Introduction to How to Make discontinued perfume

The allure of a favorite perfume is powerful, evoking memories and shaping our identity. It’s devastating when a beloved fragrance is discontinued, leaving us searching for a replacement that never quite measures up. While perfectly replicating a discontinued perfume is near impossible without the original formula and specialized equipment, this guide explores the art of scent recreation. This isn’t about counterfeiting; it’s about capturing the essence of a fragrance you love and finding a similar scent profile. This guide will teach you How to Make discontinued perfume that honors the original.

What You Need for How to Make discontinued perfume

Recreating a discontinued perfume is a journey that requires patience, a keen sense of smell, and the right tools. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Materials:

• Original Perfume (if available): Even a small amount is invaluable for comparison.
• Perfume Oils/Essential Oils/Fragrance Oils: Choose high-quality oils that match the scent notes you’re trying to replicate. Research the original perfume’s notes (top, middle, base) to guide your selection.
• Perfumer’s Alcohol (Ethanol): This is the base solvent for your perfume and crucial for proper scent diffusion. Avoid isopropyl alcohol, as it has a strong odor.
• Distilled Water: Used to dilute the perfume and adjust its strength.
• Dipropylene Glycol (DPG): A fragrance fixative that helps blend the oils and prolong the scent. (Optional, but recommended for longevity).
• Glass Bottles: Several small bottles for testing and blending, and a larger bottle for the final perfume. Dark glass is preferable to protect the perfume from light.
• Glass Pipettes/Droppers: For precise measurement of oils.
• Measuring Spoons/Small Beakers: For measuring alcohol and water.
• Notebook and Pen: For detailed notes on your formulas and experiments.
• Coffee Beans (Optional): To cleanse your palate between smelling different oils.
• Paper Blotter Strips (Smelling Strips): For testing the scent of individual oils and blends.
• Safety Gloves: To protect your skin from direct contact with oils and alcohol.
• Face Mask: To avoid inhaling concentrated fragrance oils.
• Well-Ventilated Area: Perfume making should always be done in a space with good airflow.
• Digital Scale: For precise measuring, especially when working with smaller amounts.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Make discontinued perfume

This process requires a methodical approach. Remember, you’re not just mixing scents; you’re attempting to recreate an olfactory experience. Patience and meticulous note-taking are key.

Step 1: Researching and Deconstructing the Original Scent (How to Make discontinued perfume)

1. Identify the Scent Notes: Use online resources like Fragrantica, Basenotes, or perfume blogs to find information about the original perfume’s fragrance notes (top, middle, and base). These notes are the building blocks of the scent.
2. Analyze the Scent (If Possible): If you have even a small amount of the original perfume, carefully analyze it. Spray it on a blotter strip and observe how the scent changes over time. Note the initial scents (top notes), the heart of the fragrance (middle notes), and the lingering base notes.
3. Source Matching Oils: Based on your research and analysis, identify fragrance oils, essential oils, or perfume oils that correspond to the identified notes. Look for reputable suppliers specializing in perfume ingredients. Read reviews and sample oils before committing to larger purchases.
4. Create a Spreadsheet: Organize your findings in a spreadsheet. List the original perfume notes in one column and the corresponding oils you’ve chosen in another. This will be your reference guide.

Step 2: Creating Individual Accord Blends (How to Make discontinued perfume)

1. Start with Simple Accords: Begin by creating small accords, which are combinations of two or three oils that work well together. For example, if the original perfume has a rose note, you might create a rose accord by blending rose absolute with a touch of geranium or violet.
2. Experiment with Ratios: Experiment with different ratios of oils within each accord. Start with small amounts (e.g., 1 drop of each oil) and gradually adjust the proportions until you achieve a pleasing blend.
3. Document Everything: Meticulously record the exact amounts of each oil used in each accord. Note your observations about the scent and how it evolves over time.
4. Test on Blotter Strips: Always test your accords on blotter strips before combining them. Allow the strips to dry for a few minutes to get a better sense of the scent.

Step 3: Combining Accords and Building the Base (How to Make discontinued perfume)

1. Start with the Base Notes: The base notes are the foundation of the perfume and provide longevity. Combine your base note accords in a small glass bottle. Start with small amounts and gradually increase the proportions.
2. Add the Middle Notes: Once you’re satisfied with the base, add the middle note accords. The middle notes are the heart of the fragrance and should complement the base.
3. Introduce the Top Notes: Finally, add the top note accords. Top notes are the first impression of the perfume and tend to be lighter and more volatile. Be careful not to overpower the other notes with the top notes.
4. Adjust and Refine: After combining all the accords, allow the blend to sit for at least 24 hours. Then, re-evaluate the scent and make adjustments as needed. This is where patience and a keen sense of smell are crucial.

Step 4: Diluting and Aging the Perfume (How to Make discontinued perfume)

1. Determine the Concentration: Perfumes are typically classified based on their concentration of fragrance oils:
   • Parfum: 20-30% fragrance oils
   • Eau de Parfum (EdP): 15-20% fragrance oils
   • Eau de Toilette (EdT): 5-15% fragrance oils
   • Eau de Cologne (EdC): 2-4% fragrance oils
2. Dilute with Perfumer’s Alcohol: Calculate the amount of perfumer’s alcohol needed to achieve your desired concentration. For example, if you want to create an EdP with 20% fragrance oils, you’ll need 80% perfumer’s alcohol.
3. Add Dipropylene Glycol (DPG) (Optional): Add a small amount of DPG (around 1-3% of the total volume) to help blend the oils and prolong the scent.
4. Add Distilled Water (Optional): A small amount of distilled water (up to 5%) can help soften the fragrance and improve its diffusion. Add it slowly and carefully.
5. Mix Thoroughly: Gently mix the perfume blend to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
6. Age the Perfume: Allow the perfume to age in a cool, dark place for at least 2-4 weeks. This allows the scent to mature and develop its full complexity. Shake the bottle occasionally during the aging process.

Step 5: Final Adjustments and Bottling (How to Make discontinued perfume)

1. Re-evaluate the Scent: After aging, re-evaluate the perfume and make any final adjustments. You may need to add more of a particular oil or adjust the concentration of the alcohol and water.
2. Filter the Perfume: Use a coffee filter or a specialized perfume filter to remove any sediment or impurities.
3. Bottle the Perfume: Pour the finished perfume into a clean, dark glass bottle.
4. Label the Bottle: Label the bottle with the name of your creation and the date it was made.

Tips for Success with How to Make discontinued perfume

• Start Small: Begin with small batches to minimize waste and allow for experimentation.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the quality of the finished perfume.
• Be Patient: Recreating a discontinued perfume takes time and patience. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect.
• Trust Your Nose: Ultimately, the best perfume is one that you love. Trust your own sense of smell and don’t be afraid to experiment.
• Keep Detailed Records: Document every step of the process, including the ingredients used, the ratios, and your observations. This will help you replicate your successful blends and learn from your mistakes.
• Consider Consulting an Expert: If you’re struggling to recreate a particular scent, consider consulting a professional perfumer or fragrance expert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Recreating Discontinued Perfume

• Using Low-Quality Oils: Cheap oils often have synthetic scents that won’t accurately represent the original perfume.
• Not Properly Measuring Ingredients: Precise measurements are crucial for consistent results.
• Overpowering the Scent: Adding too much of one oil can throw off the entire balance of the