Over the past year or so I’ve been slowly adding to my essential oil collection. (Though I have a rather bad memory about what I’ve already purchased and keep buying citrus.) My latest purchase: jasmine. Taking inspiration from Philosophy‘s annual perfume dedicated to l’amour I created my own romantic homemade perfume.
There is something so romantic about jasmine’s soft floral scent. It always reminds me of the evening Mark and I spent dancing at a Pakistani wedding party. Decorated with marigold and jasmine garlands and flickering candles it was the perfect romantic setting.
And in a bit of a fortuitous craft fail, I made solid lotion bars! Turns out it is super easy to make both solid perfume and lotion bars with a bit of oil and beeswax.
Supplies needed:
- 2 tablespoons almond oil
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- 6 drops jasmine essential oil (Note: Jasmine oil is super expensive. It’s a pretty fragrant oil so an absolute in oil will still give you plenty of scent for a fraction of the cost. I find it impossible to get exactly ‘2 drops’ but don’t stress. Just go slow because some oils, like clove, will quickly overpower.)
- 2 drops clove essential oil
- 2 drops vanilla essential oil
- Clean containers. The cute conversation hearts are from Michaels.
How to make solid perfume:
Step 1
Pour the oil into a small container. (I infused my almond oil with dried lavender awhile back if you’re wondering what those little pieces are. I don’t think it added much to the scent.) Then add the essential oils – slowly! – and stir together.
Step 2
Slowly heat the beeswax in a double boiler. When completely melted combine it with the oil and quickly transfer to a clean container.
Step 3
Let the mixture sit until it hardens – you can put it in the freezer to speed things up. To apply, rub with your finger to soften slightly and apply to skin.
Want Solid Lotion Bars Instead?
If you’re solid perfume is too, well, solid, then congrats! You’ve made a lotion bar! Having the patience to measure is not my forte, and on my first attempt I added too much beeswax. When it hardened, the perfume fell right out of the container. So if you want to do that on purpose (and you should!) just increase the amount of beeswax by about a tablespoon.
Rub the solid lotion between your hands for a lovely scented moisturizer. The sweet floral jasmine scent is nicely balanced with the spicy clove and warm vanilla. You can also experiment with adding rose, patchouli or even citrus oils.
What is your favorite romantic scent? Last year I tried out a ‘man magnet‘ body oil spray, and it was the perfect spicy scent for cold temps.
Photos by Ana Stanciu
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Thanks a lot for sharing this idea. It seems easy and funny to do. You make me remember a very sweet memory. One of my first parfums was a solid heart.
Hey, I see that the Vanilla extract you used in extracted in water and alcohol. The other ingredients you used are all oils. So how did this vanilla blend in with the carrier oils?
Hi, i want to know how to make the scents can hold longer for solid perfume?
I use essential oils as my scents. If my perfume turns out to be a little weaker than I would hope, is it okay to melt the perfume back down to add more essential oils?
Thanks!
Can you use another oil instead of almond. My family has a nut allergy.
Sure, you can try any other mild oil – coconut oil works really well too!
She can’t use coconut either. It belongs to the nut family lol
Use mineral oil.
Lovely idea!! I’m definitely making this!
I have bookmarked SO many of your ideas! Would you give me a bit of advice regarding making natural products? How did you start and what would you say are the stock items necessary to begin this odoriferous adventure? :)
Thank you for your time!
Definitely get a few essential oils that you like. You can do a ton with just that and some coconut oil or almond oil. It’s pretty hard to mess most of this stuff up – if you don’t get the consistency you like you can always melt it again and either add more beeswax (to make it more solid) or add more oil (to make it softer). Have fun!
Where does one purchase beeswax and essential oils of choice?
I get mine at Whole Foods – they sell small blocks of beeswax, which is nice because I don’t need giant amounts. I’m sure you can order online as well.
I’ve come across different kinds of beeswax (different colours but also solid and soft). How to choose the one that can be used for perfumes and lip balms?
Thanks :)
A perfect V-day gift!
Any suggestions for those of us that are allergic to beeswax? Would coconut oil work in its place?
This is a late reply, but soywax works great! Coconut oil will prove to be a trial as it may melt or become mush depending on the temperature of your house.