DIY Perfume and Cologne to Save Yourself From Chemicals (and Also Save Some Money)!

Perfume has been around nearly as long as human civilization. Since its creation in Ancient Egypt, perfumes have taken on a variety of styles, preparations, and mixtures, but the popularity of adorning oneself in pleasing scent has never wavered.

However, modern day perfumes hardly resemble the original oils, colognes, and toilettes made from natural herbs and spices! Now, they are loaded with petrochemicals; derived from petroleum and natural gas, as well as a slew of other hazardous toxins! Not only are these toxic chemicals environmental hazards, but they are also linked to hormonal disruption, sperm damage, cancer, and a ton of other horrible diseases! Is it any wonder a visit to the perfume counter at the department store is often headache inducing?!

But you don’t have to go sans scent to be safe and environmentally responsible. Here are three customizable DIY perfumes you can make at home that are natural, chemical-free, and will also save you money:

1. Oil-Based Perfume

Oil-based perfumes follow a basic blend of either a carrier oil, and/or vodka + essential oils. Natural oils are easily absorbed into the skin and hydrating as well!

Here is a basic, easily modified ratio for oil-based perfumes:

• 2 Tablespoons carrier oil, like olive, jojoba, or even coconut
• 4 Tablespoons vodka
• 30 – 40 drops of your preferred essential oils
• 2 Tablespoons distilled water (optional)

Combine all ingredients except the distilled water very well and store in a glass bottle in a cool, dark place for 6 weeks to allow the scents to mature. After 6 weeks, combine with distilled water, if using, and your natural, safe DIY perfume is ready to go!

Not comfortable experimenting  with scent blends for the first time? Try this Forest Fairy Blend or Romantic Flower Garden recipe. How about this Definitely Not Vanilla Fields blend? Or this simple Three Ingredient Perfume that uses vanilla extract you may already have in your kitchen pantry?

2. Oil-Free Perfume

For hot days, or for skin that needs a little healing attention, like after a sunburn, try this delicious, oil-free Cucumber Aloe Body Mist. The aloe will soothe and heal sore skin, and since this mist must be refrigerated, the crisp cucumber and lemon will be nothing short of invigorating!

You can also make oil-free perfumes and colognes by soaking your favorite herbs, flowers, spices, or citrus peels in vodka, in water, or a combination of vodka and water. Allow the mixture to steep in a cool dark place overnight or up to a week. Strain the solids and store in a bottle in the refrigerator for up to a month. Try these great recipes, or experiment with your own garden harvest!

3. Solid Perfume

Are you a fan of solid perfumes? You can make your own right in the comfort of your kitchen. Try this easy-to-modify basic recipe. Note: if you avoid bee products, swap the beeswax with any of these natural, bee-friendly options.

4. Nature’s Perfume

Of course, if perfume isn’t your jam, you can always go extra natural with the ancient method of adorning yourself in nosegays! Who can resist the sight and smell of fresh flowers?

Have fun experimenting with different scent combinations! For great information on aromatherapy and combining essential oils, and to get more natural DIY recipes, check out this great article from Aromaweb!

Image source: Felipe Ernesto/Flickr