Some people find a perfume they like really early on in their life and stick to it and it becomes their signature scent, part of who they are, their dressing routine and they probably do not feel ready to leave the house without it! Other people flit from one perfume to another as the mood takes them. Perfume just like other things in the cosmetic industry is big business, and nowadays it can be more about the celebrity who has endorsed the perfume, or the bottle it comes in that evokes us to buy it just as much as the smell. But getting the right perfume can not only make us feel set for the day but can enhance our mood and wellbeing. Why not create your own signature smell using essential oils and benefit from enhanced health as well as smelling beautiful…
These days you can buy empty perfume atomisers, then you need a carrier oil – like Jojoba (essential oils are too strong to apply direct on to the skin). Then add in small amounts of plant based essential oils until you get your required scent. Perfumes are made up of Base, Middle and Top Notes. Top Notes are what you notice first, but they also disappear the fastest, the Middle Notes are what link the perfume together and determine the family it comes from – floral, woodsy etc. The Base Notes are the fullest and longest lasting elements of the perfume. An ideal ratio is 30% Top Notes, 50% Middle Notes and 20% Base Notes.
Here are a few examples of Base, Middle and Top notes, but there are many more:
Base: Cedarwood, Cypress, Ginger, Patchouli, Pine, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Vetiver
Some ideas of fragrances within the Base Notes – Cypress oil has a woody, slightly spicy and refreshing masculine smell. Patchouli oil has a rich musky-sweet, strong spicy and herbaceous smell. Vetiver has an earthy, musty smell – much like the smell of a damp forest floor.
Middle: Black Pepper, Cardamom, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Fir Needle, Jasmine, Juniper, Lemongrass, Neroli, Nutmeg, Rose, Rosewood, Ylang-Ylang
Some ideas of fragrances within the Middle Notes – The Roman chamomile essential oil has a sweet, apple-like fragrance. Jasmine essential oil has a sweet, exotic and richly floral smell. Juniper has a fresh, clear but slightly woody aroma.
Top: Basil, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Mint, Neroli (middle & top), Rosemary, Sweet Orange
Some ideas of fragrances within the Top Notes – The scent Bergamot oil is basically citrus, yet fruity and sweet, with a warm spicy floral quality and is reminiscent of neroli as well as lavender oil. Neroli oil has a sweet, floral and slightly haunting aroma. Sweet orange oil has a sweet, fresh and tangy smell.
For a more comprehensive list of essential oils, their uses and classifications try a website like: www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils
When choosing your oils you may be interested to know about their health benefits as much as their smell:
Citrus Oils – Tend to have similar properties, they are stimulating, refreshing and leave you feeling alive and cleansed. Try Oranges for lifting mood and libido. Use Neroli during times of anxiety. Grapefruit soothes headaches and exhaustion. Lemons for refreshing and clarifying thoughts.
Shrub & Vine Oils – Try Jasmine for a relaxing effect, Black Pepper for warmth and comfort, Geranium for nervous tension, Juniper for strengthen spirits, Rose for calming and Rosemary for mental fatigue.
Herb & Spice Oils – Try Clary Sage for an euphoric uplift, Chamomile for insomnia, Marjoram for migraines, Nutmeg for when you feel isolated and Palmarosa for comfort.
Tree Oils – Pine to clear the air, Eucalyptus to treat tiredness, Tea Tree is invigorating and revitalizing, Sandalwood as an aphrodisiac, Cedarwood to soothe, Cypress to uplift and Ylang Ylang has a sedative antidepressant action.
Here are some recipes to get you going:
Sensual perfume for women
- 5 drops coriander
- 6 drops bergamot
- 4 drops neroli
- 1 drops jasmine blend
- 3 drops rose blend
- 10 ml jojoba oil
Place oil base in mixing container, add oils in the order listed and mix. Bottle, cap and leave one week before using.
Sensual eau de cologne for men
- 10 drops lavender
- 20 drops coriander
- 22 drops sandalwood
- 23 drops cedarwood
- 5 drop frankincense
- 100 ml alcohol/vodka
Place the alcohol/vodka mixture into your mixing bowl, add the oils in the order given and mix well.
Recipes courtesy of www.essentialoils.co.za
Tweet