Mumbaikars get hooked on perfume workshops

A growing wave of DIY fragrance workshops has Mumbaikars signing up to blend essential oils, experiment with aromatic notes, and create perfumes that reflect their unique identities.

As these workshops gain popularity in the city, here’s all you need to know before heading to one.‘Perfume making is a sensory & creative journey’These workshops are perfect for anyone who enjoys crafting unique, personal fragrances—whether it’s for themselves or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Dr Gauri Bobhate, homeopathic doctor and cosmetologist who conducts workshops, says, “Perfume making is a deeply sensory and creative journey. One of the most exciting parts is the hands-on blending process—carefully measuring and combining oils to achieve the perfect balance.

Watching your custom fragrance evolve and mature during the ageing process is incredibly satisfying.”

‘The attendees smell and see which notes they relate to the most’Explaining the process of selecting from the various options, Nikita Dumbani, perfumer, says, “There are 12 notes that we offer, the attendees smell all and then see which notes they relate to the most by using a fanning technique. They create a fan of smelling strips of their favourite notes, and we get an overview of how the blend would smell.

It’s beginner-friendly, so somebody with no experience can also join.”What you learn at the workshop* History of perfumery* Improving sense of smell* Smelling the notes* Selecting the notes* Mixing the notes as per your chosen concentration* Naming your perfume\* History of perfumery* Improving sense of smell* Smelling the notes* Selecting the notes* Mixing the notes as per your chosen concentration* Naming your perfumePopular options among Mumbaikars• Floral: Rose, Lavender, Lily• Citrus: Lemon, Orange, Yuzu• Woody: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Pine• Spicy: Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg• Herbaceous: Mint, Rosemary, Sage• Medicinal: Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Peppermint.Gourmand: Coffee, Vanilla, ChocolateFragrances are picked based on individual preferences and the blending process. We will guide people through various fragrance families and notes to help create the perfect scent— Meera Nagda, instructor