Top 10 Essential Oils for DIY Perfume | Natural Scent Blending Guide
There’s something magical about creating your own perfume. Not only does it give you complete control over your scent, but it also helps you avoid the hidden chemicals often found in conventional fragrances. With a few high-quality essential oils, you can craft a unique, all-natural perfume that reflects your personal style and lingers beautifully throughout the day.
Start with the Basics: Notes in Perfume
- Top notes – the first impression (fresh and light)
- Middle notes – the heart of the scent (floral, spicy, or herbal)
- Base notes – what lingers the longest (deep, grounding scents)
A balanced DIY perfume uses all three.
Quick tip: If you’re only buying a few oils to start, choose one top note + one middle note + one base note from the list below.
Simple Starter Blend (Beginner-Friendly)
- Top: 6 drops Bergamot
- Middle: 6 drops Lavender or Geranium
- Base: 4 drops Sandalwood or Vetiver
Add to 80 drops carrier oil (jojoba is ideal) for a quick test blend. Let it sit 24–48 hours, then adjust.
10 Essential Oils for DIY Perfume Blending
- Bergamot – Bright, citrusy top note
- Lavender – Clean, floral middle note
- Ylang Ylang – Exotic, sweet floral for a lush middle note
- Clary Sage – Herbaceous and slightly musky middle
- Geranium Bourbon – Complex floral middle with a green edge
- Sandalwood – Soft, creamy base note that extends wear time
- Vetiver – Deep, earthy base note with amazing longevity
- Cedarwood Atlas – Warm and woodsy base note
- Vanilla Absolute – Sweet, comforting base (pairs with anything)
- Jasmine Absolute – Sensual floral with strong throw and middle-to-base staying power
Tips for Making a Perfume That Lasts
- Use jojoba oil as a carrier — it resists oxidation and absorbs well.
- Stick to a 20% essential oil to 80% carrier ratio for perfume strength.
- Let your blend sit for at least a week (preferably 2) before using — this helps the scent mature.
- Apply to pulse points (wrists, neck) and reapply as needed.
If you love the idea of essential oil perfume but don’t want to source a bunch of oils, experiment with ratios, or wait for a blend to mature: we also make ready-to-wear essential oil perfumes using the same notes approach above (top, middle, and base) so they wear beautifully and last. Browse our essential oil perfume collection .
Frequently Asked Questions
How many essential oils should I use in my perfume?
For most DIY perfumes, 3 to 5 essential oils is the sweet spot. This usually includes one or two top notes, one or two middle notes, and one or two base notes.
What’s the best carrier oil for natural perfume?
Jojoba oil is the top choice because it’s stable, resists oxidation, and absorbs well into the skin. Fractionated coconut oil is another good option.
How long does homemade perfume last?
If stored in a cool, dark place, your DIY perfume can last 12 months or much longer. The scent may continue to deepen and mellow over time.
How can I make the scent last longer on my skin?
Use strong base notes like sandalwood, vetiver, or vanilla, and don’t skip the resting time. Applying perfume to pulse points and moisturizing your skin beforehand also helps the scent stick.
Are essential oil perfumes safe for sensitive skin?
Usually they are when diluted properly. Stick to a 20% essential oil to 80% carrier ratio, and always do a patch test.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re enjoying the DIY side of perfume, these guides can help you refine your blends and decide what direction you want to take:
- How to Make Essential Oil Perfume — a step-by-step guide covering ratios, carriers, and application methods.
-
Vanilla Essential Oil Perfume for a Natural Vanilla Smell — a deep dive into one of the most popular (and trickiest) base notes.
Keep Learning
Essential Oil vs. Perfume: What's the Difference?
Not Happy With Your DIY Perfume?
Whether you make your own blend or wear a finished one, essential oil perfumes are a clean, personal alternative to synthetic fragrance.