how to make perfume with essential oils and alcohol

DIY PILLOW SPRAY FOR A RESTFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP

If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, a DIY pillow spray might be just what you need. This simple homemade sleep spray features three soothing lavender essential oil blends designed to encourage relaxation and help you drift into a deep, restful slumber.

Winding down after a stressful day can feel impossible. Despite eating well, exercising, and taking care of ourselves, sleep is often the hardest part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

And in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to see why!

Creating a calming bedroom sanctuary is more important than ever for restful sleep. Along with healthy sleep habits, natural remedies like aromatherapy can help set the stage for a peaceful slumber.

This is where a soothing essential oil pillow spray for beauty sleep comes in. This DIY pillow spray recipe is a simple way to add a calming fragrance to your bedding, encouraging relaxation and helping you drift off into a deep sleep.

Whether you have essential oils or not, this recipe includes options for both, as well as an alcohol-free version. Whatever supplies you have on hand, you’ll be able to create your own pillow mist.

For the ultimate wind-down, try pairing this spray with a relaxing lavender shower steamer during your bedtime routine. To take it even further, apply a homemade magnesium lotion once you’re tucked into bed for extra relaxation!

How this pillow spray helps for sleep

As we explored in our post on DIY aromatherapy perfume, the scents of certain essential oils have the ability to soothe the mind and body. If sleep is a struggle for you, essential oils can be a powerful addition to your nighttime routine.

And what better place to experience their calming effects than right beside your head, on your pillow?

It’s not recommended to apply essential oils directly to your pillow, as they can be too concentrated. However, by making your own DIY sleep spray, you can safely dilute the oils for proper use.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without the need for a diffuser!

Lavender essential oil for sleep

Below, I’ve shared 3 calming essential oil blends for your pillow spray, each featuring Bulgarian lavender oil.

Why choose lavender for your sleep spray? Lavender is one of the most renowned and well-researched essential oils for promoting rest and reducing stress. Numerous studies have highlighted lavender oil’s powerful sedative, anxiety-relieving, and calming properties, making it a go-to choice for improving sleep through aromatherapy.

Lavender’s sleep-enhancing benefits are threefold. First, as a sedative, lavender oil can help you feel sleepy. Second, its anxiolytic properties can ease the anxiety that might be keeping you awake.

Not only can lavender essential oil help you fall asleep faster, but it can also improve the quality of your sleep. Research has shown that lavender’s soothing fragrance enhances sleep quality and promotes deeper rest.3,1

However, it’s important to note that this effect is even stronger when combined with good sleep hygiene. So, be sure to incorporate healthy habits into your nighttime routine, like limiting blue light exposure before bed.

Engaging in relaxing activities is also key. One calming ritual you can try? Gently massaging your face with a homemade lavender cleansing balm. While you’re at it, check out 5 tips to protect yourself from blue light!

DIY sleep spray ingredients

While there are plenty of store-bought pillow sprays available, there’s really no need to buy one when making your own at home is so simple.

To create your DIY pillow spray, all you need is a liquid base like vodka or witch hazel, a natural emulsifier (as shown below), and your favorite essential oils (or a hydrosol). You’ll also need a glass spray bottle to store and dispense your homemade spray.

VODKA, ALCOHOL, OR WITCH HAZEL

For the longest shelf life, I recommend using vodka or high-proof alcohol, as it helps prevent bacterial growth. However, if you prefer a version without alcohol, you can use witch hazel, as long as it contains a preservative to keep it fresh.

Tip: You can use any leftover alcohol or witch hazel to create your own DIY perfume.

NATURAL EMULSIFIER

A natural emulsifier is key for dispersing the essential oils in your pillow spray. Since essential oils don’t mix with water, the oils would simply float on top without an emulsifier. This is problematic because spray nozzles dispense from the bottom, not the top!

There are various natural emulsifiers and solubilizers you can use for this recipe. I used Capryl/Caprylyl Glucoside from my Simply Earth essential oil box, which comes in a convenient dropper bottle for easy dispensing and measuring. If you don’t have this emulsifier, I’ve listed other options in the how-to section below.

If you’re hesitant to buy another ingredient, rest assured that emulsifiers are easy to use—just mix with your essential oils before adding the rest of the ingredients. Plus, any leftover emulsifier can be used in other DIY projects like essential oil deodorant or room sprays.

If you decide not to use an emulsifier, remember to shake your pillow spray well before each use. However, this can result in uneven distribution of the oils, which isn’t ideal.

ESSENTIAL OILS

It’s important to avoid using products with synthetic fragrances, especially in pillow sprays, as they often contain chemicals that can be irritating and lead to headaches—something you definitely don’t want when trying to fall asleep!

Unlike artificial fragrances, essential oils like lavender contain natural aromatic compounds that offer real benefits. Lavender, in particular, is known for its calming, sleep-inducing properties, making it an ideal choice for your DIY pillow spray.

While lavender is one of the best essential oils for relaxation, it’s far from the only option. This homemade pillow spray recipe includes three different essential oil blends to promote sleep, which you can customize based on your preferences.

HYDROSOL

If you’d prefer a pillow spray without essential oils, you can use lavender hydrosol, the floral water left over from the essential oil distillation process. Simply spritz lavender hydrosol directly onto your bedding—there’s no need to mix it with anything else!

While hydrosols are not as potent as essential oils, they retain many of their benefits. Their light fragrance makes them a great option for those who are sensitive to stronger scents or for use with children.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS FOR PILLOW SPRAY

Here are three calming essential oil blends for your lavender sleep spray. Each blend has its own unique fragrance profile and benefits:

Sleepytime Lavender:

  • 12 drops Sleepy essential oil blend
  • OR 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops ho wood essential oil
  • 2 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops grapefruit essential oil

Lavender Vanilla:

  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops vanilla essential oil
  • 2 drops patchouli essential oil (or copaiba essential oil)

Lavender Chamomile:

  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops chamomile essential oil
  • 4 drops amyris essential oil

Feel free to experiment with these blends to find the perfect scent that helps you unwind and relax before bed!

SLEEPTIME LAVENDER

The Sleepy blend is a relaxing mix of lavender, ho wood, grapefruit, and bergamot essential oils that I received in my Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box. I was curious about the choice of citrus oils in this blend, since citrus scents are typically invigorating. I often use them in energizing products like “wake me up” shower steamers and roll-ons.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by this blend. The citrus notes mellow out the lavender, which can sometimes be overpowering or too floral. This makes it a great option for those who want the benefits of lavender essential oil for sleep but find its scent too strong or intense.

Ho wood adds a grounding, earthy tone to the blend, while also acting as a fixative oil, which helps the fragrance last longer on your pillow. Sleepy comes pre-bottled as a blend, so it’s easier and more affordable than buying each individual oil to recreate it on your own.

LAVENDER VANILLA

Lavender essential oil is already an effective natural sleep aid, but when paired with vanilla oleoresin, it creates a calming blend that smells like a sweet dessert. Vanilla is also known for its relaxing properties, making this combination a perfect bedtime scent. The warm, comforting aroma of lavender and vanilla together can help you unwind and drift off to sleep with ease. This blend not only promotes relaxation but also creates a cozy, indulgent experience.

LAVENDER VANILLA WITH PATCHOULI

I also added a couple of drops of patchouli to my lavender vanilla pillow mist. Patchouli is one of those scents that people either love or hate, but it has powerful aromatherapeutic properties that can help reduce anxiety. Plus, it’s the most well-known fixative essential oil, meaning it helps your pillow spray’s fragrance last throughout the night.

That said, I know not everyone is fond of patchouli’s distinct aroma. If you’re one of those who aren’t keen on it, you can easily swap it for copaiba oil, which also has calming properties. Copaiba has a sweet, slightly spicy scent that pairs beautifully with lavender and vanilla. Additionally, if you’re on a budget, you can choose a more affordable vanilla blend instead of pure vanilla essential oil.

LAVENDER CHAMOMILE

This Lavender Chamomile blend combines floral lavender, herbal chamomile, and sweet amyris for a pillow spray recipe that smells just like a calming cup of lavender chamomile tea. Chamomile is well-known for its relaxing properties, which is why chamomile tea is such a classic bedtime drink.

Chamomile essential oil also carries these sedative effects, which help promote relaxation and reduce insomnia.

The addition of amyris adds a rich, vanilla-like aroma to the blend. While amyris may not be as extensively studied as lavender oil for its sleep benefits, it’s certainly linked to relaxation. I personally find its fragrance to be deeply calming and peaceful.

If you prefer a sweeter-scented spray, especially for children, you can replace amyris with benzoin oil, which has a similar soothing effect and a lovely fragrance that’s more universally liked.

DIY Pillow Spray Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 drops lavender essential oil blend (choose from the blends above)
  • 36 drops natural liquid emulsifier (options below)
  • 1/4 cup vodka, high-proof alcohol, or witch hazel

EQUIMENT

  • 2oz glass spray bottle
  • Small funnel
  • Glass pipette for measuring

HOW TO MAKE ESSENTIAL OIL SLEEP SPRAY

  • Sanitize: Start by cleaning and sanitizing your spray bottle and all equipment to ensure the spray stays fresh.
  • Add Essential Oils: Using a glass pipette, measure and add your chosen sleep essential oil blend to the glass spray bottle.
    • Add Emulsifier: Using a glass pipette, drop the liquid emulsifier into the bottle, one drop at a time. Pause occasionally to swirl the mixture gently, ensuring the emulsifier blends well with the essential oils.
    • Shake and Mix: Once you’ve added the emulsifier, securely replace the nozzle of your spray bottle and shake it gently to ensure the solution is thoroughly mixed.
    • Add Alcohol or Witch Hazel: Using a funnel, pour your chosen liquid base (vodka, high-proof alcohol, or witch hazel) into the bottle to fill the rest of the container. Leave a little space at the top to allow for shaking.
      • Final Shake: Affix the spray nozzle to your bottle and shake well to ensure everything is fully combined. Your DIY sleep spray is now ready to use! Spritz it onto your pillow or bedding before bedtime for a calming, restful night’s sleep.

      Natural Emulsifiers for Essential Oil Sprays

      Here are some natural solubilizers and liquid emulsifiers you can use in your pillow spray recipe. Choose the one that’s most accessible to you, as availability may vary depending on location:

      • Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
      • Emulsium (available in Canada only)
      • CreamMaker FLUID (available in Canada or USA)
      • Polyglyceryl Oleate
      • Poly Suga Mulse D9

      How to Use Your Pillow Mist for Sleep

      Here are a few ways you can incorporate your calming pillow mist into your bedtime routine:

      Spritz on Your Pillow: The most common way to use your spray is to dispense 1-3 sprays directly onto your pillow before you sleep. This will help infuse your bedding with a relaxing fragrance as you drift off.

      Spray on Your Sheets: You can also use your pillow spray as a homemade linen spray. Spritz it onto your sheets, duvet, or blankets to imbue your entire bed with the calming aroma.

      Room Spray: For a broader relaxing effect, use the spray as a calming room mist. This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in your space, even if you don’t have a diffuser. Simply spritz around the room for a peaceful atmosphere.

        Important Tip: Keep in mind that darker essential oils like vanilla and chamomile can stain light-colored fabrics. To avoid any potential damage, always perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area of your fabric before using your pillow spray more widely.

        Additionally, be cautious when using your sleep spray on delicate fabrics like silk. While I personally use a 30 momme silk pillowcase with no issues, it’s always a good idea to test it first on a small area to ensure it doesn’t cause any staining or damage.

        Sweet dreams!

        CONCLUSION

        Making your own DIY pillow spray is an easy and effective way to enhance your sleep routine with the calming power of essential oils. With just a few simple ingredients like essential oils, a natural emulsifier, and a liquid base, you can create a customized sleep spray that promotes relaxation and restful slumber. Whether you choose lavender, chamomile, or a blend of oils, the right fragrance can help ease anxiety and prepare your mind for sleep.

        Remember, always perform a patch test to ensure your spray is safe for your fabrics, especially with delicate materials like silk. And, by incorporating your pillow spray into a calming bedtime routine, you’re setting yourself up for sweet dreams and a better night’s rest. Sweet dreams, and enjoy your peaceful slumber!

        14 BEST DRUGSTORE FACIAL CLEANSERS

        Choosing the right facial cleanser is an important step in the skin care process. However, with so many products on the market, finding the best facial cleanser for your skin can be confusing. Let’s learn about the top 14 types of facial cleansers most recommended by pharmacies, suitable for many different skin types through this article.

        WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A FACIAL CLEANSER?

        According to New York-based dermatologist David Kim, choosing the right facial cleanser depends mainly on your skin type. However, one important thing all good facial cleansers have in common is their ability to remove “sweat, residue and pollutants without making your skin dry,”

        Dry skin: If your cleanser makes your skin feel tight and lose its natural moisture, look for products with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

        Oily skin: Try products that contain acids to help remove excess oil effectively.

        Combination skin: In case your skin is oily on the forehead and dry on the cheeks, look for a balanced cleanser that both removes excess oil and moisturizes dry skin.

        Sensitive skin: If some ingredients in regular facial cleansers irritate your skin, choose products specifically for sensitive skin, eliminating irritants such as perfume, alcohol,…

        Regardless of your skin type, you can find a suitable facial cleanser without spending too much money. “There are great options [at the drugstore],” Kim says. “Cleansers shouldn’t be so expensive.”

        HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR FACE?

        According to dermatologists, washing your face once or twice a day is essential to maintain skin health. However, the appropriate frequency depends on each person’s skin type and living habits.

        “It is always important to wash the face at the end of the day to remove buildup of dirt, debris as well as excess oil and makeup from throughout the day,” recommends Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. However, for those with sensitive or dry skin, washing your face only in the evening may be a more suitable choice. So, when should you wash your face?

        Morning: Washing your face in the morning helps remove sebum and sweat that has accumulated on the skin overnight, while also helping the skin get ready to receive the next skin care products.

        Evening: Washing your face at night is the most important step in your skin care routine, helping to remove dirt, makeup and sunscreen.

        BEST DRUGSTORE FACIAL CLEANSER

        CETAPHIL HYDRATING GENTLE SKIN CLEANSER

        Dermatologists recommend this gentle cleanser for dry, sensitive skin. It contains hydrating glycerin and niacinamide to soothe and protect the skin barrier, without stripping away natural oils. The non-foaming formula leaves your skin feeling comfortable and hydrated. Besides that, it is also one of the best cleansers for rosacea.

        DIFFERIN CLEANSER DAILY DEEP 5% BENZOYL PEROXIDE

        Struggling with persistent acne? This benzoyl peroxide cleanser is your go-to! It tackles breakouts and blackheads while absorbing oil and keeping pores clear. Gentle enough for daily use, it effectively fights acne without irritation.

        ST. IVES SKIN SCRUB AVOCADO AND HONEY

        This scrub buffs away dullness! It uses finely ground walnut shells to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while avocado and honey keep your skin feeling hydrated and happy. If you have normal skin, swap this scrub in for your regular cleanser once a week to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.

        CERAVE HYDRATING FOAMING OIL CLEANSER

        This award-winning 2023 cleanser is a must-have for your skincare routine! It starts as a luxurious oil, melting away makeup and impurities while deeply nourishing your skin. Then, as you add water, it transforms into a gentle lather that rinses clean, leaving your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and comfortable.

        NEUTROGENA OIL-FREE ACNE WASH

        For those battling blemishes and clogged pores, this oil-free formula is your new best friend. Salicylic acid, a powerful BHA, works its magic by exfoliating and clearing out trapped oil, dirt, and bacteria that contribute to breakouts. With consistent use, expect smoother skin, fewer pimples, and a brighter, more even complexion.

        VANICREAM GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSER

        This cleanser is perfect for those with sensitive skin! Free of sulfates, dyes, fragrance, parabens, and gluten, it provides a gentle clean without irritation. Dermatologist-tested and safe for eczema-prone skin, it won’t clog pores and leaves you feeling refreshed.

        GARNIER SKINACTIVE MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER

        Version 1.0.0

        Ditch the harsh scrubbing! This micellar water gently removes makeup, dirt, sunscreen, and excess oil without irritating your eyes. It’s so versatile you can use it alone as a cleanser and makeup remover, or as the first step in your double cleansing routine.

        AVEENO ULTRA-CALMING FOAMING CLEANSER

        This gentle cleanser is a lifesaver for sensitive or irritated skin, whether caused by allergies, overdoing strong skincare, or anything else. It calms and soothes redness without irritating further. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and won’t clog pores, thanks to its non-comedogenic formula. It even contains feverfew, a natural ingredient known for calming inflamed skin.

        AVÈNE CLEANANCE CLEANSING GEL

        Struggling with oily skin? This gel wash is your new best friend! It controls oil production and contains comedoclastin, a natural extract that fights redness and blemishes. Use it on your face or body for a refreshed, shine-free feeling.

        LA ROCHE-POSAY LIPIKAR WASH AP+ GENTLE FOAMING MOISTURIZING WASH

        This cleanser is a favorite among dermatologists for its super gentle formula. Packed with prebiotic thermal water, shea butter, and hydrating ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide, it cleanses even very dry skin without stripping away natural moisture. So mild it’s suitable for babies and eczema-prone skin, this cleanser leaves your face feeling comfortable and soothed.

        OLAY REGENERIST REGENERATING CREAM CLEANSER

        Forget fancy cleansers for wrinkles (anti-aging serums are the real heroes there). However, a cleanser with an amino-peptide complex, glycerin, and exfoliating salicylic acid can brighten dull skin, smooth uneven texture, and leave you feeling clean.

        WELEDA SKIN FOOD FACE CARE NOURISHING OIL-TO-MILK CLEANSER

        This cleanser is a dream come true for soft, supple skin! Combining sunflower seed oil and chamomile flower extract, it starts as a luxurious oil and transforms into a gentle milk. This unique formula effortlessly removes makeup, dirt, and oil, leaving your skin feeling clean, refreshed, and oh-so-touchable.

        BURT’S BEES FACIAL CLEANSING OIL

        Perfect for those with normal or dry skin, this coconut and argan oil blend gently melts away makeup and impurities without leaving a greasy residue. Your skin will feel luxuriously soft and smooth after every use.

        UNTOXICATED CLEAN START FACIAL CLEANSER

        Newcomer brand Untoxicated offers a gentle facial cleanser online at a drugstore-worthy price. This cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin as it’s free of common allergens and packed with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. You might not find it on drugstore shelves yet, but it’s definitely worth checking out online.

        TIPS ON FACIAL CLEANSING FOR SKINCARE

        • You should choose a facial cleanser that suits your skin type and needs.
        • Use warm water to wash your face, do not use water that is too hot or too cold.
        • Gently massage your face when washing your face.
        • Moisturize your skin after washing your face.
        • Consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin or skin problems.
        • Use facial cleanser twice a day, in the morning and at night.

        CONCLUSION

        Choosing the right facial cleanser is an important step in skin care. Hopefully with the list of 14 types of facial cleansers recommended by pharmacists and notes when using, you can find a product that suits your needs and skin type. Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so you should experiment and find the products that work best for you. Wishing you always have healthy and radiant skin!