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Cost Effective?

post #1 of 25
4/3/12 at 11:00am
Thread Starter 
Thank you for taking a look. I have no experience with DIY scent creation, so please be patient with me.
I am interested in determining whether or not it could be more economical for
me to blend my own cologne. (I'm on a fixed income). Some of the scents I seek are no longer manufactured.

I am interested in finding formulas, ingredients suppliers and specific advice regarding duplicating the following men's scents at costs per ounce CHEAPER than buying them online or in stores. ( I have no huge objection to purchasing
legit "imitators" but notice that the imitators I try will fade almost instantly).

Santa Fe for men by Tsumura / Aladdin Fragrances
This may no longer be manufactured, not sure.
Runs about $20 an ounce on Amazon.

Calvin by Calvin Klein for Men
This is the scent launched in the Eighties, in the opaque
dark bottle. Not sure if they even sell it any more.
Priced at about $38 an ounce on Amazon.

Polo Blue cologne for men
Runs about $26 an ounce on Amazon.

Drakkar Noir cologne for men
About $7 an ounce on Amazon.

Jean Paul Gaultier- Le Male
About $14 an ounce on Amazon

Women's Scents:
Angel perfume runs about $35 an ounce
Poison Dior for women launched in 1985 purple bottle

I am also interested in blending my own aftershave BALM, in
imitation of the original scent of Mennen "Afta" which is no longer manufactured (or so it seems). Looking to get this down to under one dollar per ounce. Soothing effect is
more crucial than exact match of scent.

Finally, there is a discontinued scent of body wash I would like to
learn how to duplicate: Old Spice "Glacial Falls"
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post #2 of 25
4/3/12 at 10:43pm
We probably need a sticky on this because your question, or versions of it, is fairly common. I think unfortunate the short answer is "no" and even if it were "yes" you would not be able to replicate any of the things you mention. If it were so easy copy our favorite scents at home the world would be a very different place (and so would Ebay). If you do some careful searching of this DIY forum you will find lots of more detailed answers to your question.

That said, with some money and some (well many many hours actually) work on your part you MIGHT be able to come up with a simple citrus/lavender cologne based on some of the old formulas, that would be nice, unique and your own. And if you used a LOT of it, it would actually be cheaper per oz than what you buy commercially.
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post #3 of 25
4/4/12 at 3:30am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gecko214 View Post

We probably need a sticky on this because your question, or versions of it, is fairly common. I think unfortunate the short answer is "no" and even if it were "yes" you would not be able to replicate any of the things you mention. If it were so easy copy our favorite scents at home the world would be a very different place (and so would Ebay). If you do some careful searching of this DIY forum you will find lots of more detailed answers to your question.

That said, with some money and some (well many many hours actually) work on your part you MIGHT be able to come up with a simple citrus/lavender cologne based on some of the old formulas, that would be nice, unique and your own. And if you used a LOT of it, it would actually be cheaper per oz than what you buy commercially.


Thank you for your thoughtful response. I am very sorry if my question annoys anyone.
I do realize an answer is probably "out there" somewhere for me to find without
repeating a common question.

I will continue searching for "formulas" that come as close as possible to imitating the scents I prefer....why invest my hours and dollars experimenting? Why try to reinvent the wheel, someone else MUST have
come up with a "close enough" formula at some point.

The crucial ingredient would seem to me to be what
is lacking in the dollar-store-type "designer imitators", which is ENDURANCE.
The smell fades FAST. What is the ingredient that makes a scent last a long time?
I seem to remember Avon advertising "micro capsules" in some of their products.....

I am not very confident about buying ancient bottles of stuff on eBay. First of all, I despise
eBay, it's really a sewer. The company treats people like dirt, and lots of sharks use it.
Second, perfumes age fast. I will of course buy some reluctantly, because I will need samples
of Calvin and Santa Fe to compare to, but it won't be from eBay, and I advise any readers to
also avoid eBay.
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post #4 of 25
4/4/12 at 10:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bearcat22 View Post

Thank you for your thoughtful response. I am very sorry if my question annoys anyone.
I do realize an answer is probably "out there" somewhere for me to find without
repeating a common question.

I will continue searching for "formulas" that come as close as possible to imitating the scents I prefer....why invest my hours and dollars experimenting? Why try to reinvent the wheel, someone else MUST have
come up with a "close enough" formula at some point.

The crucial ingredient would seem to me to be what
is lacking in the dollar-store-type "designer imitators", which is ENDURANCE.
The smell fades FAST. What is the ingredient that makes a scent last a long time?
I seem to remember Avon advertising "micro capsules" in some of their products.....

I am not very confident about buying ancient bottles of stuff on eBay. First of all, I despise
eBay, it's really a sewer. The company treats people like dirt, and lots of sharks use it.
Second, perfumes age fast. I will of course buy some reluctantly, because I will need samples
of Calvin and Santa Fe to compare to, but it won't be from eBay, and I advise any readers to
also avoid eBay.

Someone else has indeed invented all the wheels you mention - oddly enough we perfumers, like everyone else, expect to be paid for the expertise we have developed. To become an expert in more-or-less anything takes something of the order of 10,000 hours of study, practice and learning: are you prepared to put that amount of time and dedication in, in order to save a few dollars?

If not, give it up and buy bottles ready made. If so, you are in the right place . . . all the guidance you need to get started is here: just dont expect to produce anything like those classics any time soon.
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post #5 of 25
4/4/12 at 11:38am
It seems to me that you are enthusiastic about this endeavor. But is it practical ? Do you have the time ? At first blush, it is NOT cost effective. There are "wheels" invented and in place already.

We perfume enthusiasts do strange things ... but why would you want "to copy an encyclopedia" using an ink pot and a pen, when the rest of the world is using a computer ? It is probably you and your own personal passion that makes you do this.
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post #6 of 25
4/5/12 at 3:08am
Hi, do it yourself perfume making is not an inexpensive hobby, and it is the point of view how thoroughly you will practice it. Over 2 years i gathered more than 300 ingredients, the more complex your blends are going to be, the more ingredients you ´ll need ( or desire, because you can´t buy the chemicals in a shop around the corner, at least not in germany, lol... ) and i´m still a bloody beginner. Not to mention a considerable amount of atomizers, bottles, vials, pipettes, solvents and perfumers alcohol you´ll need....

Good luck :-)

Conni
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post #7 of 25
4/5/12 at 4:52am
  • ION
  • offline
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Dear Bearcat22,
The most cost effective way to acquire any of the perfumes you need, is simply buying them.
Re-inventing the wheel is not very realistic (especially in our times) but, (and that's a big "but")
doing so can also prove advantageous (compared to those who have a formal training I mean).
You'll "smell" things that they, by definition won't!
Perfumery is more an art than a science. And it's only so much one can teach art.
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post #8 of 25
4/10/12 at 2:46pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Bartlett View Post

Someone else has indeed invented all the wheels you mention - oddly enough we perfumers, like everyone else, expect to be paid for the expertise we have developed. To become an expert in more-or-less anything takes something of the order of 10,000 hours of study, practice and learning: are you prepared to put that amount of time and dedication in, in order to save a few dollars?

If not, give it up and buy bottles ready made. If so, you are in the right place . . . all the guidance you need to get started is here: just don’t expect to produce anything like those classics any time soon.

I already was motivated to do this on my own. Your snide, condescending douchebag-arrogant response
has made me DETERMINED to find formulas and sources, and to reproduce scents at a reasonable price,
cutting out arrogant pompous pricks like you from the equation. Scent is for all, not just the snide and the rich.
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post #9 of 25
4/10/12 at 2:48pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ION View Post

Dear Bearcat22,
The most cost effective way to acquire any of the perfumes you need, is simply buying them.
Re-inventing the wheel is not very realistic (especially in our times) but, (and that's a big "but")
doing so can also prove advantageous (compared to those who have a formal training I mean).
You'll "smell" things that they, by definition won't!
Perfumery is more an art than a science. And it's only so much one can teach art.

Thank you for your response. I strongly disagree. Many people are discovering that
doing things for themselves, and making their own supplies is not only possible, but
very cost effective. The economy is in the tank....there is no reason why some of the
so-called luxuries, such as scent, can't be DIY.
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post #10 of 25
4/10/12 at 2:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Conni HD View Post

Hi, do it yourself perfume making is not an inexpensive hobby, and it is the point of view how thoroughly you will practice it. Over 2 years i gathered more than 300 ingredients, the more complex your blends are going to be, the more ingredients you ´ll need ( or desire, because you can´t buy the chemicals in a shop around the corner, at least not in germany, lol... ) and i´m still a bloody beginner. Not to mention a considerable amount of atomizers, bottles, vials, pipettes, solvents and perfumers alcohol you´ll need....


Good luck :-)

Conni



I am not interested in launching a hobby so much as buying a few bulk ingredients
and mixing a few specific scents. I am not unaware that there MAY be tools I lack,
or even ingredients that will be unobtainable. This just seemed a logical place to ask:
Anyone got a "close enough" formula for some of these particular scents?
Thanks for your reply. I do realize it will necessarily be simple.
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post #11 of 25
4/10/12 at 2:52pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Conni HD View Post

Hi, do it yourself perfume making is not an inexpensive hobby, and it is the point of view how thoroughly you will practice it. Over 2 years i gathered more than 300 ingredients, the more complex your blends are going to be, the more ingredients you ´ll need ( or desire, because you can´t buy the chemicals in a shop around the corner, at least not in germany, lol... ) and i´m still a bloody beginner. Not to mention a considerable amount of atomizers, bottles, vials, pipettes, solvents and perfumers alcohol you´ll need....


Good luck :-)

Conni



I am not interested in launching a hobby so much as buying a few bulk ingredients
and mixing a few specific scents. I am not unaware that there MAY be tools I lack,
or even ingredients that will be unobtainable. This just seemed a logical place to ask:
Anyone got a "close enough" formula for some of these particular scents?
Thanks for your reply. I do realize it will necessarily be simple.
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 25
4/10/12 at 2:54pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ursula View Post

It seems to me that you are enthusiastic about this endeavor. But is it practical ? Do you have the time ? At first blush, it is NOT cost effective. There are "wheels" invented and in place already.

We perfume enthusiasts do strange things ... but why would you want "to copy an encyclopedia" using an ink pot and a pen, when the rest of the world is using a computer ? It is probably you and your own personal passion that makes you do this.

Cost. Plain and simple. Commercial scents are grotesquely overpriced, in my view.
I do have time to try this, and it is worth some investment in tools and ingredients.
All I need are formulas...which are strangely lacking, considering that is what the Original Post was about.
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post #13 of 25
4/10/12 at 3:03pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gecko214 View Post

We probably need a sticky on this because your question, or versions of it, is fairly common. I think unfortunate the short answer is "no" and even if it were "yes" you would not be able to replicate any of the things you mention. If it were so easy copy our favorite scents at home the world would be a very different place (and so would Ebay). If you do some careful searching of this DIY forum you will find lots of more detailed answers to your question.

That said, with some money and some (well many many hours actually) work on your part you MIGHT be able to come up with a simple citrus/lavender cologne based on some of the old formulas, that would be nice, unique and your own. And if you used a LOT of it, it would actually be cheaper per oz than what you buy commercially.


It is my intention to use these scents for decades. Just cutting out the arrogant
pompous douchebags from the equation of acquiring a scent would be worth the trouble.
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post #14 of 25
4/10/12 at 3:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bearcat22 View Post

It is my intention to use these scents for decades. Just cutting out the arrogant
pompous douchebags from the equation of acquiring a scent would be worth the trouble.

One day Nasrudin asked a wealthy man for some money.
"What do you want it for?"
"To buy an elephant."
"If you have no money you will not be able to maintain an elephant."
"I asked for money, not advice!"
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post #15 of 25
4/10/12 at 3:30pm
Lol
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post #16 of 25
4/10/12 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Bartlett View Post

One day Nasrudin asked a wealthy man for some money.
"What do you want it for?"
"To buy an elephant."
"If you have no money you will not be able to maintain an elephant."
"I asked for money, not advice!"

One day a snide c_unt said, "Let them eat cake!"
The next day they cut off the bitch's head.

We look forward to your demise, you snide, arrogant pompous PRICK.
Die, motherfucker.

Scent is for all people, not just elitist motherfuck_ers with delusions of grandeur.
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post #17 of 25
4/10/12 at 4:50pm
You STINK !!
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post #18 of 25
4/10/12 at 9:23pm
This thread makes for great, cost effective humor.
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post #19 of 25
4/11/12 at 12:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SculptureOfSoul View Post

This thread makes for great, cost effective humor.

I dont quite get why some people imagine that resorting to ranting and insults is going to suddenly persuade people on the other side of an internet screen to share their point of view / do what they want when surely all experience must have demonstrated the opposite. Nowt so queer as folk as they say round here.

Oh and I have a confession to make - I pinched the idea for the Nasreddin quote from Martinijo who used it in this thread.
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post #20 of 25
4/11/12 at 3:09am
Oh Lord, this thread cheered me up in a bad day
I'm lucky because human stupidity makes me laugh and world is full of stupid people! This "bearcat" guy is definitely one of them, and the elegant aplomb showed by Chris makes all even funnier
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post #21 of 25
4/11/12 at 3:57am

no caption necessary
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post #22 of 25
4/11/12 at 11:33am
Well, that was entertaining.
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post #23 of 25
4/11/12 at 6:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by otocione View Post

Oh Lord, this thread cheered me up in a bad day
I'm lucky because human stupidity makes me laugh and world is full of stupid people! This "bearcat" guy is definitely one of them, and the elegant aplomb showed by Chris makes all even funnier

My guess is he is already quite familiar with at least one perfume ingredient: ethanol.
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post #24 of 25
4/12/12 at 10:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gecko214 View Post

My guess is he is already quite familiar with at least one perfume ingredient: ethanol.

Yes probably, and it was probably just as well Id had a drink myself before I read it too - otherwise Id obviously have taken it seriously and died on the spot as instructed.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SculptureOfSoul View Post


no caption necessary

I didnt see this bit until the day after as Id gone to bed by the time he reappeared in this indestructible incarnation and I also enjoyed the irony.
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post #25 of 25
4/16/12 at 8:18pm
Well that was certainly out of left field........

Philip
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