If you’re reading this post, it’s probably because you’re tired of overpriced perfumes, want something a little more natural, or you just love a good DIY (same here to all of the above.).
For the longest time, I relied on spray perfumes until I realized most of them made my head hurt, stained my clothes, or just wore off in like… two seconds. That’s when I started experimenting with solid perfume and honestly, I love them.
It’s small enough to toss in your bag, and it lasts way longer than spray perfume. I love scents that are woodsy, floral and fresh, or cozy like vanilla with a hint of lavender.
I like giving these as gifts. They’re cute, easy, and cheap to make and honestly, people actually like them. It feels thoughtful without trying too hard.
What is a Solid Perfume:
A solid perfume is basically a concentrated, wax-based version of regular perfume that you apply with your fingers. Instead of spraying it on, you dab a little onto your your wrists, neck, or behind your ears. It’s usually made with beeswax or shea butter and scented with essential oils or fragrance oils.
Solid Perfume Recipe
This recipe makes about 2 ounces, which is enough to last you a long time unless you get obsessed with them.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 48 drops essential oils: I highly recommend using high-quality essential oils. Not all essential oils are good and not all of them smell great or last long either. I talk a bit more about that in my essential oils perfume eBook, and I also have a full post on how to make perfumes with essential oils if you want to read it.
Note: You can swap the shea butter for a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond if you prefer a softer finish.
Instructions:
1. Melt the Base
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Add the beeswax and shea butter to a heat-safe glass container and melt it slowly using a double boiler (or a glass jar in a small pot of water on low heat). Stir occasionally until it’s fully melted and smooth.
2. Add the Scent
Let it cool for just a minute or two so it’s not super hot, then add your essential oils. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
3. Pour and Set
Carefully pour the mixture into your tin or container and let it sit undisturbed for a few hours until it’s completely solid. That’s it!
How to Use Solid Perfume:
Swipe a clean finger or dab your wrist directly into the perfume, then apply to your pulse points (neck, wrists, behind the ears). Reapply as needed, but honestly you won’t need to very often.
Notes:
If you want the scent to really last, use a mix of top, middle, and base notes. For example:
- Top: bergamot, grapefruit
- Middle: lavender, rose
- Base: patchouli, sandalwood, vanilla
Solid Perfume
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp beeswax
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- 28 drops essential oils
Instructions
- Combine the beeswax and shea butter into a glass container. Heat on low in a double broiler until it is all melted.
- Wait until it cools down a bit, then add in your essential oils.
- Pour into your tin and leave it for a few hours until it is fully hard.
Notes
- You can use a carrier oil instead of shea butter if you would like.
