Charleston: Custom Perfume or Cologne Making Experience

Imagine spending a charming afternoon in Charleston crafting your very own scent. For around $109 per person, you can join a 1.5 to 2.5-hour class at Tijon, a boutique offering a hands-on perfume-making experience that’s perfect for sensory explorers and gift-seekers alike. The experience takes place in a cozy shop in Charleston where you’ll learn the art of blending oils, bottle your creation, and even turn it into other beauty products like lotions or massage oils.

What really makes this experience shine is its personalized touch—you get to choose from about 300 oils, and create three different fragrances to test on your skin. Plus, the final product isn’t just a souvenir; it’s a custom perfume or cologne that you can take home in a stylish bottle. We also love that the process is instructor-led with a small group size, making it intimate and tailored to your pace.

One thing to consider is that transportation to the shop isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get there. Also, if you’re someone who prefers structured tours with a clear itinerary, this might feel a bit open-ended. But if you’re eager for a creative, sensory experience, this class is a wonderful fit. It’s especially suited to couples, friends, or anyone who enjoys unique, handcrafted souvenirs and wants to learn a new skill in a relaxed environment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Personalized experience with expert guidance in Charleston
Create a signature fragrance from 300 oils and test on your skin
Take home a custom bottle of perfume or cologne, plus additional products
Small group setting ensures personalized attention
Price offers excellent value for a unique, handcrafted souvenir
Includes extras like soap, postcard, and branded fragrance

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An In-Depth Look at the Charleston Perfume-Making Experience

What Sets This Experience Apart?

This experience isn’t just a walk-through of perfume ingredients; it’s a creative journey that caters directly to those who love personal touches and hand-crafted products. It’s a chance to design a scent that reflects your personality—whether floral, woody, spicy, or fresh—and walk away with a bottle uniquely yours.

The class takes place at Tijon, a brand originally founded on the French side of St. Maarten, now bringing its expertise to Charleston. The location itself has a charming boutique ambiance, making it easy to relax into the process. The hands-on nature of the class means you’re actively involved—selecting oils, testing scents, and creating a fragrance that will be saved in the Tijon database for future orders.

The Itinerary – Step by Step

The class kicks off with a friendly introduction from your instructor, who will explain how different essential oils and aroma blends work together. You’ll then choose from 12 premixed blends, which serve as a base for your custom fragrance. From there, you’ll explore approximately 300 oils—everything from vanilla and lavender to sandalwood and citrus—adding your preferred scents to craft your own unique composition.

The highlight is testing your three sample fragrances directly on your skin. This allows you to evaluate how the scent develops over time and how it interacts with your body chemistry. Once you’ve settled on your favorite, you’ll bottle your creation in a 55 ml stylish container. You also get to decide whether to turn your fragrance into body lotion, massage oil, or other products, expanding your scent experience beyond just a perfume.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The class is well worth the price, with several extras included: your custom perfume or cologne, a certificate of completion, a French lavender soap, a custom-designed Charleston postcard, a small Tijon-branded fragrance, and an atomizer for easy carrying. These thoughtful touches make the experience feel special and give you multiple ways to enjoy your new scent.

However, it’s important to note that you will need to arrange transportation to the shop, as it isn’t included. Also, food and drinks aren’t part of the package, so consider grabbing a snack before or after your class.

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What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a clear picture of how much visitors enjoy this class. Many mention the knowledgeable guides and the fun of creating a truly personalized scent. One traveler from Germany raved, “Sehr tolles Erlebnis unter guter Anleitung,” highlighting the quality of instruction.

Others note the stunning experience of testing fragrances on their skin—some found it a bit overwhelming, saying, “It is a lot to take in at once with so many fragrances,” but most agree that the overall process is fun and rewarding. One reviewer shared, “You are truly making a one-of-a-kind perfume that you get to take home,” emphasizing the personal touch and lasting memory.

The Atmosphere and Group Size

The class is kept small—limited to 8 participants—which ensures you receive personalized attention and plenty of space to explore your scent options. The instructor speaks English, and the setting fosters a relaxed, creative atmosphere. This intimate size also means you can ask questions and get tailored advice, making the experience even more valuable.

Practical Considerations

Given the duration of 1.5 to 2.5 hours, you’ll want to set aside enough time to fully enjoy the process without feeling rushed. Remember that transportation isn’t included, so plan your route accordingly—parking options and nearby public transit are worth checking ahead of time.

The price, at $109, is reasonable considering the high level of customization and the quality of the products you’ll take home. For perfume lovers or those seeking a unique souvenir, it offers excellent value for a memorable, hands-on activity.

Who Should Try This?

This experience is perfect if you want something bespoke and creative—ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion, friends on a fun outing, or anyone interested in learning about fragrances. It’s also a great gift idea for someone who appreciates artisan craftsmanship or wants a personal scent that’s truly theirs.

It’s less suited for travelers looking for a fast-paced tour or those with limited mobility, as the class involves hands-on blending and skin testing. However, if you’re curious about how perfumes are made or want a lasting memento of Charleston, this class delivers.

The Sum Up

The Charleston perfume-making experience at Tijon offers a rare blend of creativity, education, and personal expression. For just over a hundred dollars, you participate in an activity that’s both fun and meaningful—leaving with a custom fragrance and a story to tell. The small-group setting and expert guidance make it feel personalized, while the opportunity to create a scent that truly represents you elevates it beyond a typical tour.

This experience will delight those who appreciate artisanal crafts, enjoy sensory activities, or want a unique souvenir to remember Charleston. It’s especially well-suited to couples, friends, or anyone looking to learn a new skill in a relaxed, intimate environment. Whether crafting a fresh floral scent or a warm woody fragrance, you’ll come away with a lasting reminder of your Charleston adventure—and perhaps a new favorite perfume.

FAQ

How long does the class last?
The experience typically runs between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, giving you ample time to explore your options and create your fragrance.

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

Is transportation to the shop included?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get to Tijon in Charleston.

Can I make other products besides perfume?
Yes, you can turn your signature scent into body lotion, massage oil, hand cream, or a linen mist—expanding your scent experience.

Is the class accessible for all?
Yes, the experience is described as wheelchair accessible, but planning ahead for specific needs is recommended.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your schedule shifts.

This perfume-making class in Charleston offers a charming, hands-on experience that balances creativity with expert guidance. If you’re after a personalized souvenir and enjoy exploring fragrances, it’s a small investment for a truly memorable part of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: