10 Things to Remember When Going to a Perfume-Making Class

10 Things to Remember When Going to a Perfume-Making Class: A Guide to Unlocking Your Inner Fragrance Artist

Introduction: Step Into the World of Scent Creation

Perfume is more than just a pleasant aroma—it’s a powerful expression of identity, memory, and creativity. Attending a perfume-making class is a fascinating way to dive into the art and science of fragrance formulation. Whether you’re a total beginner or a budding perfumer, stepping into a perfumery lab is an exciting and enriching experience.

But crafting a perfect scent doesn’t just rely on your nose—it also requires preparation. With the right tools, mindset, and essentials, you can get the most from your perfume-making journey. From selecting oils to blending accords, you’ll want to be comfortable, focused, and ready to engage your senses fully.

In this guide, we’ll cover the 10 Things to Remember When Going to a Perfume-Making Class, so you arrive ready to create something truly personal—and perhaps unforgettable.

1. Comfortable Clothing: Dress for Focus and Flexibility

Perfume classes often involve long periods of sitting or standing, moving between stations, and closely interacting with various ingredients and lab tools. Wearing comfortable clothing ensures you can focus on scent creation without being distracted by your outfit.

Tips for dressing:

• Choose breathable, soft fabrics like cotton or linen.

• Avoid wearing strong fragrances or scented detergents—they can interfere with your ability to smell properly.

• Keep your outfit simple; no need for formality in a scent lab.

Being physically comfortable supports mental focus and sensory awareness, which are essential for successful fragrance design.

#clothing #comfort #fragrance

2. Notebook and Pen: Capture the Details Behind Every Drop

Perfume formulation is part creativity, part chemistry. You’ll be blending precise drops of oils, learning about fragrance families, and recording recipes that may lead to your signature scent. A notebook and pen are essential to track your journey.

Use your notebook to:

• Jot down ingredient ratios.

• Describe scent impressions and combinations.

• Record instructor tips and techniques.

• Track the evolution of your blends over time.

Bringing a dedicated fragrance journal helps you stay organized and serves as a valuable reference for future perfume projects.

#notebook #learning #creativity

3. Water Bottle: Stay Hydrated to Keep Your Senses Sharp

Olfactory fatigue is real. As you sniff and test multiple oils and blends, your nose can become overwhelmed. Staying hydrated with a water bottle helps you reset your senses and maintain energy levels.

Hydration tips:

• Opt for a reusable bottle to stay eco-friendly.

• Sip regularly—your sense of smell depends on mental and physical alertness.

• Avoid overly flavored drinks, which may dull your palate and nose.

A hydrated nose is a happy nose—drink up between tests to keep your nose sharp and accurate.

#water #hydration #fragrance

4. Snacks: Fuel the Nose and the Mind

A perfume-making session can last several hours and requires deep focus and creativity. Bring light, non-intrusive snacks to maintain energy without overpowering the scent lab.

Ideal snacks:

• Unsalted crackers or rice cakes (great palate cleansers too!)

• Fresh fruit slices or trail mix

• Energy bars or nuts

Avoid greasy or strongly scented foods, as they could interfere with your ability to accurately perceive delicate aromas.

#snacks #food #creativity

5. Scent Strips: Smell and Compare Like a Pro

Also known as blotters, scent strips are an essential part of evaluating fragrance oils and blends. Many perfume classes provide them, but it never hurts to bring your own.

How to use scent strips:

• Dip or spray a small amount of perfume onto the strip.

• Label each strip clearly with oil or blend names.

• Wave the strip gently under your nose, not directly touching it.

Bring 20–30 strips, especially if you plan to test many different ingredients. They help you keep track of comparisons without scent contamination.

#scentstrips #testing #fragrance

6. Essential Oils: Add Your Signature Ingredients

While most perfume classes provide a curated set of oils, bringing your own essential oils allows you to personalize your blends or introduce rare ingredients not available in class.

Tips for selecting oils:

• Bring high-quality, natural essential oils (not synthetic).

• Choose top, middle, and base notes—such as bergamot, lavender, and sandalwood.

• Make sure oils are well-labeled and sealed.

If you have a scent memory or vision in mind, bring the oils that evoke that feeling—it’s a great way to create something truly personal and emotional.

#essentialoils #fragrance #creativity

7. Small Containers: Store Your Creations Safely

Once you’ve perfected your blend, you’ll want to take it home! Small, leak-proof containers are ideal for storing your final perfumes or sample experiments.

Recommended options:

• 10ml glass roller bottles for oil-based perfumes.

• 15ml spray bottles for alcohol-based formulations.

• Tightly capped dropper bottles for prototypes.

Label everything clearly and store in a cool, dark place to preserve scent quality. Reuse containers in future classes to be environmentally conscious.

#containers #storage #fragrance

8. Perfume Sample Vials: Share or Compare

In addition to larger bottles, bring a few sample vials to share your fragrance with friends, family, or instructors. These small vials make it easy to carry multiple versions of your blend and compare their longevity or dry-down.

Why sample vials matter:

• Easy to fill and label.

• Perfect for testing variations of your base formula.

• Make great keepsakes or gifts from the class.

Sample vials are also ideal for tracking how a scent develops over time, which is critical to refining your formulation.

#vials #sampling #testing #perfume

9. Open Mind: Your Most Powerful Creative Tool

Perfume-making is part art, part experiment. Approaching the class with an open mind means you’re ready to explore new combinations, accept feedback, and go beyond your scent comfort zone.

Cultivating the right mindset:

• Be curious, not rigid. Try unfamiliar notes.

• Don’t worry about perfection—focus on exploration.

• Embrace the unexpected. Some of the most memorable scents come from “happy accidents.”

Being open to learning and surprise will elevate your experience from instructional to transformational.

#mindset #learning #creativity

10. Camera: Capture the Process and Your Creation

A perfume-making class is both an educational and a creative milestone. Capture the journey with photos that tell your fragrance story.

What to photograph:

• Your workstation and tools

• Bottles and ingredients

• Scent strip tests and notebook sketches

• Your final bottled creations

These memories are great for sharing on social media, archiving your process, or simply looking back on how you evolved as a creator.

#camera #photography #fragrance

Bonus Tips for Making the Most of Your Perfume-Making Class

✅ Learn the Basics of Fragrance Structure

Top, middle, and base notes all play roles in how a perfume unfolds. Do a bit of pre-class reading to understand how layering works.

✅ Label Everything Clearly

From scent strips to vials, labeling helps you track and evaluate blends accurately.

✅ Ask Questions

Perfume instructors often have years of knowledge. Don’t hesitate to ask about industry tips, professional training, or scent inspiration.

✅ Be Patient

Scents develop over time. Allow your blend to mature for a few days or weeks before judging its final form.

✅ Respect Others’ Noses

Avoid spraying too heavily in shared spaces. Be considerate of scent sensitivity or allergies in class.

Final Thoughts: The Scent of Self-Discovery

Perfume-making is more than just mixing oils—it’s about storytelling, memory, chemistry, and self-expression. Attending a workshop helps you explore your sensory identity and understand how fragrance influences emotion and presence.

By preparing with the right essentials—comfortable clothing, notebook and pen, water bottle, snacks, scent strips, essential oils, small containers, sample vials, an open mind, and a camera—you’ll set yourself up for a truly immersive and enjoyable creative experience.

So breathe deep, trust your nose, and get ready to blend something beautiful.