How to Make Mens Cologne

Men's Cologne Bottle

Cologne has held a corner in every large department store for generations. Sparkling bottles of intriguing shapes and rich colors house strong scents. Instead of using a cologne that smells like everyone else, why not get a little creative and make your own cologne that reflects your personality or someone you love. Gather some ingredients and you will no longer have to spend your hard-earned dollars for someone else's recipe.

Things You'll Need

• 8 oz. vodka or rubbing alcohol
• Essential oils
• 8 oz. glass bottle with lid

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of feeling you want to get from the cologne. Some people want a heavy musky smell while others prefer a light clean scent or maybe a fun woodsy odor. You will basically be programming your brain to recognize the smell you want.

2. Go to a store where you can purchase a variety of essential oils or purchase them from an online source (see Resources) once you know what scents you like. Hopefully they will have testers for all of them so that you can give them a sniff before you buy them. Do not sniff right from the jar, but wave your hand lightly over the top of the container towards your nose. You want to smell the oil diluted with air for the full effect.

3. Pick out at least 3 of the essential oils. When you get a perfume or cologne you are actually experiencing 3 smells; the initial top note smell, the following middle flavor and then the lingering after-smell. Examples of the light top notes are citrus, rosemary and mint. Try the flowery oils for the middle flavor and then the wood smells of cedar, sandalwood and cypress for the base notes.

4. Pour the vodka or alcohol into a handsome cologne bottle. Add 1 drop of the base smell, 2 of the middle and 2 or 3 of the top notes. These are very concentrated smells and should be used sparingly. Close the bottle and allow to sit for at least a few days. Try combinations of oils like Bergamot, Mandarin, Lime, Patchouli, Bay Laurel, Black Pepper, Ginger, Oakmoss, Vetiver or Neroli. All of these have individual characteristics that change in combination with other smells.

5. Shake the bottle well and waft your hand over the open top, drawing the smell to your face. Smell the cologne to see if it matches the fragrance that you wanted. Adjust it by adding a drop or two of the missing essential oil until you get a mix that you like. Typically men's cologne is heavier on the bottom notes and very light on the floral middle tones.

6. Create a fun name for your concoction and make a label for your cologne. Add a few masculine touches and affix it to the bottle. You now have a good men's cologne that will last you for a few months. Write down the recipe if you really like it and want to reproduce it again. This makes a fun gift for Valentine's Day or Christmas or any other gift-giving holiday for the man in your life.

Tips & Warnings

• Some essential oils are sensitive to sunlight and may irritate your skin if exposed

Resources

• Aroma Web
• Mountain Rose Herbs