Essential Oils for Making Perfumes
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Base Note
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The base note is the stabilizing and lingering aspect of a fragrance, and may include oils such as benzoin, cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, myrrh, bay or oakmoss.
Middle Note
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The middle note should be chosen second, and may include oils such as clary-sage, geranium, orchid, rose, thyme, mandarin, pine or lavender.
Top Note
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The top note is the final element of the trio and includes the lighter scents, such as bergamot, neroli, marigold, lemon, lime, orange and sage.
Oil to Alcohol Ratio
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To create a fine quality perfume combine 15 to 30 percent essential oils with 70 to 85 percent alcohol (at least 90 proof).
History
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The ancient Egyptians used perfume in religious ceremonies and rituals.
Fun Fact
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Synthetic fragrances were not introduced until the late 19th century, when science had progressed to the point of being able to replicate natural oils.
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