Known since antiquity, perfume is part of a ritual that allows us to feel in harmony with ourselves. Choosing one is sometimes complicated, as our desires vary with the seasons, our current style, and of course, our mood. Making it yourself allows you to master the entire process, avoiding chemicals and turning toward the most relevant olfactory notes. Here you will find useful tips to get your perfume project started and enjoy an authentic creation day after day.
The world of perfumery is full of surprises and often appeals to our emotions and memories. The famous "noses," the professionals in the field, are best placed to enlighten you. A perfume creation workshop makes a perfect gift for fragrance lovers who want to dive into this subtle art. Before moving on to the practical side, a few concepts should be understood to achieve an essence full of character.
The 3 essential components of perfume
A perfume must contain 3 elements to be wearable in the long term. First, what makes the liquid rich is obviously the scent, which is provided by an essential oil. The latter must be of high quality to obtain a powerful and pleasant product.
Next comes the carrier, often alcohol, which constitutes the base of the perfume and allows for the water-oil balance. It allows the perfume to be preserved over time while letting the fragrance express itself.
The fixative can be added to finalize the creation. Preferably of natural origin (iris root is often found), it contributes to how long the perfume lasts on the skin.
Top note, heart note, base note: perfume from every angle
The richness of the greatest perfumes lies in their ability to evolve over time. Several notes make up the perfume.
The top note is the first one presented to the sense of smell. It is often light and fleeting, but it also tells us about the overall allure of the perfume.
Then comes the heart note, the one that hides behind our first impression and lingers. This is the identity of the perfume.
Finally, it is the base note, brought by the fixative, that must catch our attention. It is the scent that remains a day after spraying the perfume and that permeates our wardrobe.
Testing your perfume is therefore ideal to know if it suits you perfectly.
8 families to draw inspiration from
Once you have the technical side in mind, let your senses awaken and your imagination work to understand what your current desires are and what scents will allow you to feel in harmony with yourself.
Perfumers have classified natural scents into 8 main families.
- Amber scents characterize enveloping, often captivating and warm smells. These include benzoin, Tonka bean, and vanilla.
- Spicy scents are another category that will appeal to the boldest. It notably includes cinnamon, ginger, and various peppers.
- Aromatics are natural scents that refer directly to landscapes and plants. Lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus are to be experimented with in this category.
- Greens go even further into the natural side and plunge us into a great breath of fresh air. Sap, roots, and grass are part of it.
- Woody scents are also for lovers of character and elegance. Sandalwood, patchouli, and cedar are essentials that allow for powerful or more subtle fragrances.
- Citrus scents, which look toward citrus fruits, are also very popular. They are loved for the arrival of spring and summer.
- Fruity scents echo regressive gourmandise and comfort. Peach, cherry, and apricot—all these notes are a treat to smell and wear.
- Florals are undoubtedly the most appreciated category and allow for consistently pleasant and sensual associations. Orange blossom, rose, or jasmine—your choice will bound to be the right one.