Charleston: Custom Perfume or Cologne Making Experience

If you’re looking for a hands-on activity that blends creativity with a touch of luxury, the Charleston: Custom Perfume or Cologne Making Experience might just be your next must-try. While I haven’t personally done this class, I’ve looked into what makes it special, and I think it’s a pretty charming option for those wanting to add a personal touch to their visit.

What really caught my attention is the chance to craft a truly unique fragrance that you get to take home—something that feels both fun and meaningful. Plus, the instructor-led class promises expert guidance, which can make all the difference if you’re new to perfume making. On the flip side, with around 300 oils to choose from, the process could feel a bit overwhelming for some folks.

This experience is most likely best suited for curious travelers who enjoy DIY projects or want a memorable souvenir that’s different from typical tourist trinkets. If you’re into personalized crafts or simply want a relaxing, creative break from sightseeing, this one’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Unique Make-Your-Own Fragrance Experience: It’s not just a store visit; it’s a creative workshop.
• Expert-Led Class: Guided by knowledgeable staff, making it accessible no matter your experience level.
• Wide Selection of Oils: Choose from approximately 300 hand-selected oils for a truly custom scent.
• Additional Products: You can turn your fragrance into body lotion, massage oil, or linen mist.
• Included Keepsakes: A 55 ml bottle of your perfume or cologne, a certificate, and other small gifts.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 8 participants, providing a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect at the Perfume Making Experience

When you arrive at Tijon’s shop in Charleston, you’ll be greeted and checked in for your about 1.5 to 2.5-hour session. The class is designed to be engaging and interactive, with a focus on helping you craft a scent that truly reflects your personal style.

The core activity is the Mix & Match class, where you’ll start by choosing from 12 premixed blends. These blends serve as a foundation, and from there, you’ll add your choice of oils—of which there are around 300 options. This wide selection means you can create a fragrance that’s light and floral or deep and spicy, depending on your preference.

Throughout the process, you’ll test your fragrances on your skin, which is crucial because scents can change once they mingle with your body chemistry. The instructor will guide you through this, making sure you understand how your perfume interacts with your skin and helping you choose the final blend.

Once your signature scent is finalized, you’ll bottle it in a 55 ml bottle, which is a generous size for gifting or everyday use. You’ll also have the option to create other products like body lotion, massage oil, or linen mist using your custom fragrance. This adds versatility to your creation and makes the experience feel even more personalized.

The Included Items

Along With your custom perfume or cologne, you’ll receive several thoughtful keepsakes: a certificate of completion, a small Tijon branded fragrance, a French lavender soap, a custom-designed Charleston postcard, and an atomizer for easy travel. These little extras make the experience feel well-rounded and memorable.

The Group & Logistics

The class is small—limited to 8 participants—which means you’ll get plenty of individual attention. The activity is wheelchair accessible, and it’s conducted in English, making it straightforward to follow along. It’s worth noting that you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the shop, as that’s not included.

The Value of the Experience

At $109 per person, this activity offers quite a bit of value for those wanting a memorable, personalized souvenir. The price includes the crafting session, the bottle of perfume or cologne, and a range of extras. While it might seem a little steep compared to grabbing a bottle off a shelf, keep in mind you’re paying for the unique experience and the custom product—something you can’t buy in stores.

Many reviews praise this experience for its knowledgeable guides and the chance to create a truly one-of-a-kind scent. Travelers mention how fun and memorable it was to craft their own fragrance, with some even planning to wear their new scent during big events like weddings.

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What We Loved About It

• The guided process was highlighted by reviewers as being very supportive and educational.
• The variety of oils and blends allowed for personalized creativity.
• The opportunity to create multiple products from one fragrance means you can enjoy your scent in different ways, beyond just perfume.
• Many reviews emphasize how it’s a special, memorable activity that adds a personal touch to their Charleston trip.

Possible Downsides

One common concern is that with so many oils, the process can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. As one reviewer put it, “It is a lot to take in at once with so many fragrances.” If you’re not someone who enjoys picking from a vast selection or prefers more straightforward activities, this might be a bit much.

Plus, the activity focuses purely on the perfume-making part—so if you’re expecting a comprehensive tour or exploration of Charleston, this won’t provide that.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for creative types, couples, or groups of friends who want a fun, interactive activity without the crowds. It also appeals to those who love perfumes or unique crafts, looking for a personalized souvenir to remember Charleston. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates hands-on experiences or wants a special activity that results in a tangible gift, this fits the bill.

It’s also suitable for people who enjoy learning something new in a relaxed environment, with the guidance of knowledgeable staff. However, if you’re not into scents or don’t want to spend time choosing oils, you might find the process a little tedious.

The Itinerary in Detail

While this isn’t a tour with multiple stops, the core activity is well-structured to maximize your creative time. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and briefed briefly on the process. The instructor then guides you through the selection of your base blends and additional oils.

You’ll start by selecting from 12 premixed options, which serve as the foundation for your fragrance. From there, you’ll add oils from the vast collection, carefully testing your scents on your skin as you go. This trial-and-error phase is part of the fun—finding a scent that resonates with you.

Once your fragrance is complete, the instructor helps you transfer it into a bottle, and you can choose to turn it into other products. The entire process is designed to be engaging, educational, and ultimately satisfying, especially as you see your own creation come to life.

Final Thoughts

The Charleston: Custom Perfume or Cologne Making Experience offers a unique way to blend creativity with self-expression. It’s a well-organized activity that provides plenty of personal attention and a chance to craft a meaningful keepsake. The reviews highlight how much people appreciate the guidance, the variety of oils, and the chance to take home something truly personal.

If you’re someone who loves scents, enjoys hands-on activities, or simply wants to do something a little different from the usual sightseeing, this class should definitely be on your list. It’s a relaxing, fun experience that leaves you with a beautiful, personalized product and lasting memories.

For those who prefer structured, straightforward activities, or are not keen on the idea of choosing from hundreds of oils, you might find this a bit overwhelming. But for most, the chance to make a custom fragrance in a small, friendly setting outweighs the initial complexity.

FAQ

Is the class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is led by an instructor who guides you through each step, making it accessible even if you’ve never made perfume before.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers a 55 ml bottle of your custom perfume or cologne, a certificate, a French lavender soap, a Tijon Charleston postcard, and a small branded fragrance bottle.

Can I create other products besides perfume?
Yes, you can turn your fragrance into body lotion, massage oil, hand cream, or a linen mist, adding versatility to your creation.

How long does the class last?
Expect it to take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace and how much you want to experiment.

What should I bring?
Just yourself! The experience takes place at the Tijon shop; no additional supplies or attire are necessary.

Do I need to make reservations?
Yes, it’s recommended to book in advance. You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours beforehand.

In all, if you’re after a memorable, personalized activity that results in a tangible gift, this Charleston perfume-making class is a charming choice. It’s perfect for curious travelers looking to add a scent of their own to their Charleston memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: