The Perfume Making Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

A problem that most of Karen’s students inevitably face is how to structure a scent. Once they learn the perfume pyramid, top, middle and base notes, they assume that they have learned all they need to know…but they haven’t.  The problems arise when synthetic materials are introduced as the perfume pyramid is not the best model for them. In this episode, Karen is going to break down when the pyramid structure works and when you should seek alternative solutions, and, she’s also going to share her tried and tested method when working with synthetics.  KEY TAKEAWAYS What exactly is the ‘Pyramid Method’? How and why does it work? What is the structure? And how do you use it? Karen tells you all you need to know about this method. In Karen’s ‘One Day Natural Perfume’ class she teaches a method based around creating accords. She discusses this method, why and how it works and why it is a perfect alternative to the ‘Pyramid Method’. But once you’ve got your accords how do you work with them? Karen explains why accords are the best foundation of creating a scent, but why, once you’ve created them, you still have work to do.  Once you’ve got an understanding of the different methods of creating a scent, you are left with a question “Which is the right method to use?” Karen details the questions you have to consider when deciding on the right method for the fragrance you are creating.  BEST MOMENTS  “The perfume pyramid works brilliantly for natural perfume because volatility matters.” “If you master creating great accords, you’re not going to be starting from scratch every time you make a perfume.” “There isn’t a one-size-fits-all method for every fragrance you will make. They are all tools to help you.” EPISODE LINKS Perfume Making 101 Wait List Rose Fragrance Masterclass Wait List VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind   ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way.  Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Email This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

After taking a slight detour to the Rose Retreat last week, Karen is back with her ‘Lessons that Last’ mini-series, and this week she is taking a look at the process and importance of learning materials.  The most important, but also time-consuming aspect of perfume making is learning materials, because without knowing how they smell, interact with each other and react to the skin, you simply can’t make fragrances. There are so many materials the task of learning them inside out can appear to be impossible. But fear not, it is possible, and Karen is here to share all the tips and tricks you need to get through the materials phase without losing your mind. KEY TAKEAWAYS Most people are faced with huge overwhelm when they first encounter materials, mainly when the realization hits them that the task of learning them is so much bigger than they expected. Karen breaks down why this overwhelm occurs and how best to manage it. Your understanding of materials will change over time. With this in mind, Karen gives suggestions for how you might plan your learning and also how to make sure you keep going.  Another great way to reduce that overwhelm is to work in a space that feels good to you. Karen shares her top tips on creating the perfect workspace.  Creating a ritual, or as Karen says “Making it something you want to do as opposed to something on your to-do list”, can be a valuable tool to help ease the burden on learning materials. Karen gives some suggestions on how to implement this way of working.  BEST MOMENTS  “Materials are part of a building block of a fragrance. Some don’t smell great on their own. Some don’t click until you start to understand how they work.” “You don’t have to master materials on day one, but you do have to keep going.” “Learning materials is like learning a language, and the best way to learn a language is by using it.” VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind   ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way.  Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Email This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Last week Karen took the time to reflect but, as most of us do after we have a brief rest bite, she now feels the pressure to act with urgency creeping up on her. So, what happens when ambition and energy are at complete odds? The pressure we place on ourselves to be instantly successful, coupled with the pressure from society, is very real and can cause us to doubt our every move. However, the one thing that society doesn't teach us is that success is subjective. In this week's episode, Karen is here to tell you that you’re doing great, that you don’t have to conform, and shares with you the secrets to finding your own path.  KEY TAKEAWAYS One common thought people have after a period of reflection is that you “have missed your moment”, which is only enhanced by the current culture of ‘early success is the best success’ However, Karen suggests that, if you pause and look, you might actually be exactly where you need to be. Finding your own rhythm and way of working is the key to success. Karen shares some tips, and a valuable resource on how to find the working method that works for you.  Karen has discovered that the best working method for her is what she calls ‘Clarity and Flow.’ She explains what this means, how she achieves it and the benefits she receives from working this way.  As much as you can perfect your working methods by yourself, there is still one component that everyone needs…external help. Karen explains the importance of asking for help and suggests some places to look. BEST MOMENTS  “You have to learn how to move forward differently with compassion and support in a way that works for you.” “The truth is that most meaningful work takes time.” “The path of creativity is not linear.” “Rest is not a reward, it's a requirement.” EPISODE LINKS Free Journal Prompts and Audio Guide Mindset Course VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind   ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online, which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way.  Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Email

Join Karen Gilbert in this captivating episode of the Perfume Making podcast as she unveils the secrets to getting started in the world of perfumery. Discover the must-have perfumery materials and uncover the best sources to acquire them. Karen expertly navigates the complexities of fragrance materials, guiding you through the selection process based on your desired scent profiles. Gain valuable insights on incorporating both natural and synthetic materials to unleash your creativity without limitations. As an added bonus, Karen generously provides a downloadable getting started guide, complete with clickable links to trusted suppliers. Don't miss out on this invaluable resource for budding perfumers and fragrance enthusiasts alike!   KEY TAKEAWAYS Start with small amounts of perfume materials before investing in full kits. Buy neat oils and absolutes instead of pre-made blends. Be cautious of MLM brands when purchasing perfume materials. Building a fragrance kit requires essential oils, absolutes, CO2 extracts, isolates, and materials from biotech.   BEST MOMENTS  "When it comes to fragrance layering, experimentation is key. You can mix and match different scents to create your unique fragrance combination." "One popular technique is to start with a base note, like sandalwood or patchouli, and then layer it with a middle note, such as jasmine or lavender, and finally, add a top note like bergamot or lemon for a refreshing touch." "Remember, fragrance is a personal choice, so don't be afraid to explore different combinations and find what works best for you. The goal is to create a scent that makes you feel confident and expresses your personality."   VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind   ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way.  Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.   CONTACT DETAILS Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Email

Join Karen in this week's episode as she delves into the captivating world of crafting your very own fragrances from the comfort of your own home. Discover the secrets to getting started without breaking the bank, as Karen shares valuable insights on the essential equipment and materials necessary for this aromatic endeavor. Whether you're a passionate hobbyist or aspiring entrepreneur, Karen emphasizes the importance of tailoring your supplies to suit your fragrance-making goals. Tune in to the next episode, where Gilbert will take the reins and delve into his recommended perfume materials kit.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Start with a basic kit and avoid overspending when starting out with perfume making. Consider your budget and prioritise essential equipment over luxury items. Choose perfume materials based on whether you prefer naturals or a blend of naturals and synthetics. Use perfumer's alcohol to pre-dilute perfume materials for easier handling and evaluation. Invest in smelling strips or perfume blotters for evaluating materials and finished perfumes. Opt for glass beakers for blending and measuring perfumes, and consider using scales for accurate measurements (jewellery scales are suitable for beginners).   BEST MOMENTS  "I always encourage beginners to start perfume making on a budget. You don't need to overspend on expensive materials. It's better to start small and gradually build your collection." "Perfumer's alcohol is a great base medium for diluting perfume materials. It's easier to work with, and it allows you to evaluate the scent better when it's diluted." "When evaluating perfume materials, I highly recommend using scent strips or mouillettes. You can find them in specialty perfume stores or even make your own by cutting strips of paper." "Glass beakers are essential for perfume making. You can find them in different sizes from school lab supply companies or online marketplaces. They're perfect for mixing and measuring ingredients." "One of my favourite moments in perfume making is when all the ingredients come together, and you get that 'aha' moment when you realise you've created something truly unique and beautiful."   VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind   ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way.  Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.   CONTACT DETAILS Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Email

In this episode of the Perfume Making podcast, host Karen Gilbert provides a brief history of perfume making, from its use as a religious and healing tool in ancient times to the modern-day fragrance industry. Karen aims to demystify the process of perfume making and the ingredients used in fragrances, helping listeners to either create their own fragrances or be more knowledgeable when selecting perfumes to purchase. Whether listeners are interested in the history of perfume or the science behind its creation, this episode offers a wealth of information and insight.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Karen Gilbert examines the process of perfume making and the ingredients that go into it.  She aims to demystify the fragrance industry for listeners so that they can create their own fragrances or make informed choices when buying perfumes.  A brief history of perfume, starting from ancient civilizations, where aromatic substances were considered valuable as both religious and healing tools.  The differences between how perfumes are made today and how they were made in the past. BEST MOMENTS  “The usage of naturals blended with synthetics is really where it all started." "a lot of the natural fragrances and a lot of the artisan perfumers are going back to this more traditional vintage, more maximalist, if you like, pyramid style of making perfume." "You asked 10 different perfumers how to make a perfume and they're going to give you 10 different answers." "Carbon dioxide as a solvent is really preferable in many cases due to its low toxicity and low flammability." "if you are creating a perfume with no water in it, so an oil based perfume, you will need some kind of antioxidant to prevent your oil base going rancid"   VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way.  Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Email

In the first episode of the Perfume Making Podcast, Karen Gilbert introduces the podcast and shares her passion for demystifying the process of making perfume. While future episodes will focus on the technical aspects of creating fragrances, this episode is dedicated to exploring the reasons why listeners should consider making their own perfumes. Karen highlights the joy of working with scents and the opportunity to create unique fragrances for personal use or even for a business. She encourages listeners at all stages of their perfume-making journey to reflect on their reasons for pursuing this creative endeavour.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Karen explains that if someone loves scent, they should give perfume making a try.  Karen provides examples of where listeners may be in their perfume making journey and explains that going back to "why" can help someone get unstuck creatively. In future episodes, Karen will delve into the "how" of perfume making. BEST MOMENTS  "Nothing will ever be as personal and as an individual as a scent that you've created with your own hands." “[Perfumes] can make us feel happier. They can make us feel more energised, more relaxed. They can make us feel more sexy, more alert, more productive. They can make us feel calmer." "Making time for creativity is really important for those of us, especially who are in our heads a lot." "You're not going to get it right first time and don't expect to. It is a learning process and it does take a bit of practice." "You can be self-taught or you can train online or from books and actually go and create amazing perfumes that other people like, that other people are actually willing to part with money for."   VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind   ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way.  Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Email

Karen has just returned from a four week trip around Australia where she attended a family wedding and spent time catching up with old friends. However, what struck her unexpectedly, was what she discovered about herself, and her creative process, once she actually stopped and got off the hamster wheel. On this week’s episode, Karen shares both her travel experiences and what they revealed to her in the larger scheme of things, once she had time to look back and reflect.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Karen spent some time catching up with old friends in Australia. However, when she was there she realised that the friendships had stood the test of time because of the similar career paths they had all taken. She reflects on this and explains the importance of ‘finding your tribe.’ One of Karen’s friends had recently moved back to Australia and was embarking on a new career, but was doubting herself. Karen talks about these transition phases and how it is easy to question if we have made the right choice, but shares tools that you can use to evaluate.  Karen’s next visit was to an artist friend that lives on a farm and uses discarded materials for her artwork. This led Karen to the realisation that we often fall into a trap of thinking we need a perfect plan and all the best tools to start creating, but, as she explains, you might just need what is already there.  One of the big things that Karen did when she was away was not work. But, she also found herself not checking social media or worrying about her regular day to day activities. She talks about how this enabled her inspiration to return as she was no longer pressured to create from the pressure of being on the hamster wheel.  BEST MOMENTS  “When we travel there are some really valuable insights that we can stumble upon.” “We are allowed to evolve and we are allowed to do it in our own time.” “There are infinite ways to live and create, find the one that works for you.” EPISODE LINKS 🎧 Ready to reconnect with your creative clarity?Grab my free journal prompts + private podcast here.Miss Libby Rose Terina Smith Recycling Artist Instagram VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind   ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way.  Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Email

This week Karen is joined on the show by Karen Haller, an expert in behavioural colour psychology and author of ‘The Little Book of Colour’, to discuss how colour shapes our experience of scent. The first thing any consumer sees when they interact with your product is the colours, and whether you mean it or not, the consumer will have an emotional response to that colour. In this fascinating interview, Karen shares her vast knowledge on the use of colour, how it makes us feel and behave and how you can use colour to maximum effect to influence your customers and elevate your brand.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Karen tried a variety of careers before she arrived at colour psychology. She explains how an epiphany moment with a brown hat and teal feathers opened a whole new world to her.  Karen discusses how brands use colour, both its hue and saturation, to form consumers' preconceptions around the scent and taste of a product.  Whether we want to or not, we make assumptions on products as soon as we see the colours. Karen explains why this happens and the importance of aligning the colours of your brand to your product.  Karen outlines how you can use colour to add aspects to your branding that you might not otherwise be able to afford. BEST MOMENTS  “One of the biggest myths of colour psychology is that all hues of the same colour give us the same response.” “We see colour before anything else and colour is an emotion.” “If your branding and ethos doesn’t align with your colours then your customers will be turned off.” EPISODE LINKS Karen Haller Website The Little Book of Colour Karen Haller Instagram VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind   ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way.  Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Email

This week Karen is talking to Silvia Yonkova, founder of Rose Overdose, a company that grows roses and produces stunning fragrances from them. But, on top of this, Silva also hosts a yearly ‘Rose Retreat’ where budding perfumers can experience what it’s like to harvest roses and work with organic materials. In this interview with Karen, Silvia shares her family's rich history with roses, what inspired her to move into the world of perfumery and gives details of her not-to-be-missed retreat.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Silvia grew up in a family of rose growers. However, when she was young she began to notice a huge difference between the roses her family grew and those available to the public. She explains how this set her on her journey to perfumery.  Synthetic rose materials are used in most perfume creations. Silvia explains why this is the case which leads the ladies into a discussion about the differences between natural and synthetic rose materials.  Silvia explains what happens at her rose retreats and how she aims to give visitors a different experience from the standard tourist one. Despite her rich history with and love for roses, as Silvia explains to Karen, it was her desire to show the world that Bulgaria doesn’t just smell of roses that led her to perfume making.    BEST MOMENTS  “What makes the Bulgarian rose so unique is that it is unapologetic.” “Don’t be in a rush to create your fragrances. Enjoy the journey and let the materials reveal themselves to you.” “What you smell with synthetic rose materials is not what roses actually smell like. There is no comparison.”   EPISODE LINKS Rose Overdose Website Rose Overdose Retreat Rose Overdose Instagram   VALUABLE RESOURCES Getting Started Guide Artisan Perfumery Mastermind   In-person class ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way.  Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances. With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing. CONTACT DETAILS Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Email