We have alread explored the intensity of scent of a Fragrant Essence. In an earlier blog we learned that a Natural Oil Cologne is 15% natural oil dilution into carrier oil or ethanol. A perfume is the exotic rich destination of scents. A perfume rates from 20% to 26% of pure natural oils in a dilution ... my preference is ethanol. Ethanol blends and preserves our precious oils the best!!
What I have learned in the years blending Natural Essences, that one perfume is much stronger than the next - even if they other is the same dilution. This makes perfect sense (not scents), because the rich thick resins or the richness of certain oils, such as Jasmine or Blue Cypress are very very scented and should be used carefully when blending. MRF blends are blended very well to be beautiful and well balanced. Having said this, some are a richer scent than others. Working with natural products can be more of an art than a science of measuring synthetic ingredients that smell the same in every batch!!!
There is a solution to everything that we arrive at, in the perfuming world - no pun intended. If one opens a bottle to check the scent, be aware that it will be different on your skin... like as soon as you place it there... and fifteen minutes later..... 30 minutes .... 2hours. Get to know your essence and how it dances on your skin. Get to know when it is right to be close to someone or out walking in a forest... all these factors come in to the best way to wear a perfume. Some choose to place their scent a half hour prior to going out, so that the scent settles well. Others choose to soften a scent by adding a couple of drops of perfume to a couple of drops of natural carrier oil. Castor oil is my go to because it is very thick and without scent. It holds a perfume scent for hours. Other oils would be Jojoba or Fractionated Coconut Oils. They are rich and without scent and so delicious on one's skin. And if you are feeling playful, try adding another essence into the one you are diluting. Women in India are experts at this. They love their oils and perfumes and find ways to personalize them to their liking.
Making Natural Perfume is an Art. Wearing a natural perfume is also an art. As we choose colours to drape over our bodies, we choose scents to evoke mood and interest to our bodies and souls as well. Be an artist in everything you do. Consider what you want and how to make that as you wish.
And on a final note... if your perfume is strong it will last much much longer than if it is weak and you need to spray it on every hour. INVEST WELL !!!!