Essential oil blending isn’t just about using a certain type of oil; it’s also about choosing the right oils that will work well together. Creating the perfect blend will make your oil smell great and help it perform the way you want it to. In order to do this, it’s important to know what oils are top, middle and base notes so you can select the right ones to add to your mix.
Knowing the notes of an oil will allow you to create a balanced scent that will last longer and be more pleasant to the nose than just one particular essential oil. This is because the notes of an oil are based on its volatility, or how quickly it evaporates into the air.
A top note is the first to evaporate from your oil and usually smells the strongest when it’s used in a fragrance, such as citrus oils or eucalyptus. These types of oils are the first to evaporate and will give the initial scent scape to your blend that will then slowly fade as the middle and base notes come in.
Middle note essential oils are the most popular of the group and usually smell warm and soft and add a nice balance to your fragrances. These oils will typically linger for about two hours and are known for their calming properties. Some examples of middle note oils are chamomile, jasmine and rose absolute.
While the middle and base notes are more of a staple in your oils, you can still use top notes. These are generally considered more “emotional” oils and can be added to your mixes for a little extra mood boost or for an aromatic experience that is not so intense. Some examples of top note oils include lavender and ylang ylang.
When you are creating your own blends, it’s best to start with the middle and then move up to the base notes. This will give you the most consistency with your scents and is also the least wasteful approach to blending. The most common of the base notes are sandalwood, patchouli and frankincense.
Base note essential oils are normally the longest lasting of all the notes. These oils can be a bit difficult to distinguish as they often have similar scents but are heavier than the middle and top notes. These essential oils can be a bit more expensive but are also very useful in reducing the rate of evaporation for your other blend ingredients and can help your blends to last longer.
The key to determining the notes of an oil is evaluating its overall aroma and scent while taking into consideration its therapeutic benefits. It’s also important to remember that every essential oil is unique and will have its own characteristics when it comes to the way it is distilled from the plant, and the chemical makeup of the individual molecules. So, you may find that an essential oil will fall into more than one category or may have a slight difference in its evaporation rate depending on how it’s processed.
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