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Discover The Magic Of Macerating Scents: A How-To Guide
Like fine wines and cheeses, some things get better with age. Fragrances can, as well. Letting your bottle of cologne or parfum sit for a while can drastically improve it. In this article we will explain the magic of macerating your scents and provide a quick how-to guide so you can start doing it yourself right away.
What Is Scent Maceration?
Scent maceration is the process of aging your fragrances by means of oxidization. Introducing oxygen into your bottle helps a small amount of alcohol evaporate, letting the fragrance oils become more concentrated.
Higher levels of concentrated oils will help your fragrance evolve into a deeper, richer scent that will last longer and smell better than a newly opened bottle.
A Quick Note on Alcohol in Fragrances: Alcohol plays an important role in fragrances; it prevents bacterial growth, aids in dissolving oils and helps carry the scent molecules from the bottle to your skin (that is the mist you see when you press down on the atomizer). Dissolving a small amount is fine, but dissolving too much will have negative effects on the fragrance.
What Are The Benefits Of Macerating Your Fragrances?
Maceration is a process that will take time and patience, but you will reap the benefits by having a fragrance that will smell better, last longer and project further. Note that the extent of these benefits depends on how long you macerate your fragrance for.
Macerating Creates Smoother, Deeper, Stronger Scents
Macerating a fragrance allows the oils and alcohols to integrate. This smooths out the top, middle, and base notes, removing any sharp notes that may stick out. Notes from similar scent families will begin to blend and harmonize.
As the notes intermingle with each other, you may notice some of the middle notes and base notes become deeper. Heavy notes like woods, leathers and tobaccos may become photorealistic.
Macerating Increases Longevity
As the liquid in the bottle ages, the molecules become more stabilized, balanced and concentrated increasing longevity. This means an eau de Toilette may last all day long instead of only 4-6 hours.
If you want to know how to make your fragrances last longer, our simple and straight-forward guide offers many helpful tips and tricks you can start using to avoid having to re-spray your fragrance multiple times a day.
Macerating Helps Fragrances Project More
As the oils become more concentrated, the scent becomes stronger. This means that your scent trail (also known as 'sillage') will linger longer and project further than a fragrance that was not macerated.
This also means that you will be able to cut down on how the number of sprays you need to apply, making your bottle last even longer.
How To Macerate A Fragrance (In 3 Simple Steps)
Macerating a fragrance is a simple, 3-step process. You do not need any fancy tools or equipment; just the bottle you want to age, a safe place to store it, and some patience. This is a process you cannot rush if you want a rich, complex fragrance.
Step 1: Introduce Air In To The Bottle
Remove the cap from your fragrance and spray it 5-10 times into the air or on to a cloth. This will help start the oxidation process and allow the alcohol inside the bottle to dissipate. Be sure to put the cap back on.
If your fragrance does not have a cap, you can use a small piece of tape to cover the opening on the atomizer. Alternatively, you could use a small piece of saran wrap and secure it with an elastic band or hair tie.
Do not spray the fragrance 5-10 times on yourself. That is way too much fragrance to wear at once. You will choke out everyone within a 25' radius. You may end up getting calls from the military asking to use your scent for chemical warfare.
Step 2: Store Your Fragrance Properly
After spraying your fragrance, place it back in its original box. If you no longer have the original box (or if it did not come in a box), find a similar sized box or at the very least, place it in a paper bag and close the top.
Be sure to store your fragrance properly. Find a cool, dark, dry place away from heat, sunlight and humidity. Do not store your fragrances in the fridge as the cold, dry air can negatively affect the molecules, potentially causing irreversible damage.
Step 3: Wait! (Do Not Rush The Process)
Maceration can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the concentration and how much you want to age your fragrance.
Lighter scents and lower concentrations (like Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette) may only need 1-3 weeks of maceration before your notice a difference. Any fragrances with an Eau de Parfum or Parfum concentrations should age for a minimum of 4 weeks.
Heavier fragrances with more complex scent profiles should sit for at least 2-3 months. This will allow all the notes to harmonize and blend while also adding depth. There is no limit on how long you can macerate a fragrance. Some people let their fragrances age for several months before they achieve the scent profile they desire.
Be sure to test your fragrance now and then and note any differences. If it is not to your liking, put it back and let it macerate longer.
Maceration Tip: Gently invert your bottles every few days or at least once a week to keep the molecules suspended and to prevent heavier ones from settling on the bottom of the bottle!
Summary
Maceration is a transformation that will take your fragrances from smelling good to great. Like a fine wine, it will be appreciated and admired. Patience is key, but you will be rewarded with a lovely scent that will last longer and smell stronger.
Interested in more fragrance related content? Here are some other articles that may interest you:
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