Category Archives: essential oils

DIY essential oil perfume and cologne spray

Posted in diy, essential oils by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

In a previous blog post I showed you how to make roll-on essential oil perfumes and colognes with a carrier oil. In this blog post, I will show you how to make the same essential oil perfumes and colognes in a small spray bottle using distilled water and witch hazel. I have measured this recipe for 10 ml glass spray bottles using 2 parts distilled water and 1 part witch hazel. The same formula can be used to make larger bottles of perfume or cologne.

Making your own perfume or cologne can be quick and easy! Try mixing different essential oils to suit your mood or occasion. I used a combination of vanilla, jasmine and lavender essential oils that I found on Pinterest.

You Will Need:

  • your choice of essential oils
  • a mini plastic funnel
  • measuring spoons
  • 2 1/2 tsp. distilled water
  • 1 1/4 tsp. witch hazel
  • labels
  • 10ml glass spray bottles

Instructions:

  1. Using the measuring spoons and small funnel, fill the spray bottle with 2 1/2 tsp. distilled water and 1 1/4 tsp. witch hazel.

2. Next, add your choice of essential oils, replace the spray cap, and shake well.

3. Label your spray bottle and your finished! If your label doesn’t stay on the spray bottle, try covering the label with tape.

DIY essential oil perfume and cologne spray – Two Savvy Cents

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://twosavvycents.com/2021/10/27/diy-essential-oil-perfume-and-cologne-spray/
  1. DIY essential oil perfume and cologne spray
  2. DIY Mason Jar String Lights

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DIY Essential Oil Reed Diffuser

Posted in crafts, diy, essential oils by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

Why pay high prices for those expensive reed diffusers at the store when you can make one at home? Making a reed diffuser with essential oils is easy and you can make your own favorite scent.

For this project, you will need essential oils, a glass bottle with a long skinny neck, wood diffuser reeds, and a light carrier oil such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or apricot kernel oil. All of these are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased at a craft stores or online. When buying your glass bottle, make sure that the height of the bottle isn’t taller than the diffuser reeds.

Choose any combination of essential oils that you like. I used an essential oil blend recipe that I found on Pinterest using peppermint oil, rosemary oil and spearmint oil.

You will need:

  • reed diffuser sticks
  • essential oils
  • a light carrier oil such as coconut oil, apricot kernel oil or sweet almond oil
  • a glass bottle with a long skinny neck
  • small plastic funnel (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup carrier oil to the glass bottle, depending on the size of your bottle.

2. Add 25 – 35 drops of essential oils.

3. Place 5 -10 reed diffuser sticks in the bottle.

You’re done!

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DIY Essential Oil Roll-On Perfume and Cologne

Posted in diy, essential oils by
Photo by Elly Fairytale on Pexels.com

Essential oils have many uses. They can be used to make air fresheners, household cleaners and beauty products. But, one of my favorite uses for essential oils is to make my own unique perfume. There’s no better way to use your favorite scent then to wear it! While making your own perfume or cologne may seem daunting, it can be very easy. You will need a glass roll-on bottle, a carrier oil, and essential oils.

The carrier oil will be the base of your perfume or cologne. It will dilute the essential oils so they are safe to apply to your skin. There are several different types of carrier oils to choose from. Sweet almond oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil are a few popular carrier oils.

Which essential oils you choose to make your perfume or cologne are up to you. Some essential oils are earthy, such as patchouli and vetiver, and some are floral, such as geranium and lavender. Other essential oils are woodsy, such as sandalwood and cedarwood and some are citrus, such as lemon, lime and orange.

You can experiment using different combinations of your favorite essential oils, or you can use blends. I have included a list of popular blends. You can add and equal number of drops for each essential oil, or your can add more drops of the scent you like, and less or the scent you don’t like. You can also research your own blends on Pinterest.

Essential Oil Perfume Blends:

  • vanilla, rose, lavender
  • grapefruit, peppermint, vanilla
  • orange, grapefruit, peppermint, lavender, chamomile
  • sandalwood, vanilla
  • rose, rose geranium, lavender

Essential Oil Cologne Blends:

  • balsam fir, orange, frankincense
  • cardamom, vetiver, ylang ylang
  • black pepper, coriander, sandalwood
  • cypress, marjoram, wintergreen

You will need:

  • roll-on glass bottle
  • a carrier oil
  • essential oils

Optional supplies:

  • labels
  • pipette
  • small plastic funnel
  • Swiss key

Instructions:

  1. Remove the roller ball piece from the bottle using a Swiss key (optional).
  2. Fill the bottle at least half way with your carrier oil.

3. Add the desired amount of essential oils of your choice. I used 10 drops of vanilla essential oil and 10 drops of sandalwood essential oil.

4. Replace roller ball piece and cap. Shake well. Label bottle (optional).

You’re done! Feel free to add more essential oils to your perfume or cologne to make the scent just the way you like it!

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DIY Mini Vinegar Lemon Glass Cleaner

Posted in diy, essential oils by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

Cell phones these days have put everything we need at our fingertips. Not only can you make a call or text anytime you want, but the possibilities of having the internet on your phone are endless. But, after using your cell phone all day, you’ve probably been stuck with a dirty, greasy screen.

That’s why I came up with the idea of a mini glass cleaner that is small enough to fit in your purse or pocket. The glass cleaner is made with only a few household ingredients and lemon essential oil. Just spray a small amount on your screen and wipe with a tissue.

I found these 15 ml glass bottles with sprayers on Amazon. Each bottle holds about 2 Tbsp. of glass cleaner, so keep in mind while making the glass cleaner that you will need to leave a little room at the top for the sprayer.

What you need:

  • distilled water
  • white vinegar
  • lemon essential oil
  • 15 ml glass bottle with sprayer
  • small plastic funnel (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Pour 1 Tbsp. white vinegar into the spray bottle.
  2. Warm a small amount of distilled water in the microwave for about 20 -30 seconds.
  3. Pour 1 Tbsp. warm distilled water into the spray bottle.

4. Add 4 – 6 drops of lemon essential oil to the spray bottle.

5. Replace cap and shake.

6. Label bottle (optional).

You’re done!

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Bug Spray with Citronella Essential Oil

Posted in diy, essential oils, Seasonal by

Everyone loves spending time outdoors in the summer. It’s a great time for picnics, gardening, ball games and going to the park. It’s also a great time for pesky mosquitoes.

While store bought bug sprays can be costly and harsh smelling, you can make your own bug spray by using two simple ingredients and citronella essential oil. Citronella essential oil is a natural mosquito repellent. There are many other essential oils are good for using in bug sprays. For this recipe, I have used citronella as my main essential oil, and smaller amounts of lemongrass and eucalyptus essential oils. Adding other essential oils makes a more pleasant smell, and to adds to the strength of the repellent.

Other essential oils for bug sprays:

  • Lavender
  • Lemongrass
  • Eucalyptus
  • Tea Tree
  • Spearmint
  • Peppermint

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. spray bottle
  • 1/4 cup distilled water
  • 1/4 cup witch hazel
  • 15 – 20 drops citronella essential oil
  • 3 – 6 drops your choice of other essential oils (listed above)

Instructions:

  1. Add 1/4 cup distilled water and 1/4 cup witch hazel to the spray bottle.
  2. Next, add 15 – 20 drops citronella essential oil.
  3. Add 3 – 6 drops of other essential oils (listed above).
  4. Replace cap and label the bottle (optional). Your’re done!

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Essential Oils: Storage, Safety and Other Uses

Posted in Article, essential oils, How-To by
Photo by Elly Fairytale on Pexels.com

Essential oils are oils derived from plants through steam distillation. I use essential oils in many things I make for several reasons. Not only do they have a wonderful all-natural smell, but they are known for their medicinal and therapeutic properties.

How to Store Essential Oils

Essential Oils are considered volatile, meaning they will quickly lose their scent and therapeutic properties if they are exposed to air, sunlight, or extreme temperatures. There are a few things you can do to keep your essential oils stored correctly.

  1. Store essential oils in dark glass bottles. Sunlight can cause essential oils to deteriorate and lose their smell. Dark glass such as amber and cobalt keep out harmful light and keep the oils safe.
  2. Store essential oils in a cool dark place. Essential oils need to be stored where the temperature is stable. A shelf or drawer is a good place to keep them cool and away from sunlight. Also, consider buying a wooden essential oil storage box.
  3. Avoid bottles with a rubber stopper or cap. Essential oils can cause the rubber to deteriorate and ruin the essential oils. Instead look for a bottle with a built-in dropper.

Essential Oil Safety Precautions

Essential oils are essentially safe to use, although there are a few simple safety precautions to take when using them.

  1. Do not use essential oils undiluted on skin. This can cause skin irritation. Instead add a few drops of essential oil to a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil.
  2. Some essential oils may cause sensitivity, irritation, or and allergic reaction in some individuals. Try a small patch test on a small area of skin before using.
  3. Watch out for essential oils that are phototoxic, or sun sensitive.

Carrier Oils and Other Uses

Carrier oils are often used to dilute essential oils especially when applied to skin. There are many different types of carrier oils. Although carrier oils have different properties, which carrier oil you choose is up to you.

Some Carrier Oils:

  • Coconut Oil
  • Jojoba Oil
  • Sweet Almond Oil
  • Avocado Oil
  • Apricot Kernel Oil
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Grapeseed Oil
  • Rosehip Oil

Essential oils have many uses, such as making household products, health and beauty products, and aromatherapy. They work great in a diffuser because their wonderful scent and for other therapeutic properties.

DIY baking soda air fresheners with essential oils

Posted in crafts, diy, essential oils, Home by

These DIY baking soda and essential oil air fresheners are an easy way to freshen the air without using a spray. Baking soda absorbs odors while the essential oils give off a pleasant scent.

You can use any essential oils you like. I used a combination of lemon, tea tree, and eucalyptus essential oils for a deodorizing effect.

Deodorizing Essential Oil Blend

  • 8 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 16 drops lemon essential oil
  • 12 drops eucalyptus essential oil

For this recipe, you will need a 4 oz. mason jar and mason jar inserts. I found these decorative galvanized metal inserts on Amazon.

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz. mason jar
  • mason jar inserts
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • essential oils

Instructions:

  1. Measure 1/2 cup baking soda into a bowl.
  2. Add 30 – 40 drops of your choice of essential oils.
  3. Mix well.
  • 4. Scoop the baking soda mixture into the mason jar.
  • 5. Place the lid back on the jar with the insert. You’re done!

DIY Essential Oil Room Spray

Posted in diy, essential oils, Home by

Essential oils have countless uses around the home. Not only are they used for their therapeutic properties such as relieving stress, relaxing, and uplifting, they are deodorizing and smell great!

This is an easy recipe for making your own room spray using essential oils. I used both lavender and vanilla essential oils because it is one of my favorite combinations. There are many essential oils to choose from. Orange and cinnamon are a great combination if you like fall spice. I also like orange and mint to freshen a room.

Some essential oils are know to be energizing and uplifting, such as; lemon, sweet orange, peppermint, and lemongrass. Other essential oils are relaxing, such as; lavender, clary sage, vetiver and ylang ylang. And some are refreshing, such as; spearmint, lemon and pine. There are also many essential oil blend recipes to choose from on Pinterest.

For this recipe, I use a 2 oz. cobalt glass spray bottle. Amber glass is also a good choice when using essential oils. The colored glass helps protect essential oils from outside elements such as sunlight so the oils last longer.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. spray bottle
  • 1/4 cup distilled water
  • 1/4 cup witch hazel
  • 30 -40 drops essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Add 1/4 cup distilled water and 1/4 cup witch hazel to the spray bottle.
  2. Add 30 – 40 drops of essential oils.
  3. Replace cap and and shake bottle.
  4. Label the bottle (optional).

DIY Garbage Can Deodorizers

Posted in crafts, diy, essential oils, Home by

If you’re looking for a way to keep your home smelling a little fresher, these DIY garbage can deodorizers might do the trick! They are easy to make and take just a few household ingredients. Just toss one into the garbage can to keep odors away.

For this recipe, I used lemon essential oil, although you can use whatever essential oil you’d like. I also used silicone baking cups, but you can use disposable baking cups as well.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups baking soda
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 – 5 drops essential oil (each)
  • baking cups

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix 2 cups baking soda and 1/2 cup water in a bowl.
  3. Spoon 1 -2 Tbsp. each into the baking cups.
  4. Bake the deodorizers for 20 min. on a baking sheet.
  5. Once they are done baking, add 3 – 5 drops essential oil to each baking cup.
  6. Allow the deodorizers to cool and remove them from the baking cups.
  • The finished product!

DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray with Essential Oils

Posted in crafts, diy, essential oils by

In an earlier post, DIY Hand Sanitizer, I made hand sanitizer in a plastic squeeze bottle with just three ingredients. Since then, I have found a way to make a hand sanitizer spray with essential oils. This recipe is a little more complex and uses a few more ingredients. I used orange essential oil, but which essential oil you use is up to you. Please see the earlier post, DIY Hand Sanitizer on April 11, 2020 for a list of essential oils and their properties. This recipe also calls for a carrier oil. I used sweet almond oil, although you can also use fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 tsp. Carrier Oil: fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil
  • 2 – 3 drops vitamin E
  • 10 – 15 drops essential oil
  • 1/2 tsp. vegetable glycerine
  • 2 tsp. Aloe vera gel
  • Isopropyl alcohol 90%+
  • 2 oz. spray bottle

Instructions:

  1. Add 1/2 tsp. carrier oil, 2 – 3 drops vitamin E, 10 – 15 drops essential oil, and 1/2 tsp. vegetable glycerine to the spray bottle.
  2. Next, add 2 tsp. aloe vera gel. This can be a little tricky. If you’re using a funnel, you might want to scoop the aloe vera into the bottle instead.
  3. Fill the rest of the bottle with isopropyl rubbing alcohol 90%+.

Finally, place the spray pump back on the bottle and give it a good shake to mix all of the ingredients. If you’d like, label the bottle with a sticker.