Essential Oils Club

The Journal 2 min read

Romance & Heady Floral Oils: Ylang Ylang, Rose, Jasmine and Vanilla

The rich, sensual aromatics, ylang ylang, rose, jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood and patchouli, are the classic 'romance' oils. Here's what's in them and how to blend them without overdoing it.

Some oils are just sensual, rich, heady, and warm, the kind that anchor perfumes and evening blends. They’re also easy to overdo, since a little of each goes a very long way. Here’s the romance-oil lineup and how to use them with restraint.

The heady florals

The warm, sweet base notes

How to blend them without overdoing it

  • Go tiny. These are the most concentrated aromas in the kit, one drop of ylang ylang or jasmine can dominate a whole blend.
  • Anchor with a base. Sandalwood, vanilla, or patchouli give the florals something to sit on and extend their staying power.
  • Balance the sweetness with a touch of citrus (bergamot, neroli) or a green note to keep a blend from cloying.
  • Patch-test, florals carry allergens (linalool, geraniol, benzyl benzoate).

A romance blend

In a diffuser or a well-diluted roller:

  • 1 drop ylang ylang (the heady heart, just one)
  • 2 drops sandalwood or vanilla (warm base)
  • 1 drop bergamot or neroli (a lift to balance)

Bottom line

Ylang ylang, rose, jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli, and neroli are the rich, sensual oils, gorgeous, concentrated, and easy to overdo. Blend them small, anchor them with a base note, and balance the sweetness with a citrus lift.

References

This article is educational and not medical advice.