Blending perfumes can be quite daunting since fragrance mixing books and perfumers don't always tell you what the ratios of each scent should be.
It's not uncommon to find oneself in a fix. But unfortunately, the lack of access to fragrance recipes and blending ratios means that most people blend blindly, with unpredictable and often disappointing results.
If you love perfumes and fragrances as much as we do, this is the perfect guide! Fragrance Blending 101 is your go-to guide for all things perfume-related, from the beginner's basics to advanced perfume mixing!
Fragrance Blending Concentrations
Fragrance concentrations are the amount of fragrance in an ounce of a product expressed as a percentage. It helps determine the amount added for different parts or areas of the body, such as the face, neck, and hair.
Here is an example of a fragrance concentration guide:
How to Use Fragrance Concentration?
Over many years of exploration of fragrances and scents, many blending techniques have arisen. Some of the most common ones include dilution, addition, and combination. But, of course, the choice of these techniques depends on what kind of fragrance you are trying to create.
There is no right and wrong in fragrance blending. Even if the computations and processes are complex, the blending technique can be honed through time. Here are fragrance concentrations that you should try:
1. Parfum
Parfum is the noblest concentration in perfumery. It is the most concentrated fragrance (from 20% to 30% of concentration). Applying this perfume once a day is enough to make the smell linger. Apply it in the pulsating area. Some warm areas include the neck, opposite side of the elbow, wrist, and back of the ears.
Applying this in the morning and layering them in the afternoon with Eau De Toilette or Eau De Parfum is enough for a day. However, in using too concentrated scents, be careful not to apply citrus-based Parfum, especially if you will be out under the sun for too long.
Citrus, like lemon essential oil and orange essential oil, usually cause sunburn if long-term exposure to the sun.
2. Eau De Parfum (EDP)
Eau de Parfum (EDP) is a type of perfume with the most potent concentration of fragrance. It typically has a fragrance concentration of about 15-20%, making it more powerful than Eau de Cologne (EDC) and Eau de Toilette (EDT).
Eau de Parfum is a perfume typically composed of alcohol, water, and 15-20% essential oils or fragrance oil. The concentration of these three components determines the strength and longevity of the fragrance.
Its concentration makes it the most expensive type of perfume. Therefore, the EDP concentration is typically used for evening wear and formal occasions.
3. Eau De Toilette (EDT)
Eau de toilette is a higher concentration of fragrance than cologne and is commonly sprayed on the body after showering. Usually, it contains between 5% and 15% fragrance oils.
Sparingly applied it to avoid overwhelming other fragrances with its scent. Composed of alcohol and water, adding a moisturizer additive can help to prevent dryness while spraying on the skin.
A good EDT should be light and refreshing, not too heavy or overpowering.
4. Eau De Cologne (EDC)
Eau de cologne is a concentrated perfume traditionally made of citrus oils. It is refreshing, light, and has a low concentration of fragrance.
It is used for the same purposes as perfumes but with a much lower concentration of fragrance. Often used for daytime wear, Eau de cologne is usually between 2 and 4% often used for daytime wear. It is generally made as an alcohol-based solution but can also be made as a cream or lotion.
5. Eau De Fraichie (EDF)
Eau De Fraichie is a fragrance concentration created with a high percentage of alcohol. The alcohol content in the fragrance usually ranges from 20% to 40%, while the fragrance oil is only 2% to 3%.
This type of fragrance typically has a sweet and fruity scent. The scent can be similar to apple cider, grapefruit, or rose. This concentration is the least concentrated among them.
Make your Customized Fragrance Concentrate
How often do you purchase a fragrance bottle that doesn't smell the same? It's frustrating when you spend money on a fragrance that doesn't meet your expectations.
But what if you could create your personalized fragrance blend? You would never have to worry about the scent not being what you wanted again.
When it comes to fragrance blending, there is a lot of room for creativity. For example, you can make your customized perfume concentrate by blending different ingredients and then bottling it into a spray bottle.
Be creative in making your own. For example, mixing two to three drops of water-soluble food coloring into your perfume customized your perfume to the next level.
If you need to know more about picking the right scents that suit your palette, our guide on using a Fragrance Wheel and using different Fragrance Notes can help you.
Let’s Mix It Up!
Fragrance blending is a skill that takes time and practice. But it's worth it when you try the perfect scent to make you smell better than before. A great way to ensure you're creating the right fragrance blends is by asking yourself these questions: What type of scent do I want? What free time do I have to apply the layer? What kind of mood do I want to have? Answer these questions, and let us discuss them below. Which concentration is your favorite?
