A Simple Philosophy for Making Perfume
Step 1: Choose the right base.
Begin with an appropriate base as your foundation:
https://sites.google.com/view/perfumelessons/online-courses/p201-craft-logic/transparent-bases_1?authuser=1
Step 2: Choose 3 top notes.
Select 1 main note and 2 helper notes.
Step 3: Choose 3 middle notes.
Select 1 main note and 2 helper notes.
Step 4: Choose 3 base notes.
Select 1 main note and 2 helper notes.
How to balance them
The main note in each section should already feel balanced on its own. Ideally, it should be a material that is naturally harmonious and complete, whether synthetic or natural. For example, bergamot works well as a main top note because it already has a rounded and balanced character.
The two helper notes can then add contrast, movement, and refinement.
For example, lemon can add a dry, sharp brightness, while sweet orange can add sweetness and juiciness. In this way, the helper notes can oppose and balance one another, while the main note holds the structure together.
Apply this same principle to the middle notes and base notes as well: choose one strong, balanced main material, then use two helpers to shape, support, and refine it.
Before adding any material to your formula
Make sure you first become familiar with every material you plan to use. Do not add materials blindly. Study them one by one.
Start by smelling each material yourself and making your own personal analysis. Ask yourself:
What does it smell like?
How long does it last on a scent strip?
How powerful is it?
Then research the material further.
Go to PerfumersWorld and look up its lifetime and impact values.
https://www.perfumersworld.com
Then go to The Good Scents Company and read how others describe the material.
https://www.thegoodscentscompany.com
Finally, use ChatGPT or another AI tool to ask broader questions, such as:
What do most people say this material smells like?
Generally, how long does it last?
How powerful is it?
What role does it usually play in a formula?
This familiarization process should be done for every material you use. The more deeply you understand each ingredient before blending, the more control, clarity, and confidence you will have as a perfumer.