Hey, guys! It’s Katie here. I don’t know if you’re like me, but I’m always searching for simple ways to give handmade gifts around the holidays. Since there are so many people on my list, I try to make the most of my time and supplies. Obviously, that isn’t always easy since most of us tend to be pretty busy around this time of year, but I’m happy to report that solid perfume is a GREAT option to do just that!
Supplies:
–Beeswax
–Sweet Almond Oil
(or another carrier oil such as jojoba, olive, grapeseed, etc)
-Fragrance oils of your choice (I used Sandalwood, Vanilla, Lavender, and Rose Hip)
–Containers to hold your perfume (lockets, Altoids tins, etc. are great options as well)
Step One: Since this is such an incredibly easy DIY, you can make several batches with different scents for different people if you’d like. The first thing you will want to do is decide how much solid perfume you want to make. Here’s your rule of thumb: equal parts beeswax and carrier oil. My first batch was 2 tbsp of beeswax and 2 tbsp of almond oil. If you find your beeswax/oil mixture to be too thick once you are melting down, you can always add a little more oil as you go.
Step Two: Before we take our beeswax/oil mixture to the stove to melt it down, experiment with your scent oils by pouring them into a separate bowl. It’s important to concoct a scent you are happy with BEFORE you add it to the wax. I use about 15-20 drops of oils per 1 tbsp. You can add more or less depending on how strong you’d like your perfume to be.
This is also a good time to open up your containers and lay them on a surface ready for pouring. You don’t want to be trying to do this while you have a bowl of hot liquid in your hands! That’s a recipe for disaster… not that I know this from my own experience… okay, so I’m lying.
Step Three: Use a double boiler to heat your beeswax and oil on the stove. I read somewhere that you shouldn’t melt down beeswax in a microwave, so if you don’t have a double boiler, you can fill a pot with water and place a heat safe bowl or a smaller pot in the boiling water to melt the beeswax. As you can see, it is VERY fancy. 😉
Be sure to heat your beeswax on low/medium heat and stir as it melts down. Add your fragrance oil into the melted mixture once the beeswax is completely melted.
Step Four: Once your beeswax is melted down, pour it into your containers. Mine started to harden before I got the bowl cleaned out, so I just popped it back on the stove and made it all melty again. Let the wax harden for a few hours, and you’re all done!
This is a quick and fun way to give handmade this holiday season! Experiment with different scents and customize your perfume for the people you love! xo. Katie
Credits // Author and Photography: Katie Shelton. Photos edited A Beautiful Mess Actions.
49 Comments
This is so so smart! They maybe perfect stocking stuffers as well! I always use coconut oil for a carrier, but mostly because I just love the smell 😉
Deanna
http://iamcurlytop.blogspot.com
Vanilla seems a better sent for people who have headaches from smells of perfume, I found. Thanks
I LOVE it!! I’ve been meaning to make my own scented “perfume” but had no idea where to start. this is perfect. and i love how you used old lockets to store the beeswax perfume. I remember when I was way younger and I some how came across something very similar to that. it was an old necklace with a locket and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I walked around smelling like i was a sweet 70 year old granny, but still so cool! Im am SO keen to try this soon.
This is such a clever idea, and I love the simplistic look!
I have a giveaway on my blog right now!
http://scattergirll.blogspot.com
This is such an awesome DIY – will def. be trying this one soon!
rae of love from berlin
Very cool
I love the idea of putting these in lockets! So creative and fun.
Great idea, I wouldn’t know where to find beeswax or those neat little tins, but love the idea and your results look great. I’d not thought of trying solid perfume before, but might have to sometime. Love giving handmade at xmas.
I love this – perfect DIY gift for the holidays. I especially love that it is “green” and people can feel good about using these homemade perfumes – simply natural and safe. Fantastic idea!
Amazing! One question I’d have – my workplace encourages us to go fragrance-free by not wearing chemical perfumes. Does anyone know or have any experience with how someone who is sensitive to fragrances might fare with this kind of perfume? Since it doesn’t contain chemicals or artifical scents, does it make it more bearable, or could simply the strength of the smell cause discomfort for people with perfume allergies?
Such an awesome ideas! The locket will make a great Christmas present!
http://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
I love that you put some in a locket. I love making my own personal care products – almost everything! Almond oil is one of the less stable carrier oils though, so that’s something to keep in mind if someone thinks they will use it slowly (like I’d expect if it was a gift). Jojoba and olive go rancid much later if I’m remembering correctly.
I can’t wait to try this! I love the idea of putting it in a locket, but I’m hesitant to because if it melts out it would get everywhere! Do you have thoughts on this?
Thanks for sharing this great DIY!
Hello, I understand your worry. Maybe, try brushing nail transparent lacker inside the locket before pouring the oil mix to prevent it from melting on your tee-shirt!
Kind regards ,
Sarah
You guys have such cool ideas! Definitely one of my favorite blogs of all times. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.loveludy.com/
cool idea!
xx nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
this is great! one question – how many perfume containers (or how many ounces) did 2tbsp oil / 2 tbsp wax make?
Thanks!
Amanda
That makes about one ounce. That is a nice size and a handy amount. Can always make more later.
I loved that part too! So creative.
Love this idea – definitely want to give it a try!
Such a fun idea to give as gifts to friends. Especially love the locket version.
I love this idea. It seems so simple, I have tons of oils at home but didnt know I could make something like this. Where do you get your containers?
Mmm this sounds so nice! Great idea.
Hi Hannah! They are from Amazon (link is in the post) 🙂 -Jacki
That was my question also, Deanna.
Awesome idea. I love it.
Christen
http://christenlouise.blogspot.com
Love the idea! How simple!
I have one question, does it expire fast? How long can I keep using it?
Thank you so much!
This is such a cute idea…make your won perfumes…nice..
xo
Hems
agoldentulip.blogspot.com
Wow, who knew that making solid perfume was so simple. I’m going to give this a try!
I love making solid perfume. I sometimes use mine as a lip balm too x
I love this! I want to make it!
Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. I have an extreme sensitivity to sandalwood, to the point that I once had to leave the office for the day because someone nearby thought it was OK to burn sandalwood incense (seriously, who does that in an office).
If they request that you don’t wear any fragrance, don’t
I love DIY’s! Great idea, I will have to try it, thanks for sharing!
http://www.formemag.com
http://www.kkathleenn.blogspot.ca
@formemageditor
So I just found my mom’s Christmas present.. Thank you SO much Katie! Do you have anymore DIY ideas? If so, please please share! xx
http://www.thebalancedtraveler.com/
The oils mentioned in this recipe are synthetic. Consider using real essential oils instead.
I love this! Do you think you could use another wax to make it vegan? Ah, I really want to try this. 🙂 X
I’ve had mixed results making my own perfumes in the past, but this diy encourages me to give it another try, especially since I already enjoy using solid perfume. Love the idea of using lockets for containers too – if the perfume’s hanging around your neck, it makes it super easy to reapply when you’re out and about (since this type of alcohol-free perfume doesn’t linger on the skin as long). Thanks, Katie!
Katie, have you tried making solid perfumes with existing perfumes you like? I’ve always been curious if that would work well, since I’d love to have solid/travel-friendly versions of some of my favorites! Would appreciate any insight you have on that. I’m wondering if it would work, quantities, and what oils would be least likely to mask the scent. Thanks!
I love this project – it makes natural good scents;) I think the base might also make a nice lip balm, but what would you use instead of the essential oils I wonder? Any ideas?
What a brilliant idea!
cute idea as gifts for friends!!
http://www.waterlilyshop.com
@waterlilyshop
Pinned this! What a great idea.
What an idea!!! Love it. Such a lovely homemade gift idea!!
Bec
http://www.dancingthroughsunday.com.au
Such a cute and creative idea, I love it! xx
rosyannajane.blogspot.co.uk
I love this!!
Would it also work with an actual perfume/cologne instead of essential oils (I’m just wondering because of the alcohol)?
I’m so in love with Jo Malone’s Nutmeg&Ginger, but i hate carrying that big bottle around with me all the time.
I was also wondering about melting. I live in Florida, so heat is an issue. At what temperature would the beeswax get too melty to wear in a locket?
great idea!!! i did it for christmas presents and It was a success. i also used it as lip balm,,,it should work, right? thank you for this idea!
Great guide! I found another great recipe you should include – https://stillpointaromatics.com/blog/how-to-make-perfume-with-essential-oils/
I get all my supplies from Bulk Apothecary, on line. They ship fast and prices are very reasonable. You can get nice little tin containers on amazon that are perfect. There are many sizes but I encourage the one ounce size because it is perfect and handy. This type of fragrence is the best and let’s you be special. No more expensive fragrence purchases for me, I make my own and have had great success.