© Shutterstock

When did we first start wearing perfumes? - Perfume was at first just the smell from burning incense. It goes way back to Mesopotaminan times. In the 19th century, science progressed to be able to capture the essential oils, and thus the modern perfume was born.

© Getty Images

Why did we start wearing perfumes? - Scent is one of the most sensitive senses. It influences taste and can evoke emotions without words being said. As for perfumes specifically, not only were they useful when there were no plumbing systems, but perfume was also a way of showing wealth. Over time it became more accessible to the masses, and it's been a mainstay ever since.

© Getty Images

What you will need -

So, want to create your own perfume? This is what you'll need: three teaspoons of jojoba oil or sweet almond oil, 12 teaspoons of alcohol, two tablespoons of distilled water, a coffee filter, a dark glass bottle, and 25 drops of essential oils.

© Getty Images

Distilled water - To obtain distilled water, boil a pot of water. When it is boiling, place a cold lid on it so that the water condenses. Repeatedly drip the water that has condensed on the lid into a sterilized container. That is your distilled water.

© Shutterstock

Technical terms - Base notes are the essential oils that will stay on your skin the longest, even when the others evaporate.

© Getty Images

Base notes - Base notes are heavier essences such as cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood, and moss.

© Getty Images

Middle notes - The middle notes will stay a little less long on your skin, but are still quite prevalent in the perfume.

© Getty Images

Middle notes - The middle notes are subtle, but present. They can be clove, geranium, nutmeg, or anything of this ilk.

© Shutterstock

Top notes - The most delicate parts of the fragrance are the top notes. They disappear relatively quickly, but are often the most enticing.

© Getty Images

Top notes - The fragile top notes are similar to a high musical pitch. Easy on the nose, and so delicate that you almost miss it. They include bergamot, jasmine, neroli, and rose.

© Shutterstock

Bridge notes - In between the other notes, the bridge notes evaporate so that your perfume is a full bouquet. The job of the bridge is to complete the scent and hold it together.

© Getty Images

Bridge notes - Essential oils that are robust enough to string your scent together could be vanilla or lavender.

© Shutterstock

Tip - Write down all the ingredients you use in a notepad because the order will affect the scent, and you may want to replicate your perfume later on.

© Shutterstock

Step one - In your little bottle, add a few drops of sweet almond oil or jojoba oil. This will form the base of your perfume.

© Shutterstock

Step two - It is time to start creating your scent. Take you time to sniff as you go. Slowly add seven drops each of the base notes, the middle notes, and then the top notes. After you are content, you could also add some bridge notes to really make it stand out.

© Shutterstock

Step three - Add the alcohol to your bottle. If it is tricky to pour, then use a funnel.

© Shutterstock

Step four - Swill the bottle around to mix everything together, but not too vigorously. Then put the bottle in a dark place for 48 hours so that the scent binds and matures. The smell will change slightly and will actually become its strongest after six weeks.

© Shutterstock

Step five -

Keep smelling the scent. When you like it the most, to stop the chemical processes, add two tablespoons of distilled water to it.

© Shutterstock

Step six - Shake it up to mix it all together for a final time, then strain it through a coffee filter into your chosen perfume bottle. Again, you can use a funnel if necessary.

© Shutterstock

Step seven - In order to make your perfume last long, use a bottle that is dark, with minimal airspace, and can be sealed. When you put it away, it is best to keep it in a dry and dark area.

© Shutterstock

Step eight - Put a label on the bottle and make up a name for it. Labeling will be really helpful in the future in case you want to replicate your scents.

© Shutterstock

Ideas - A good idea is to look online on a website such as Fragrantica, and look up your favorite perfume. On the website will be all the ingredients that make it up. Take inspiration for your own perfume.

© Shutterstock

Inspiration - Perhaps you have no idea what kinds of essential oils you want. Go to the nearest botanical gardens, preferably when things are in bloom, and have a sniff around. You may find some woody scents or floral fragrance you want to use.

© Shutterstock

Woodsy - We can also give you some examples of ingredients that lead to certain aromas. For example, to make a woody perfume, use wood essential oils such as sandalwood and cedarwood.

© Shutterstock

Fruity - To make a fruity, scent use essential oils such as mandarin, lemon, and bergamot.

© Shutterstock

Floral - Everyone loves a delicate floral scent. To make it, use oils from violets, jasmine, and rose.

© Shutterstock

Earthy - If you want to have a more grounded aroma, use patchouli and vetiver.

© Shutterstock

Spicy -

For a bit of a zing in your perfume, black pepper and cinnamon can work wonders.

Sources: (ThoughtCo)(Byrdie)

See also: Why does perfume smell so good?

© Shutterstock