The science of perfume originated in France and was initially known as "aromatology." It was discovered that fats could absorb fragrances. People would spread a piece of fat onto a glass sheet and place it on a wooden frame surrounded by flowers, changing the flowers regularly. After several changes, the fat would change color, becoming more saturated and deeper. At this point, the fat would be minced and mixed with alcohol, transferring the fragrance to the alcohol, creating an early form of perfume. The remaining fat could also be processed into balm.

Today, the method of making perfumes still follows this traditional practice, although the raw materials have become more refined and precise. If you've tried various brands of perfume but can't find a scent you love, creating your own homemade fragrance might be a great option.

Perfumes are primarily composed of aromatic essential oils, alcohol, and water. The most crucial aspect of making a perfume is the ratio of these three components.

Perfume is a mixture of pure alcohol and essential oils without any distilled water. The concentration of essential oils in the alcohol, known as the "fragrance load," ranges from 15% to 30%. This undiluted mixture is referred to as "perfume." The scent of perfume typically lasts about 5-7 hours.

Eau de Toilette contains 5%-10% essential oil, 80% alcohol, and the remainder is distilled water. The scent of Eau de Toilette typically lasts about 3 hours.

Eau de Cologne contains 2%-5% essential oil, 80% alcohol, and the rest is distilled water. The fragrance lasts about 1-2 hours.

Materials:

- 100% natural essential oils, the main ingredient in perfumes, provide a pure and long-lasting aroma.

- 95% Perfumer's alcohol is used to dilute essential oils.

- Oils: glycerin, jojoba oil.

- Distilled water

- Tools: dropper, glass measuring cup, glass stick, dark glass bottle, perfume test strips.

- Notebook: Keeping track of your recipes is crucial. During the perfumery process, it's important to record the number of drops of each scent as you add them, so you can remember what you included in your perfume.

Step 1. Dilute the essential oil

Pour 10% glycerin or jojoba oil into a glass measuring cup, then add the low-volatility essential oils. Next, pour in 95% perfume alcohol and stir well with a glass stirrer to fully dilute the essential oils.

For making perfume, the ratio of essential oils to alcohol is approximately 2:8. For Eau de Toilette, the ratio is about 1:9. The diluted essential oil will determine the dominant aroma of the final product.

Step 2. Fragrance

Although there are many recommended essential oil fragrance formulas, the results can vary significantly due to differences in essential oil raw materials and quality. It's advisable to test different diluted essential oils on fragrance paper, continuously trying, smelling, and adjusting until you find a satisfactory blend. Be sure to record detailed notes in your notebook throughout the process.

For a more sour and refreshing scent, add lemon or citrus essential oils. For a sweeter aroma, use floral essential oils. If the fragrance is too strong, you can dilute it by adding more alcohol.

Step 3. Bottling

Once the fragrance is complete, pour the blended perfume into your prepared bottle. Let it stand for 24 hours to allow the alcohol to fully blend with the essential oils, which will enhance the fragrance's release.

Notes:

- During the perfumery process, ensure the room is well-ventilated and avoid inhaling strong aromas for extended periods.

- During DIY perfume creation, repeated exposure to fragrances can lead to olfactory fatigue. To refresh your sense of smell, you can prepare coffee beans or coffee powder. Smelling coffee can help reset your nose and improve your ability to judge scents.