8.15.2013

Back to School Week: DIY Solid Perfume


We all like to smell nice, but lugging around a bottle of potentially leaky perfume and spritzing yourself (and everyone around you) isn't exactly ideal while at school. Instead, try making your own solid perfume. Today I'm making Cotton Candy perfume! It's tiny, portable, and is customized to just the scent(s) you like. As opposed to traditional solid perfumes, that are in tins, this is in a convenient tube form--no mess. I originally shared this a couple of years ago on the blog, and decided to update it! Enjoy.


N e e d:
  • Unscented lip balm
  • Essential oil(s) of choice
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Toothpick
  • Funnel
  • Optional: soap colorant
D o:
  • Twist out the lip balm all of the way, remove from the tube, and place in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Twist the empty tube back to the bottom. I also removed the advertising packaging from the tube.

  • Microwave for about 1 minute. I usually do this is 30 second intervals.


  • You'll have to work quickly on this part. Add your essential oil(s) and mix with a toothpick. I made a cotton candy scent. I usually add around 6 drops. If you're using a soap colorant or powder, add that too. It just depends on how strong of a scent you'd like. I order mine online or at Whole Foods, but make sure they are oils that can be used in perfumes/body. NOTE: I have not had good results from using actual perfume instead of oils, since it seems to evaporate, but feel free to try.
  • The lip balm will start to harden instantly, but feel free to pop back in the microwave for a few seconds to melt again.


  • Carefully pour the liquid back into the tube. I used a funnel, but if your container has a spout, feel free to use that. 
  • Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before using.
  • Be sure to decorate your new perfume tube so you will remember the name of the scent!

T r y:

Sadly, most perfumes give me migraines, so I've relied on my making my own for years. I keep these in my purse/bag for an instant refresh. But sometimes I use them just for a sniff, like maybe to keep me calm, or to give me something pleasant in a smelly situation (sometimes not everyone around me knows about deodorant). I thought I'd share a few ideas with you to try.
  • Did you have a late night from studying? Just feeling tired in the morning? Orange Creamsicle will wake you right up.
    •  Energy: orange + vanilla
  • Have a big test today? Take a deep breath and calm down instantly.
    • Calm: lavender + sage
  • Feeling a cold coming on? A sniff of this will help with that stuffy nose.
    • Stuffy: peppermint or eucalyptus
  • Supposedly, guys are most attracted to the scent of cinnamon buns, but I have always loved this scent. 
    • Coy: cinnamon + vanilla
  • Maybe you need that extra something to give you confidence.
    • Confidence: raspberry+ musk+ vanilla
  • Is it Friday yet? Or are you stuck in a freezing classroom? Then think of a tropical oasis:
    • Escape: coconut + pineapple
  • If you like really sweet smells, try making a cotton candy perfume!
    • Girly: strawberry + vanilla

What's your all-time favorite scent?



36 comments:

  1. The fact about guys most liking the scent of cinnamon buns made me laugh! If I had some essential oils, I would love to give this a go! :)

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  2. ohmygosh, so amazing!!! :D

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

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  3. This looks so cool! I love such DIYs and would try this one out! :) x

    Jasmine Catches Butterflies ʚϊɞ

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  4. I'll have to try this! I hate lugging perfume to work but sometimes I need a refresher. Love your DIYs.

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  5. Wow, who would have thoughts of turning a lip balm into a perfume?! What a great idea! x

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  6. Great idea! I love using essential oils in the bath. This idea would enable me to carry my faves in my purse. :) Bravo! xo T. http//tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  7. No way, I didn't know you could do this :-D So cool, thanks for sharing.

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  8. This is absolutely brilliant! I have to do this!

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  9. One of my fave DIY's of yours, Elle:) I love solid perfumes.

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  10. Do you know if this would work with premade perfumes instead of the essential oils? I love my Vera Bradley Princess scent, but having a solid version to keep in my purse would be amazing!

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  11. Most perfumes give me a headache too. I never knew you could make your own...this is such a neat idea!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    JCrew Giveaway!

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  12. I've made solid perfume, too, but mmm cotton candy, what a great idea!

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  13. Gotta try this! Such a grand idea!

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  14. I bought plain beeswax and this would be a great way to use it!
    Thanks for the recipe Elle!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  15. I'm addicted to fig- LOVE the way it smells.

    This is such a handy DIY!

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

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  16. What a cool idea! I'd love to try one in cotton candy or coconut and pineapple.

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  17. My daughter might enjoy making a solid perfume like that to take to school. Thanks for sharing. (My favorite of those listed is the girly strawberry and cream scent.)

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  18. This is very cool! Thank you for sharing.

    Much Love,
    Amy K

    Please follow me with Bloglovin' http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4096262

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  19. Love this DIY! I'm totally going to make this.

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  20. Ooh, this is so great! I've always wanted a smaller bottle of perfume to carry around, but nowadays, one of the roller bottles of perfume can cost up to 20 dollars, which is absolutely ridiculous! I'd rather make my own. :p

    http://ercoire.blogspot.com

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  21. This is such a creative idea! I have been doing back to school blogs on my blog to! I am going to have to try this!

    http://handbagbeauty.blogspot.com/

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  22. how fun! what a great idea! i need to try to make this sometime. xo jillian

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  23. This is such a great idea!! And, love that you gave us a little chart for scent ideas!!

    Tiffany
    www.StyleSidebar.com

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  24. This is the first time I'm seeing this done! So simple and creative! Also, I read a few years ago somewhere that research has shown men prefer scents of spices (like vanilla and cinnamon!) to florals and other perfume notes. Makes total sense, if you think about the age-old saying, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" ;) Great scent combo recommendations!

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  25. Your tutorials are always perfect - you show the steps so clearly. I am 0% a DIYer, but I've tried so many of your tutorials and this will absolutely be one! :)

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  26. Oh that sounds really cool! Can we use regular perfume or does it have to be oils? I ask because I have a perfume bottle that cracked and I don't know what to do so I'm wondering if I could do this with some of my left over.

    Nina
    http://curvymod.blogspot.com/

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  27. This is a brilliant idea, have to try this DIY. Hope you have a gorgeous Friday xo

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  28. Most often when I see your DIYs I think, "Wow, it's so cool that Elle figured out how to make that herself." With this one, I thought, "Wow - Elle is so creative, she figured out how to make something I was sure had to be bought." You are amazing!
    xox,
    Cee

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  29. What a great idea, I never knew this could be made so easily!

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  30. What a clever idea! Your suggestions for scent ideas is so useful too!

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  31. I tend to like dark, smoky scents or spicy florals when it comes to perfumes. For candles or home fragrance, though, I'm really a fan of citrus and basil!

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  32. This is such a good idea. I find that my perfume fades by the end of the day. I'd love to freshen up at work!

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  33. Sorry this may be a dumb question, but how did you get the cotton candy scent? An oil? I love sweet scents and would love to try this sometime!

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  34. So cool!! I'm pinning this to try! :) Thanks, Elle!

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