Perfumes have become a daily part of our lives as a lot of people use it to either eliminate strong bodily odour or may just want to smell good. People use perfumes for different reasons. However, whatever these reasons may be, one thing is certain; perfumes have become a way of life and presents business opportunities for many. This article sheds light on how to make perfume, the perfume industry with special focus on natural perfume fragrance/scent.
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The Choice of Natural Fragrance Over Synthetic Fragrance
People have increasingly become drawn to perfume usage. This they either do to make a fashion statement or to mask strong body odors. Perfumes may also have an impact on the moods of people. However there is a gradual shift from perfumes with synthetic fragrances to those with natural fragrance. The reason for this trend is not far-fetched. Research has shown that natural fragrance perfumes are much safer to use than those with synthetic fragrances. Why is this so? This is simply because natural ingredients are used.
Essential oils are some of the natural ingredients used. Others are botanically infused oils, plant waxes as well as other botanical extracts. These do not have have any negative or side effects on the skin. Therefore while eliminating synthetic materials that pose a health risk to the user, you still get to have the unique fragrance you need for your perfume.
Synthetic Fragrance: Dangers you May be Exposed to
While synthetic perfumes may give you the desired fragrance, there are attendant health risks attached to it. Most of the perfume purchased over the counter have a “fragrance” written on the ingredient lists. However there is much more than that in reality. Before a fragrance is made, there may be a mixture of over a hundred chemicals! This means that the word fragrance is used to define the end product rather than all the ingredients. The several mixtures are made to arrive at a particular scent.
It must be noted that health risks are not necessarily considered in the process. Synthetic fragrances have been found to contain hormonal disruptors. These have caused cell production imbalance in the body. The carcinogenic (cancer causing) synthetic substances used lead to cancers and allergic reactions. Others include disorder of the central nervous system, as well as birth defects. What are these synthetic substances? Some of the chemical substances used include aldehydes, benzene derivatives and toluene.
What is in a Fragrance?
Perfume making is all about fragrance. Obtaining a 100% natural fragrance for you perfume is the objective. Hence you need to have some basic fragrance knowledge. A fragrance is basically made up of 3 types of scents in varying proportions. These are known as the top, middle and base notes with a 30, 50, and 20% configuration. The initial scent is the top note. This does not last long but quickly fades away. The middle note is more consistent and naturally lasts longer. The third is the base note. This works to reinvigorate the middle notes.
Basic Ingredients and Where they Belong
In making your perfume, there are basic ingredients you should get. Each of these have their place in the order of things. The 3 scents must all blend to achieve the desired natural fragrance. Ingredients for the top note scent include grapefruit, neroli, lavender, basil, bergamot, lemon, orange, mint and rosemary. Those for middle notes include geranium, yarrow, nutmeg, juniper, black pepper, chamomile, cardamom, bay and fennel. Ingredients for base notes are cypress, pine, sandalwood, cedarwood, ginger, patchouli, vetiver and vanilla.
Getting the Right Mix
This is where the work is. The art of perfume making relies on getting the desired final result. In this case hitting the mark in your chosen fragrance. To make real progress therefore, a lot is needed in striking your desired target. How you choose and mix your essential oils is important. You should get a coffee filter, small funnel, 2 airtight dark bottles, and 30 drops of essential oils (this should be in top notes; 9 drops, middle notes; 15 drops and base notes 6 drops order). Other requirements include two and a half tablespoons of water (bottled preferably), 6 tablespoons of alcohol and 2 tablespoons of career oil.
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Mixing your ingredients should follow. These should be mixed in this order; the carrier oil should be poured into one of the bottles. This should be followed by the base, middle and top notes in that order. Your alcohol should be added last. This is a simple process and should be done carefully. The bottle should be covered and the mixture left to mature. This gets better with age. Your natural fragrance will gain more fragrance with time. You can decide to keep it for as long as 2 months or more. However the minimum should be two days.
Your bottled water should be added at the end of this period. After adding water, it should be shaken and filtered out using the filter and funnel. The above information aids to get a 100% natural fragrance for your perfume.
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