Make Your Own Signature Scent: Hobbyists trend as amateur perfumers

Remember when roasting coffee and fermenting everything was the thing? Still brewing your own beer or swimming in candle wax and fabric scraps? Well, there’s a new DIY trend in town — and it smells amazing. Say hello to making your own signature scent for laundry and body spray! 🧺✨

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There is something undeniably transcendent about scent.  

It can change your mood. It can change your mind. All it takes is a whisper of vanilla, the brightness of citrus and a hint of cocoa. These are scent-stirring memories. 

Perfume evokes a mood or emotion in a single breath. Perfumery dates back to ancient civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and India, where aromatic resins, oils, and incense were used in religious rituals and daily life. 

The art of perfumery flourished in the Islamic Golden Age and later spread to Europe through trade, becoming a symbol of luxury and courtly elegance during the Renaissance. 

By the 19th century, advancements in chemistry allowed synthetic ingredients to revolutionize perfume, making it more accessible and diverse than ever before.

Even the Bible includes several verses that suggest God appreciates fragrance, particularly when it symbolizes worship, sacrifice, or devotion. While it doesn’t say “God likes perfume” in those exact words, sweet aromas and incense are often associated with offerings that are pleasing to Him.

🕊️ 1. Genesis 8:21 (KJV)

“And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake…”

✅ Context: After Noah’s sacrifice, God is pleased with the aroma — a sign of acceptance and mercy.

🕊️ 2. Exodus 30:34–38 (NIV)

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take fragrant spices… and make a fragrant blend of incense… It shall be most holy to you.’”

✅ Context: God gives Moses a divine recipe for holy incense, used in the Tabernacle for worship — showing He values carefully crafted, sacred fragrance.

🕊️ 3. Leviticus 2:1–2 (NIV)

”…The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the incense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord.”

✅ Context: Offerings involving fragrant incense were considered pleasing to God.

🕊️ 4. Song of Solomon 1:3 (NIV)

“Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out.”

✅ Context: Though poetic and romantic, this verse reflects how perfume is associated with beauty, love, and desirability — qualities often used to describe God or Christ in metaphor.

🕊️ 5. 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV)

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

✅ Context: Believers themselves are described as a fragrance pleasing to God — a spiritual metaphor showing His love for what is pure and devoted.

Also see

• Psalm 141:2 – “Let my prayer be set before You as incense…”

• Revelation 5:8 – “…golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.”

✅ Both connect prayer and worship to incense — a fragrant offering rising to heaven.

God isn’t concerned with perfume for vanity, but He clearly delights in fragrance as a symbol of worship, sacrifice, and pure intentions. When offered with the right heart, scent becomes a divine language — one He not only recognizes but receives.

But that's why we like it.🙂

However, in a world obsessed with individuality, crafting one’s own personal scent is more than a niche hobby; it’s an intimate act of self-expression. The allure of a bespoke scent makes for a gift that feels as personal as a handwritten letter — intentional, elegant, and entirely unforgettable.

🧴 Why Make Your Own Scent?

• Creative expression: Your scent is uniquely you — whether it’s soft and sweet, bold and spicy, or clean and herbal.

• Affordable luxury: Store-bought perfumes can cost over $100. You can make a beautiful body mist for less than $10. It's perfect for after-workout routines when you suddenly remember you need to dip into the store! 

• Gift-worthy: A custom scent says, “I made this just for you.” It’s more meaningful than a candle or lotion you picked off a shelf, and it is a nice way to pass the time when plans are canceled or the weather is inclement.

🌸 Getting Started: The Basics

In perfumery, “bases” refer to fundamental scent profiles or accords used to build more complex fragrances. Base notes linger long after everyone else has left the party! Besides White Musk, there are other common perfume bases (also called accords or foundational notes).

✨ Supplies You’ll Need:

• A small glass spray bottle or rollerball bottle

• Essential oils or fragrance oils (more on this below)

• Carrier liquid:

• For mists: Perfumer’s alcohol or vodka + distilled water

• For roll-ons: Jojoba or fractionated coconut oil

• Optional: Glycerin (adds a silky texture), labels, ribbon or gift wrap

💡 How to Build a Scent

Fragrances usually have three layers:

1. Top notes – What you smell first (citrus, mint, light florals)

2. Middle notes – The heart of the scent (lavender, rose, cinnamon)

3. Base notes – What lingers (vanilla, amber, musk, sandalwood)

Don’t overthink this! Start by choosing:

• 1 base note (e.g., vanilla)

• 1 middle note (e.g., rose or coffee)

• 1 top note (e.g., orange or mint)

Example Combo:

Vanilla (base) + Coffee (middle) + Sweet Orange (top) = Cozy Café Vibes

🧪 Easy Body Mist Recipe

☕ “Vanilla Café Dream” Mist

Smells like: A warm vanilla latte with a hint of caramel and almond

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp vodka or perfumer’s alcohol

• 3 tbsp distilled water or rosewater

• 10 drops vanilla fragrance oil

• 4 drops coffee essential oil

• 3 drops sweet almond oil or fragrance

• Optional: 1–2 drops caramel fragrance or chocolate oil

• 1 drop glycerin (optional, for softness)

Instructions:

1. Combine oils and alcohol in a small spray bottle.

2. Add water and shake well.

3. Let it sit for 24–48 hours to allow the scent to blend.

4. Label it, decorate with a ribbon — and spritz away!

🎁 Gifting Your Signature Scent

Homemade perfume is a beautifully personal gift. Here are a few ways to present it:

• Wrap it in a small box with dried flowers or shredded paper

• Add a handwritten tag: “Made just for you”

• Pair it with a body scrub or lip balm you also made

• Include the name of the scent, ingredients, and a sweet note

🎀 Bonus Idea: Create a “Mini Scent Bar” as a holiday or birthday activity where friends can blend their own perfumes with your help.

Creating your own fragrance is more than a craft — it’s an experience. Every drop you blend tells a story, whether it’s one of comfort, confidence, love, or nostalgia. As a hobby, it brings joy and creativity into your everyday life. As a gift, it becomes a token of your heart and hands.

So go ahead — pick a few scents that speak to you and begin experimenting. You might just create the next signature fragrance your friends and family can’t stop raving about.

Use this guide if you’ve ever been curious about fragrance blending, body mists, or perfume oils, here’s a beginner’s guide to crafting a signature scent at home — without needing a chemistry degree or expensive supplies. Buy from the link.

🛍️ Where to Get Ingredients

• Vanilla, Caramel, Coffee Fragrance Oils:

• Leslie M’s Amazon Influencer (over35andup) store

• Perfumer’s alcohol:

• Look for it on Amazon or TKB Trading

• Essential Oils (Almond, Coffee, etc.):

• Amazon

🌹 Floral Bases

• Rose – romantic, powdery, classic

• Jasmine – rich, sweet, animalic

• Tuberose – creamy, narcotic, heady

• Orange Blossom/Neroli – fresh, green, lightly sweet

🌿 Green & Herbal Bases

• Galbanum – sharp, bitter-green, resinous

• Basil – spicy-green, aromatic

• Mint – cool, refreshing, crisp

🍋 Citrus Bases

• Bergamot – zesty, slightly bitter, floral

• Lemon – bright, clean, tart

• Mandarin – soft, sweet, juicy

🌲 Woody Bases

• Sandalwood – creamy, smooth, slightly sweet

• Cedarwood – dry, pencil-shaving, sharp

• Vetiver – earthy, smoky, rooty

🌰 Amber & Resinous Bases

• Amber – warm, sweet, resinous

• Benzoin – vanilla-like, balsamic

• Labdanum – leathery, deep, slightly animalic

• Myrrh – spicy, incense-like, medicinal

🧁 Sweet & Gourmand Bases

• Vanilla – creamy, sweet, cozy

• Tonka Bean – warm, almondy, caramel-like

• Caramel or Praline – sugary, candy-like

• Coconut – tropical, creamy-sweet

🐚 Oceanic & Aquatic Bases

• Calone – synthetic, watery, “sea breeze” note

• Marine/Aquatic Accord – salty, clean, ozonic

🌬️ Aldehydic Bases

• Aldehydes – fizzy, soapy, clean, sometimes waxy

• Famously used in Chanel No. Five

🪵 Chypre Base

A classic perfume structure combining:

• Oakmoss + Bergamot + Patchouli + Labdanum

🪶 Fougère Base

Traditionally masculine:

• Lavender + Oakmoss + Coumarin + Geranium

💡 Fun Fact:

The first modern gourmand perfume was Thierry Mugler’s Angel (1992) — it introduced chocolate and caramel notes into mainstream perfumery.

🧴✨ How to Layer Your Perfumes

Layering can make a fragrance last longer, smell more complex, and feel more “you.”Here’s how to layer like a pro:

🔹 1. Start with a Gourmand-Scented Lotion or Oil

• Vanilla, cocoa butter, almond, or caramel body creams work great.

• Examples:

• EOS Vanilla Cashmere Lotion

• Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Oil

• Tree Hut Tropic Glow or Moroccan Rose Shea Butter

💡 Tip: Unscented lotion + a few drops of fragrance oil = custom base

🔹 2. Spray Your Base Perfume (the Gourmand)

Spray on pulse points or all over your clothes depending on intensity:

• Vanilla + Coffee combo? Try: Kayali Vanilla + YSL Black Opium

• Vanilla + Floral? Try: Ariana Cloud + a rose body mist

• Chocolate + Musk? Try: Angel Muse + white musk spray

🔹 3. Finish with a Lighter Mist or Second Perfume

This adds a twist or freshness:

• Add fruit: Layer with apple, peach, cherry, or citrus mist (Bath & Body Works has many. Buy at link.) Influencer Store: Leslie M’s Amazon Influencer (over35andup) store

• Add warmth: Layer with amber, tonka bean, or sandalwood scents

• Add freshness: Try a splash of neroli or light floral (like Marc Jacobs Daisy)

🧪🍨 Make Your Own DIY Gourmand Body Mist or Oil

Here’s a simple vanilla-caramel scent recipe you can make at home:

🧴 DIY Body Oil (Roller or Dropper)

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oil

• 10 drops vanilla fragrance oil or benzoin essential oil

• 5 drops caramel or tonka bean oil

• Optional: 2 drops coffee essential oil or almond oil

Directions:

1. Mix all oils in a small glass bottle.

2. Let sit 1–2 days for the scent to mellow.

3. Apply to pulse points or blend with lotion.

🌫️ DIY Body Mist (Shake Before Use)

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp perfumer’s alcohol or vodka

• 3 tbsp distilled water

• 10–15 drops fragrance oil (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, almond, etc.)

• Optional: few drops glycerin for silkier skin feel

Directions:

1. Combine in a spray bottle.

2. Shake well before each use.

3. Store in a cool place — lasts 1–2 months.

☕🍦✨ Custom Body Mist: “Vanilla Café Dream”

Scent Profile:

Warm vanilla latte with hints of caramel drizzle, almond milk, and cocoa powder

Vibe: Sweet, comforting, slightly nutty — like walking into a cozy café with dessert in the oven.

🌫️ DIY Body Mist Recipe

🧪 Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp perfumer’s alcohol (or vodka)

• 3 tbsp distilled water (or rosewater for a softer scent)

• 10 drops vanilla fragrance oil (or vanilla extract in a pinch)

• 5 drops caramel fragrance oil

• 3 drops almond oil or fragrance (optional: sweet almond essential oil)

• 2 drops coffee essential oil or chocolate fragrance oil

• 1 drop glycerin (for skin softness, optional)

Body glitter optional

🧴 Directions:

1. Add the vanilla, caramel, coffee/chocolate, and almond oils into your spray bottle first.

2. Pour in the alcohol (or vodka) — swirl gently to blend.

3. Add the distilled water or rosewater.

4. Add glycerin last, if using.

5. Shake well before each use. Let it sit for 24–48 hours for best scent development.

🛍️ Where to Get Ingredients

• Leslie M’s Amazon Influencer (over35andup) store

Perfumer’s alcohol

                  Epsom Salt

                  Baking Soda 

🧺✨ DIY Laundry Scent Booster: “Soft Vanilla Citrus”

Here’s a natural and luxurious laundry scent booster recipe you can make at home to leave your clothes smelling divine — fresh, soft, and just the right amount of cozy.

🧪 Ingredients:

• 2 cups Epsom salt (softens water and holds scent)

• ½ cup baking soda (neutralizes odors and softens fabric)

• 30 drops essential oils total (see combo suggestions below)

🌸 Scent Blend Suggestions:

🌼 Soft Vanilla Citrus (Clean + Sweet)

• 15 drops vanilla (fragrance oil or oleoresin)

• 10 drops sweet orange

• 5 drops lavender (or bergamot for a brighter note)

🌿 Fresh Linen (Crisp + Clean)

• 15 drops lemon

• 10 drops eucalyptus

• 5 drops peppermint

🌺 Cozy Rose Cashmere

• 10 drops rose

• 10 drops sandalwood

• 10 drops vanilla

🫙 Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix the Epsom salt and baking soda.

2. Add your essential oils and stir thoroughly to distribute evenly.

3. Transfer to an airtight glass jar or container.

4. Let sit for 24 hours to allow the scent to settle and infuse.

🧼 How to Use:

• Add 2–3 tablespoons directly into the washing machine drum before adding clothes.

• Works with HE and top-load washers.

• Safe with most fabrics and detergent types.

💡 Optional Add-Ons:

• Add ½ cup citric acid for extra softness (great for hard water)

• Toss a lavender sachet or cotton pad with extra oil into the dryer for boosted scent

In case you want to buy your scents, try Amazon at my Influencer Store: Leslie M’s Amazon Influencer (over35andup) store

💸 Affordable Gourmand Perfumes (Under $40)

These are great if you’re just getting into gourmands:

1. Ariana Grande Cloud

• Notes: Whipped cream, coconut, praline, vanilla, musk

• Dupe alert: Often compared to Baccarat Rouge 540

• Sweet, dreamy, and comforting

2. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62

• Notes: Pistachio, caramel, vanilla, almond

• Smells like the Bum Bum Cream — warm, sunny, edible

3. Pink Sugar by Aquolina

• Notes: Cotton candy, caramel, licorice, vanilla

• Very sweet and youthful — like a candy shop

4. Zara Red Temptation

• Notes: Orange, praline, amber

• Budget-friendly Baccarat dupe with a warm sugary base

⸻

💄 Designer Gourmand Perfumes ($50–$150)

5. YSL Black Opium

• Notes: Coffee, vanilla, white flowers, musk

• Sultry, sweet, with a bold kick of coffee

6. Prada Candy

• Notes: Caramel, benzoin, musk

• Powdery caramel with elegance

7. Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal

• Notes: Honey, blood orange, patchouli

• Bold, syrupy, sexy

8. Lancôme La Vie Est Belle

• Notes: Pear, praline, vanilla, iris

• Sweet but classy and long-lasting

⸻

🖤 Niche Gourmand Perfumes ($150+)

9. Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy

• Notes: Orange blossom, marshmallow, vanilla, caramel

• Rihanna’s signature scent; smells like marshmallow heaven

10. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540

• Notes: Ambergris, saffron, fir resin, sugar

• Not traditionally gourmand, but has a candy-like sweetness

• Often layered with sweeter perfumes

11. BDK Parfums Velvet Tonka

• Notes: Tonka bean, almond, tobacco, vanilla

• Rich, nutty, and slightly boozy dessert vibe

12. L’Artisan Parfumeur Mon Numéro 10

• Notes: Leather, vanilla, incense, spice

• A darker, spicy-sweet gourmand with depth

⸻

🍦 Vanilla-Based Gourmand Perfumes

Warm, creamy, sensual — vanilla is a staple gourmand note.

💸 Affordable

1. Ariana Grande Vanilla Mod

• Notes: Vanilla, praline, musk, cocoa butter

• Cozy, soft-sweet with a subtle wood base

2. Lavanila Pure Vanilla

• Notes: Madagascar vanilla, tonka bean

• Clean, eco-conscious, all-natural vanilla

3. EOS Vanilla Cashmere Body Mist

• Notes: Vanilla, coconut, sugar

• Surprisingly rich for the price; not a perfume but layers well

💄 Designer

4. Kayali Vanilla | 28

• Notes: Vanilla orchid, brown sugar, amber

• Sexy and smooth, pairs well with other perfumes

5. Dior Hypnotic Poison

• Notes: Vanilla, almond, jasmine, licorice

• Mysterious, deep, almondy vanilla

6. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille

• Notes: Vanilla, tobacco leaf, cocoa, spices

• Warm and spicy; like a high-end vanilla pipe tobacco

🖤 Niche

7. Maison Tahité Vanilla²

• Notes: Vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon, benzoin

• Rich, sweet, spiced vanilla cake vibes

8. Indult Tihota

• Notes: Pure Tahitian vanilla

• Cult favorite for those who want the truest vanilla scent

⸻

☕🍫 Coffee & Chocolate Gourmand Perfumes

Perfect for lovers of cozy cafes and dessert counters.

💸 Affordable

1. Lattafa Qahwa

• Notes: Coffee, caramel, rose, incense

• Arabic-style rich coffee fragrance

2. Demeter Chocolate Chip Cookie

• Notes: Chocolate chips, cookie dough, sugar

• Literal fresh-baked cookie in a bottle

💄 Designer

3. YSL Black Opium

• Notes: Coffee, vanilla, white florals

• Dark, sweet, and bold — modern classic

4. Mugler Angel Muse

• Notes: Nutella (hazelnut cream), pink pepper, vetiver

• Sweet meets earthy and unique

5. Carolina Herrera Good Girl Suprême

• Notes: Tonka, cacao, tuberose, berries

• Sexy-sweet with a dark twist

🖤 Niche

6. Montale Intense Café

• Notes: Coffee, rose, vanilla, musk

• Creamy coffee latte with florals and depth

7. Zoologist Chipmunk

• Notes: Hazelnut, fir, acorns, vetiver

• Nutty, chocolatey, foresty gourmand (very niche and artistic)

8. A Lab on Fire – What We Do In Paris Is Secret

• Notes: Coffee, vanilla, honey, rose

• Like sipping a honeyed latte in a French café

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