The holiday season is a time of warmth, cosiness and festive cheer; and what better way to capture that spirit than through your very own DIY Christmas-inspired perfumes? Scent has the power to evoke feelings of nostalgia and joy and creating your own blends can add an extra touch of magic to the season. Whether you’re making these for yourself or as thoughtful, handmade gifts, these festive recipes are sure to bring the holiday spirit to life.

Here are some easy-to-make, all-natural Eau de Parfum recipes that will fill your days with the aromas of Christmas.

Why Make Your Own Perfumes?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why making your own perfumes is so special. DIY perfumes allow you to customise your scent, using high-quality essential oils that not only smell wonderful but also have therapeutic benefits. Plus, they’re free from harsh chemicals often found in store-bought perfumes, making them a healthier option.

When you’re living with chronic illness, the holiday season can feel isolating or stressful. Making these perfumes can be a joyful, uplifting activity that lifts your spirits and brings a sense of calm to the festive rush. It’s also a practical way to batch-create thoughtful gifts, taking away the stress of figuring out what to give friends and family. Imagine having a stash of beautiful, handmade perfumes ready to go; one less thing to worry about during a busy time of year.

Making Eau de Parfum

These perfume recipes are designed for 30ml bottles (I buy mine from Ampulla) and use perfume alcohol as the base. The essential oils will make up 15-20% of the total volume, providing a beautifully strong scent to last throughout your day.

Note: To calculate the amount of essential oils needed, aim for approximately 4.5-6ml (15-20%) of essential oils for a 30ml bottle. This equals about 90-120 drops, depending on your preference for scent strength.

Festive DIY Perfume Recipes

1. Warm Spice & Everything Nice

If you love the cosy, inviting scent of a holiday kitchen, this blend is for you. It captures the warmth of cinnamon, the sweet aroma of vanilla and a hint of clove to remind you of freshly baked gingerbread cookies.

Ingredients:

• 30 drops cinnamon essential oil

• 20 drops clove essential oil

• 20 drops vanilla absolute (or vanilla extract)

• 20 drops orange essential oil

• 30 grams Perfume alcohol

• 30ml glass perfume bottle with a spray top

• Glass measuring jug

• Coffee filter

2. Christmas Tree Bliss

Bring the outdoors inside with this forest-inspired blend. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the fresh, crisp aroma of a real Christmas tree. Pine and fir oils are grounding, while cedarwood adds a touch of warmth.

Ingredients:

• 35 drops pine essential oil

• 30 drops fir essential oil

• 20 drops cedarwood essential oil

• 10 drops peppermint essential oil (for a cool, wintery touch)

• 30 grams perfume alcohol

• 30ml glass perfume bottle with a spray top

• Glass measuring jug

• Coffee filter

3. Festive Citrus Cheer

Citrus oils are known for their uplifting properties, making this blend ideal for adding a bright, cheerful note to the dark winter days. Sweet orange and bergamot bring joy, while a hint of frankincense adds a touch of holiday mystery.

Ingredients:

• 30 drops sweet orange essential oil

• 25 drops bergamot essential oil

• 20 drops frankincense essential oil

• 15 drops vanilla absolute

• 30 grams perfume alcohol

• 30ml glass perfume bottle with a spray top

• Glass measuring jug

• Coffee filter

Instructions

Once you’ve picked the essential oil combination that you’d like to move forward with, follow these instructions to make your perfume

1. Measure out the perfumer’s alcohol into a glass jug (it’s best to use scales for this)
2. Add the essential oils to the alcohol
3. Stir slowly, until the oils are completely dispersed
4. Let the blend infuse for around 3 weeks. It’s best to do this in a tinted glass jar with a lid, or a clear glass jar stored in a cool, dark place
5. Place your coffee filter over your glass measuring jug and pour the perfume on top. This helps to filter out sediment
6. Finally, pour the perfume into your perfume bottle and it’s now ready to use!

Tips for Making and Using Your DIY Perfumes

1. Infuse for Better Scent: While you can use your perfumes immediately, letting them infuse for around 3 weeks will deepen the aroma. Leave in a cool, dark place for the best results.

2. Apply Strategically: For the best scent experience, apply your DIY perfumes to pulse points, such as your wrists, neck and behind your ears.

3. Adjust to Your Liking: Feel free to experiment with the ratios and ingredients to create a scent that’s uniquely yours.

Make It a Gift!

These perfumes make beautiful, thoughtful holiday gifts. Consider decorating the bottles with festive labels or tying a small ribbon around the neck. Include a handwritten note with the name of the blend and a personal message to make it extra special.

Get Into the Festive Spirit

Creating your own Christmas-inspired perfumes is a wonderful way to embrace the holiday season and treat yourself to a little self-care. Plus, the process itself (blending scents, thinking about loved ones and bottling holiday magic) is a fun and calming experience.

For more daily inspiration, join me on Instagram @theemaspry and do share your photos of your perfumes!

Photos courtesy of Unsplash.

Disclaimer:

The content in this blog is based on my personal experience of living with chronic illness and is shared for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your GP or healthcare professional before making any changes to your lifestyle, work routine, or health management. The tips and strategies shared here can be used alongside medical advice to support your well-being.