Blending Scents at the Perfume Bar: Your DIY Fragrance Guide
If there’s one question I hear or receive via email at every Glitters and Grace Pop-Up or event, it’s:
“What blends well together?”
Whether you’re layering for a signature scent, experimenting with seasonal moods, replicating a well-known commercial perfume or gifting a custom blend, this guide is your go-to resource. It’s designed for beginners, scent lovers, and curious guests alike — and yes, it’s built around the exact materials we use at the bar.
So let’s dive in.
First, a Truth Bomb: Less Is More
Yes, you can blend everything together. But should you? Not always.
When guests ask if they can mix 6, 7, or 8 ingredients into a single 15 ml bottle, I always say:
Yes, but…
- The more you blend, the higher the risk of muddiness.
- Scents can lose their sparkle, flatten out, or clash.
- Some fragrances are bullies and will take over your blend.
- Commercial perfumes often use fewer notes, carefully layered with fixatives and aroma chemicals to create lift, longevity, and harmony.
At Glitters and Grace, our perfume bases are crafted with blending in mind. They contain:
- Perfume Materials that are methodically blended to give space, lift, and effervescence
- Fixatives to anchor volatile top notes
- Aroma chemicals for sparkle and diffusion
- Balanced accords that support layering without overwhelming you or others
If you’re new to perfumery or simply unsure where to start, this handbook will guide you through the process — and if you want personalized help, reach out anytime at perfume@glittersandgrace.com. I love helping guests refine their blends to find and create their signature fragrance.
Start with a Base: The Perfume Bar Method
Our perfume bar is built on a modular system:
- Base Accords: Base accords in a perfume are the foundation notes that linger the longest and give depth and character to the fragrance, often including rich, enduring scents such as sandalwood, amber, vanilla, musk, or patchouli.
- Top & Heart Notes: Sparkling, bright, and diffusive top notes like bergamot, neroli and pink pepper and the “soul” of a fragrance which are most florals like jasmine, violet, rose or earthy and spicy like green tea, cinnamon or lavendar.
These materials are curated for blendability, commercial appeal, and guest-friendly experimentation.
Base Accord Highlights
| Material | Type | Description | Blends Well With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musk | Natural/Blend | Soft, clean, skin‑like warmth | Floral, Citrus, Woody |
| Cashmeran | Aromachemical | Soft musk, woody, a touch spicy | Warm, Earthy, Floral |
| Amber | Blend/Natural | Warm, resinous, golden, cozy | Citrus, Floral, Woody |
| Sandalwood | Natural | Creamy, soft, warm wood | Floral, Sweet, Amber |
| Patchouli | Natural | Earthy, rich, slightly damp | Green, Warm, Sweet |
| Vanilla | Natural | Sweet, cozy, comforting | Citrus, Floral, Woody |
| Tonka Bean | Natural | Nutty, sweet, almond‑like | Gourmand, Woody, Warm |
Top & Middle Note Highlights
| Material | Type | Description | Blends Well With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bergamot | Natural | Bright, citrusy, slightly floral | Woody, Floral, Warm notes |
| Orange | Natural | Sweet, juicy, uplifting | Spicy, Floral, Woody |
| Grapefruit | Natural | Tart, sparkling, refreshing | Herbal, Green, Floral |
| Mint | Natural | Cool, fresh, energizing | Citrus, Herbal, Woody |
| Basil | Natural | Green, aromatic, slightly spicy | Citrus, Floral, Woody |
| Lavender | Natural | Soft, calming, floral-herbal | Citrus, Woody, Sweet |
| Rose | Natural | Classic floral, romantic | Citrus, Spicy, Woody |
| Jasmine | Natural | Rich, sweet, white floral | Citrus, Green, Woody |
| Geranium | Natural | Rosy, green, slightly minty | Citrus, Herbal, Spicy |
Fragrance Families & What Smells Good Together
Here’s your guide to blending by family. Each section below includes:
- Profile: The vibe or mood
- Common Notes: What you’ll smell
- Blends Well With: Your go-to pairings
- Suggested Materials: From our base accords and top and middle notes
FLORAL
Profile: Romantic, feminine, elegant Common Notes: Rose, jasmine, peony, tuberose Blends Well With:
- Woody (adds depth)
- Ambrée (adds warmth)
- Fresh/Citrus (adds sparkle)
Suggested Materials: - Rose Absolute
- Hedione
- Iso E Super
- Bergamot
Try This: Rose + Iso E Super + Bergamot + Hedione
HERBAL / GREEN
Profile: Crisp, natural, refreshing Common Notes: Basil, mint, cut grass, galbanum Blends Well With:
- Citrus (brightens)
- Earthy (grounds)
- Floral (softens)
Suggested Materials: - Basil
- Galbanum Resin
- Linalool
- Lemon
Try This: Basil + Lemon + Galbanum + Linalool
FRESH / CITRUS
Profile: Bright, zesty, uplifting Common Notes: Lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, neroli Blends Well With:
- Green (adds clarity)
- Woody (adds sophistication)
- Ambrée (adds contrast) Suggested Materials:
- Bergamot
- Lemon
- Neroli
- Ambroxan
Try This: Bergamot + Neroli + Ambroxan + Lemon
AMBRÉE (ORIENTAL)
Profile: Warm, sensual, exotic Common Notes: Vanilla, amber, incense, spices Blends Well With:
- Floral (adds softness)
- Woody (adds mystery)
- Citrus (adds lift) Suggested Materials:
- Vanilla Absolute
- Ambroxan
- Cashmeran
- Pink Pepper
Try This: Vanilla + Ambroxan + Pink Pepper + Jasmine
WOODY
Profile: Grounded, sophisticated, earthy Common Notes: Sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, patchouli Blends Well With:
- Floral (adds romance)
- Ambrée (adds richness)
- Fresh/Citrus (adds brightness) Suggested Materials:
- Sandalwood
- Iso E Super
- Patchouli
- Bergamot
Try This: Sandalwood + Patchouli + Bergamot + Iso E Super
EARTHY
Profile: Raw, calming, deep Common Notes: Patchouli, moss, soil, hay Blends Well With:
- Green (adds freshness)
- Woody (adds structure)
- Ambrée (adds warmth) Suggested Materials:
- Patchouli EO
- Oakmoss
- Galbanum
- Cashmeran
Try This: Patchouli + Oakmoss + Galbanum + Vanilla
EDIBLE / GOURMAND
Profile: Delicious, comforting, indulgent Common Notes: Praline, caramel, almond, chocolate, coffee Blends Well With:
- Ambrée (adds depth)
- Woody (adds balance)
- Floral (adds elegance) Suggested Materials:
- Ethyl Maltol
- Tonka Bean
- Vanilla Absolute
- Sandalwood
Try This: Ethyl Maltol + Tonka Bean + Sandalwood + Jasmine
Pro Tips for Blending at the Bar
- Stick to 3–4 notes max for your first blend
- Balance top, middle, and base notes for longevity
- Smell as you go – let each layer settle before adding more
- Use a scent strip or wrist test before committing to the bottle
- Ask for help! We’re here to guide you through the process
Want a pro tip for your next blend?
Email me directly at perfume@glittersandgrace.com — I love helping guests refine their formulas.
Perfume Materials
Looking for a reputable, trusted source for your perfume materials? Try Fraterworks or Perfumer’s Apprentice. I purchase my perfume materials including essential oils, absolutes, aromachemicals, naturals, synthetics, and more from both of these establishments and have been deeply satisfied with their products, packaging, delivery times and communication. I highly recommend both! Contact me for other recommendations as well.
Leave a Reply