Fall with Olfactory NYC: You Smell So Good

He walks by. Your head is down, focused on your destination, life swirling around your mind sorting out things you need to get done today, but you inhale and the day to day fades away and you stop and turn your head. He smells so good. Memories and fantasies dance through your day-dreamy head and nothing else matters but that scent. She’s sitting at the bar ordering a drink, and you walk by on your way to a table. You didn’t even notice who she was or what she was wearing but you inhale and all of a sudden you know who she is just by that scent. Or you think you do. Scents are like a well captured photograph, they say so much without words. Perfume is an accessory that is often overlooked, but may be one of the most significant accessories you can have. I have a handful of perfumes I like, but no signature scent yet. I had the opportunity to visit Olfactory NYC on Newbury Street to make a scent of my own (with a lot of help from the experts).

I am an indecisive and tentative person when it comes to making decisions and I admit that going to make my own perfume felt like it could be a disaster waiting to happen. How would I be able to make a scent. I know nothing about perfumes and very little about mixing and creating something custom for myself. Luckily, I am not so unique and the process works even for someone as indecisive as me. Olfactory NYC is set up in a very smart way with core scents developed by professionals. Each core scent is in a gallery style display across the perfume studio with information about the perfumer and the scent.

The process

• Take your time to smell and pick your base scent. You will narrow it down to three core scent choices.
• Once your core scent is narrowed down, then the Olfactory crew guides you through the next steps.
• They will take your core scent and add drops of what are called accords. Accords are scents that pair well with the core scent.
• A process of smelling and eliminating scents begins. You can go outside to reset you nose in the nice Newbury Street springy air.
• Once you have it narrowed down again, you will smell the perfumes on your skin and choose a final scent.
• Then it will be bottled for you in a beautiful atomizer with a custom label with the perfume name of your choice.

I went solo to do this, which works well, but I think it is helpful to go with a friend, to have another nose to help you make your choices. Olfactory also has a very cute private space which would be great for a little party for graduation, wedding shower, a special birthday, or just an excuse to gather with friends.

There is the option to make a custom fragrance at home, but I highly recommend the full experience.

Olfactory NYC is located at 133 Newbury St. and is open daily from 11 to 7 p.m.