Charleston: Custom Perfume or Cologne Making Experience

Charleston: Custom Perfume or Cologne Making Experience — A Fragrant Adventure

If you’re someone who loves a bit of craft and scent-making, the Charleston Custom Perfume or Cologne Making Experience is a delightful way to spend a couple of hours. Hosted by Tijon, a renowned fragrance brand with roots on the island of St. Maarten, this activity offers a chance to create your own signature scent in a friendly, small-group setting. It’s a great option whether you’re into DIY projects or just want a unique souvenir that truly reflects your personality.

What immediately catches the eye is the personalized element—not many experiences let you craft a perfume that’s entirely your own, then bottle it to bring home. We love how this makes the experience feel special and tailored, especially since your fragrance is saved in the Tijon database for future reordering. One possible consideration? It’s a 1.5 to 2.5-hour commitment, so it’s best suited for those with some extra time and a genuine interest in perfumes.

This experience is ideal for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers craving a creative and memorable activity. If you’re looking for a fun, hands-on way to connect with the city’s artistic spirit, this perfume class could very well be the highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: Custom perfume or cologne making is a rare activity not found elsewhere in Charleston.
• Personalized Fragrance: Choose from 12 pre-mixed blends and add oils from a collection of 300 to craft your unique scent.
• Value-Added Gifts: Your bottle, a certificate, soap, and personalized postcards make for thoughtful souvenirs.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Flexible and Easy Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
• Authentic Memories: Several reviews highlight how memorable and fun this activity is, with guests reminiscing about their custom scents long after.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

What You Can Expect During the Class

Once you arrive at the Tijon shop in Charleston, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and introduced to the process of creating your own perfume. The Mix & Match class begins with selecting from 12 premixed fragrance blends. This choice acts as a base, giving you a starting point for your creation. From there, you’ll be able to add oils from around 300 options, allowing you to fine-tune your scent or explore entirely new combinations.

The process is designed to be accessible and fun. You aren’t expected to be a fragrance expert — the staff guide you through each step, helping you understand how different oils interact and what might suit your skin or preferences best. We loved the way guests described the process: “We had the absolute best time,” said one reviewer, “and I loved how each person was able to make a lovely and unique perfume.”

The Creation and Bottling Process

After testing three samples on your skin, you’ll choose the one that best represents your personality. Your chosen formula is then bottled into a 55 ml atomizer, ready to take home. Some guests, like the bride-to-be and her bridesmaids, cherished the chance to create a scent for a special occasion, “We can’t wait to wear our signature scents during the wedding,” they shared.

What sets Tijon apart is its ability to turn your fragrance into other products, such as body lotion or massage oil. This gives you options to enjoy your scent in different ways, adding to the overall value of the experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The experience package includes a 55 ml bottle of your custom perfume or cologne, a certificate of completion, a French lavender soap, a Tijon-branded fragrance sample, a personalized postcard, and an atomizer. These thoughtful touches elevate the activity into a memorable keepsake.

However, it’s worth noting that travel to the shop, food, and drinks are not included. Since the activity lasts around two hours, plan to explore the surrounding neighborhood afterward or combine it with a nearby meal or sightseeing.

Group Size and Accessibility

Limited to just 8 participants, the class naturally fosters an intimate and relaxed vibe. The activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs. The staff conduct the class in English, ensuring clear guidance throughout.

What Do Guests Think?

Guests consistently rate this experience highly, with an impressive 4.9 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. Many mention the knowledgeable guides, particularly praising staff members like Ben, who guests say “were amazing” at making the process enjoyable and educational.

One reviewer shared, “We loved how we got a goodie bag to take home, and even had our names on our bottles. It’s a kind of memory you’ll cherish.” Others pointed out how fun and different it was from typical sightseeing—the perfect activity to add a personal touch to your Charleston visit.

Several reviews even highlight how guests plan to wear their signature scents during special occasions, emphasizing the lasting value of this activity. One reviewer, Matt, remarked, “I had a great time and we still talk about how much fun the hosts are,” illustrating how memorable the class truly is.

The Value of a Personal Fragrance

At $109 per person, this experience offers a good balance of value considering what’s included. You’re not just getting a perfume — you’re gaining a personalized souvenir and an engaging activity that’s both creative and relaxing. If you love the idea of a scent tailored to you and enjoy the idea of a craft project that results in something wearable, this is a smart choice.

Plus, the ability to “save” your fragrance for reordering later makes it even more appealing for those who become attached to their bespoke scent. The additional products like lotion or massage oils are optional add-ons that can extend your experience beyond just the perfume.

Who Will Love This?

This class is best suited for creative travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, couples looking for a memorable date idea, or friends seeking a fun, personalized experience. It’s also excellent for those wanting a unique souvenir that’s more meaningful than a typical T-shirt or magnet.

People with a curiosity for fragrances or an appreciation for artisanal, small-batch products will find this experience especially rewarding. It’s a chance to learn about perfume making while creating a keepsake that reflects your personality — a perfect blend of activity and memory.

The Sum Up

In a city like Charleston, known for charm and history, this Custom Perfume or Cologne Making Experience offers a refreshing shift into the creative and sensory realm. It’s a fun, intimate activity that provides not only a personalized scent but also a memorable story to tell.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for a unique gift, or simply want to indulge your senses, this class combines education, creativity, and a splash of luxury. The guides are knowledgeable, the process engaging, and the final product genuinely yours. It’s well worth the price if you’re eager for an authentic, hands-on experience that captures a bit of Charleston’s artisanal spirit.

If you enjoy crafting, personalized souvenirs, or discovering new scents, this activity will likely be one of your trip’s highlights—an experience to wear proudly long after your visit.

FAQ

Is the perfume making experience suitable for all ages?
Yes, the activity is suitable for adults and teenagers. It’s designed to be accessible and enjoyable for anyone interested in creating their own scent.

How long does the activity last?
Expect it to take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on how much time you spend experimenting with different oils and testing your fragrances.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended. You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the class.

Is the class wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, accommodating guests with mobility needs.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee includes a 55 ml bottle of your custom perfume or cologne, a certificate, a French lavender soap, a Tijon-branded fragrance sample, a personalized postcard, and an atomizer.

Can I create other products besides perfume?
Yes, you can turn your scent into products like body lotion, massage oil, hand cream, or linen mist, at an extra cost or as part of your experience.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine. There’s no dress code, but consider wearing something you wouldn’t mind getting lightly scented.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly stated, the activity is best suited for adults or teenagers, as it involves handling fragrances and oils.

What if I want to do this as a group?
The class is limited to 8 participants, making it perfect for small group outings, family gatherings, or special occasions.

What’s the best way to get to the shop?
You’ll just need to notify the staff upon arrival. The activity doesn’t include transportation, so plan to arrive on your own or combine it with nearby activities.

The Charleston Perfume Making Experience from Tijon combines artistry, fun, and personalization into one fragrant package. It’s a fantastic way to craft a one-of-a-kind souvenir and make memories that last longer than your trip.