CREATE YOUR OWN FRAGRANCE
More than a year ago, when writing my “things to own before hitting the thirties” list, I added “finding a signature fragrance”. Completely turned-off by the on-the-shelf selection – some might ask “how could one get bored with the zillion of different options out there?”; since we aren’t all born with the same sense of scent, it’s practically impossible to be found of every fragrance on the shelves of Sephora – the aforementioned, plus the “need to feel unique” (just like I wouldn’t be thrilled to pass by someone wearing exactly the same outfit as I am, I totally dislike the aroma of my favorite fragrance on someone else) thought me into searching a customizable scent to become my signature. Beginning my mission in the small perfume boutiques that promise customizable fragrances – though not unsatisfying, the result didn’t reach the level of uniqueness I was hoping for – I quickly moved on to a more appealing source of interest: the DIY beauty guides. Apparently, the same way you can make your own shampoo, lipstick or natural moisturizer, you can create your own, customizable perfume. No need to have a master’s degree in chemistry to work it out: essential oils, some bee wax and imagination are the key-ingredients of your future signature scent. Here are three of my favorite recipes:
THE CLASSIC VERSION
8 drops essential oil for the base
20 drops essential oil for the mid
12 drops essential oil for the top
2 TBSP jojoba carier oil
2-4 TBSP vodka
2 TBSP distilled water
Here, you’ll be layering the three main notes: the top one, the middle one and the base. Begin by choosing your base notes (the ones that last the longer, fixating the mid and the top notes). My personal fave is Vetiver, but another common note is Sandalwood.
After you choose your fave, move to the mid notes. Select them according to your base – jasmine, rose and ylang ylang are the ones who perfectly match each of the two bases aforementioned.
Now it’s time to move on to the top notes (the first impression notes, as they are the ones you can feel immediately) – maybe you are a citrus girl – mandarin and bergamot would do the trick for you – or maybe you’re a flower aficionado – the options are endless.
Once you chose your faves, place them into a recipient with a dropper in the exact order: 8 drops of base, 20 drops of middle and 12 drops of top. Of course, you can adjust the quantities according to the strength you want (however, keep the proportions 20% base, 50% mid, 30% top). Cap the bottle and shake it for a few seconds. Open the bottle – if necessary, adjust the fragrance by adding more of your fave scent. After you did the adjustments, put the small recipient aside for a few hours. Once it’s ready, open the bottle and fill the rest of your bottle with the carrier oil of your choice and 2-4 TBSP vodka. Cap it and mix for a few minutes – store your perfume in a cold, dark place for at least a week (no sneak-peeking inside during this period). The waiting time finished, open the recipient and add 2 TBSP of distilled water. Shake the content and move it to a perfume bottle. TA-DAAA!
THE ALCOHOL-FREE VERSION
Just like in the case of the Classic Version, start by selecting your base, mid and top notes. Once you’ve done with that, choose a carrier oil (coconut if you want it to be solid or almond if you want a fluid perfume) – the semi-solid version involves mixing one part almond and two parts melted coconut oil. Just add it to your blend of fave oils (20%base, 50% mid, 30% top) and, after shaking the mixture, pour the result into a perfume bottle (use a filter for this step). Keep it in a dark place for at least a week (it needs up to 6 weeks to completely blend).
THE SOLID VERSION
1 Tbsp. coconut oil (or oil of choice if you prefer another)
1 Tbsp. beeswax
30 drops Essential oil (if you want to combine oils, add a few drops of each choice; you can add how many scents you feel like, but it’s better to keep them related – tangerine, lemon and bergamot if you want a citrus fragrance or the flowers of your choice if you crave for a floral scent )
Warm your first two ingredients on medium heat until all of the beeswax melts. Once removed from the heat, mix them together with the essential oil of your choice. Of course, you can add more than one essential oil, depending on your choice and on the season we’re in.
Pour the mixture in small recipients and allow it to cool down for a few hours.
