Understanding the Application of Base, Middle and Top notes in Perfume Making
Before we start making our own DIY perfume, it is good to get a brief idea on how the different notes of the composition of a perfume works in perfumery.
The essential oils that you use form the basis of your perfume. These essential oils are called the 'notes' of the perfume.
The base notes:
are the part of the perfume that lasts the longest on your skin.
The middle notes:
evaporate a little more quickly.
The top notes:
are the most volatile and disperse first.
Sometimes other substances are added to a perfume, such as sea salt (ocean scent), black pepper (spicy), camphor, and vetiver. Since the essential oils evaporate at different rates, the way a perfume smells changes over time as you wear it.
The order in which you mix your ingredients is important, since it will affect the scent. If you change the procedure, record what you did in case you want to do it again.
Create Your Perfume Mist / Spray :
It takes experimentation to get the scent you want, but you can get started in the right direction by keeping in mind the type of scent associated with essential oils:
Earthy: patchouli, vetiver
Floral: geranium, jasmine, neroli, rose, violet, ylang-ylang
Fruity: bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, lime, mandarin, orange
Herbal: angelica, basil, chamomile, clary sage, lavender, peppermint, rosemary
Sea: sea salt
Spicy: black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, coriander, ginger, juniper, nutmeg
Woodsy: cassia, cedar, cypress, pine, sandalwood
If the perfume is too strong, you can dilute it with more water. If you want your perfume to retain its scent longer, add a tablespoon of glycerin to the perfume mixture.
The essential oils that you use form the basis of your perfume. These essential oils are called the 'notes' of the perfume.
The base notes:
are the part of the perfume that lasts the longest on your skin.
The middle notes:
evaporate a little more quickly.
The top notes:
are the most volatile and disperse first.
Sometimes other substances are added to a perfume, such as sea salt (ocean scent), black pepper (spicy), camphor, and vetiver. Since the essential oils evaporate at different rates, the way a perfume smells changes over time as you wear it.
 |
| Suggested Recipe for 20ml Spray Bottle: Flamingo Dance - with Pine, Rose & Bergamot. |
Here are some examples of common base, middle, top:
The order in which you mix your ingredients is important, since it will affect the scent. If you change the procedure, record what you did in case you want to do it again.
- In 5ml glass spray bottle / Atomizer, add 25 drops jojoba oil or sweet almond oil to the bottle.
- Add 10-20 drops of each essential oils in the following order: the base notes (10 drops), followed by the middle notes (10 drops), then finally the top notes (10 drops).
- Add a drop or two pure vitamin E oil to it to preserve better.
- Add 2-1/2 ounces of alcohol (neutral alcohol like vodka will do, the alcohol will slowly evaporate, it helps to combine the blend better. Or substitute with witch hazel).
- Shake (swirl gently) the bottle for a couple of minutes then let it sit for 48 hours to 6 weeks. The scent will change over time, becoming strongest around 6 weeks.
- You can also make it in a bigger portion and pour into a smaller decorative/portable perfume spray bottle, but in general, store your perfume in a dark sealed bottle, away from heat and light.
- Label your creation. It's a good idea to record how you made the perfume, in case you want to duplicate it.
It takes experimentation to get the scent you want, but you can get started in the right direction by keeping in mind the type of scent associated with essential oils:
Earthy: patchouli, vetiver
Floral: geranium, jasmine, neroli, rose, violet, ylang-ylang
Fruity: bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, lime, mandarin, orange
Herbal: angelica, basil, chamomile, clary sage, lavender, peppermint, rosemary
Sea: sea salt
Spicy: black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, coriander, ginger, juniper, nutmeg
Woodsy: cassia, cedar, cypress, pine, sandalwood
If the perfume is too strong, you can dilute it with more water. If you want your perfume to retain its scent longer, add a tablespoon of glycerin to the perfume mixture.
Comments
Post a Comment