The Oxford Dictionaries defines “perfume” as “a fragrant liquid typically made from essential oils extracted from flowers and spices”.
Egyptians were responsible for the origin of perfume. They utilized scents in everything from religious ceremonies to burial preparations and even daily wear. They created ointments and balms with essential oils mixed in to provide scent.
Unfortunately today according to The Environmental Working Group (EWG) “while many popular perfumes, colognes and body sprays contain trace amounts of natural essences, they also typically contain a dozen or more potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals. To protect trade secrets, makers are allowed to withhold fragrance ingredients”.
A DIY essential oil perfume will have exactly the ingredients you choose plus by using therapeutic grade essential oils, you will benefit from the properties associated with each oil.
Traditionally, perfume is made by layering scents according to how volatile the oils are (how easily they evaporate). Top notes evaporate quickly—they are the first scent you smell in a perfume. Middle or heart notes form the main body of a perfume. Base notes are fixatives—they hold and blend the other ingredients, and they stay on the skin the longest, so you always smell them in combination with the other aromas of the perfume.
Top notes: Sweet orange, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Bergamot, Basil, Anise
Middle notes: Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Rosemary, Pine
Base notes: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Myrrh, Vetiver
Try starting with 5-6 essential oils. Here are some examples:
- Floral blend: Bergamot, Anise, Geranium, Jasmine, Sandalwood.
- Green & Herbaceous Blend: Basil, Peppermint, Rosemary, Pine, Vetiver.
There is no steadfast rule regarding percentages of each note. I tend to like base notes so I start with our Meditation Blend (a lot of base) and add florals.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, remember it’s personal – use oils that you love!
Recommended for mixing, storing and applying essential oil blends: Pure Acres Farm Roll-on Bottles
