Natural Perfumery Info

Coeur d'Esprit Natural Perfume

Empowerment ~ Passion ~ Peace

Purple Iris

Creating a formula...

Natural Perfumes come of age once more…

In the realm of Natural Perfumes, one of our first tasks is to suspend the belief that they have much in common with the Commercial Perfumes of today. It is simply not the case. Commercial Perfumers of the well-known houses work with an enormous amount of ingredients. I read somewhere that the number is upwards of 3,000 items. I work with around 200. They are professionally trained. I am self-trained. They create and launch one or two perfumes each year. I create and launch much more than that.

I also feel it is important to add that just because something is natural does not mean it is necessarily good or healthy for us. Conversely, just because something is synthesized from a so-called 'man-made chemical' does not mean it is definitely bad for us either. I urge you to consider this issue with a clear head.

A century ago, perfumers were using all natural ingredients from nature including essential oils, concretes, attars, absolutes, animal essences, floral waters, tinctures, and so on. Today, with all the sensitivities that we have developed due to the overwhelming of our olfactory organs (because everything is now scented) where our sense of smell resides, many of us are choosing to go back to simpler times.

I am one of those. The perfumes I create are made from some of the above mentioned natural ingredients. The exception is that I do not use animal essences that have been obtained using cruel methods. The animal essences (Ambergris, Hyraceum, and Honey Beeswax) have long since dissociated from the animal in question and been rendered pure through eons of the elements of sun, ocean, wind, and earth.

Perfume Policy

With Natural Perfumes, you need not worry about being on the wrong side of a perfume policy. Only those in your scent circle will know you're wearing perfume. It's like having a delicious secret.

A Little Dab'lldoya

These perfumes are created from concentrated essences so there is no need for more than a little dab or spray. Essential oils are volatile and readily release their fragrance into the air. So, if the scent fades hours later, you can simply re-apply. It has also been suggested that if you breathe on the spot where the perfume was applied, this will help to revive the scent.

Where to put it

I always suggest that the best place to dab or spray natural perfumes is in the cleavage. The body heat will cause the oils to volatize and the scent will rise to the nose. Other good spots are the inner wrists & elbows, and the back of your knees. Chanel says -put it wherever you want to be kissed- but use caution in sensitive areas.

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Safety is key at Coeur d'Esprit

Natural Perfumes can have their own list of cautions just as synthetics ones do. It is an issue I address head on and formulate the dilution rate to minimize the risk. I have also cut many items from my palette as they were too high a risk for me to take on ethically.

Pregnant or Lactating

Women who are pregnant or lactating always need to exercise caution on behalf of their child. Some of the essential oils used in making natural perfumes may pass through the barriers so it is better to temporarily refrain from the use of essential oils and natural perfumes until you are finished nursing.

Photo-toxic (should not wear in direct sunlight)

The citrus essential oils I use are steam distilled, so they are not photo-toxic; and they are diluted to an appropriate level so they quite safe to use on the skin.

Opopanax is somewhat photo-toxic so the perfumes I create using this ingredient are to be worn during the evening or worn on skin that is not going to be directly exposed to sunlight for at least 24 hours.

Ginger is slightly photo-toxic, so again, use in the evening or under your clothing. Test in a hidden spot to ensure that it doesn't stain.

Try samples first

Of course, if you know your skin to be especially sensitive or you are prone to allergies, order samples first and try them out. This will not only help you to make a decision about the ones you enjoy, it will assist you in choosing the ones that are safe for you. Then, since it takes 4-6 weeks for your perfume to mature, you'll still have some perfume to use while you're waiting.

Aromatherapy professionals suggest to put a small drop on the inside of your elbow and cover with a bandage for 24 hours to see if your skin reacts to the ingredients. Trying out samples also applies to people with breathing disorders such as asthma or bronchitis, and others who have severe health issues.

My first order of business is 'Do No Harm', and I have taken every precaution on your behalf to create a safe and user-friendly product for you to enjoy.

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5% of each perfume sale goes to our local pediatrics ward at RCH.

Thank you for respecting this.