SOLID PERFUME
Try your hand at perfumery with
these recipes for solid scents from
Mandy Aftel, the nose behind
the natural, artisanal line Aftelier
Perfumes. As Mandy puts it, “A
beautiful scent has the power to
soothe, reduce anxiety, and instill a
sense of well-being” which ensures this is a gift that will be well
received. Solid perfumes have a lip
balm-like consistency and can be
applied with a fingertip. You can
further personalize this gift with a
special container such as a vintage
compact or pillbox.
essential oils are available online or
at most health food stores. Each
recipe will yield ¼ ounce of solid
perfume, or about 1½ teaspoons.
You can scale the recipe to fit your
particular container.
1. In a small shot glass, measure
out jojoba oil. Add essential oil
blend for one of the perfume
formulas and stir. You can smell the
perfume at this point by applying a
bit of the oil to your skin.
PERFUME BASE
1½ tsp jojoba oil
1 tsp loosely packed grated
beeswax
Essential oil blend from the following:
GREEN & REFRESHING BLEND
2. In a small metal measuring cup
or lab casserole on a stovetop
over low heat, melt the grated
beeswax. Once the wax has
melted, add the oil blend and stir
with a small spoon or toothpick to
combine. Reheat for 10 seconds,
stirring.
TOOLS
Eyedroppers (may come with oils or
can be found at most drug stores)
Small metal measuring cup or lab
casserole with handle
Shot glass
Small spoon or toothpick
Small container (e.g., slider tin)
GROUNDING & UPLIFTING BLEND
10 drops frankincense essential oil
11 drops grapefruit essential oil
5 drops pink pepper essential oil
3. Immediately pour the wax mix-
ture into your container. Let cool
undisturbed until the wax has set,
about 15 minutes.
MATERIALS
Note: The wax, jojoba oil, and
SPICY FLORAL BLEND
MANDY AFTEL is a pioneer in the
field of natural perfumery, and the
author of several books about the history
of natural perfume and scent. She runs
Aftelier Perfumes out of her brown-shingle home in Berkeley, California.
