Natural Perfumery
I used to LOVE perfumes. If I could count the number I had it would probably have been between 20-30. Sometimes I wanted a floral smell, sometimes a more earthy/woodsy smell or sometimes a citrus smell. Once I learned that these perfumes were filled with chemicals that I didn't want in my body anymore I needed a replacement. I want to explain what I learned and how I mix my blends. - Kristina Carter
Perfumes are consisted of Top, Middle and Bottom Notes. Top Notes contain the smallest molecules and are the quickest to evaporate, Middle Notes generally last a few hours, and Base Notes that evaporate the slowest and contain the largest molecules can last for a day or more. This may get a little geeky but i LOVE it!!
TOP NOTES
These should be 10-25% of your blend. These oils are sharp, penetrating, uplifting, refreshing, light, and/or fleeting attributes.
Examples: Basil, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Lime, Neroli, Orange, Peppermint, Pine, Sage, Spearmint, Spruce, Tangerine.MIDDLE NOTES
These should be 30-60% of your blend. They are usually full-bodied, complex, and comprise the theme or focal point of the blend, while others complement/balance/harmonize with the other notes.
Examples: Angelica, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Clary Sage, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cypress, Fir Balsam, Geranium, Ginger, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemongrass, Melissa, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Stress Away, Ylang Ylang.BOTTOM NOTES
These should be 15-30% of your blend. They are the foundation on which the perfume is built and are dense, heavy, strong, deep, tenacious, and supportive (some with fixative qualities).
Examples: Cedarwood, Cistus, Clove, Elemi, Frankincense, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Spikenard, Valor, Vetiver.
I have also been loving to top them off with fresh herbs or flowers that are in the blend! Also looks pretty too!
I'm hoping to delve so much more into this and why we blend certain oils together, but for now I want to know different blends you all come up with.
-Kristina