Reviews of Fig Tree perfume and shea cream were just posted on The Non-Blonde and Perfume Pharmer. Thanks Gaia and Monica!
I spent over half the day going to Best Buy to replace my failed internet connection — my mifi device refused to start when I woke up this morning I was back online by noon, but fell a bit behind today and am still catching up.
Most testers have been very enthusiastic about the latest mod of the vintage-inspired scent. It has a stronger floral character with an added mimosa note. When I work on formulas, I usually start by making very small batches using ingredients diluted in alcohol. Once the formula is close to done, I switch to larger batches using full-strength ingredients (though I still use dilutions for the strongest items, like aldehydes). I always have to spend a bit of time on that conversion. Once it is done, I can scale the formula to any batch size and it’ll come out the same. I’m busy working on the formula conversion and final stages on this vintage-inspired scent. I also have a men’s scent in the works.
9 comments
Sometimes is good to go offline 🙂
How many testers do you have? Are they always same people or?
Hi Bellatrix! Testers vary from scent to scent and with people’s schedules. Some friends usually test, and then I ask other acquaintances if I think the type of scent fits their interests. If I have time I like to get one or two dozen people to give it a try, just to see how it varies on different skins and to different noses. Sometimes I only have time for around 10 people though. I’m not very scientific about it, I’m afraid…. I sure do appreciate the feedback!
That is good practice. 🙂
Did they sometimes give you feedback that you didn’t even think of? Did some scents changed because of some feedbacks?
Yes, and yes! Sometimes I will reduce one component, like a musk, if it is too high for some people. Or I may adjust sweetness. During the final stages of Incense Pure, testers actually wanted a little more sweetness, so I added some more vanilla absolute.
I usually get the basic idea for a formula and then send just a couple early testers to see if the idea is viable. Then I disappear and work on it for a while, usually months. Then I send testers again for what I hope is the final formula, and just make tweaks if needed. Sometimes it can be hard to interpret the input when it is conflicting, but it always helps.
How cool! 🙂
I’ve noticed you started to post more often – I love ready about process of perfume making 🙂 Bravo Laurie!
The more I wear Fig Tree, the more I love it; I’m glad that it’s getting the appreciation it deserves!
It’s the fig scent that’s converted me, and I’ve been searching for the right fig-note for a couple years 🙂
Thanks so much Dee! Glad you’re enjoying Fig Tree!
hi laurie,
I’m happy your new fig scent is getting rave reviews. I’m patiently waiting for the summer scent. If I could remember which mod I liked best B or C I would love a bottle now!!!
Hi Beth,
I was just thinking about you this week. I’m so sorry I haven’t had time to get back to that formula, but I will. I had to try to finish this vintage-inspired now because it is right for the cold months. I can look back to remember which version of the summer scent you liked; I have that in my notes. To make a custom bottle takes quite a few hours because I have to weigh out all the ingredients one by one and that was a long formula. It’s totally doable but that’s one hazard of being a tester — falling in love with a formula before I put it out there. I’m happy to do special bottles for people as I can fit them in, but I’ve just been so swamped. Will send you an email. I may have 5 ml of that version left that could tide you over for a little bit.