4 Best Places To Make Your Own Perfume In New York

In a city known for its individuality and creative pulse, what does it take to stand out from the pack?  Tousled, yet perfect hair, check. Unassailable shoes, double check. The undeniable, yet not quite definable, scent of your skin as you strut down the street?  Absolutely, triple check. If you beat to your own, individually-scented drummer, why buy off-the-rack perfume when you can conjure up a scent that's uniquely yours? New York may have a manicurist on every corner, but even a quintessential city like ours does not abound with perfumer's workshops. The breed who beckons to this call are simply too rare. For those bold, chosen few who dare to distill a scent of their own, here are the go-to sources for know-how, nectar, and a little bit of magic.

Scenterprises ltd.
220 E. 65th St.
New York, NY  10065
(646) 350-6562
scenterprisesltd.comIf Van Gogh's muse had been perfume instead of paint, he would have enjoyed meeting Scenterprises founder, Sue Philips.  At events, seminars and individual appointments, Philips takes her clients through an intoxicating experience of top, middle and base-noted scents that are heady, sweet, fruity and fabulous. Patrons get to mix and match from among 18 distinctive and luscious notes like amber, herbal and green. The end result is as individual as you are. An affordable luxury, custom scents range from $50 - $185 based on size, with lifetime refills at around $50. The fragrance journey can last forever; your individual formula is kept on file indefinitely. Large-space, environmental scent branding is a specialty. Men and women are both welcome, but it's by appointment only.

The Fragrance Shop New York
65 E. 4th St.
New York, NY
(212) 254-8950
fragranceshopnewyork.com

With a focus on natural compounds, The Fragrance Shop stocks over 300 oils ranging from spicy to sweet and floral. Patrons are encouraged to take a romp through the senses and land on a fragrance distinctly their own. The end result will cost anywhere from $28 to $69, based on the oils chosen. Whimsically-themed atomizers complete the fantasy.  For those who want a safe bet, The Fragrance Shop has its own, delicately floral, signature scent for women. Custom scents, shaving soaps and after-shaves will please even the most scent-shy guy. Kids can get in on the act, too. Bath products by Burt's Bees or Crabtree & Evelyn will get even the most water-averse toddler happily splashing in a tub. Adorably themed rubber duckies, bath mittens and scrubs help turn bathtime into fun time.

Related: NYC's Top Perfumeries

Herbal Alchemy
By appointment only in Park Slope, Brooklyn
(718) 788-6480
info@herbalalchemy.net
herbalalchemy.net

Ethereal Julianne Zaleta knows where the wild things are. A born herbalist, Zaleta forages in Brooklyn's greenest corners for flowers and plants that will ultimately grace perfumes, scented oils or cocktails swirled with vodka, sweet woodruff and wine. A leader in Brooklyn's artisanal movement, she will guide you in your own private journey of scent memory toward a fragrance that is yours alone, during a slow, intimate process evocative of a more gentle time.  Customers may choose from among over 100 essential oils and organic ingredients in consultations that include 1/4 ounce of perfume at $125.

Scentsational of Huntington
259 Main Street #1
Huntington, LI  11743
(631) 549-2090
escentsational.com

This is the home of China Rain, a soft, delicate fragrance popular with Long Island's savviest women for over 25 years. Scentsational features a wide variety of essential oils for you to mix and match at prices so low, you can choose a signature scent for every day of the week. Aromatherapy is also a specialty. If you have your heart set on a designer fragrance that is a bit too pricey for your current budget, the pros at this cozy shop will help you duplicate it without bruising your pocketbook.  Now that the warm weather is here, you should treat yourself to a new scent for summer. Special, light-scented musks can be mixed with clean apple blossom, tropical gardenia or even Beach Bum suntain lotion for a special, summery feel. Scented treats for yourself can be as little as $20, but if you're looking for a fabulous gift basket, the Scentsational staff can customize one for you. Also look for the Sparkle & Shimmer line of stardust body lotions and splashes to have you glowing and beautiful from head to toe.

Related: The 6 Best Places for a Makeover in New York