First alcohol perfume

[Guest guest]

I made my first alcohol perfume this afternoon. I'd call it a

success, though there are certainly things I'll change if/when I make

again.

In 15ml 190 proof organic grape alcohol

Base: Ambergris 4 drops, violet leaf 6, benzoin 7 (I know, it's one

or two short)

Heart: damascena 6, jasmine sambac 7, frangipani 5

Top: Bergamot 7, blood orange 6, fenugreek 4, black pepper 1

In the fist minute or two, the ambergris is a little strong. Then it

mellows out; the various smells blend into a warm, sambac-orange

accord, with a little sharpness and a little sweetness, and a solid

aura. I don't know what I'll change. Maybe replace the violet leaf,

some labdanum for an amber accord? I might try a little amyris. A

little less ambergris I think. I think I like the top. Maybe replace

the frangipani? Suggestions appreciated.

[Guest guest]

>

> I made my first alcohol perfume this afternoon. I'd call it a

> success, though there are certainly things I'll change if/when I

> make again.

<snip>

> In the fist minute or two, the ambergris is a little strong. Then it

> mellows out; the various smells blend into a warm, sambac-orange

> accord, with a little sharpness and a little sweetness, and a solid

> aura. I don't know what I'll change. Maybe replace the violet leaf,

> some labdanum for an amber accord? I might try a little amyris. A

> little less ambergris I think. I think I like the top. Maybe replace

> the frangipani? Suggestions appreciated.

>

Hi Adam -- Congratulations! Isn't it exciting when you've made your

first one? I'm thinking that you should sit with this blend, exactly

as it is for a couple of weeks and see how everything interacts and

plays with and marries with each other. You might find after a few

weeks that it's become just what you had in mind when you set out to

make it. Or, after a few weeks, some ingredients might be standing out

there bright and strong while others have quietly gone to sleep. BTW,

I adore black pepper! I would think maybe of bumping that up just a

teeny bit -- I find that it can get lost easily. And fenugreek is such

a wonderful smell! Anyway, again -- congrats!

Cheers!

Andrine