Re: What per cent dilution? What books?

[Guest guest]

Jocelyn,

First of all, Essence and Alchemy is the best book to start with in my

opinion. It will teach you a lot of basic skills for perfumery and

evaluating the building blocks so you can develop your own skills and,

eventually, style.

's answer is great and covers most of the issues you raised about

the perfume's longevity. I posted an elaborate rundown on the issue of

longevity and silage here, and I believe it can be found in the file

section - with all my recommendations for concentration levels for

different mediums (alcohol, oil and creme/solid parfum). It's called

" Concentrations and Ratios " and this is the link:

http://f1.grp.fs.com/v1/kBulRZPZSkk7PegUQWGjTuJrqwfw2XlesNt-aq5KO9aLGNHM2oe\

MC1KOnSjp9zFEmJAnJ3Aps7Y-H_WTLGvESoywbZog1-Bs9g/Concentrations%20and%20Ratios

I don't recommend using any scented vodka though! You mentioned using

Absolute Citron. Use the bland vodka, the highest proof you can get (I

believe this would be 100 proof, which is about 50% alcohol). It's not

the best medium for dissolving essential oils (they won't really

dissolve), but it's a great way to start experimenting if you can't

get a hold of 200 proof grain alcohol (94-97% alcohol) or perfumers'

alcohol (denatured). Keep in mind that the essences won't dissolve

completely, and the heavier and stickier essences will remain quite

sticky in the vodka. I personally like how light it is and it's fun to

wear. But - it's not a base I would recommend for professional use

(i.e. for selling), just for your own pleasure and learning process

(and of course you can share with friends and family).

Best of luck!

Ayala Sender

www.AyalaMoriel.com

www.SmellBlog.com

[Guest guest]

Thank You and Ayala! (I'm trying to learn etiquette of groups and

responses so forgive me if this is weird or confusing)

thanks

>Your blends need fixatives which you will read about

in Mandy Aftel's book. Also, a 1% concentration is

very low and you will need to make a stronger

concentration to get the effects that you want

Oh! fixatives--ok I will read the book. I suspected a 1% was too weak after

I tried it. Fixatives--I'm excited to try this. The book I have does not

mention fixatives at all.

thanks Ayala

>I don't recommend using any scented vodka though! You mentioned using

Absolute Citron

>Keep in mind that the essences won't dissolve

completely, and the heavier and stickier essences will remain quite

sticky in the vodka

And I thought the Citron would lend a nice note. The book I read about

blending suggested Evercleer, but I'm happy to learn there is denatured

alcohol--I'll look online. And yes, it's absolutely (no pun intended!) true--my

stickier essence (myrhh--not sure of spelling) did NOT dissolve but floated on

top.

I tried your link with no luck but I will try searching the archive files.

Thank you and I'll will let you know how things turn out.

Jocelyn