Historically the purpose of perfume was tied to religious ceremonies and status symbols. Egyptians are credited with the origins of perfume. There is archeological evidence of a perfume factory dating back to 2000 BC on Cyprus, which seemed to have specialized in the production of scents like coriander, laurel, myrtle, lavender, and rosemary. Today the purpose of perfumes can still be tied to religion and status but most people are influenced by fashion and trends when purchasing a perfume. Many of the popular fashion designers have perfumes that further their popularity; such as my mom’s long time favorite, Estee Lauder’s – Beautiful. Unfortunately over time the source of the scents used in perfume have changed from plant based origins to synthetics. Below you will find the product information from Estee Lauder’s website’s product page for Beautiful. The marketing description is what every woman wants to be “romantic, feminine, memorable.”

It is described as “the fragrance of a thousand flowers.” Now that sounds amazing! Check out the top notes, middle notes and base notes – one amazing flower after flower. The inspiration of the perfume was to make every woman feel she was the most beautiful woman in the room. No wonder this perfume was my mom’s favorite and so many other women! However, if you read the ingredients you will think twice of spraying your skin, your largest organ, with Beautiful perfume. But do not despair mom there is an awesome alternative – essential oil perfumes. I have shared my LOVE for Love Potion in previous posts. And all I share in that post remains true.

Just the other day I was shopping with my mom at a trendy boutique and she witnessed first hand when the sales person started asking what my perfume was, and this lady wanted details, exactly what was in Love Potion! So yes I still wear and LOVE my Love Potion, but what I love even more than Love Potion is the endless possibilities for blending essential oils to create tons of different purposeful toxic free amazing perfumes!

A friend recently gave me the book, Granola Living, by Teri McCallum. This pretty book is full of great recipes to inspire DIY creating! Yesterday I got out my oils, my Young Living V6 carrier oil which is my favorite for blending, a couple pretty roller bottles and my Granola Living book. I was drawn to the roller bottle recipe called Totally Zen as I felt I needed some Zen to prepare for a solo weekend with the kids while Jason went on a guys ski trip.

I blended the recipe for Totally Zen and started using it yesterday. What I can report is I have been rather calm. We got to school on time this morning and I didn’t have to raise my voice at all. So yes Totally Zen is my new perfume! I will save my Love Potion for when Jason gets back, till then I will be Totally Zen or at least trying. Thank you Teri!

This is the kind of ingredient list I am comfortable putting on my skin! I plan to make an Essential Oil Beautiful perfume with Rose, Ylang Ylang, and Sandalwood for my mom for mother’s day. I hope she loves it!

ESTEE LAUDER’S PRODUCT DETAILS – BEAUTIFUL

The fragrance of a thousand flowers. A rich blend of Rose, Lily, Tuberose and Orange Flower. Brightened with citrus, warmed by woods.

Romantic, feminine, memorable.

Top Notes:
Rose, Mandarin, Lily, Tuberose, Marigold

Middle Notes:
Orange Flower, Muguet, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang

Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Vetiver, Amber

THE INSPIRATION

Estée Lauder’s vision, carried out by Evelyn Lauder, was to create a fragrance that made every woman feel she was the most beautiful woman in the room. Ever romantic, Beautiful is represented by a bride to symbolize a woman at her most feminine, romantic and beautiful.

INGREDIENTS*

ALCOHOL DENAT.; BEAUTIFUL PERFUME (PARFUM); WATER\AQUA\EAU; TRIETHYL CITRATE; BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE; ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE; ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE; ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE; BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL; HYDROXYCITRONELLAL; EVERNIA PRUNASTRI (OAKMOSS) EXTRACT; HEXYL CINNAMAL; EUGENOL; LINALOOL; BENZYL BENZOATE; CITRONELLOL; GERANIOL; BENZYL SALICYLATE; LIMONENE; FARNESOL; COUMARIN; ISOEUGENOL; CINNAMYL ALCOHOL; BENZYL ALCOHOL; CINNAMAL; AMYL CINNAMAL; CITRAL; YELLOW 5 (CI 19140); BLUE 1 (CI 42090); RED 17 (CI 26100) <37891>

*Please be aware that ingredient lists may change or vary from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive for the most up to date list of ingredients.