How To Make Your Own Perfume At Home

Learn How To Make Homemade Perfumes

Still trying to find that elusive perfect scent? Chanel, Alfred Sung and Calvin Klein aren’t working for you? Worry no more. Why not create your own homemade perfumes? It may be easier than you think…

Basic Homemade Perfume Recipe

This water-based perfume is easy to make and does not require many ingredients. All you need is a bowl with a lid, a cheesecloth, a small pot, a stove top, some water and 250 ml (1 cup) of freshly chopped flowers of your choice. Perhaps you enjoy lilac, lavender or roses? What do you have in your garden?

Ready? Gather everything and let’s get started.

1. Place your cheesecloth over the bowl so that the bowl is no longer visible and the edges of the cloth are hanging over the bowl.

2. Place your fresh flowers on the cheesecloth.

3. Pour 500 ml (2 cups) of water over the flowers, making sure that they are submerged.

4. Cover your bowl with a lid and let it sit overnight.

5. After 12 to 24 hours, take all four corners of the cheesecloth and remove it from the bowl, ensuring that the flowers stay in the cloth.

6. Gently wring out all water remaining in the cheesecloth into a small pot.

7. Turn on the heat and let the water simmer until most of the water has evaporated. When there is about 5 ml or 1 teaspoon left, turn off the heat and transfer your concentrated flower water into a small bottle.

8. Label your bottle with the name of the flowers you used and an expiry date of one month from today.

Oil-Based Perfume Recipe

Most people have favourite essential oils. Why not make a perfume out of them? Simply select two or three of your essential oils and mix with a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil. Here is the standard mixing ratio that you should use:

Essential Oil #1 3 to 4 drops
Essential Oil #2 3 to 4 drops
Essential Oil #3 3 to 4 drops
Carrier Oil 10 ml or 2 teaspoons

Essential oils are quite potent when undiluted. You should cover your work surface to prevent it from getting damaged. Once your perfume is mixed, let it sit for 12 to 24 hours before applying.

Alcohol-Based Perfume Recipe

This homemade recipe creates a lighter perfume. You must still cover your work area with plastic and avoid direct skin contact with undiluted essential oils. Here is the basic recipe. Simply select 3 of your favourite essential oils and experiment!

500 ml (2 cups) Water
45 ml (3 tbs) Vodka
5 drops Earth/Wood Essential Oil (sandalwood or ylang ylang)
10 drops Citrus Essential Oil (neroli or bergamot)
10 drops Fruity Essential Oil or Fragrance Oil (cassis or blueberry)

Simply mix the ingredients together and transfer to a glass jar. Once your perfume is mixed, let it sit for 12 to 24 hours before applying. Always keep your homemade perfumes in cool dark areas.

Because you are unique as an individual and your tastes are also unique, have fun and experiment. You’ll soon discover the perfect homemade perfume. The one made just for you, by you.