How to Buy Oils to Make Cologne or Perfume

Making your own perfume or cologne is actually very easy. It's choosing the oils that can be confusing. Here's a simple guide to help you learn how to buy oils to make cologne or perfume.

Things You'll Need

• Card stock cut into small squares

Instructions

1. Learn about the different types of oils before you set foot in a store to buy oils to make cologne or perfume. In brief, essential oil is derived directly from a plant, such as lavender, chamomile or lemongrass. Essential oils are typically more expensive but less likely to cause skin reactions, and they can have healing properties in addition to a lovely scent.

   Aroma oils or fragrance oils are man-made. They are produced from synthetic compounds but offer a wider range of scents, and the scent tends to last longer. They are usually less expensive than essential oils.

   There are also different grades of oils, with the two types mainly used for perfume or cologne being manufacturer's grade and cosmetic grade. Manufacturer's grade is pure oil without any additives. It is more expensive but can be used in a larger variety of ways since it does not contain alcohol or other preservatives. Cosmetic-grade oils typically have some sort of additives or are diluted but are also less expensive. Cosmetic-grade oils can be applied directly to the skin.

2. Visit a store that sells essential oils, even if you plan on buying through a catalog or online. It's important to smell the oils in person. Your favorite scent may smell different than you expect in pure oil form, and synthetic oils and essential oils of the same scent may smell different from each other.

   Take some small card-stock squares to the store with you. Put a small dab of the oils you like best on the cards. Use a different card for each oil, and mark the name on the card. You can later use these cards to help you determine how long the scents last and to check the scent away from the perfumed atmosphere of the shop. Also, it's easy for your nose to become "tired" after smelling numerous scents. You will have a better idea of the actual scent of an oil if you haven't just smelled another oil.

3. Learn about different scent combinations. These combinations may help inspire you. Most perfumes and colognes are made up of three "layers": the base note, the second note and the top note. The base note lasts the longest, the second note lasts not quite as long and the top note adds the final touch but does not last as long as the others. Most fragrance houses list the notes they use in their perfumes, so if there are certain scents you like, try visiting their websites and learn what notes are in your favorite perfumes or colognes.

4. Decide whether to shop by price or service. There are many deals to be had for oil for crafting perfume or cologne, most of them online. These deals can come with a price, however, since most online companies don't offer a lot in the way of personal assistance. Forming a relationship with the owner or employee of a local store, even if their prices are slightly higher, can have numerous benefits and may even save you money in the end by avoiding regrettable purchases. Local stores are usually a treasure trove of information about creating perfumes, colognes and other products made with their oils. Some shops also offer classes to help get you started.

   Also keep quantities in mind when shopping. While you may pay a smaller price per ounce, it's no savings if you only need a small amount.

Tips & Warnings

• Always ask before purchasing an oil if there are any additives and what they are. Some stores and websites may not clearly mark their oils.

• Always check to make sure an oil can be safely placed directly on the skin before doing so. While the majority of oils are safe for direct application without dilution, there are a few that aren't.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish