We all love fragrances, and a branded perfume is actually a fun way to stand out from the crowd. Unfortunately, many of those pretty bottles in department stores are filled with toxic and dangerous chemicals. Studies show that the ingredients found in store-bought fragrances and colognes can trigger health problems ranging from allergic reactions, asthma-like symptoms to chronic headaches. Even more alarmingly, toxicity levels can be so high that they have been linked to certain cancers and thyroid complications.
However, there is good news! Making your own fragrance is as simple as getting a few key ingredients from a health food store. Instead of dealing with all those horrible chemicals, let’s make our perfume the Green Planet way!
To Start Off
To begin, choose a neutral base for your fragrance. For a liquid consistency, choose alcohol, such as vodka. Another option is to use an excellent oil (jojoba or almond oil is ideal). The most used formula is a 1:1 mixture of alcohol and oil, but using both is certainly not necessary. Coconut oil is another excellent option for a fiercer fragrance. Consider making a body mist by starting with filtered water and essential oils if heavy oils aren’t your thing!
A Liberal Touch of You
That’s where it gets fun! It’s time to experiment and discover which fragrances speak to you and your personal style. Spend some time in the natural products section of your grocery store, or even in the bulk herbs and spices section! Focus on the fragrances that stand out from you and the type of ambiance you are looking for. Do you like flowers or prefer to smell like a decadent dessert? While there are countless ways to mix and match fragrances to your taste, having a free formula will help you find one unique and complex one. Simply choose an essential oil you like and play with the quantities until you find one you want.
It’s Application Time!
Once you’ve found your winning combination, it’s time to choose your preferred application method. Roller-blades are perfect for oil-based fragrances because they let you know exactly where you’re applying them and prevent them from depositing on your clothes or other valuables. Spray bottles are perfect for mixtures of alcohol or water. If you started with a more substantial base such as coconut oil, a lovely tin or glass container would be more effective. Solid fragrances are a great addition to your beauty travel bag, as they are convenient and mess-free. There may also be a few ways to keep your scent by reusing items you already have on hand.
Now that you know all the basics, we hope you have fun creating your very own fragrance. In case you’re still scratching your head, here’s a quick recipe for inspiration.
Do-it-yourself Perfume (Fills small container with roller-ball)
*Note* (You can buy essential oils anywhere online or in health food stores. Buy pure essential oil to make sure it is 100% safe).
Instructions:
Combine the ingredients in a small container and mix lightly by tilting the bottle back and forth. Apply to wrists, behind the ear and in the neck. On average, the fragrance should last 2-3 hours. Feel free to reapply throughout the day if necessary.
You can smell amazing and be chemical-free at the same time. Your body and your health will thank you for the years to come. The best part? Everyone else will be dying to get to know your characteristic (green) scent!
Are you ready to make your very own perfume?
