One of the products I love crafting the most is natural perfumes. There is something about crafting perfumes that envelops the senses: perfume making is an art as well as a science. I have been making natural perfumes for many years (and I have been crafting aromatherapy blends—which are related but are not the same thing–for far longer). But these last few years I have been challenging myself by trying new techniques and methods of perfume making, and also slowly expanding the range of ingredients I have worked with (so far I have worked with somewhere over 150 essential oils, absolutes, and co2 extracts. This includes several kinds of chemotypes, varieties, and the same plants grown in different areas—for example lavender essential oil grown in different regions, different types of orange essential oil, or trying both the essential oil and absolute of the same plant).
It can take many months to craft a single perfume—my best perfumes (some of which are released as Earth Alkemie products, but many are not yet released) have taken me several months to perfect. But they are well worth the wait!
Although I have a scientific background (I have two degrees in environmental science/biology), I have interests in many alternative and traditional practices too. One interest I have is Chinese astrology (I am a complete amateur in Chinese astrology. My sister is the expert in western astrology, and a long time family friend is a professional western astrologer). Chinese astrology interests me because it is eerily accurate (though like all astrology, it is not set in stone, but more about potential, and how people could be), and it helps me understand human nature better. In addition, it is part of my heritage too (Chinese astrology is linked to ancient Chinese astronomy and philosophy, so through learning about Chinese astrology I learn a little about history: my own personal history and also the history of my ancestors long since past).
A couple years ago, I started working on formulating Chinese astrology perfumes. For each perfume, I have researched the signs in depth, and have only used plants that are associated with those signs, or plants associated with the elements linked to those signs (the exception is the base or carrier oil: fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil, which are the usual carrier oils used in natural perfumery). I researched all of the information from books or online resources by Chinese astrologers, or by aromatherapists, herbalists, or pagans (who focus on the spiritual aspects of aromatherapy, herbalism, or plants).
So I am proud to introduce my newest perfume: Tuzi. Tuzi is the perfume I have crafted for the Year of the Metal/Golden Rabbit. Tuzi means ‘rabbit’ in Mandarin Chinese. Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are gentle souls that are extremely intelligent and are ambitious, but like their name stake they are not aggressive and are often anxious.
I really love how Tuzi came out, I think it really represents the personality of the Rabbit well: it is gentle, soothing, sweet, but it is ambitious (in the way that it is unlike most of the perfumes available out there).
When you first smell this perfume, crisp citrus and sweet green notes envelop the scents, and the heart notes immediately make their presence known.
One of the heart notes is chamomile—a very calming scent (perfect for those born in the Year of the Rabbit!). Sweet chamomile has an apple like aroma, and blends effortlessly with heady, deep orange blossoms (also known as neroli). It has the right touch of sensual damask roses, just enough to add a bit of honey sweetness in the background.
Vanilla like balsamic notes with a hint of spice rounds out the scent, and brings a smooth, richness to the scent.
This perfume is not only meant for those born in the Year of the Rabbit, but also was crafted for perfume lovers, and those that wish to use scent for spiritual reasons.
