The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances

4–10 drops essential oil of your choice

2 tablespoons distilled water

Yield:

4 ounces

To practice, start with one or two essential oils and add more as you gain experience. Don’t forget
to carefully record the amount of each essential oil you use so that you can re-create or refine the
formula.

1. Pour the vodka into a small glass measuring cup (that has a spout) and add the essential oil,
   stirring slowly until the oil is fully mixed in. Pour mixture into a small, dark, lidded bottle and
   leave in a dark place (such as a closet) for two days so that the oil can fully blend with the
   vodka.


2. Slowly add the distilled water, shaking well. Again, let the mixture sit for two days (or more,
   if you want a more potent mix). Now the perfume is ready! If you like, you can transfer it into
   a pretty spray bottle.

Here’s an even simpler version: add four drops of rosemary and lavender essential oils to two
ounces organic grain vodka and two ounces purified water. You may add a few drops of glycerin to
prevent the mix from drying your skin.

Carmelite Water (Eau de Carmes)

3 cups vodka

1 cup dried angelica leaves

1 cup dried lemon balm leaves

1 tablespoon coriander seeds, lightly crushed

1 nutmeg seed, grated

2 teaspoons whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks, crushed

½ to 1 cup distilled water

Yield:

4 ounces

This unisex plant musk cologne was first made by Carmelite monks in Paris in 1611 and was
regarded as a highly effective medicine for nervous headaches and neuralgia. The original recipe
includes over a dozen herbs, and the preparation, no doubt, involved Gregorian chants and
lengthy fermentation. It is still sold in Germany as Klosterqu Melissen Geise.

1. Place all the spices and herbs in a glass jar, and pour the vodka over them. Seal and shake
   vigorously. Leave in a warm corner for up to ten days, shaking at least once a day.