How to Make Dry Perfume at Home: Recipes for Lavender and Citrus

Lavender Dry Perfume

Lavender is a scent that is used in aromatherapy to help us relax and encourage calmness. It is a perfect scent to unwind after a long day, or to carry with you for those stressful days. Lavender has an appealing fragrance that is not only used in aromatherapy, but has been used throughout history as a perfume.
To make a dry perfume from lavender, you will need:

• 1 teaspoon dry orrisroot powder - This powder comes from the root of the white iris, or Iris Florentina. It is used as a stabilizer and preserving agent in many homemade cosmetics, perfumes, and powders. It has a violet scent. Many natural food stores carry this powder. It is also used in making potpourris, so it can sometimes be found in hobby and craft stores.
• 1 tablespoon dry lavender flowers
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 drops lavender oil

 

Citrus Dry Perfume

Citrus is known for awakening the mind and rejuvenating the spirit. It can be used as a gentle pick me up any time you need a boost to help get you through the day. As with all homemade cosmetics you can adjust the amount of orange peel in this recipe to alter it to your liking. The dried orange peel is prepared by drying it and processing it in a spice or coffee grinder. If you don't have a dehydrator, let the orange peel dry well in a sunny window before grinding.
To make a citrus dry perfume, you will need:

• 1 teaspoon orrisroot powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon dried orange peel
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot oil - Bergamot oil comes from oranges of that name.

 

Instructions for Preparing, Storing and Applying Dry Perfume

Regardless of which recipe you have chosen, these are the instructions for preparing the dry perfume.

1. Use a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder to mix all the ingredients into a smooth powder. The traditional mortar and pestle can also be used if you prefer.
2. Store the lavender dry perfume in a clean container with a tight fitting lid.
3. To use the perfume, rub a small amount of the powder on your skin where you would apply perfume or cologne. It can also be used to lightly dust the skin as with any powder. Just be sure not to overdo it.

Both recipes yield one once of powdered dry perfume. The ingredients can easily be doubled or tripled to prepare larger batches. Dry perfume has the advantage over liquid perfume of being absorbent. It comes in handy on hot, humid days to help keep you cool and comfortable.

 

Further Reading and Credits:

More Natural and Organic Beauty Recipes by this author.
Photos:

• Oranges by Mandarins1, http://openphoto.net/gallery/image.html?image_id=19762
• Lavender by Lily, http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035760661@N01/592395358
• Homemade Powder, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kava-powder-from-vanuatu-ready-to-mix-with-water.jpg

All Natural Homemade Olive Oil Lotion Recipe

What you will need:

• 1/4 powder borax powder
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons grated beeswax
• Essential oils for fragrance (optional)

Borax is naturally occurring in nature and is an alkali substance. It softens and cleans skin gently and without drying because of it's mild nature. You'll find it in the laundry isle of most discount stores under the brand name of 20 Mule Team borax.
Olive oil comes from, you guessed it, olives. It's been used since biblical times for skin care. It has a natural ability to hydrate and heal dry skin.
Beeswax is secreted on the underside of the bee. They use it to make the walls of their honeycomb. Some beekeepers are certified organic. If you are interested in organic beeswax, you may be able to locate it locally. You may also look at your local health food store or online. Beeswax acts as a natural barrier holding in natural moisture and protecting from environmental elements.

1. Disolve the borax in water in a glass container.
2. In a second glass container, combine the olive oil and the beeswax. This will need to be heated with a double boiler, oven or microwave. As the wax and oil heats, stir it constantly and keep a close eye on it to ensure that it doesn't scorch or burn.
3. After the wax and oil are combined, heat the borax water. This can be done in the microwave or on the stove top. It should be hot, but not boiling.
4. With a mixer, blend the ingredients as you slowly add the water to the wax mixture.
5. A few drops of essential oil can be added at this point if you prefer scented lotion. Some essential oils can cause skin to become sensitive to sunlight. Be cautious as to which essential oils you choose.
6. As the lotion cools, it will thicken. When it is no longer hot, it can be placed in a container.
7. Place it in a clean container. Be sure to label your lotion with the contents, so that you don't forget what's in it. Also, include the date of preparation so you will know the shelf life of the homemade lotion. Note: Homemade lotions will last for about a year when kept in a dry area.

Never worry about the safety of your lotion again. When you make your own lotion recipe at home, you will know exactly what you are putting on your skin. It can be made quickly and easily with a few simple ingredients: water, beeswax, olive oil and a little borax. Homemade lotions make excellent gifts for your friends, family and coworkers too. Why not mix up a bigger batch and treat those around you to your special homemade lotion recipe?

More Cosmetic Recipes from this Author

Collection of my favorite natural and organic recipes.

Cold Cream Recipe for Beautiful Skin

Ingredients to Make Cold Cream at Home

With homemade cosmetics, you'll know exactly what your are putting on your skin. To make cold cream, you will need:

• 1/4 teaspoon borax
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated beeswax

Cold cream has a long shelf life and will last at least a year.

Borax is a naturally occurring alkali substance. It will soften water, preserve cosmetics and gently clean skin without drying because of it's mild nature. Borax can be purchased at most discount stores in the laundry isle. It is usually sold under the brand name of 20 Mule Team borax.

Olive oil is often used in natural cosmetics and can be purchase in the organic variety. Jojoba oil can also be substituted for the olive oil in this recipe.
 

Beeswax is the wax bees secret and use to make their honeycomb. It is obviously a natural ingredient and some beekeepers are certified organic. Check you local health food store for beeswax. Beeswax acts as a natural barrier holding moisture in your skin and protects it from the elements at the same time.

How to Make Natural Cold Cream

1. In a glass container, dissolve the borax in the water and set it aside.
2. Heat the beeswax and oil in a double boiler, or in the microwave. This step requires a great deal of care watching the wax constantly and stirring it until it is well blended with the oil. Do not allow it to burn or scorch by over heating. If you are using a microwave open it every 15 seconds to stir the mixture.
3. Heat the water and borax on the stove top, or in a microwave for about a minute.
4. Slowly combine the borax water and the wax mixture. Whisk them together adding a small amount at a time, or use a blender to whip them as you slowly add the water to the wax.
5. If you choose to add fragrance to the homemade cold cream, add a few drops of essential oil and mix thoroughly.
6. Pour the mixture into a clean, glass container with a tight fitting lid. It will thicken a bit as it cools.
7. Label your homemade cold cream with the contents and date that you prepared it.

It only takes a few minutes to prepare your own cold cream at home. The ingredients are pure and natural and you can opt for organic varieties if you choose. This cold cream will gently clean the skin and help it retain it's natural oils at the same time for softer healthier skin.

If you enjoyed this article, you can browse more organic and natural beauty recipes from this author.

How to Make Natural and Organic Lip Glosses - 3 Homemade Recipes

The benefit of natural and organic lip gloss is simple, what we apply to our lips is swallowed. Certainly, it makes sense to use great caution in what we put on our mouths. In addition to exposure from ingestion, the most common concerns when it comes to lip gloss is allergic reactions and carcinogenic ingredients, according to the authors of, "The Safe Shopper's Bible," David Steinman and Samuel Epstein, MD.

Artificial colors and dyes in lip gloss are the most common cause of allergic reaction. Watching theingredients and opting for allergy-free varieties of commercial cosmetics can remedy allergic reactions. The colors used to dye lip gloss their beautiful hues are the most common carcinogens found. Making your own organic lip gloss at home can ensure that only safe, natural colors are used and that there are no cancer-causing ingredients present.

How to Make Natural Lip Gloss

Lip-glosses are made by heating up a few ingredients to thoroughly blend them. Use a small, shallow glass bowl for heating. A microwave can be used, but it is safer to use an oven, or a double boiler. If you are using a microwave, set it for 30 seconds at a time and stir after each heating. In an oven, or double boiler watch the lip gloss ingredients and stir them at least every 3 minutes until they are melted.

After the lip gloss ingredients have melted and are well mixed, pour the lip gloss into the application container and allow it to cool before putting it on your lips. Small glass or metal containers work well for storing homemade lip-glosses. You can purchase glass bottle with rolling applicators and many natural health stores.


Almond Lip Gloss

• 1/2 teaspoon grated beaswax
• 1 teaspoon organic cocoa butter
• 1 teaspoon organic almond oil

Aloe Vera Lip Gloss

• 1 teaspoon organic coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon organic aloe vera gel

Coconut Lip Gloss

• 1 teaspoon organic coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon organic almond oil
• 1/2 teaspoon grated beeswax

Natural and organic lip-gloss requires special handling. They can leak or melt and shouldn't be left in a hot car. If you do not wish to go to the time and effort of making your own homemade lip gloss recipes, some safe commercial brands include Aubrey Natural Lips - Crystal Clear, Bare Escentuals Conditioning Lip Glaze, Bonnie Bell Lip Smacker Lip Gloss in Bubblegum, Peppermint and Strawberry Flavors. These are safe lip glosses, according to the Environmental Work Group’s cosmetic safety database these brands contain few allergens and no carcinogenic, or cancer causing ingredients.

More Natural and Organic Recipes

Are you looking for more natural and organic cosmetic recipes? Find more, including skincare, haircare, fragrance and cosmetic recipes, published by this author at: Natural and Organic Beauty Recipes.