WHAT MAKES A GOOD SENSUAL BLEND?

Our ideas about which fragrances are sensual are likely to be very individual, although certain aromas, such as musk and civet, are often described as being physically arousing. These ingredients are either extracted from animals or synthetically produced. If the former you may feel particularly uneasy about their use. They are never used in aromatherapy, but in perfumery they are utilized either to ‘fix’ or to add a zing to floral blends. They don’t smell pleasant in the raw state but when used in small quantities they can mimic the natural pheromones excreted by humans. These naturally occurring hormone like substances play an important role in human communication and can have a strong influence on attraction between the sexes. With fragrance ingredients from the plant world, similar effects may be registered in response to the heavier notes of oils such as jasmine, sandalwood or patchouli, for example. These aromas are more obviously agreeable to the human sense of smell and are found at the heart of many expensive perfumes.

EXOTIC AND WARMING OILS TO AROUSE THE SENSES

Essential oils which are generally considered to be sensual tend to be sweet, fruity, heavily floral, or woody, and are almost always strong on middle or base notes. Certain oils evoke the warm, laid-back atmosphere of their exotic countries of origin, including ylang ylang, sandalwood, patchouli and vetivert. Extracts from flowers such as rose, jasmine and orange blossom – neroli bigarade – are also classified as sensual, evoking the warmth and ease of summer days.

Predominantly relaxing, some of these oils, such as sweet orange for example, are also uplifting to the spirits, giving a sense of well being and joie de vivre. Many are also highly odor intensive – even a very small amount can make a powerful impact – so they need to be blended with care. When creating a blend it’s also important to remember that too strong a fragrance can be offensive, whereas a subtle, elusive fragrance can be extremely alluring.

CREATING A SENSUAL BLEND

Modern favorite commercial blends used in perfumery include a wide spectrum of fragrance types, from the light and simple traditional florals through to the assertive and blatantly synthetic 21st century blends. But those with the most long lasting appeal have a subtlety which offers notes at all three levels – an element of mystery to challenge the imagination.

Often, the essential oils described as sensual have a beautiful aroma which makes them suitable for use by themselves, either blended into a carrier oil, or an unperfumed lotion. When combining these oils to create a unique blend, bear in mind that putting together several beautifully fragranced oils doesn’t automatically create an even more beautiful fragrance.

In order to understand how this works, take a moment to assess the sensual blend in a critical manner. At first, you may simply be aware of its overall fragrance, but it’s important for developing your own blending skills that you try to analyze the different elements within the blend. What will attract your attention first is the fresh citrus notes of sweet orange oil. This appealing aroma, which has an almost mouthwatering effect, links to the slightly richer floral notes of neroli which, in turn, introduce the heavier, more exotic fragrance of ylang ylang. These two oils, neroli and ylang ylang, create the heart of the blend, giving the fragrance its particular personality. Finally, the earthy, yet spicy, base notes of patchouli oil anchor and complete the blend.

So we can see that the central personality of the blend, created by using a combination of two beautiful fragrances, has been enhanced by the addition of a fresh top note and an earthy base note. Try the same approach when you make your first sensual blend, experimenting to find the theme which best suits your personal interpretation of ’sensual’.

Click here for one of the sensual blend recipe.

HOW TO USE THE SENSUAL BLEND

The sensual blend is suitable to use for massage, as a body oil or as the basis for a bath blend. For the best absorption of a body oil apply it just after a bath or shower, when the skin is warm and just slightly moist. Using the sensual blend as a body oil will not only create a relaxed sense of well being but will replace the need for perfume, whilst at the same time nourishing and protecting your skin.

An ideal time to use the blend is in the early evening as a ‘pick-me-up’ bath oil. If you have had a long day at work and need to get into a party mood for an evening of socializing, take 10 minutes to soak in a warm bath. If you want to boost the benefits of the blend, simply add a few more drops of pure essential oils. As you immerse yourself, feel the tensions and pressures of the day soaking away. If you just lightly blot your skin dry afterward, a fine film of the blend will be left to create a subtle, all-over fragrance.

One of the most effective ways of creating a sensual mood is to use room fragrances, but for this purpose don’t use essential oils which have been blended into a carrier oil as this will give a ‘cooked’ smell when heated and could be a fire hazard. Instead, use just a few drops of your own sensual blend of pure essential oils in water in a burner to transform the atmosphere of your room.

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