DIY Perfume 101: Craft Your Own Citrusy Scented Fragrance

Crafting your own perfume at home can be an exciting and creative journey. Not only does it give you the freedom to develop your own unique scent, but it's also an excellent way to ensure that the ingredients you use align with your commitment to health and wellbeing. In this blog post, we will guide you through the basics of homemade perfume-making, focusing on creating a citrusy scent that is balanced and invigorating.

To begin with, it's essential to understand the structure of a fragrance. Perfumes are composed of three layers of scents known as 'notes.' The top notes are the initial scents you perceive, which quickly evaporate, revealing the heart or middle notes. The base notes are the last to develop and can last for hours. A well-balanced perfume engages all these notes harmoniously.

For a predominantly citrusy scent, you might choose essential oils like bergamot, grapefruit, or lemon for the top notes. Heart notes can be floral or herbal like rose, lavender, or chamomile, which beautifully bridge the light citrus top notes and the heavier base notes. Lastly, the base notes can be something earthy or woodsy like sandalwood, cedarwood, or patchouli.

Here's a simple recipe you can follow:

Ingredients:

• 10 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil (Top note)
• 10 drops of Rose Essential Oil (Heart note)
• 10 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil (Base note)
• 2 tablespoons of Jojoba Oil (Carrier oil)
• A dark glass dropper bottle for storage

Steps:

1. Start by adding your essential oils to the dropper bottle. Begin with the base note (sandalwood), followed by the heart note (rose), and finally, the top note (bergamot).
2. After adding the essential oils, fill the rest of the bottle with your carrier oil (jojoba oil).
3. Seal the bottle and gently shake it to mix the oils.
4. Allow the perfume to rest for at least 48 hours. This 'resting phase' lets the scents meld together, creating a more balanced and unified fragrance.

When using your homemade perfume, apply lightly to pulse points, such as the inside of the wrist, the base of the throat, behind ear lobes, and behind knees. These warm areas will help disseminate the fragrance across your entire body.

As for storage, homemade perfumes should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain their scent quality. Since heat and light can break down the essential oils and lessen the quality of the fragrance, a closet or a drawer can be an ideal location.

Sharing your homemade perfume can be a wonderful gesture. Consider using small, dark glass bottles and personalized labels to add a touch of charm. 

Remember, perfume making is an art that takes patience and practice. Don't hesitate to experiment with different essential oils and proportions. The key is to enjoy the process and let your creativity flourish.