Since starting my essential oils journey, I've been experimenting with creating different blends. Some good – some not so wonderful. I recently found out that oils are classified by their “notes”. What the heck does that mean? I thought the exact same thing until I dug a little further.
How to Blend Essential Oils
Essential oils are wonderful to use alone, however, they truly come alive when you start to blend them with one or several oils. A blend is more than just a collection of essential oils mixed together, it is an art, and the natural synergy and smell they were meant to be. Oh, the possibilities.
There are some “rules” that can be applied to help determine how much of each oil is necessary for optimal blending, and being that a well-rounded fragrance will normally be composed as follows:
- Base – 20%
- Middle – 50%
- Top – 30%
Simply combine as you choose – add another drop if you feel that you want more of a certain scent. Just be mindful that some scents will last longer than others
Top Notes
They are the most pungent and volatile. They act quickly and disappear quickly, and their first impression only lasts for about 30 minutes. They have an uplifting aroma and often create a calming and relaxing atmosphere when inhaled or diffused
- Basil
- Bergamot (Top to Middle)
- Cinnamon
- Clary Sage (Top to Middle)
- Corriander
- Eucalyptus
- Grapefruit
- Hyssop
- Lemon
- Lemongrass (Top to Middle)
- Lime
- Mandarin
- Neroli (To middle)
- Orange
- Peppermint
- Petitgrain
- Ravensara
- Sage
- Spearmint
- Tangerine
- Tea Tree (Top to Middle)
- Thyme (To middle)
Middle Notes
They are more stable. Their scent unfolds anywhere from one hour to three hours after application. They often have an energizing and comforting aroma when inhaled, and they round out a blend with softer tones.
- Bay
- Cardamon
- Chamomile
- Cedarwood
- Cypress
- Fennel
- Geranium
- Juniper
- Lavender (Middle to Top)
- Marjoram
- Melissa (Middle to Top)
- Myrtle
- Nutmeg
- Palmarosa
- Pine
- Rosemary
Base Notes
They are the least volatile and may be used as fixatives in a blend, holding in the fragrance longer than a blend without a base note. They are heavier and thicker than other oils, and are generally have a calming and relaxing aroma. Base notes often have deep, warming and sweet-smelling aromas.
- Cedarwood
- Cinnamon (Base to Middle)
- Clove
- Frankincense
- Ginger (Base to Middle) – Perfect for use in a homemade ginger bath to promote relaxation and warmth
- Jasmine
- Myrrh
- Neroli (Base to Middle)
- Patchouli
- Rose
- Sandalwood
- Valerian
- Veitier
- Ylang Ylang (Base to Middle)
Have you dabbled into creating your scents? What is your favourite combination?
Sources:
- Top, Middle and Base Fragrance Notes – Esoteric Oils
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