- When developing a fragrance, it's best to first decide what type of fragrance is preferred and the specific scent variation. Creating a fragrance variation can depend on a few variables. The most important is that of the formula. There are many differences between perfumes and colognes. The specific descending levels of concentration oils are: perfume (30 percent); eau de perfume (15 percent); eau de toilette (8 percent); cologne (5 percent); and cologne splash (3 percent). The remaining components are alcohol and water, or carrier oil (for oil-based perfume).
- Base notes, middle notes and top notes are the three components that make up a fragrance oil. Base notes are the scents that last the longest on skin; middle notes are scents that last a little less than the base notes; and top notes are the smell of oil that evaporates first. Because the oils individually evaporate at different times, the fragrance may smell different as time goes on. When scents are being selected, a fragrance wheel can be referenced to assist in the proper layering of scents.
- Once the scent and type of fragrance is decided, it's time to combine the scented oils and varying components. While doing so, the precisely portioned formulas are recorded, because one extra drop of oil can completely change the entire formula. Once all of the ingredients have been combined and the ideal scent is achieved, it can then be bottled and let sit to mature for at least 48 hours before use.
