol sounds like it would be pretty simple to do. And since I tend to get tired of a perfume within a month or less, it wouldn't matter about the short shelf life.
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- Kyoshin Kyoshin Oct 30, 2009 @ 12:28 am
- I love this lens. Thank a lot of information.
http://verawang.wordpress.com/
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- Margo_Arrowsmith Margo_Arrowsmith Oct 17, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
- Wow, this is cool, and shows why I have to go to my favorites box more often and that is where I found this. 5*
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
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