For a masculine scent, try chamomile oil.
Since the earliest civilizations, perfume has been produced to make our homes and bodies more fragrant—and scent plays an important role in human attraction. Flowers, fruit, wood and spices can all be used to make our personal scent more appealing.
Succulent fragrances stimulate the mind, and any of these traditional formulas can help to make us feel refreshed and revitalized. Smells sway emotions, modify perception and are the ultimate wake-up call for the senses.
• Mix together 1/4 cup (50 ml) vodka, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) distilled water and about 25 drops of the essential oil of your choice; shake vigorously. The resulting fragrance is ready to use.
• Sandalwood and cedar are favorites for masculine scent mixtures. For a flowery aroma, use patchouli, geranium or lavender oil. Opt for orange or bergamot oil to obtain a charming fresh scent, and use violet or rose oil to achieve heavy, sensual notes.
• Oxygen, heat and light destroy fragrances. Keep your homemade perfume in a tightly sealed bottle in a cool, dark location and it will last for about 3 months.
Fragrance for him
3 teaspoons (15 ml) 40-proof vodka
10 drops chamomile oil
10 drops geranium oil
10 drops clary sage oil
10 drops bergamot oil
10 drops neroli oil
5 drops coriander oil
1/2 cup (100 ml) witch hazel
Put the vodka and essential oils into a glass bottle and shake well to dissolve the oils. Add the witch hazel and shake once again. Let steep for a week and shake before each use.
• Eau de cologne, a time-tested classic, can be made at home. Mix 11/4 cups (300 ml) water with 12 drops each bergamot and lemon oils, 10 drops each orange and geranium oils, 6 drops rosemary oil and 3 drops neroli oil. Shake vigorously and set the mixture aside for 2 days. Add about 1/3 cup (75 ml) distilled water, shake well once again and let the solution steep for about a week before using.
• To produce a feminine fragrance with a subtle vanilla aroma, slit open 2 vanilla bean pods and soak them in about 1/2 cup (100 ml) vodka. Remove the vanilla pods after 3 days and add 1 cup (250 ml) distilled water.
• To make a classic summer perfume that relies on the pure, fresh scent of citrus fruit, mix together 3 teaspoons (15 ml) vodka, 10 drops each orange, neroli, lemon, mandarin orange and rose oils, plus 5 drops of bergamot oil, then add about 1/2 cup (100 ml) orange-flower water. Let steep for at least a week to develop fully.
• For a distinctive violet perfume, pour about 3 tablespoons (45 ml) rubbing alcohol and 1/4 cup (50 ml) distilled water over 1/2 cup (100 g) violet flowers and let steep for a full week. Strain the liquid and mix with 1/2 cup (100 ml) distilled water. Alternatively, use two handfuls of lavender or rose flowers instead of the violets.
• For a fragrant rosewater, pour 1 quart (1 L) boiling water over 1/2 cup (100 g) fresh rose petals, steep for an hour, and strain. Place the strained rosewater in a saucepan, return to a boil and pour it over another 1/2 cup (100 g) rose petals. Strain and store the cooled rosewater in a dark bottle.
Lavender water
Scenting handkerchiefs is a tradition well worth reviving—especially when the perfume is calming lavender.
2 teaspoons (10 g) dried lavender flowers
20 drops lavender oil
1 cup (250 ml) water
Bring the water to a boil, add the lavender flowers and oil. Mix well and set aside, covered, for 24 hours. Strain through fine muslin and transfer to sterilized bottles or jars. Seal tightly. Keep in a cool, dark place.
Consider these guidelines when using fragrances.
• In contrast to heavy evening perfumes, the subtle aroma of less intense fragrances can be used from head to toe.
• Never use too much perfume or the scent will become overpowering. A couple of drops from a vial or two or three squirts from a pump bottle will be sufficient.
• In order to make the most of a scent, apply perfume to clean skin.
MAKE A SOFT, tantalizing PERFUME FROM VIOLETS.
