How to Make Cologne

Haven't found a cologne that suits you? It's simple to make your own cologne at home, and customize it to create the scent that's right for you. This recipe for homemade cologne contains nothing more than alcohol, water, essential oils and glycerin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glass container with a lid Funnel Distilled water 3 to 4 oz. of unscented rubbing alcohol or vodka 1 oz. of glycerin Eyedropper Paper towels Essential oils

1. Wash and dry the glass container and its lid. Choose a container with a tight seal, as that will keep the scent in the bottle.

2. Put the funnel into the top of the bottle. Pour in 1 pint of distilled water, the unscented rubbing alcohol or vodka, and the glycerin. While the first two ingredients provide the liquid for the cologne and a solvent for the oils, the glycerin acts as a fixing agent. It helps the scent of the cologne last longer.

3. Determine the scent of the cologne. Use the eyedropper to drop different combinations of oils onto folded sheets of paper towels. Sniff the paper towels to find the most pleasing fragrance. Remember that the scent will smell stronger on the towels than it will in the cologne.

4. Add four to eight drops of essential oils to the water mixture. Cap the bottle and gentle agitate the mixture to combine. Sniff the product. Add more oil if it is too weak, or add more distilled water if it is too strong. Remember that the scent's intensity will grow with time.

5. Put the sealed bottle in a cool, dark place for about two weeks. To use, swirl the cologne around in the bottle and apply.

Tips & Warnings

• Essential oils come in many different scents, and experimentation is the best way to produce the right cologne. If a light or clean scent is desired, use citrus oils or juniper oil. If a muskier cologne is warranted, try sandalwood oil.