How To Make A Springtime Floral Eau de Toilette

Natasha Bruce-Carline
Springtime Floral Eau de Toilette

In this post, we are going to look at how to turn spring-inspired fragrance oils (which you might ordinarily think of for home decor candles and diffusers)  into beautiful wearable perfumes. Specifically here, we are thinking about VINEVIDA fragrance oils we can use to make springtime floral eau de toilettes (EDTs). Light and airy Eau de Toilettes lend themselves beautifully to spring. All those pretty citruses, herbal green notes, and flowers are positively begging to be worn with a pretty dress. Don’t worry if this is new territory; we’ll look at how to make perfume from scratch and even think about ways you can adapt some of our recipes to create your own floral signature scent.
Making your own perfume by hand is a beautifully creative project, incredibly satisfying, and way easier than you might think.
This is a long article, with lots of technical advice, which we advise you read. However, if you do want to skip, you can jump into this section: Springtime Floral Eau De Toilette Recipes

Introduction

A bit of housekeeping…

If at any point you think, “I feel like I have missed something here”, then chances are you have, and that is because this article is the second part of a three-part series. 

    1. How To Make A Springtime Floral Eau De Cologne
    2. How To Make A Springtime Floral Eau de Toilette
    3. How To Make A Springtime Floral Eau De Parfum

The article also assumes you will have fully read and understood both

How To Make A Springtime Floral Eau De Cologne & Craft Your Scent: Cologne With Essential Oils.

Between these two articles, you will be able to access everything you need to know about making your own perfume from scratch. The most pertinent information contained here is about ingredients relevant to perfume making and their respective actions.

Now Craft Your Scent: Cologne With Essential Oils, you may have noticed, is about essential oils, but most of the information can be applied directly to working with fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are pre-blended into scent notes and can be used in isolation, where you might need several essential oils to create an accord. Blended notes are useful tools if you just want to replicate a branded scent like NO. 3813 - Inspired by: Miss Dior (Women) by Dior, for example. No need to try to figure out a formula. It is blended for you.

However, blending fragrance oils and even adding a couple of essential oils into the mix offers limitless scope to create. There are so many possible variations, it's exciting to think about what you can create, and honestly, it’s almost impossible to run out of combinations.

In this article, though, we’ll keep it simple. No essential oils. Just fragrance oils, and we’ll focus only on EDTs, to make quick, easy projects with reliable, repeatable results.

A Quick Recap

In How To Make A Springtime Floral Eau De Cologne, we looked at:

Fragrance Concentration

We looked at the differences in fragrance concentration between an Eau De Cologne right up to an Extrait de Parfum, and how that affects the projection of the fragrance and its longevity on the skin.

In brief:

Eau de cologne (EDC) Eau de toilette (EDT) Eau de parfum (EDP) Extrait de parfum / parfum (EP / P)
Concentration 3–5% 4–8% 8–15% 15–30%
Longevity 1–3 hours 3–5 hours 6–8 hours 8–12+ hours
Projection Strong, but very short-lived Moderate to strong Moderate Low to moderate

Springtime Fragrance Oils

vinevida fragrance oils

I listed many of the wonderful spring-inspired fragrance oils you have to choose from. 

    • Dedicated Spring Collections
    • Blossoms and spring flowers 
    • Vibrant green energy
    • Fruity florals and citrus florals
    • Perfect pairings that might not be spring-inspired, but will complement your blends

I’m not going to repeat those lists here, so please pop on over and take a look at Springtime Floral Eau De Cologne.

I also linked you to all of our Spring-inspired fragrance oils on the VINEVIDA website.

IFRA Skin Safety Dilution Rates 

We looked at how to create skin-safe blends for both shaved and unshaved skin in line with IFRA maximum skin safety dilution rates.

Created an Eau De Cologne Base and Fragrance Concentrate Blends

We created a simple EDC base and chose whether to add carrier oil or not to our base, and then we explored a variety of fragrance concentration blends. 

Moving From How To Make Eau De Cologne To Eau De Toilette

There is only one difference between Eau de Cologne and EDT, and that is how much fragrance concentrate you use.

Now, if I were a very lazy writer, I would say, “Well, let’s just use the same recipes that we used in the EDC article and change the amount of water…” But from a safety point of view, that does not work.

Simply doubling how much fragrance oil you add to a blend often means that you run the risk of using more than the maximum dilution rate suggested by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). Since IFRA is concerned with whether substances will irritate the skin, going above their recommendations is a bit stupid. So we do need to create new recipes.

In particular, when making perfumes, we are interested in the IFRA categories 3A and 3B. These safety figures are specifically concerned with fragrances that might be used on shaved skin. These skin safety dilution rates are, with the odd exception, generally very low.

For fragrances that will be used on skin that is unshaven, we would refer to Categories 4A and 4B. Here is a quick comparison of what those differences in dilution rates might look like.

Fragrance oil Categories 3A & B Categories 4A & B
Hydroalcoholic products applied to shaved skin (fine fragrance range) Hydroalcoholic products applied to unshaved skin (fine fragrance range)
NO. 1828 - Inspired by: Wild Bluebell by Jo Malone 1.43% 16.80%
NO. 143 - Wild Ivy & Rose 1.44% 96.29%
NO. 133 - Violets 2.34% 21.50%
NO. 147 - Spring Garden 1.07% 12.63%
NO. 4211 - Inspired by: Springtime In A Park by Maison Margiela 1.44% 10.49%

As you can see, the amount we can safely use between the two categories can be strikingly different. So:

For this project, we will be creating Eau De Toilette for use on unshaved skin. Our recipes follow Categories 4A & B safety data.

PRO TIP: There’s nothing more irritating than having to stop work and wait for a replacement fragrance oil because you find the safety dilution rates are too low for your project. Try to get into the habit of checking fragrance oil IFRA safety data before you add products to your basket. Take your time and plan carefully.

Getting the right product first time, every time, saves money, saves waste, and alleviates disappointment. (And no, we don’t all get it right, first time. Don’t worry!)

How To Make A Springtime Floral Eau de Toilette Base

This recipe uses fragrance oils at 4-8% dilution and will make 100ml of Eau De Toilette. It is very quick and easy to make.  IFRA safety of the blends has already been worked out for use on UNSHAVEN skin, so you can simply take these fragrance concentrate blends and get started immediately.

There is an option to add a carrier oil to nourish your skin a bit more, if you wish to do so.  I do think it is worth it because I find carrier oils help fix the scent on your skin a little longer. However, whether you add carrier oils is entirely your choice. 

Equipment:

    1. Measuring jug
    2. Spoon or glass blending stick
    3. Funnel
    4. 100ml decorative fragrance bottle, make sure it has an air-tight lid to reduce evaporation
    5. Oil and waterproof label

A Note on Equipment

I’d advise keeping a set of equipment reserved only for perfume making. Use glass and stainless steel utensils where possible because the scent of fragrance oils lingers particularly on plastic. Since fragrance oils are not suitable for ingestion, I would recommend not using them for food prep thereafter.

Ingredients:

Whether you decide to use carrier oil or not in your blend determines how much oil and alcohol are required.

Base for EDT Without Carrier Oil
    • 60 ml of Perfumer’s Alcohol
    • 30 ml of Distilled Water + a little extra for topping up
    • 4-8 ml of Soaps and Candles Fragrance Oil Concentrate (recipes below)
Base for EDT With Carrier Oil
    • 50 ml of Perfumer’s Alcohol
    • 10 ml of Jojoba or Sweet Almond carrier oil
    • 30 ml of Distilled Water + a little extra for topping up
    • 4-8 ml of Soaps and Candles Fragrance Oil Concentrate (recipes below)

Method:

    1. If you do decide to use a carrier oil, combine both your carrier oil and 4-8ml of your fragrance concentrate blend into a large glass measuring jug and mix well together. 
    2. Carefully measure out your perfumer’s alcohol and add it to the mix. 
    3. Stir well; it may look cloudy at first, but don’t panic! This is expected and completely normal. Eventually, it will simply settle, disperse, and become clear again.
    4. Finally, add your distilled water and again, stir well. 
    5. Top up to 100ml where needed. 
    6. Use a glass or stainless steel funnel for ease and decant the eau de toilette into a decorative fragrance bottle of your choice.
    7. You will need to make sure you have an airtight lid to reduce the chance of your perfume evaporating.
    8. On an oil and waterproof label, list all ingredients clearly for safety reasons. 
    9. If it is going to sit out on your shelf or cabinet, it is worth spending a little extra effort to create a really beautiful label.  
    10. Please be patient and allow your springtime floral Eau De Toilette to sit for at least 24 - 48 hours before use. Don’t worry, we know you will take a sneak peek if you really have to!
    11. In an ideal scenario, it is best allowed to mature for up to 6 weeks to allow the scent notes to fully meld together. I assure you that it is well worth leaving it, if you can bear to. 
    12. Springtime Floral Eau De Toilette Fragrance Concentrate Blends

You can choose any of these vibrant and reviving fragrance concentrate blends to make your springtime floral eau de toilette.

These:

    1. Are made using the Soaps & Candles version of VINEVIDA Fragrance oil. 
    2. Make a 10ml/10% fragrance concentrate where the IFRA safety has already been worked out, enabling you to use it as a 4-8% dilution in 92-96ml of eau de toilette base. 
    3. Give measurements in both ml and the approximate number of drops.
    4. Are recommended to only be used on unshaved skin.
Safety Note:

The blends are not designed to exceed this 10% dilution rate; they are not suitable for simply doubling up to create an eau de parfum, as it will likely exceed skin safety limits. If you want to make EDP, look out for the coming blog post over the next week or so. 

Springtime Floral Eau De Toilette Recipes

A Million Blossoms

From the blossom-lined streets to the blackthorn hedgerows, I love watching spring burst forth in flower. I wanted to capture all of that in scent, but I could not resist using scents way more exotic than I can grow at home. I mean, come on! Nectarine? Who is going to be able to resist that? The blend takes my favorite fruit and melds it with light and airy citruses

Try this lusciously fragrant concoction, or try making your own with your favorite blossom fragrance oils.

Makes 10ml

Safety:
    1. Do not use it directly on the skin; this fragrance concentrate must be diluted in 92-96ml of eau de toilette base before use on the skin.

Violet Posy

Those first flashes of royal purple amongst heart-shaped, bright green leaves are the very first joy of spring for me. Violet is always the first flower to arrive, her delicately nodding head shyly facing down towards her glorious leaves. They captivated me as a child, and they still do, with their powdery, floral aroma. It is a scent I choose to wear over and over again, especially as a perfume, but I think it’s important not to skip that gorgeous green background and undercurrent, which you can find in NO. 1314. It upholds the floral structure of the whole aroma and echoes the violet plant itself. 

Makes 10ml at a 10% dilution rate

Safety:
    1. Do not use it directly on the skin; this fragrance concentrate must be diluted in 92-96ml of eau de toilette base before use on the skin.

The First Flush Of Green

Already in the fields you can see the first flush of that Chartreuse coloured grass, and it won't be long before the first acid green leaves will appear on the Weeping Willows. Vivid, vibrant, and full of energy, this gorgeous green color speaks of new life, renewal, and vitality.

Let this cooling and soothing aroma revitalise and uplift you, invigorate and revive you, and fill your heart with the resounding joys of spring.

Makes 10ml at a 10% dilution rate

Safety:
    1. Do not use it directly on the skin; this fragrance concentrate must be diluted in 92-96ml of eau de toilette base before use on the skin.

Springtime In Rome

We know all about Springtime in Paris, but what actually is it about Springtime in Rome, I wonder? 

I wanted to create something with uber-feminine blossoms and bright green leaves, to make an aroma that was ideal for day wear. It seemed only fitting, as we lost the wonderfully talented Valentino this year, to make this vibrant spring blend an ode to him, with NO. 3900 at its deliciously green heart.

Why not get creative and use this aroma to inspire your own toiletries (remember the IFRA category and ratios will be different, though)

Makes 10ml at a 10% dilution rate

Safety:
    1. Do not use it directly on the skin; this fragrance concentrate must be diluted in 92-96ml of eau de toilette base before use on the skin.

Sun Shining Through Raindrops

Spring weather never seems able to make up its mind. One minute, glorious sunshine, the next an unexpected shower. But as the clouds pass and the sun returns,  leaves are festooned in raindrops, each one capturing its own image of Helios and his shining rays. 

This blend marries bright, fresh green and invigorating and luminous citrus notes for a stunning springtime floral eau de toilette. 

Makes 10ml at a 10% dilution rate

Safety:
    1. Do not use it directly on the skin; this fragrance concentrate must be diluted in 92-96ml of eau de toilette base before use on the skin.

Next Steps

Perfume is one of the loveliest projects you can make at home with fragrance oils. Don’t forget that you can improve your final results with a little patience and by allowing it to mature for a few weeks. I know it is hard to even think about leaving it that long, but the results are well worth it. Make two bottles and compare them if you don’t believe me!

If you have always wanted to know how to make perfume at home, start to finish, now you know. It doesn’t require a whole heap of random ingredients, just some choice professional grade perfumers alcohol and quality fragrance oils. I’m sure it is much easier than you originally thought, too!

Why not have a go at creating your very own bespoke springtime fragrance concentrate blends? It is worth remembering that 20 drops of essential/fragrance oil is roughly equal to 1 ml. You will need 200 drops of essential/fragrance oil to make 10 ml of fragrance concentrate for your springtime eau de toilettes.

You must remember to check those IFRA maximum skin safety dilution rates for both your fragrance oils and essential oils, and stick within the limits, too! I cannot stress enough how important this is to remain skin safe.

We have the last articles in the series coming out next: How to Make a Spring Eau De Parfum. Keep an eye out for the newsletter or the blog for it. One thing is for sure: with all these new skills and ideas for how to make a springtime floral eau de toilette,  you’ll smell scentsational all season long!