Make Your Own Vanilla Infused Jojoba Oil

Learn about blending with Lavender and Vanilla + their interwoven history, sacred cacao recipe, and perfume fit for a Fairy Queen.

Hello Friend!

There’s something undeniably magical about Lavender and Vanilla. Recently, I’ve been weaving them into my days, and it’s as if each scent invites a touch of enchantment. With its calming floral notes, Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has an ethereal charm that feels like a nod to folklore, where fairies and forest magic reign. And Vanilla, that rich, creamy-sweet essence, brings an undeniable sense of comfort and indulgence—a true aromatic treasure.

In this week’s newsletter we’ll savor the warmth of an Aztec-inspired Lavender & Vanilla Xocolatl, a spiced cacao drink with calming and comforting aromas—perfect for the season. Then, we’ll learn how to craft vanilla-infused jojoba oil for a creamy, luxurious addition to your blends and explore the soft elegance of vanilla CO2 (Bourbon), an exquisite oil from Madagascar. Finally, we’ll indulge in Titania’s Whisper, a solid perfume blending lavender, vanilla, and exotic notes for a scent as captivating as a fairy queen's charm.

Lavender’s history is full of mystery, with its soothing properties cherished for centuries to calm the mind, invite peace, and even protect from misfortune. Vanilla’s story is just as intriguing: long before it became a kitchen staple, the Aztecs revered it as a sacred ingredient, blending it with cacao in a rich, aromatic drink called xocolatlThis was no ordinary beverage but a ritual—an offering of love, passion, and even a touch of reverence.

Inspired by the ancient Aztec tradition of blending vanilla with cacao, this modern version offers a touch of magic and warmth. Lavender and vanilla lend their soothing aromas, making this rich, spiced cacao drink perfect for cold November days or as a special treat to accompany your evening ritual.

Lavender & Vanilla Xocolatl: A Sacred Sip

  • 1 ½ cups (350 ml) almond milk (or your favorite milk)

  • 1 tbsp (15 gm) raw cacao powder

  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract (or a few drops of vanilla CO2)

  • 1/4 tsp (about 1 gm) dried lavender buds (culinary grade)

  • 1 pinch cinnamon

  • 1 pinch cayenne (optional, for a little Aztec-inspired heat)

  • Honey or maple syrup to taste

Directions:

  1. In a small pot, gently heat the almond milk until warm but not boiling.

  2. Whisk in the raw cacao powder, vanilla, lavender buds, cinnamon, and cayenne (if using).

  3. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, letting the lavender infuse into the cacao.

  4. Strain out the lavender buds and pour the warm cacao into your favorite mug.

  5. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup, stir, and enjoy.

This drink is a lovely way to honor the ancient use of cacao and vanilla while adding the calming presence of lavender. The spiced cacao brings a rich, deep flavor, while vanilla and lavender create a soothing, aromatic experience—a perfect sip for slowing down and savoring the moment.

Vanilla Infused Jojoba - Make it Yourself!

Did you know you can easily make vanilla-infused oil at home? This simple process allows you to harness vanilla’s creamy, grounding aroma for massages or skincare—right in the comfort of your own space. In this guide from Aromahead’s blog, you’ll find easy steps to create a vanilla-infused jojoba oil that captures the essence of this beloved plant.

When infused into oils like jojoba, olive, or baobab, vanilla takes on a luxurious quality that’s perfect for personal blends or soothing body oils. Jojoba is my favorite for this, as it’s incredibly stable and can preserve vanilla’s aroma beautifully over time. Vanilla-infused oil can be layered with floral or spicy essential oils or used alone for its sweet aroma.

Learn how to make it yourself here: Vanilla Infused Jojoba Oil Massage Oil

Vanilla CO2 (Bourbon) from Madagascar

The perfect place to start exploring vanilla is Madagascar—the source of vanilla CO2 (Bourbon). This luxurious extract comes from Bourbon vanilla beans, named after the island of Réunion (formerly Île Bourbon), where this highly prized variety was first cultivated. Today, Madagascar is known for producing the finest Bourbon vanilla, with a creamy, full-bodied aroma that lingers sweetly.

Unlike vanilla oleoresin and absolute, typically dark brown, vanilla CO2 has a creamy, light appearance—reminiscent of whipped honey. This beautiful pale hue comes from the CO2 extraction process, which gently captures the essence of the vanilla bean without altering its natural purity. The result is an oil that smells divine and feels luxurious in blends, making it ideal for perfumes, body oils, and diffusers.

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness and warmth to a blend or simply enjoy its soothing, grounding qualities on its own, vanilla CO2 is a true indulgence.

You can learn more or add it to your collection here.

This week, we’re crafting a solid perfume inspired by Titania, the legendary Fairy Queen of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Titania’s Whisper blends the delicate floral elegance of Lavender with the creamy warmth of vanilla CO2, adding exotic touches of Ylang Ylang and the soft brightness of Bergamot. Hints of Opoponax and Nutmeg give it a rich, grounding depth, creating a regal yet soothing scent—it’s a true treasure any time of the year.

Recipe for 2 oz (56 gm) Solid Perfume (Gift in two 1 oz/30 ml tins)

  • 1.75 fl oz (52 ml) Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

  • 0.25 oz (7 gm) Beeswax (Cera flava)

  • 9 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

  • 9 drops Vanilla CO2 (Vanilla planifolia)

  • 6 drops Opoponax essential oil (Commiphora guidottii)

  • 4 drops Nutmeg essential oil (Myristica fragrans)

  • 3 drops Bergamot essential oil (Citrus bergamia)

  • 3 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil  (Cananga odorata)

Instructions:

  1. In a Pyrex cup, melt the beeswax using a double boiler method.(or use my tea warmer method)

  2. Once melted, add the jojoba oil and stir gently until fully combined.

  3. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the essential oils. Stir well.

  4. Pour the mixture into your chosen tins or containers and let it solidify completely.

Titania’s Whisper is a blend that embodies elegance and depth—worthy of royalty and a perfect treasure to gift to someone special (or to yourself!). The soft citrus note of Bergamot, combined with the floral and rich resinous undertones, creates a scent that feels uplifting and grounding. Whether worn for a special occasion or to bring a moment of luxury to your day, this perfume will remind you of the beauty and grace in every moment.

From The Vine

Question on Vanilla

Question:  I love the aroma of vanilla in my blends. Does vanilla CO2 dissolve in water?

Answer: Working with vanilla requires a touch of finesse. The good news is there’s a vanilla product that blends beautifully with different carrier mediums—vanilla CO2

This luxurious extract doesn’t dissolve in water but is perfect for blending with other lipids, like essential oils and carrier oils such as jojoba or sweet almond oil.

Its rich aroma is potent, so start small, let your blend rest, and adjust as needed. With this indulgent ingredient, a little truly goes a long way!

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy your day today!

If you want to leave me a comment, please do so on the online post & I will respond there 💕

"The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper"
— W.B. Yeats

Karen Williams

Keep blending!

Love,

Karen

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