Discover Handmade Marrakech
On the train, I sometimes notice someone with a special, captivating scent.
They wear simple yet sophisticated clothes.
What’s their secret? 🤔
The answer: Marrakech by Aēsop.
Should I buy it?
Wait… $122? 😱 That’s way too expensive.
I can’t afford it.
Can I make it myself?
Let’s try! 💪
Easy Guide to Marrakech
If you’ve never smelled it, here’s a quick profile:
Fragrance: spicy, woody, warm, exotic 🌶️🌲🔥
Mood: earthy, sensual, grounded 🌍💫
I imagine someone who wears this perfume:
- Simple, elegant clothes without brand logos 👕✨
- Loves nature and is kind to others 🌿💛
It’s based on my personal impression, but you’ll get the idea lol
Ingredients You’ll Need (Affordable Version)
Making DIY Marrakech is super easy and affordable.
At an aroma shop, I said:
“I want to make Marrakech by Aēsop at a low cost”
A staff member experimented and recommended four essential oils.
Here’s everything I bought:
Essential Oils:
- Ylang-Ylang (floral, exotic 🌸)
- Clove (spicy kick 🌶️)
- Cedar or Hinoki (woody depth 🌲)
- Patchouli (earthy base 🌏)
Extras:Small dark spray bottle🧴, Ethanol 💧
| Ingredient | Price (¥) | Price ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Ethanol (100ml) | ¥1,650 | $11.00 |
| Hinoki (3ml) | ¥1,100 | $7.33 |
| Ylang Ylang (3ml) | ¥990 | $6.60 |
| Clove (3ml) | ¥990 | $6.60 |
| Patchouli (3ml) | ¥990 | $6.60 |
| Bottle (30ml) | ¥110 | $0.73 |
| Total | ¥5,830 | $32.87 |
Step-by-Step Recipe
I used a 30 ml bottle, but adjust depending on your bottle size.
- Add ethanol: 5 ml
- Add essential oils in order (important!):
- Clove: 4 drops
- Patchouli: 4 drops
- Ylang-Ylang: 4 drops
- Cedar/Hinoki: 6 drops
- Add distilled water: 25 ml, then shake gently
- Let it sit for a few days to mature 🕒
5. Cost Comparison 💰
Making my own Aēsop Marrakech was surprisingly affordable!
Exchange rate: 1 USD = 150¥
Comparison with Original Aēsop
Note: All prices are converted to USD based on the cost in Japan (1 USD = 150¥).
| 🍃 | Aēsop Original | DIY Version |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 50 ml | 50 ml |
| Price (USD) | $120 | $6 |
| Price (¥) | ¥17,930 | ¥764 |
Why is the original so expensive?
The reason why the original Aesop Marrakech is expensive is that it contains a wide range of carefully selected ingredients.
According to the official site, the formula includes:
Alcohol Denat., Water (Aqua), Fragrance (Parfum), Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Linalool, Eugenol, d-Limonene, Geraniol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Farnesol, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Isoeugenol, Benzyl Salicylate.
Some of these ingredients also help the fragrance last longer on the skin.
The DIY version I made smells very similar, but it does not last as long.
The benefit, however, is that you can produce it in larger quantities at a much lower cost.
✅ Conclusion
- I paid a total of ¥5,830 (~$38.87) and made 7 bottles of 1.6 fl oz (47 ml) DIY Marrakech.
- Adjusting the essential oils can bring the scent closer to the original 🌿
- It won’t last as long as the original, but it’s great for enjoying daily without spending much.
Even in countries with higher living costs, DIY Marrakech remains much cheaper than store-bought 🌍
How did your DIY Marrakech turn out? Try changing the proportions or adding other essential oils—if you make any new discoveries, I’d love to hear about them!
Thank you for reading!
