I know what the general process is (mix essential oils, etc.), but I have no sense of smell so I have no way to know if the result is good. I’d like to read some scent theory but I don’t even know where to begin.
From chatgpt:
How to create perfumes
Step 1: Choose Your Fragrance Family Perfumes can be categorized into several families, including floral, oriental, citrus, woody, and fresh. Consider the type of scent you want to create and the mood you want to evoke.
Step 2: Select Essential Oils and Aroma ChemicalsEssential oils and aroma chemicals are the building blocks of your perfume. Choose high-quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils and aroma chemicals that align with your fragrance family. Some popular essential oils include bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood.
Step 3: Determine the Perfume ConcentrationPerfumes can be categorized into different concentrations, including perfume oil (15-20%), eau de parfum (10-15%), and eau de toilette (5-10%). For beginners, it’s recommended to start with a perfume oil concentration.
Step 4: Blend Your Fragrance Use a precision scale to measure the essential oils and aroma chemicals. Typically, a perfume blend consists of:
- Top notes (10-20%): Citrus, green, or fresh scents that provide the initial aroma.
- Middle notes (40-60%): Floral, spicy, or herbal scents that emerge after the top notes have faded.
- Base notes (20-40%): Woody, amber, or musky scents that provide depth and longevity.
Step 5: Add a Carrier Oil (Optional) If you’re creating a perfume oil, you’ll need to add a carrier oil (such as jojoba or sweet almond oil) to dilute the essential oils. The general ratio is 80% carrier oil to 20% essential oils.
Step 6: Store and Age Your Perfume Store your perfume in a dark, cool place to prevent degradation. Allow the perfume to mature for at least 2-4 weeks before using it. This allows the different fragrance components to settle and blend together harmoniously.
Tips and Considerations
- Always follow safety guidelines when working with essential oils and aroma chemicals.
- Use a precision scale to ensure accurate measurements.
- Start with simple blends and gradually experiment with more complex formulas.
- Consider the skin type and preferences of your intended audience when creating a perfume.
- Keep in mind that perfume creation is an art, and the perfect blend may take time and iteration to achieve.
Resources
- Online courses and tutorials: EPC Academy, Immortal Perfumes, and Bellatory offer comprehensive guides and tutorials on perfume creation.
- Books: “The Art of Perfumery” by Jean-Marc Chaillan and “Perfume: The Art and Craft of Fragrance” by Karen Gilbert are excellent resources for beginners and experienced perfumers alike.
Remember, creating perfumes requires patience, practice, and attention to detail. Start with simple blends and gradually experiment with more complex formulas to develop your skills and style