Blending Essential Oils

Essential oils can be separated into three aromatic categories or notes : base, middle and top.

It is important to remember that when you are blending, aromatic top notes are the first thing you smell and last a relatively short amount of time. Top notes should make up between 5-20 percent of the perfume blend. Middle notes are the next group of oils you will smell. Once the top note wears off, middle notes start to become more prominent; this can happen anywhere from 20-60 minutes after application. These are known as the body, bouquet heart of the fragrance and make up between 50-80 percent of the perfume blend. After an hour or two, you will begin to smell the base notes. Base notes are the oils that last the longest and are usually floral or woody scents. Base notes, like top notes, make up between 5-20 percent of the perfume. When creating you own natural perfume fragrance, adding alcohol or carrier oils such as Fractionated Coconut Oil can help tone down overpowering oils and even prolong the life of your custom fragrance.

Top

• Basil • Bergamot • Clary Sage • Coriander • Eucalyptus • Grapefruit • Lemon • Lemongrass • Lime • Wild Orange • Peppermint • Petitgrain • Tangerine • Tea Tree • Wintergreen

Middle

• Black Pepper • Cardamom • Cilantro • Cypress • Douglas Fir • Fennel, sweet • Geranium • Juniper Berry • Rosemary • Lavender • Marjoram • Melissa • Oregano • Roman Chamomile • Spikenard • Thyme • Siberian Fir • Yarrow Pom

Base

• Arborvitae • Blue Tansy • Cassia • Cedarwood • Cinnamon Bark • Clove Bud • Copaiba • Frankincense • Ginger • Helichrysum • Jasmine • Myrrh • Patchouli • Rose • Sandalwood • Vetiver • Ylang Ylang

When you are ready to create you own essential oil perfume blend remember, the middle is the heart but the base ties it all together.

Blending How To …

Choose your favourites from the base and middle oils first and then “top it off”. For example, lets say you want a blend that is both woody and masculine but is versatile enough to be light and feminine. You would want to choose oils from the base and middle section that have deep, rich aromas but are still fresh and clean like Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Juniper Berry. Next you will want to choose one or more oils from the top note section that are consistent with the theme but also give the blend that extra kick, like Siberian Fir and Grapefruit. Now you want to blend them.

Add 4 drops Cedarwood, 5 drops Sandalwood, 4 drops Juniper Berry, 5 drops Grapefruit and 2 drops Siberian Fir to your 10ml bottle.

Once you have the oils in the bottle, cap and shake to combine. Make sure the blend is what you were going for, then top off with Fractionated Coconut Oil.

Common Aromatic Scent Profiles

Floral : Geranium, Lavender and Ylang Ylang

Oriental : Ginger, Patchouli and Frankincense

Woody : Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Vetiver

Fresh : Bergamot, Grapefruit and Wild Orange

Recommended DIY Fragrances

For Him – The Nomad

Top – 4 drops Spearmint, 4 drops Lime, 4 drops Grapefruit, 4 drops Eucalyptus

Middle – 5 drops Black Pepper, 5 drops Cypress

Base – 4 drops Patchouli

Carrier – Fractionated Coconut Oil

Bottle – 10ml glass roller or dropper

Optional – substitute Peppermint for Spearmint for a spicier fragrance.

For Her – The Traveller

Top – 3 drops Wild Orange, 5 drops Lime

Middle – 3 drops Juniper Berry, 3 drops Cinnamon Bark

Base – 4 drops Frankincense

Carrier – Fractionated Coconut Oil

Bottle – 10ml glass roller or dropper

Optional – add 1-2 drops dōTERRA Rose, Neroli or Jasmine Touch.

Storage tips : To be sure that your unique essential oil perfume lasts, store in a cool dry place preferably out of direct sunlight.

Credit : dōTERRA Living Magazine, Fall 2017