Copyright © 2016 Karina Wilde All Rights Reserved. Published by The Fruitful Mind LTD. DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. No part of this publication or the information in it may be quoted from or reproduced in any form by means such as printing, scanning, photocopying or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder. Effort has been made to ensure that the information in this book is accurate and complete, however, the author and the publisher do not warrant the accuracy of the information, text and graphics contained within the book due to the rapidly changing nature of science, research, known and unknown facts and internet. The Author and the publisher do not hold any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. This book is presented solely for motivational and informational purposes only. Also by Karina Wilde: Organic Lip Balms Made Easy: Nourish, Rejuvenate and Protect Your Lips with Natural Homemade Lip Balm Recipes DIY Bath Bombs Made Easy: 40 Organic DIY Bath Bomb Recipes for Fragrant Skin And A Rejuvenating Bath Experience Organic Homemade Lotion: Your Complete Guide to Over 50 DIY Organic Lotion Recipes For Soft Skin and Long Lasting Hydration Table of Contents Introduction A Brief History of Perfume Going Organic Determining the Right Scent for You Tools and Containers Liquid Perfume Basic Recipe Solid Perfume Basic Recipe Creating Your Scents Earthy Scents Rose Water and Musk Magic Musk Memes Shadows Floral Scents Grandma’s Sunflowers Lilies, Lavender, and Feeling Luscious Love in the Moonlight Fruity Scents Honeysuckle Lemon Divine Sunshine in a Bottle Original and Awe Inspiring Scents Lavender and Peppermint Stress Therapy Herbal Zest is the Best Spray Stand Up and Stand Out Conclusion Introduction So many trends seem to fade in and out over the years. Perfume making is one of them. Long ago, people used to make their own scents based on the natural ingredients they found around them. Then it somehow segued into a corporate business, which meant that chemicals and other non-natural ingredients were introduced as the base of the perfume. However, thankfully, I’m excited to share with you that we are at a day and age where organic and natural is back in. And I’m confident that it is here to stay. That’s the inspiration behind this book—to compel as many people as possible to consider trying to make their own organic perfumes. It is easy to do and fun, too. Furthermore, it allows you to find more affordable ways to express yourself with the scent you choose to wear. In this book, I’m going to give you a bit of oversight into some of the basics of perfume, including: An overview of the history of perfume making throughout time. How did it all start? How did it evolve? And, where is it today? Insight as to the benefits of going organic in a highly processed world. Tips and wisdom on finding the right scents for you to wear—not all scents smell the same on all people. It’s important to remember that! The basic recipe for liquid perfume base. The basic recipe for solid perfume base. My friends have told me that by this point, they’re really excited and set to get creating. I think you’ll find yourself in that same spot, which means that you’ll really enjoy the content in this book that is geared toward creating your own scents. Some of the general categories that you’ll find great recipes under include: Scents that are rooted in the goodness of the earth (ideal for men, too) Floral scents that make you feel like you’re standing in an amazing flower garden or receiving a gentle breeze laced in floral fragrance Aromas based on fruit, which always make for a divine and invigorating sensation Original scents that are inspired by parfumiers creativity and the understanding that perfume doesn’t have to know any bounds—you don’t always need rules to be creative with it A common question that I have received over the years is why I decided to get so involved with making organic perfume. The answer is simple: I wanted to make healthier choices that were less costly. I cannot even count the number of bottles of perfume that I have purchased at stores, only to have them sit there and clutter and collect dust until I finally disposed of them or gave them to someone else. It didn’t make sense, and as I’ve grown older, I have also grown wiser— both financially and in how I treat my body and the environment around me. So, you see, my story and hopes are not so different from everyone else’s. Today, I am excited to share everything I’ve learned with you and hopefully inspire you in the process. Let’s cheer organic perfume making made easy! A Brief History of Perfume Today, perfumes are a highly marketable commodity, often adorning the names of famous people and celebrities. They hire parfumiers (those who know how to combine ingredients to create those “amazing” scents) to create a signature scent for them. It makes sense and I’m excited that you’re on your way to creating your own signature scents. You do not need to be a rock star or diva to have your own scent—you do not even need a major perfume house to help you out. All you need is you, some directions, and a few ingredients. That’s pretty great, right? But, what did perfumes signify once upon a time? They weren’t simply for enjoyment alone, as evidenced by these findings: Perfumes were a significant part of religious ceremonies for many known faiths. The type of perfume one wore was associated with what social class they were in, within their given culture. Different regions became known for different perfumes based on the trade routes they were located on. The use of perfume was often a part of fighting off illness and/or warding off evil. Owning perfume, often excessive amounts of it, was a sign of prestige and wealth. It was very much considered a commodity, like what we might consider gold or silver today. While the reasons to own perfume or be associated with it may not seem that inspiring or passionate to you when you look at it today, do not be fooled. People loved the scents of their perfumes and have always associated wonderful memories with it. I know personally, a bit of history-in-the-making of my own, gives me fond reflections of my grandmother with a sunflower inspired scent that I created in her honor, and will be shared with you later. (PS: don’t let the word “grandma” fool you It’s fabulous for ladies from 10 to 10,000). The cultures that are most known and celebrated for their use of perfume in their personal lives, as well as trading culture, include: The Egyptian culture: ceremonies and beautification were the Egyptians focus. They even believed that fragrance might be the sweat of Ra (the sun god for their culture). Ancient Persian royal class: this “elite” group loved perfume so much that they even had pictures created of them holding it. I’ll admit, as much as I love perfume, I haven’t even done that—yet! Roman and Greek influences: like many things throughout time, they were transformed and “upped a notch” by the Romans and Greeks. Perfume making became a noble and prestigious position during this time and the chemistry of perfume making came to be (and still exists in the corporate perfume industry today). Ancient Chinese influence: wearing perfume wasn’t the focus so much with this culture, but they certainly surrounded themselves with it. Incense and other fragrant materials were created for certain spaces—often spiritual or for the highest of classes. They also introduced fruits to the world of perfume—something I am personally so grateful for—and by doing so, they opened up an entirely new way to view perfume making. In specific, the ingredients that could be used. On a side note—the Chinese also began using perfumes in food and medicine. Europe between the 1200s and 1600s (the Medieval period): medieval and mystery go hand in hand here. This culture believed that “bad air” was a source of trouble, as it would cause infections. Their solution was a simple innovation called the pomander. The scents would be kept in the ball, the air around one would be cleaner, and then they would lessen their risk of catching infections that were air borne. I am not sure if it worked, but I bet there was always a wonderful scent following them everywhere they went. The influence of the Crusaders: they learned something of value with perfume making that many hadn’t thought of. That was the use of animals so they could create the muskier, earthier scents that include musk, civet, etc. One of my personal favorite scents that I have made for my husband and dad is a musk-based scent. I’ll be sharing that recipe, too (it’s called Musk Memes). Old Italy: up until this point, perfumes were mostly solids and not liquids. Did you know that? I know that I didn’t until I really began researching all things perfume. Admittedly, the main ingredient to make it liquid was 95% alcohol, which isn’t completely great, but it’s still revolutionized perfume making and inspired even individuals like me who are enthusiasts. This discovery is also the reason why Italy is one of the most reputable and renowned countries to purchase perfume from or hire a parfumier to have it made. Now you are brought up to where we basically are today. It is my personal hope that through sharing how to make organic perfume, that I am helping the world to write a new and exciting chapter in perfume making. I’m not the first to do it, but I certainly do not want to be the last!
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