How To Save $$ And DIY Your Own WFH Perfume

Source: Anna Ok/Shutterstock

Over the past three months, our appreciation for DIY beauty has reached new heights. With store closures partnered with a tightening of our budget, pocket-friendly DIYs have become our savior. Plus, the process of creating something from scratch is not only rewarding but therapeutic, which is exactly what we need right RN. And there’s nothing more satisfying and indulgent than creating your own bespoke fragrance. A DIY perfume oil is the easiest way to do so, and because they don’t contain alcohol, the velvet texture melts into your skin and the scent lingers for longer.

While the DIY process is relatively easy, there are some basic rules you need to know to guarantee the best results for your WFH perfume. Follow our perfume oil guide here.

Scent 101: How to Make Your Own Perfume Oil

One thing all fragrances have in common, whether it’s a $200 designer fragrance or a $20 perfume oil, is that they’re comprised of three notes: Top, middle, and base notes. The top note is the first scent you smell, which often fades in approximately 20 minutes. Next, is the middle note, also known as the heart note, which is typically rich and potent. Finally, there’s the base note, which is the longest-lasting and is the heaviest scent that works in harmony with the middle note. Here’s a list of common top, middle, and base notes that you can mix together to create your fragrance:

Top notes: Bergomant, lemon, grapefruit, berries, lavender, neroli
Middle notes: Rose, ylang-ylang, rosemary, basil, lemongrass
Base notes: Vanilla, amber, musk, patchouli, sandalwood, cedarwood

To create your perfume, you’ll also need an unscented carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil to diffuse the potency of the essential oil blend – if you only mix three essential oils together, your fragrance will be too intense. Here are the basic ratio guidelines:

What you’ll need: 

– 5 ml rollerball or dropper bottle
– Your chosen essential oil blend made up of three essential oils (a base, middle, and top)
– Unscented carrier oil

The most important element to get right when you’re creating a perfume oil is the ratio of carrier oil to essential oil. The essential oil blend should be two-part base note, one part top note, and one part middle note. However, this blend should only make up 20% of the final formula, the other 80% should be made up with an unscented carrier oil.

Therefore, the basic recipe should be 80 drops of carrier oil, plus 10 drops of your base note essential oil, 5 drops of your middle note, and 5 drops of your top note oil. While you’re mixing it up, you can start by adding three drops of each oil, and then add more or less of the oils you like to get the blend to your preference.

Our Top Three Perfume Combinations

Scent is one of the most powerful senses, in fact, particular scents possess the capabilities to influence your mood, whether that’s calming, uplifting, or emboldening. For instance, lavender is scientifically proven to reduce signs of stress while vanilla has been used throughout history to turn men on.

With this in mind, we’ve created three different perfume oils, each with a different mood-boosting power. Of course, you can experiment and create your own perfume. Just remember to stick to the basic ratio. Once you’ve created your DIY perfume, lightly dab a few drops on to the insides of your wrists, elbows, and on your neck.

Our Go-To Uplifting, Empowering Scent

Top note: Grapefruit
Middle note: Ylang-Ylang
Base note: Vanilla

The result: An energizing, sparkling scent that’ll empower you to tackle the day ahead

Mix together 80 drops of unscented carrier oil, five drops of ylang-ylang oil, five drops of grapefruit oil, and 10 drops of vanilla essence in a small glass or porcelain bowl. Transfer the oils into the rollerball or your dropper bottle container using a small funnel. Store in a cool, dark place.

Our Go-To Calming Scent

Top note: Lavender
Middle note: Jasmine
Base note: Vanilla

The result: A warm, cozy, calming scent that’ll help you distress and stay zen

Mix together 80 drops of unscented carrier oil, five drops of lavender oil, five drops of jasmine oil, and 10 drops of vanilla essence in a small bowl. Transfer the oils into the rollerball or your dropper bottle container using a small funnel. Store in a cool, dark place.

Our Go-To Sensual Scent

Top note: Jasmine
Middle note: Orange
Base note: Sandalwood

The result: A rich, decadent fragrance that’ll get you and your partner in the mood

Mix together 80 drops of unscented carrier oil, five drops of jasmine oil, orange blossom oil, and 10 drops of sandalwood oil in a small bowl. Transfer the oils into the rollerball or your dropper bottle container using a small funnel. Store in a cool, dark place.

Before you start making your own oil, there are a few safety notes you should be aware of…

Perfume oils are made from potent plant-derived essences, and while that means they’re typically longer-lasting, the richness of the formula can cause skin sensitivity. Therefore, make sure you follow the measurements carefully, otherwise it can cause irritation. It’s also important to note that citrus-based oils have been known to cause photosensitivity so always research your ingredient prior. We’d also recommend doing a patch test of your DIY perfume oil to be sure it doesn’t cause irritation.

For more perfume inspiration, check out 9 perfume hacks that’ll make you smell gorgeous all day.