Design Your Formula

Understanding Fragrance Structure
Every perfume is built in layers, known as notes. Think of them like the composition of a song:

Top Notes: The first impression. Light, bright, and quick to fade. (Examples: citrus, herbs, aldehydes)
Middle Notes (Heart): The soul of the fragrance. These emerge after the top notes fade and define the character. (Examples: florals, spices, fruits)
Base Notes: The foundation. Deep, long-lasting notes that linger on the skin. (Examples: woods, musks, resins, vanilla)

When blended together, these layers create harmony and depth.

Working with Single Notes
Choose one or two from each category (top/middle/base).
Test on blotters: Label strips, fan them together, smell combinations.
Blend in drops: Translate ratios into drops and mix in a small vial with alcohol or oil.
Example: Bergamot (3) + Rose (5) + Sandalwood (2) → a fresh, floral-woody perfume.

Blending Accords
What’s an Accord? A mini-blend of notes that smells like a single impression (e.g., amber, rose, citrus).
Why Use Them? They act like “building blocks,” making composition faster and more creative.
How to Blend: Treat each accord as one ingredient. Test them on blotters together, then adjust proportions.
Example: A green accord + a floral accord + a woody accord = a full perfume.

Blending Basics
Start Simple: Begin with one note from each category—top, middle, and base.
Ratio Matters: A classic guideline is 30% top, 50% middle, 20% base, though you can experiment based on preference.
Balance and Adjust: If your blend feels too sharp, soften with a warmer base. If it’s too heavy, add a bright top note.

Exploring with Blotters
Before committing to a blend in liquid form, test your ideas with fragrance blotters (paper testing strips).

1. Write the name of the note on each blotter.
2. Place them together in a fan shape to smell how they interact.
3. Rearrange or swap strips to try new combinations.
4. Once you find a mix you love, you can translate it into actual drops when blending.

This method allows you to experiment freely without wasting materials, helping you refine your scent vision before you start pouring.

Crafting Your Signature Scent
Blending is about exploration and personal taste. Trust your nose, keep notes on what you try, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The perfect signature perfume is the one that feels like you.

Tip: Keep track of your favorite blends and ratios—you may just discover your new signature scent!