Winter often brings about a change in our choice of perfume as we instinctively favour warmer, deeper and more intense aromas at this time of year!

According to the glossy mags this winter's perfumes are the ultimate mood changers; intoxicating, confidence boosting and provocative! Whilst they sound delicious and very tempting, they will also cost you a small fortune! Chanel's new Coco Noir for instance, which contains Frankincense and Sandalwood amongst its many ingredients, is priced at an eye-watering £75 for 50ml.

If you're on a tight budget this year but would love to enjoy some wonderfully mood enhancing scents why not consider making your own designer fragrance.

Creating your own perfume is one of the most creative ways of unlocking the magic potential of essential oils. We've put together a few example blends for you to try, but the possibilities are endless!

How to make your own perfume

Take a 30ml dark glass bottle with atomiser spray and blend 24ml of denatured alcohol (or a good quality vodka) with one of the following oil blends. Please note that each blend contains both essential oils and fragrance oils!

Perfume 1 (inspired by Chanel Coco Mademoiselle)

Essential oils:

12 drops Sweet Orange
12 drops Mandarin
12 drops Bergamot
12 drops Ylang Ylang
6 drops Patchouli
6 drops Myrrh
6 drops Vetivert

Fragrance oils: 

10 drops Orange Blossom
12 drops Jasmin
12 drops Rose
6 drops Vanilla
6 drops White Musk

Perfume 2 (inspired by Dior Poison)

Essential oils: 

50 drops Coriander
30 drops Sweet Orange

Fragrance oils:

10 drops Orange Blossom
30 drops Tuberose
30 drops Berry Fruits

Perfume 3 (inspired by Dior Midnight Poison)

Essential oils:

30 drops Mandarin
30 drops Bergamot
30 drops Patchouli

Fragrance oils:

30 drops Rose
30 drops Vanilla

Perfume 4 (inspired by Chanel Coco Noir)

Essential oils:

15 drops Grapefruit
15 drops Bergamot
15 drops Geranium
15 drops Patchouli
15 drops Frankincense

Fragrance oils:

15 drops Rose
15 drops Jasmin
15 drops Sandalwood
15 drops Vanilla
15 drops White Musk

Perfume 5 (inspired by Calvin Klein Obsession)

Essential oils

10 drops Mandarin
10 drops Basil
10 drops Bergamot
10 drops Lemon
10 drops Coriander
10 drops Cedarwood
10 drops Vetivert

Fragrance oils:

10 drops Vanilla
10 drops Peach
10 drops Sandalwood
10 drops Sweet Orange
10 drops Rose