Make Your Own Toxin-Free Perfume

Did you know that its not that difficult to blend your own unique fragrance with natural essential oils? Have fun blending different essential oils to create something that no one else has ever created. Keep notes of your recipe so that when you hit on something truly spectacular you'll know how to replicate it when you run out. Best of all you'll know exactly what went into your creation and won't have to worry that there is anything other than natural ingredients in your concoction.

Making your own perfume will be an exercise in small adjustments. A simple way to start is to choose an oil from each category below and begin blending and sniffing. Blend tiny amounts to begin with until you land on a scent that you find pleasing. Once you're happy with your scent blend, add 20 parts alcohol to 1 part essential oils to preserve and set the blend and let it sit for 48 hours before using. It's best if you shake the blend before you apply it to ensure an even distribution of the essential oils and alcohol. You can also add some drops of jojoba oil to thicken the base if you wish.

Perfumers understand that creating a perfume is much like writing a symphony. It requires an artful balance of base notes, middle notes and top notes to manufacture a pleasing scent.

Base Notes Base notes are your heaviest oils. They come through last but they also linger the longest on the skin. Examples of essential oils that would serve as base notes would be cinnamon, balsam, jasmine, cedarwood, sandalwood, vanilla, clove, and rose.

Middle Notes Middle notes are used to soften and balance the powerful base notes. Examples of these would be rosemary, lavender, chamomile, marjoram, nutmeg, cardamom and juniper.

Top Notes Top notes are the essential oils that you smell when a scent first hits your nose. These give the initial impression but then soften as the base notes come through and the delicate top notes evaporate. Examples of top notes would be citrus oils, spearmint, coriander, hyssop, verbena, peppermint, basil, tea tree, and neroli.

Happy blending!