How to Blend Using Essential Oils
Whenever you decide to start blending essential oils, you want to create harmony. Some essential oils evaporate faster than others, and this can change the aroma of the blend you have created. That is why it is so important to understand the difference between the notes.
You should also start out by creating new blends with no more than 25 drops to begin. When you start smaller, you waste less oil as you work on finding the ideal and most harmonic essential oil blend for you.
One of the more basic rules to remember is to combine the top note, middle note, and base notes together.
For example, a good fragrance blend will combine 15-25% of your top note, 30-40% of the middle note, and 45-55% of the base notes. These come together to create a perfume accord – simply put, it is the balanced blend of three notes that create the basic character of any fragrance.
It is important to remember that you should first mix the essential oils to find the smell you want before you add the carrier oil. Once all the essential oil drops have been added, and you love the smell, fill the rest of the container with the carrier oil.
Depending on how strong you want the smell, you can use a 10% or 5% blend. You should also consider your skin type and how sensitive it may be. Always perform a patch test before applying essential oil blends to the skin.
Top Notes
The top note is the first smell you notice. It typically has antiviral properties and has a very light, fresh, and uplifting scent. It gives you that first impression of the scent and represents the overall story of what you are creating.
Some common top notes include:
- Bergamont
- Cajeput
- Eucalyptus
- Grapefruit Pink
- Kafir Lime
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Mint
- Orange (Sweet)
- Tangerine
- Tea Tree
Middle Notes
The middle notes of the blend have balancing effects, and many essential oils actually fall into this category. The middle notes are also often called the heart of the fragrance. Since these notes last longer, they are typically made from the more potent floral and spicy oils. The middle notes influence the base notes and are much more complex than that of the top notes.
Some essential oils in this category include:
- Citronella
- Cubeb
- Fennel
- Juniper Berry
- Lavender
- Nutmeg
- Origanum (Oregano)
- Palmarosa
- Rose Geranium
- Rosemary
Base Notes
These comprise more of the heavier oils that are rich and relaxing. These notes work with the middle notes to deepen the scent you are creating. They are also used to create a much longer-lasting impression of the fragrance.
Some of the more commonly used essential oils for base notes are: