Everyone enjoys smelling good, and having a signature scent can help one develop a sense of individuality, as perfume can reveal a lot about who we are. Unfortunately, a lot of the beautifully crafted perfume bottles in department stores contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to you.
As a matter of fact, studies have actually shown that the ingredients found in colognes and store-bought perfumes can cause a variety of health complications. The commonly used chemicals in these products can trigger allergic reactions, chronic headaches, and respiratory problems.
What’s even more shocking is that the toxicity levels of these perfumes can be so high, they can cause thyroid complications and certain cancers.
Luckily, you can skip the toxic chemicals by making your own herbal perfume with ingredients provided by Mother Nature. So, instead of placing yourself in harm’s way, learn how to make your own signature scent instead.
How to Make Your Own Herbal Perfume
When making your own perfume, keep in mind that all perfumes are made of three components. There are base fragrances, mid-tones, and top notes.
Have you ever applied perfume only to find that after some time has passed, the scent begins to wear off and smell a bit different? That’s because when you smell a perfume, the top notes are typically the first thing you smell. This scent is followed by the mid-tones and then finally the base notes.
Base notes will stay on your skin the longest and include oils like:
- Vanilla
- Sandalwood
- Cinnamon
Middle notes don’t last as long as base notes, but can still add to the overall scent and include oils like:
- Lemon–grass
- Ylang-ylang
- Neroli
- Geranium
Top notes don’t last as long as the other two notes, but they are the first thing you smell and add to the scent significantly. Top notes include:
- Rose
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Bergamot
1. The Base
The first step in the perfume-making process is to pick a neutral base for your perfume. You can either use an alcohol, witch hazel or rose water to emulsify (blend) the essential oils. You could also use a thin oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil.
The most common formula for the base of a perfume is a 1:1 mixture of oil and alcohol, but using both isn’t necessary. If you don’t want to use heavy oils, consider making a body mist by starting with filtered water and essential oils.
2. Form Your Fragrance
Now that you’ve gotten the base, now is when it starts to get fun. When picking out essential oils to make your signature perfume, make sure to take your time to find out which oil speaks to your individual style.
While there is an infinite number of ways you can mix and match scents to your preference, having an easy formula to follow will help you find one that is unique and complex just like you.
3. Method of Application
Once you’ve found your combination, now is the time to pick your preferred method of application. Spray bottles are good for alcohol or water mixtures, while roller balls are great for oil-based perfumes.
Whichever container method you choose, always use a glass container because the essential oils will eat up a plastic container. After your perfume is made, it’s best to let your product rest for a duration of at least two weeks before use. That way, all your fragrances have had a chance to meld together.
Here’s a quick herbal perfume recipe you can use to help guide you:
Herbal Summertime Bliss Recipe
(Enough to fill one small rollerball container)
What you will need:
- 1 oz of Coconut Oil (Base Note)
- 1 oz of Witch Hazel (Base Note)
- 3 drops of Vanilla (Base Note)
- 5 drops of Lemon (Middle Notes)
- 5 drops of Orange (Middle Notes)
- 7 drops of Pineapple (Top Notes)
Method:
Combine all the ingredients in a small container and lightly mix by tilting the container back and forth. On average, your perfume should last on your skin for about two to three hours. Feel free to reapply as many times as you need.
Final Word of Caution for Your Herbal Perfume
Essential oils have been deemed safe for everyday use, but they can also be very powerful. Citrus-scented oils like lemon and orange contain citric acid; when you use too much, you can experience acid burns.
For those who develop allergic reactions easily, try performing a skin patch test first to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction. If you’re pregnant or nursing, or you’re currently taking any kind of medication, please check in with your doctor before using these essential oils.
Quick FAQs
What is a natural perfume?
A natural perfume is a perfume made with ingredients provided by Mother Nature. Using essential oils and distilled water as opposed to harmful chemicals found in the average department store fragrances will create a perfume that not only smells good but is also good for you.
