How to Make Amber Butter Perfume

Regarded as the “gold of fragrances” and traded by merchants on the Silk Road for centuries, amber has long been prized by many. Amber-butter perfume is an exotic and richly scented solid to semi-solid perfume blend that has been worn by nobles and monarchs from earliest antiquity. This exquisite indulgence is definitely worth learning how to create for your own pleasure and use. The traditional recipe here uses amber as its main fragrance, with a “heart” of sandalwood and rose geranium layered beneath top notes of orange bergamot and elemi. This perfume not only smells great, but also softens and moisturizes your skin. Once you try this recipe, you will be eager to make more to have on hand. Be prepared for the positive reactions that you will receive!

Things You'll Need

• 2 oz. beeswax (can be omitted if desired)
• 2 to 4 oz. pure shea butter (use 4 oz. if not using beeswax)
• 4 oz. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 drops orange bergamot essential oil (or equal amounts of both orange and bergamot essential oils)
• ¼ to ½ tsp. elemi resin, finely crushed/powdered (Note: do not use elemi essential oil)
• 2 drops rose geranium essential oil
• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 2 to 4 drops amber essential oil
• Double boiler (or medium-sized pan to be placed in a larger pan of boiling water)
• Liquid dropper (narrow glass or plastic tube with rubber or plastic bulb on top)
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cup and spoons
• Lidded non-plastic jars, pots or tins (miniature jam jars also work well)

Instructions

1. Start by melting the shea butter and the beeswax (if you are using it) in the double boiler.

2. Once melted, add the olive oil and stir to combine.

3. Add all the oils together and stir together very well to blend.

4. Add the powdered elemi resin to the mixture and stir again to disperse throughout.

5. Pour the mixture into small pots or jars. Allow the perfume to cool and thicken before putting the lids on. This recipe makes approximately 9 oz. of solid amber-butter perfume. To use, rub with your fingertips and apply on your pulse points and body as you would any other perfume.

Tips & Warnings

• Beeswax can be omitted by those who are allergic or object to using it for personal reasons. The resulting product will be creamier and less solid, but will smell the same.

• This perfume will be very hot before it cools and solidifies. Take common-sense precautions to avoid burns.

• Avoid using elemi essential oil for this perfume blend. The essential oil tends to undergo chemical changes over time that can negatively alter its fragrance. The pure resin, however, can remain exotically fragrant, and has been used for thousands of years in perfume-making in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Resources

• More info on making your own perfumes
• Perfume-making supplies and tips
• Purchase elemi gum resin
• Purchase amber oils and the other essential oils for this recipe