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DIY COTTON CANDY-INSPIRED PERFUME RECIPE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

Create Your Own Cotton Candy Perfume: A Sweet DIY Recipe with Tonka Bean, Vanilla, and Pink Sugar

Learn how to craft a sugary-sweet cotton candy perfume with notes of tonka bean, vanilla, and pink sugar. This DIY perfume recipe captures the delightful aroma of fresh-spun candy floss. Plus, get tips on making designer-inspired perfumes using essential oils.

If you’re a fan of candy scents but want to avoid the headaches caused by artificial fragrances, this natural cotton candy perfume recipe is the perfect solution.

This DIY cotton candy perfume captures the sweet, gourmand aromas of candy floss, without the synthetic ingredients found in most designer perfumes.

Keep reading to discover how to naturally smell like cotton candy. This essential oil perfume tutorial is easy to follow, no matter your experience level.

I’ve included five different ways to create your own cotton candy fragrance, including perfume spray, roll-on perfume oil, and natural scented body spray.

You’ll find simple recipes for beginners, along with more advanced blends for those with a larger collection of perfumery oils. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to create a long-lasting DIY perfume.

If you’re also interested in a cotton candy fragrance for your home or natural scents for DIY skincare and beauty products, check out my cotton candy essential oil blend.

Perfume that smells like cotton candy

When I imagine the smell of cotton candy, I think of a sweet, airy scent that instantly transports me to carefree summer days and childhood fairs. It’s the unmistakable aroma of sugar spun into delicate clouds, filling the air with its nostalgic charm. For many, it’s a scent that brings back memories of fun carnival treats, and for me, it also evokes thoughts of cotton candy-scented beauty products I loved back then, like body mists and perfumes.

But this DIY cotton candy perfume isn’t just a sugary blast from the past. With a rich base of sultry tonka bean and creamy vanilla, it reinvents the classic candy floss scent into something more sophisticated—a fragrance that’s both playful and grown-up, perfect for anyone who loves sweet, warm aromas with a hint of elegance.

This cotton candy perfume is designed for anyone who wants to enjoy the nostalgic sweetness of candy floss in a more refined, elegant way. While it has the sugary rush of a sweet treat, the sophisticated blend is reminiscent of designer perfumes, making it perfect for those who enjoy edible, ultra-sweet fragrances without feeling childish.

Although cotton candy is often linked to summer carnivals, there’s no reason you can’t indulge in sweet gourmand scents year-round.

Before we dive into the DIY, let’s explore the key ingredients that make up a cotton candy fragrance.

If you’re a fan of sugary-sweet scents, you might also love my sugar plum perfume recipe. For those who prefer a fruity floral twist over gourmand fragrances, don’t miss my aromatherapy perfume recipes!

Designer cotton candy scented perfume

Candy perfumes are incredibly popular, and cotton candy, in particular, is a beloved note in many sweet fragrances.

There’s a broad range of perfumes inspired by the fluffy treat, each offering a unique, sweet-smelling interpretation. Many of these fragrances combine cotton candy notes with florals, woods, and musk, creating complex and multi-layered scents that balance the sugary sweetness with deeper, more sophisticated undertones. Whether you’re drawn to a light, airy fragrance or a more rich and sensual version, there’s a cotton candy perfume for everyone.

Popular designer cotton candy perfumes include:

Juice Bar Cotton Candy: The quintessential 90s cotton candy scent, pure and simple with a sweet, nostalgic essence.
Demeter Cotton Candy: A straightforward cotton candy fragrance with caramel, strawberry, and vanilla, evoking the classic pink candy floss.
Bath and Body Works Cotton Candy Clouds: A classic candy floss scent featuring spun sugar, pink berries, and creamy vanilla.
Delicious Cotton Candy Perfume: An intriguing blend that combines cotton candy with orange, bergamot, clementine, lily of the valley, fig leaves, plums, licorice, cedarwood, and musk.
Body Fantasies Cotton Candy Fragrance: A sweet perfume with spun sugar, vanilla, and berry notes, plus a twist of grapes and musk.
Victoria’s Secret Candy Baby: A sweet and creamy blend of cotton candy and vanilla cupcakes, perfect for fans of sugary fragrances.
Aquolina Pink Sugar: A beloved gourmand fragrance featuring cotton candy, tonka bean, vanilla, caramel, and musk, complemented by fruity and citrus top notes. Though discontinued, it remains a sought-after scent with many searching for a Pink Sugar dupe.
Ariana Grande Sweet Like Candy: A playful candy fragrance blending cotton candy with blackberry, pear, marshmallow, and vanilla, along with floral hints of jasmine, honeysuckle, and frangipani.
Guerlain La Petite Robe Noir Intense: A complex fruity floral gourmand featuring cotton candy along with blueberry, raspberry, cassis, bergamot, Bulgarian rose, orange blossom, jasmine, vanilla, patchouli, sandalwood, and white musk.

These fragrances showcase the versatility of cotton candy notes, blending them with various other elements to create everything from simple, sweet scents to more complex, layered compositions.

Natural cotton candy perfume with essential oils

As wonderful as these designer cotton candy perfumes sound, there’s a significant downside – they often contain synthetic scents and the endocrine-disrupting chemicals that come with them.

Most store-bought and designer perfumes aren’t ideal for those who are sensitive to artificial fragrances or anyone striving for a non-toxic lifestyle.

That’s where this DIY perfume recipe comes in. As someone who is highly sensitive to scents, I’ve been making my own perfumes at home for years out of necessity. Most store-bought perfumes are off-limits for me, with the exception of my favorite LaVanila Vanilla Grapefruit fragrance.

I couldn’t find a cotton candy perfume made with essential oils, and even handcrafted options on Etsy contain artificial fragrances. So, I set out to create a natural alternative for anyone who wants to smell like cotton candy without the headaches or harmful chemicals.

What is cotton candy fragrance?

Before we dive into making a cotton candy perfume, it’s important to ask: what exactly does cotton candy smell like?

Cotton candy is the sweet, sugary fragrance of fluffy spun sugar, often with added vanilla and strawberry flavorings.

The main note is the caramelized sugar, which gives it that signature sweetness, but it’s the added flavorings that bring out the iconic “pink vanilla” scent that we associate with candy floss. So, when you break it down, cotton candy smells like sugar, caramel, and vanilla, with subtle hints of fruit and berries—simple yet irresistible.

What is cotton candy flavor, and how does it relate to perfume?

In terms of flavor, cotton candy is described as sweet, caramellic, vanillic, jammy, and fruity, with distinct notes of strawberry.

The fragrance and flavor of cotton candy are closely linked, as the same compounds used to create its flavor are also responsible for its candy floss notes in perfumes. These elements—sweet sugar, caramel, vanilla, and fruit—are what give cotton candy its signature aroma, making it a delightful and nostalgic scent to recreate in a fragrance.

The most prominent compound responsible for the sweet, caramelized sugar aroma of cotton candy is ethyl maltol. This flavor component is what gives cotton candy its signature caramel-like scent, so when you imagine the fragrance of candy floss, you’re likely thinking of ethyl maltol.

Another key note is strawberry furanone, which adds a jammy, strawberry-like quality that is quintessential to pink cotton candy. In perfumery, this note can also be achieved with strawberry aldehyde or a strawberry isolate.

While using fragrance compounds like ethyl maltol and strawberry furanone can give you the most accurate and realistic cotton candy scent, these ingredients are not suitable if you’re aiming for a truly all-natural candy perfume. This is why we’ll need to rely on essential oils and natural ingredients to recreate the sweet, sugary essence of cotton candy in a non-toxic way.

How do you create a cotton candy fragrance with essential oils?

So, how do you capture the sugary scent of cotton candy in a DIY perfume without using synthetic fragrance oils?

While there’s no single essential oil that smells exactly like cotton candy, you can create the essence of candy floss by blending the right combination of essential oils. The magic of making perfume lies in how you combine different aroma compounds—this process allows you to craft entirely new fragrances, like the sweet, decadent smell of spun sugar.

By thoughtfully mixing essential oils like vanilla, caramel, and fruity notes, you can achieve a delightful, cotton candy-like fragrance that’s both natural and uniquely yours. It’s all about balancing the sweet, sugary aromas with subtle hints of fruit, creating a scent that evokes the nostalgia of cotton candy, without any synthetic ingredients.

Here’s the essential oils you’ll need to capture the different notes of cotton candy in your DIY perfume:

Caramel notes: tonka bean absolute, Peru balsam, cedarwood essential oil
Sugar notes: vanilla absolute, ylang-ylang essential oil, bitter almond oil
Vanilla notes: vanilla absolute, Peru balsam
Fruit notes: ylang-ylang essential oil, benzoin resin, grapefruit essential oil
Cream notes: butter CO2 extract

You might not need every single one of these oils—it depends on the specific recipe you want to make. The simplest blend may only require 2 essential oils.

Does this combination smell exactly like the scent of fresh-spun cotton candy? Not quite. For a true cotton candy aroma, you’d need ethyl maltol, but that’s a synthetic compound not used in natural DIY perfumes.

This is simply my interpretation of a cotton candy perfume, designed to evoke the sweet, whimsical essence of candy floss in a natural way, without artificial fragrances.

The beauty of DIY perfume making is that you can take a concept, like cotton candy, and come up with your own unique take on it—just like how I created my sugarplum perfume. With that in mind, let’s dive into how you can create your own cotton candy-inspired scent.

Cotton candy perfume ingredients

To create your homemade cotton candy perfume, you’ll need the following ingredients:

INGREDIENTS:

Cotton candy essential oil blend (based on the essential oils mentioned previously)
Everclear grain alcohol (for DIY perfume spray)
Fractionated coconut oil, MCT oil, or jojoba oil (for roll-on perfume oil)
Vegetable glycerin (for scented body spray)

OPTIONAL TOOLS:

Mini cosmetic scale (for precise measurements)
Glass pipettes (to dispense perfume ingredients)
Small glass lab beakers (to weigh perfumery materials)
Mini stainless steel whisk (for mixing)
Pretty perfume spray bottle or roller bottle (for storing your perfume)
Small funnel (to fill bottles easily)

These ingredients and tools will help you craft your cotton candy perfume, whether you’re making a spray, roll-on oil, or scented body spray. The right equipment ensures accuracy and a smooth blending process, resulting in a beautifully natural fragrance.

EVERCLEAR PERFUME BASE

Everclear pure grain alcohol is an excellent choice for natural homemade perfumes, room sprays, deodorants, and other alcohol-based DIY recipes. It’s the gold standard because it’s pure, without the potentially harmful denaturants found in real perfumer’s alcohol, which can irritate the skin or contain toxins.

When making natural DIY perfumes, avoiding synthetic chemicals is key, and Everclear helps achieve that by providing a clean, effective solvent for your perfume ingredients.

For the best results, opt for the highest proof Everclear you can find—preferably 189 or 190 proof. If that’s not available, 151 proof will work as well. A higher proof ensures that your perfume ingredients dissolve completely, helping create a smoother, more refined scent.

FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL OR MCT OIL

Not all liquid carrier oils are ideal for making DIY perfume oil.

Some oils, especially those high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are prone to oxidation and spoilage. If you’re investing in high-quality perfumery materials for your cotton candy fragrance, you’ll want your perfume to have a long shelf life.

I prefer using fractionated coconut oil or MCT oil for homemade perfume oils. Both are stable carrier oils that ensure your roll-on perfume stays fresh for an extended period. These oils are low in PUFAs, which contributes to their longer shelf life, and may also offer additional skin benefits.

If you’re not fond of coconut oil, jojoba oil is another great choice with a long shelf life, typically lasting between 2-5 years, depending on the source.

Tip: To add an extra layer of sweetness and luxury to your fragrance, consider using vanilla-infused jojoba oil as the carrier oil. Infused with vanilla CO2 extract—the sweetest and most luxurious vanilla for perfumery—this oil can enhance the richness of your scent.

Essential oils for cotton candy perfume

Next, let’s dive into the essential oils you’ll need to craft a DIY cotton candy perfume. For a more detailed breakdown of each fragrance note, be sure to check out my cotton candy essential oil guide. These oils will help you capture the sweet, airy aroma of cotton candy while keeping the blend natural and toxin-free.

TONKA BEAN ABSOLUTE

If you’re looking to recreate designer-inspired perfumes with essential oils, tonka bean is a key ingredient to have in your collection. Known for its complex, sultry aroma, tonka bean adds depth and richness to any fragrance, making it a go-to for gourmand scents. While vanilla brings sweetness, tonka bean introduces a layer of warmth, often reminiscent of freshly baked treats.

In addition to its enticing scent, tonka bean acts as an excellent fixative, helping your DIY perfume last longer. Its thick, viscous nature ensures it clings to your skin and clothing, leaving a lasting impression. Tonka bean’s longevity is especially noticeable on fabrics that aren’t washed often, like jackets, giving you that lingering scent throughout the day.

When selecting tonka bean for your perfume, you’ll have a few different options to choose from, each offering its unique nuances.

BEST TONAKA BEAN ABSOLUTE FOR FERRFUME OIL

To create a cotton candy-scented perfume oil, you’ll need an oil-based tonka bean oil or solid absolute, which is the rich, highly fragrant paste typically reserved for perfumery.

Tonka bean absolute has a wonderfully complex scent profile. It’s sweet and powdery like vanilla, with deep caramel-like richness, accompanied by spicy undertones reminiscent of rum balls, caramelized sugar, and cinnamon buns. This decadent aroma is edible and inviting, and when blended into a perfume, the spicy notes mellow out, leaving a warm, delicious fragrance.

Pure tonka bean absolute will give you the most authentic, long-lasting cotton candy scent. Its staying power is exceptional, lingering on your skin until you wash it off. However, it comes with a hefty price tag, making it a splurge for those serious about crafting high-quality perfumes. If you can find it at a reasonable price, it’s worth the investment, as it elevates the overall fragrance.

I use tonka bean absolute in many of my homemade perfumes, including a beloved sugar cookie scent (recipe coming soon). For the best deals, try looking on platforms like Etsy or turn to specialized perfumery suppliers such as Eden Botanicals. It’s also helpful to find a supplier in your own country for convenience.

BEST TONKA BEAN ESSENTIAL OIL

If you prefer not to splurge on tonka bean absolute, there are other options that still offer a delicious cotton candy fragrance. One alternative is an oil-based or oil-soluble tonka bean liquid, like Plant Therapy Tonka Bean Essential Oil. This oil is soluble in both alcohol and oil, making it versatile for creating perfume oils or mist.

While it’s not as long-lasting or complex as the pure absolute, and it lacks some of the spicier notes of tonka bean, its sweet, powdery, and buttery scent still captures the essence of gourmand fragrances. Its smooth, baked-good-like aroma, reminiscent of rum tarts and caramelized treats, pairs beautifully with the sugary cotton candy notes. The oil has a pale yellow color, compared to the deeper brown of tonka bean absolutes, but its scent is still rich and mouthwatering.

I personally love the fragrance so much that I use it straight as a perfume oil. Though Plant Therapy doesn’t officially recommend this, the oil is already diluted with a natural solvent (triethyl citrate) and has never caused irritation for my sensitive skin.

Another great option is tonka bean infused oil or tonka bean butter, both available from Eden Botanicals. These products offer a more subtle, infused version of the tonka bean’s warm and rich scent, perfect for adding a natural gourmand touch to your DIY perfume.

BEST CHOICE FOR TONKA BEAN PERFUME SPRAY

For a DIY perfume spray, you’ll need an alcohol-soluble tonka bean dilution, and fortunately, there are a few great options available.

The best one I’ve used is Living Libations’s 50% tonka bean dilution in ethanol. This product offers an incredibly rich, decadent scent that works wonderfully in alcohol-based perfumes. It’s strong and full-bodied, making it perfect for creating a cotton candy fragrance.

In the past, I’ve also used Simplers Botanicals tonka bean essential oil, but it has been out of stock for a while and might be discontinued. An excellent alternative to this is Silky Scents. They offer a dilution that’s 30% tonka bean absolute and 70% ethanol, similar to the Simplers product, providing a nice balance of depth and sweetness.

If you’re looking for a milder option, you can incorporate Plant Therapy’s tonka bean oil into your perfume blend. While it’s not as spicy or potent as an alcohol-based tonka bean absolute, it still gives a sweet, creamy aroma that evokes a sugary, cotton candy scent—ideal for a lighter, more delicate perfume.

VANILLA ABSOLUTE

Vanilla is a key ingredient in gourmand perfumery, adding a sweet and decadent bakery-like scent that enhances any blend. Vanilla absolute, in particular, is a must-have for creating rich, complex fragrances.

Unlike vanilla oleoresin, vanilla absolute has a thick, syrup-like consistency and a deep, balsamic vanilla aroma. This richness blends beautifully into perfume, softening over time to create a comforting, warm scent profile. When mixed with a carrier oil, it has a nostalgic, sweet quality that’s reminiscent of the classic Body Shop vanilla perfume oil—perfect for anyone who loved that scent.

Vanilla absolute is preferred in perfumery for its long-lasting nature and complex fragrance. While it can be pricey, a little goes a long way, making it a worthwhile investment for multiple perfume recipes. It’s also more affordable than vanilla CO2 extract, which is even more decadent but significantly more expensive.

Keep in mind that vanilla absolute can make perfumes appear slightly cloudy, but this won’t affect the fragrance at all, allowing you to enjoy its rich, warm sweetness in every spray.

YLANG ESSENTIAL OIL

Ylang ylang essential oil is a key ingredient when creating sweet, candy-like scents such as cotton candy and bubblegum. Its naturally sweet floral aroma plays a supporting role in the blend, fading into the background to enhance the sugary, sugary quality essential to recreating that cotton candy scent.

In combination with tonka bean, ylang ylang helps capture the essence of spun sugar, giving the perfume a soft, sweet foundation that evokes the familiar scent of candy. I kept the amount of ylang ylang low in my recipe to stay within safe dermal limits (0.8%), as it’s a potent essential oil.

For a truly sugary, indulgent smell, ylang ylang extra is the best variety to use in perfumery. Plant Therapy offers a sweet-smelling ylang ylang extra, but Simply Earth also produces a highly fragrant version that is just as delightful. If you’re looking to elevate your blend further, ylang ylang absolute would add even more richness and luxury to the perfume.

Additionally, if you have access to heliotrope absolute, it can offer a sweet, powdery note that complements the cotton candy scent beautifully. Heliotropyl acetone, a component of heliotrope, is also found in candy floss fragrances, making it the perfect addition to enhance the overall sweetness and complexity of the perfume.

PERU BALSAM

A touch of Peru balsam in your cotton candy perfume adds a deep, complex layer to the fragrance. It has a warm, vanillic, and slightly smoky aroma that evokes caramel and cooked sugar, which complements the caramelized sweetness found in candy floss. However, Peru balsam can be sensitizing, so it’s essential to use it cautiously. For safe topical use, it’s recommended to keep the concentration below 0.4%. This means only a drop is needed in the perfume recipe, adding just the right amount of richness without overpowering the other notes.

BENZOIN RESIN

Benzoin resin is another key ingredient in creating a gourmand, candy-like perfume. Its thick, syrupy, sweet fragrance is reminiscent of rich, balsamic vanilla, with a hint of fruity drink syrups, such as grenadine, spiced with subtle undertones. This resin isn’t just deliciously aromatic—it’s also an excellent fixative, helping to prolong the scent’s longevity. Like tonka bean, benzoin anchors the fragrance, ensuring it lasts for hours. Additionally, benzoin is a natural antioxidant, helping your perfume maintain its fragrance over time.

For the most robust scent, it’s best to use thick benzoin, as thinner variants typically contain more solvent and less of the resin’s aromatic properties. If you’re making a perfume oil, you’ll need an oil-soluble benzoin resinoid, which can be tricky to find. If you can’t locate it, you can skip the benzoin and replace it with an equal amount of grapefruit essential oil, which still provides a bright and fruity top note to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.

GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL

Pink grapefruit essential oil adds a touch of candy-like citrus to your cotton candy perfume. Its sweet, fruity aroma blends beautifully with the warm, rich notes of vanilla and tonka bean, while its tangy citrus qualities are softened and transformed into a sweet, fruity note that mimics the “pink” flavor found in cotton candy or pink sugar. For the sweetest and most candy-like effect, it’s best to choose steam-distilled grapefruit essential oil over cold-pressed, as it has a gentler, less tart scent that complements the gourmand notes in the perfume.

BUTTER CO2 EXTRACT

If you’re crafting a cotton candy perfume oil, you’re in for a truly decadent treat with butter CO2 extract. This essential oil is a classic in gourmand perfumery, known for its rich, creamy, and fatty scent that smells just like melted butter. When added to your perfume, it enhances the sweetness and adds an indulgent buttery note that makes the fragrance even more edible and luxurious. Paired with the vanilla and tonka bean, butter CO2 extract transforms the perfume into something that smells like frosted cupcakes—making this “cotton candy cupcake” fragrance both sweet and irresistibly creamy. It’s the perfect finishing touch for an ultra-gourmand, candy-inspired scent.

As a bonus, butter CO2 extract is also an excellent fixative, which helps the fragrance linger on the skin for hours. If you love long-lasting, dessert-inspired perfumes, this is definitely a must-have ingredient for your collection.

The good news is that butter essential oil is relatively affordable compared to other specialty perfumery materials. You can often find it on Etsy, but to get the best deal, you might want to check with perfumery suppliers like Eden Botanicals or find a local supplier in your country to save on shipping costs. It’s a great addition to any gourmand perfume recipe, especially for those who want that irresistible, creamy, and sweet scent to last all day.

ATLAS CEDARWWOOD OIL

Just a single drop of Atlas cedarwood essential oil can add depth and complexity to your cotton candy perfume. While it may seem out of place at first, its dry, woody notes bring a subtle sweetness that blends perfectly with candy fragrances. The mild smokiness of cedarwood ties beautifully with the caramelized sugar scent of candy floss, adding realism to the perfume. Cedarwood also softens any sharper fruity notes in the blend, mellowing out the sweetness and giving the perfume a more rounded, smooth cotton candy aroma.

BITTER ALMOND ESSENTIAL OIL

Bitter almond oil brings an irresistible sweetness to your cotton candy perfume, with its marzipan-like, cherry notes. It’s one of the sweetest essential oils and can add a candy-like richness to your fragrance. However, its strong saccharine scent can easily overpower a blend, so it’s best used sparingly. If you decide to incorporate it, add just a drop or two to avoid the perfume becoming overly sweet. The fragrance may be too cloying for some, so I recommend allowing your perfume to age for at least a week before adding bitter almond oil to see how it blends with the other ingredients. Alternatively, you can use purified benzaldehyde for a similar effect without the risk of overwhelming sweetness.

Cotton Candy Perfume Recipes

COTTON CANDY CUPCAKE PERFUME OIL

8g MCT oil or fractionated coconut oil
0.7g vanilla absolute
1.4g tonka bean absolute
0.5g / 10 drops butter CO2 extract
0.21g / 5 drops grapefruit essential oil
0.1g / 2 drops benzoin resin
0.08g / 3 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
0.04g / 1 drop Peru balsam
0.05g / 1 drop atlas cedarwood
0.05g / 2 drops bitter almond essential oil

At just over 30% fragrance concentration, this cotton candy cupcake perfume oil is the most potent and long-lasting of the DIY options. If you’re a fan of Aquolina Pink Sugar, this fragrance is right up your alley. The scent evolves as you wear it, with moments where you catch whiffs of sugary candy, followed by hints of vanilla frosting or fresh cake batter. It’s an indulgent and playful blend that delivers on both sweetness and richness. With its strong staying power, this recipe holds its ground against many designer perfumes, ensuring your scent lasts all day.

Sultry tonka bean absolute takes center stage, providing a rich, long-lasting caramelized sugar base note that lingers on the skin throughout the day. It’s beautifully softened by the syrupy sweetness of vanilla absolute, creating an irresistible, warm scent.

Butter CO2 extract introduces a creamy, buttery essence that evokes the feeling of frosted cotton candy cupcakes, adding a delightful richness. A touch of Peru balsam deepens the fragrance, evoking the slightly burnt spun sugar you’d find in a candy floss machine, giving it an extra layer of complexity.

A subtle heart of ylang-ylang contributes a faint, sweet floral note, adding another layer of sweetness to the blend. For that iconic pink cotton candy feel, benzoin and pink grapefruit create syrupy, fruity top notes that bring the fragrance to life.

A single drop of Atlas cedarwood essential oil helps to mellow out the sharper fruity notes, adding a delicate smokiness that harmonizes perfectly with the caramelized sugar, bringing the entire fragrance together.

As a finishing touch, bitter almond oil can be added for an extra burst of sweetness. However, its saccharine quality can be overwhelming for some, so it’s best to blend the perfume first, allow it to age for a week or two, and then decide whether to include the bitter almond for that final sugary punch.

COTTON CANDY PERFUME SPRAY

~8ml Everclear
25 drops vanilla absolute
12 drops alcohol-based tonka bean absolute
2 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
1 drop grapefruit essential oil
1 drop benzoin essential oil
1 drop Peru balsam
1 drop bitter almond essential oil

This simple cotton candy perfume spray is like a sugar rush in a bottle.

It opens with a burst of sweet benzoin and grapefruit, immediately giving you that candy-like freshness. As it dries down, it settles into a smooth, long-lasting base of tonka bean and vanilla, making you smell like a delicious mix of caramelized sugar and vanilla frosting.

The tonka bean is the backbone of this perfume, providing that rich, sweet, and slightly spicy quality that helps the scent last for hours. No need for cedarwood in this blend—tonka bean takes care of the depth on its own.

The addition of bitter almond oil is optional, but it gives the fragrance a warm, baked good quality, like cotton candy cookies on the drydown. I recommend letting the perfume age for a week before deciding if you’d like to add the almond for that extra sweetness.

COTTON CANDY sUGAR PERFUME OIL\

~7ml vanilla-infused jojoba oil or liquid coconut oil
20 drops vanilla absolute
20 drops tonka bean essential oil
10 drops butter essential oil
2 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
2 drop grapefruit essential oil
1 drop Peru balsam
1 drop Atlas cedarwood essential oil
1 drop benzoin resin

This easy cotton candy perfume oil offers a simpler, softer version of the more complex cupcake fragrance, with a delicate, powdery quality reminiscent of spun candy floss sugar.

Instead of the thicker, richer tonka bean absolute or paste, this recipe uses Plant Therapy’s tonka bean oil, which provides that creamy, gourmand sweetness you love while being a more cost-effective alternative for perfumery.

For an even sweeter and more indulgent cotton candy scent, consider using a base of vanilla-infused oil. This will give the perfume a fuller, richer sweetness, enhancing the overall cotton candy vibe with an extra layer of warmth and depth.

CANDY FLOSS PERFUME SPRAY

~8ml Everclear
20 drops tonka bean absolute
15 drops vanilla absolute
2 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
2 drop grapefruit essential oil
1 drop Peru balsam
1 drop cedarwood essential oil

This cotton candy perfume captures all the mouthwatering scents of candy floss: creamy vanilla, sweet fruit, and rich, caramelized pink sugar. It’s a simple yet delightful scent, using Plant Therapy tonka bean essential oil as the key ingredient for its gourmand base.

For those with a smaller essential oil collection, feel free to omit the cedarwood and Peru balsam; they add depth but aren’t essential to the core cotton candy scent. If you don’t have vanilla absolute, you can simplify the recipe further by replacing it with more tonka bean oil to maintain that sweet, decadent quality. This creates a lighter, yet still delicious, cotton candy fragrance.

CANDY FLOSS PERFUME OIL

~8ml vanilla-infused jojoba oil
40 drops Plant Therapy tonka bean essential oil
2 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
1 drop grapefruit essential oil

This is the easiest cotton candy perfume oil recipe, perfect for those with smaller essential oil collections or without access to vanilla absolute. To create a cotton candy scent, simply blend Plant Therapy tonka bean absolute with ylang-ylang essential oil. If you enjoy fruity notes, you can add a drop of grapefruit essential oil—though it’s optional. For added complexity, include a touch of cedarwood essential oil for a smoky depth. Alternatively, mix the blend with Everclear to create a light perfume mist.

For those with sensitive skin, consider diluting the fragrance to half strength for a gentler scent.

COTTON CANDY BODY SPRAY

2 tsp vegetable glycerin
~1oz vodka or Everclear
Cotton candy perfume blend of choice

You can easily transform any of these candy perfumes into a body spray by mixing your chosen perfume blend with vodka and a small amount of skin-moisturizing glycerin. Since body mists tend to have a lighter scent, you can increase the fragrance concentration by doubling the amount of perfume if you want a stronger, longer-lasting cotton candy scent. If you prefer, you can use regular vodka instead of Everclear for the base.

HOW TO MAKE COTTON CANDY PERFUME OIL

Prepare Your Tools: Clean your beakers and prepare your tools. To soften the vanilla and tonka bean absolutes, place the bottles in a bowl of hot water.
Add the Carrier Oil: Weigh your carrier oil (such as jojoba or fractionated coconut oil) into the same beaker as the absolutes.
Melt the Ingredients: Use the double boiler method to heat the beaker over medium-low heat until the absolutes have fully melted and dissolved into the carrier oil. Stir gently with a small whisk to ensure everything is well mixed.
Cool the Mixture: Once the absolutes have melted, remove the beaker from the heat. Stir quickly, then leave the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Add the Other Ingredients: Once cooled, add the remaining components of the cotton candy perfume blend: butter CO2 extract, ylang-ylang essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, benzoin resin, Peru balsam, and atlas cedarwood essential oil. If using liquid tonka bean oil, add it now.
Mix and Age: Whisk the mixture once more to ensure it’s fully incorporated. Cover the beaker or transfer the perfume oil into a small bottle with a lid, then place it in a cool, dark area to age for at least a week.
Sniff and Adjust: As the perfume ages, check it every few days to track its fragrance evolution. After aging, if you’d like, you can add a couple of drops of bitter almond essential oil to increase the sweetness. Add one drop at a time, waiting a few days between each addition to observe the effects.
Final Transfer: Once you’re happy with the scent, transfer your perfume oil into a roller bottle for easy application. Store in a cool, dark place between uses.

HOW TO MAKE COTTON CANDY PERFUME SPRAY

Choose a Bottle: Select a 10ml glass bottle or any other bottle you’d like to use for your perfume spray. You can later replace the cap with a spray nozzle.
Add the Perfume Blend: Drop your cotton candy perfume oils into the bottle, including tonka bean absolute, vanilla absolute, ylang-ylang essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, Peru balsam, benzoin resin, and optional cedarwood essential oil.
Shake and Age: Seal the bottle and shake gently to mix the oils. Place the bottle in a cool, dark place to age for at least a week.
Add Alcohol: After a week, add your Everclear or vodka to the perfume concentrate, then shake well to incorporate. Let it sit for another week to allow the fragrance to mature in the alcohol.
Ready to Use: After aging for two weeks, your cotton candy perfume spray is ready. Store in a cool, dark area and enjoy the sweet, sugary scent.

HOW TO MAKE COTTON CANDY BODY SPRAY

Mix the Fragrance: Follow the same steps as the perfume spray to mix your cotton candy fragrance concentrate in a body mist bottle.
Age the Blend: Let the fragrance concentrate age in a cool, dark place for at least a week to allow the oils to meld.
Add Glycerin and Vodka: After aging, add vegetable glycerin and vodka to the fragrance blend. Shake well to combine.
Final Aging: Let the body spray sit for at least another week to let the scent develop further.
Enjoy: After the final week of aging, your cotton candy body spray is ready to use. Enjoy the sweet and sugary fragrance throughout the day!

Cotton candy fragrance formula notes

Each recipe is designed to create 10ml of cotton candy perfume. The cupcake perfume formula is provided by weight, as this is the most precise method for measuring solid absolutes. However, the other recipes are simplified for beginners and use drop measurements for ease.

Tonka bean absolute is a key ingredient in extending the longevity of your DIY perfume. However, it’s important to note that large amounts of tonka bean absolute may cause skin sensitivity for some individuals. Please refer to the safety notes below for more information.

TIPS FOR THE BEST PERFUME THAT SMELLS LIKE CANDY FLOSS

Don’t expect your perfume to smell like cotton candy immediately – allowing the fragrance to mature is crucial! See the section on aging your perfume below for more details.
Perfume sprays tend to have sharper, more vibrant scents, while fragrance oils offer a sweeter, smoother, and longer-lasting aroma with stronger sillage. While I enjoy both formats, the perfume oils are definitely my favorite, especially the buttery cupcake scent – the butter CO2 extract adds an irresistible creaminess.
Both formats will leave you smelling like cotton candy all day, but the perfume oils last even longer, particularly when using solid tonka bean absolute.
The scent of a perfume oil is immediately noticeable, whereas alcohol-based perfume sprays take a little longer to dry down and fully reveal their fragrance.
Keep in mind that your cotton candy perfume may smell slightly different on you, depending on factors like the essential oil brands you use and your skin chemistry. However, if you follow the recipes, I’m confident you’ll create a delicious fragrance that evokes the sweet scent of freshly spun cotton candy.

SAFETY TIPS FOR USING ESSENTIAL OILS AS PERFUME

Skin irritation can occur, even with a carefully formulated perfume, as everyone’s skin reacts differently to essential oils. It’s important to approach essential oils with caution when using them in your perfume.

Be sure to patch test your perfume before applying it more widely, and discontinue use immediately if any irritation occurs.

Please note, I am not liable or responsible for any skin reactions, as using essential oils in homemade perfumes comes with inherent risks. Always prioritize safety when experimenting with DIY fragrances.

To age your cotton candy perfume, place it in a cool, dark location for at least one week after mixing. For perfume spray, you’ll want to age it in two stages: first, let the essential oil blend mature for a week. Then, after adding alcohol, allow the perfume to macerate for another week.

If you’re feeling patient, you can extend the aging process to up to two weeks. The longer you wait, the richer, sweeter, and more refined your cotton candy fragrance will become, giving you the chance to experience its beautiful evolution.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, creating your own cotton candy perfume is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to craft a scent that’s uniquely yours. Whether you choose a perfume oil or spray, the key to success lies in using quality ingredients like tonka bean and vanilla, and allowing your fragrance to mature properly through aging. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll end up with a sweet, rich, and long-lasting perfume that smells like fresh-spun candy floss. Just remember to patch test your perfume and always store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its fragrance. Enjoy the delightful scent of cotton candy and the satisfaction of having made your own custom perfume!

THE BEST MAKEUP FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Your face is the canvas for your beauty, but for those with sensitive skin, finding the right makeup can feel like a challenge. The delicate nature of facial skin demands extra care. That’s why choosing gentle, non-comedogenic products is essential. Let’s dive into some makeup must-haves for sensitive skin.

WHAT IS SENSITIVE SKIN?

Sensitive skin is a condition in which the skin becomes itchy, stinging, burning, red, and tight after contact with skin care products, food, dirt, or other environmental factors. Because there are many factors that can cause skin sensitivity, sometimes it is impossible to determine which specific factor causes skin sensitivity and discomfort.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A REACTION TO MAKEUP?

If you experience a negative reaction to makeup, promptly discontinue use and gently cleanse your face. To pinpoint the culprit, try an elimination diet with your products. Remember, finding the perfect makeup routine requires experimentation. To assist you, we’ve curated a list of dermatologist and makeup artist-approved gentle makeup options, formulated with nourishing ingredients to soothe and hydrate even the most sensitive skin, allowing you to look and feel confident.

BEST MASCARA FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

CLINIQUE HIGH-IMPACT ZERO-GRAVITY MASCARA

Celebrity makeup artist Billie Gene swears by an ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free tubing mascara for her clients with sensitive skin and eyes. The gentle, tubing formula is easily removed and the curved brush not only builds length but also lifts and enhances the lashes’ curl.

THRIVE CAUSEMETICS LIQUID LASH EXTENSIONS MASCARA

Finding a mascara that both pampers sensitive skin and delivers dramatic lashes can be a daunting task. However, Yadav raves about Thrive Causemetics as a hidden gem for those with skin sensitivities. Designed for individuals with compromised immune systems, this mascara boasts a tubing formula that creates bold, long-lasting lashes without the risk of irritation or smudging, making it a standout choice for sensitive eyes.

TOWER 28 MAKEWAVES MASCARA

This clean mascara defies expectations. Instead of subtle definition, it delivers dramatic, false-lash-like volume. Infused with lash-loving castor oil and equipped with curl-holding Aquaflex technology, this formula has people doing double-takes. It’s a rare find in the clean beauty world, especially in a coveted brown shade, and has earned the seal of approval from celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell.

ALMAY THICKENING MASCARA

Say goodbye to flaky, clumpy lashes with Almay’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free mascara. Its specially designed wand coats each lash evenly, extending them from root to tip for a fuller look. Infused with hydrating aloe and vitamin B5, this mascara not only defines but also nourishes your lashes.

BEST EYESHADOW FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

TWENTY/TWENTY BEAUTY VISIONARY EYE SHADOW STICK

Twenty/Twenty Beauty offers creamy eye shadow sticks designed specifically for sensitive eyes. Created by an ophthalmologist, these sticks glide on smoothly without tugging, delivering rich pigment without irritating fallout. The hydrating formula ensures a comfortable wear, while the range of matte and shimmer shades caters to diverse preferences.

NATASHA DENONA BRONZE EYE SHADOW PALETTE

This eyeshadow palette boasts a perfect score on SkinSafe’s wellness marker search engine, indicating it’s free from common allergens, fragrance, and parabens. While on the pricier end, users often rave about its exceptional pigment and long-lasting wear.

PHYSICIANS FORMULA CREAM EYESHADOW

Elevate your eye makeup with these dazzling liquid shadows. Featuring a mesmerizing blend of metallic shine and vibrant colors, these versatile gems are perfect for creating dramatic looks. The unique liquid-jelly formula is infused with mineral water and vitamin E to hydrate the delicate eye area, while providing long-lasting wear without creasing or fading.

MOB BEAUTY CREAM CLAY EYE SHADOW

Mob Beauty’s Cream Clay Eye Shadow is a rare find for those with sensitive skin. Unlike many bright, bold eyeshadows, this product uses gentle clays for pigmentation without irritating the eyes. It boasts a surprising range of vibrant shades, including uncommon hues like turquoise, green, and yellow, making it a standout option for those seeking high-quality, hypoallergenic makeup. The biodegradable compact is an added eco-friendly bonus.

BEST EYELINER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY SATIN KAJAL EYELINER

Whether you’re aiming for a classic cat eye or a bold, rock-and-roll look, this eyeliner is your go-to. Renowned for its high performance, this versatile liner offers 16 stunning shades in matte, shimmer, and jewel finishes. Create endless eye looks with this must-have product.

ILIA CLEAN LINE GEL LINER

Ilia’s long-wearing eyeliner effortlessly glides on with the rich color and smooth finish of a gel liner, but in the convenient pencil form. Its staying power is impressive, and it’s gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive waterline.

BEST FOUNDATION FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

BAREMINERALS BAREPRO PERFORMANCE WEAR LIQUID FOUNDATION SPF 20

BareMinerals is dedicated to merging makeup and skincare, creating minimalist formulas that benefit your skin. Their mineral-based products are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. While their loose powder foundation enjoys a cult-like following, the brand’s liquid foundation is a particular favorite, praised for its non-comedogenic, vegan formula and flawless, full-coverage finish.

COLORESCIENCE TINT DU SOLEIL WHIPPED FOUNDATION SPF 30

When choosing makeup for sensitive skin, opt for gentle formulas that feel more like skincare. Look for foundations packed with nourishing ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and vitamins, similar to the Colorscience pick recommended by Dr. Yadav. This foundation not only provides coverage but also helps firm, rejuvenate, and protect your skin with its gentle, non-pore-clogging formula and built-in sunscreen.

TOWER 28 SUNNYDAYS SPF 30 TINTED SUNSCREEN FOUNDATION

Our top foundation picks for sensitive skin often double as skincare, offering both coverage and soothing benefits. Tower28’s foundation is a prime example, boasting 100% mineral sunscreen and the coveted National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. This noncomedogenic SPF 30 formula provides light-to-medium buildable coverage, effectively evening out redness and discoloration while maintaining a natural, skin-like finish.

JANE IREDALE AMAZING BASE LOOSE MINERAL POWDER FOUNDATION SPF 20

Achieving a sheer base requires a powder foundation, and Jane Iredale’s loose mineral powder is a top choice for Yadav. She praises the brand’s clean, hypoallergenic formula and the powder’s buildable coverage. Plus, with SPF 20, it offers added sun protection, making it a versatile option for a flawless complexion.

BEST CONCEALER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

ALMAY AGELESS HYDRATING CONCEALER

Concealers have evolved beyond simple coverage. Almay’s formula boasts impressive hydration benefits, rivaling some moisturizers. Packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, it offers full coverage while being gentle on the skin. Its affordable price point makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin seeking both coverage and skincare benefits.

KOSAS REVEALER SUPER-CREAMY AND BRIGHTENING CONCEALER

Kosas was born from the founder’s personal struggle to find makeup that wouldn’t irritate sensitive skin. The brand has since garnered a massive following, including from Yadav and Sewell, who appreciate the concealer’s skin-loving ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and arnica. With a comprehensive 38-shade range, Kosas empowers people to embrace their natural complexion while enjoying flawless coverage.

BEST FACE POWDER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

NEUTROGENA SHINE CONTROL MATTIFYING FACE POWDER

Say goodbye to shiny skin without sacrificing your skin’s health. This innovative powder harnesses the power of rice protein technology to absorb excess oil, leaving a soft, matte finish. Unlike traditional talc-based powders, this formula is gentle on the skin, won’t clog pores, and keeps you shine-free all day long. Gene swears by it for quick touch-ups, making it an essential for on-the-go beauty routines.

RMS BEAUTY UNPOWDER

This setting powder is a makeup artist favorite for its talc-free formula. The Untinted shade boasts a clean ingredient list, containing only silica and mica. This means you can confidently apply it to your skin knowing exactly what you’re using.

BEST BLUSH FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

JANE IREDALE PUREPRESSED BLUSH

This silky powder blush defies expectations. It starts as a powder but transforms into a creamy, natural flush thanks to hydrating ingredients like shea butter, pomegranate extract, and jojoba seed oil. With 14 buildable shades, there’s a perfect hue for every skin tone, delivering a lit-from-within glow that’s both buildable and beautiful.

SAIE DEW BLUSH

This dewy blush delivers flawless color without any patchiness or streaks. Its buildable formula allows for customizable intensity, melting into the skin for a natural flush. Packed with hydrating glycerin and antioxidant-rich elderberry extract, this blush not only enhances your complexion but also nourishes and protects it. For a rosy glow, try Chilly; for a warmer tone, opt for Spicy.

BEST LIPSTICK FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

ILIA COLOR BLOCK HIGH-IMPACT LIPSTICK

Ilia’s botanical-infused lipstick offers a perfect blend of skincare and color. Packed with nourishing seed oils and butters, this clean beauty formula delivers all-day hydration while providing a vibrant, long-lasting pigment. Gene praises the lipstick’s gorgeous color payoff and its ability to keep lips soft and comfortable.

BURT’S BEES GLOSSY LIQUID LIPSTICK

While Burt’s Bees is renowned for its lip balms, the brand also offers a standout liquid lipstick. This often-overlooked product boasts a completely natural formula enriched with nourishing plant oils, providing impressive coverage without drying out lips. With its 18 vibrant shades and long-lasting glossy finish, it’s no wonder Burt’s Bees remains a trusted name in natural beauty.

BEST LIP BALMS AND LIP GLOSSES FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

HONEST BEAUTY TINTED LIP BALM

This tinted lip balm is a lifesaver for dry, cracked lips. Packed with hydrating avocado oil, it locks in moisture for a full eight hours. Lin loves that it’s vegan, clean, and affordable. Perfect for those days when you want a hint of color without the full commitment of lipstick, this balm is a must-have for your purse.

TOWER 28 SHINEON LIP JELLY NONSTICKY GLOSS

Sticky glosses have the tendency to clog pores and don’t actually boost lips’ moisture retention. This buttery gloss from Tower 28 is an enigma and feels more like a balm that just so happens to have a high-shine finish. Yadav appreciates that it combines a blend of nourishing, plant-based ingredients like apricot kernel oil, raspberry seed oil and rose hip oil to heal lips and give them a “juicy shine.”

KOSAS WET LIP OIL GLOSS

Think twice before opting for lip plumpers that tingle and burn. These irritating formulas can actually damage your lips. Instead, Gene recommends a hydrating lip oil enriched with hyaluronic acid and peptides. This gentle approach not only plumps your lips but also keeps them moisturized for hours. Enjoy a fuller pout without the discomfort.

THE PERFECT MAKEUP ROUTINE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Discover our 10-step makeup routine designed to pamper sensitive skin:

ALWAYS START BY CLEANSING YOUR SKIN

Daily cleansing removes dirt, grime, and impurities, preventing irritation and allowing your skin to breathe. Opt for a gentle cleanser formulated for sensitive skin, using it both morning and evening. For a deeper clean, incorporate a gentle exfoliator once a week to smooth and purify your skin.

MOISTURISE BEFORE APPLYING MAKEUP

Proper cleansing and moisturizing prepare your skin for an even, luminous finish. For sensitive skin, choose a moisturizer tailored to your specific needs: opt for TOLERIANE Sensitive for general sensitivity, TOLERIANE Ultra for allergies, ROSALIAC for redness, EFFACLAR for oily and blemish-prone skin, NUTRIC for dryness, or REDERMIC/HYALU B5 for anti-aging concerns.

CORRECT WITH A CONCEALER

Tinted concealers can effectively target specific skin concerns. Green concealer neutralizes redness, while yellow corrects under-eye circles. Beige concealers offer broader coverage for imperfections. For a quick and natural look, BB creams provide light coverage and even skin tone, perfect for minimal makeup days.

EVEN OUT THE COMPLEXION WITH A FOUNDATION FORMULATED FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Start by placing five dots of foundation on your forehead, both cheekbones, nose, and chin. Gently blend the product outward using a brush and finish with a sponge or your fingertips for a natural, seamless look. This application technique works for cream, fluid, or compact foundations.

SET YOUR MAKEUP WITH MATTIFYING POWDER

To lock your foundation and concealer in place and control shine, dust a mattifying powder over your entire face. Focus on areas prone to oiliness, such as the forehead, chin, and sides of the nose, for a longer-lasting, shine-free complexion.

SCULPT YOUR FACE WITH BLUSH

A touch of blush on the apples of your cheeks can instantly brighten your complexion and create a healthy glow.

GLORIFY YOUR EYES WITH SENSITIVE EYE MAKEUP

Given the delicate nature of the eyelid skin and its susceptibility to allergies, it’s crucial to select eye makeup products that have undergone dermatological testing and are free from allergens. Such choices not only benefit those with sensitive skin but also offer comfort and safety for contact lens wearers.

ENHANCE YOUR SMILE

To achieve a polished lip look, begin by outlining your lips with a lip liner that closely matches your lipstick shade. This step defines your lip shape, prevents lipstick from feathering, and significantly enhances its staying power. Once the outline is complete, fill in your lips with the lipstick, starting from the center and working your way outwards to the corners for a seamless application.

PERFECT YOUR MAKEUP AND PROTECT YOUR SKIN WITH THERMAL SPRING WATER

Refresh and protect your makeup with a spritz of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. Enriched with soothing minerals and antioxidants, this unique water hydrates, softens, and supports sensitive skin health. Its prebiotic properties help balance skin’s natural microbiome, ensuring a longer-lasting, flawless finish.

USE A MAKEUP REMOVER FORMULATED FOR SENSITIVE SKIN AND EYES

Thorough nightly cleansing is paramount for maintaining healthy skin. Removing dirt, allergens, and impurities is crucial to prevent irritation and allow your skin to breathe. Neglecting this essential step can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and other skin issues.

CONCLUSION

Makeup for sensitive skin requires patience and careful selection to avoid skin irritation. However, with the right products and gentle makeup techniques, you can absolutely have beautiful and radiant makeup. Always listen to your body and pay attention to how your skin feels to adjust your makeup accordingly. Wishing you always have healthy, beautiful skin and radiant makeup!