My Olfactory NYC Experience: Making A Custom Perfume

For my 28th birthday, I decided it was time to invest in my perfume collection. And what better way to do that than by making a custom perfume at Olfactory NYC? After seeing a friend go earlier this year, I knew I had to give it a try.

Keep reading for all the details, including pricing, process, and cons. (There’s a pretty big one.) Scroll to the end for a rapid fire of my final thoughts and whether it was worth it or not.

What is Olfactory NYC?

Olfactory NYC is a fragrance company that offers at-home and in-store fragrance customizations. You can make perfume, lotion, body wash, or even a candle.

The in-store experience takes about an hour. However, it could probably go a little faster for smaller groups (1-2 people) and people who are good at making the tough choices. 

You can book for up to 8 people depending on your location. They have three NYC locations in Williamsburg, West Village, and Nolita, one in Boston, and one in Georgetown. I ended up making a reservation at the Williamsburg location, but they also accept walk-ins!

Keep in mind you have to pay a $5 deposit for each fragrance slot when you reserve online. Thankfully, the whole amount does go toward your final payment — even if someone doesn’t show up.

Truth moment: I scheduled my group for 6pm, which is only about an hour before they close. And like the MTA always seems to do, the L train started acting crazy! Half of my group was running behind. Shoutout to my angel of a scentologist who was still able to squeeze us in for the full experience!

How Does The In-Store Experience Work?

Step 1: First, you choose your base scent or core fragrance. They have 9 different options, and I recommend smelling them all. Pro-tip: step outside to let your senses rest. 

I went with Reed, which is earthy and slightly floral.

Step 2: Your “scentologist” will help you customize your base fragrance with seven different top notes. Initially, they’ll spray them on paper and you’ll narrow it down to four favorites. Finally, they’ll test them out on your skin.

Because it was my birthday, she allowed me to mix two of the customizations with my base scent (but shhh, don’t tell anyone).

Step 3: After you’ve picked your winner, you’ll personalize your bottle with a label color and a name. 

I named my fragrance 07.14 to represent my birthday!

Overall, it was a simple process, but it was still hard AF because they all smelled so good.

My Final Fragrance Profile: Iris, Cashmere, & Black Currant. Someone said it smelled like a Gucci fragrance, so a win is a win.

How Much is Olfactory NYC?

Each perfume costs $85, which is a steal when you consider the size. I also tipped the staff, but it’s not required.

If you’re on #perfumetok, then you know layering is the name of the game. During the in-store experience, you’re also able to add on a lotion for $25, which is perfect for layering. I will admit… It's more of a fragrance lotion and not a moisturizing formula.

The best part? When you finish your lotion, you can bring in your bottle and get a refill for just $15 in store. When you consider that a custom lotion on its own is usually $60, you realize that you literally have to get it according to girl math.

The Cons of Olfactory NYC

Don’t get me wrong… I love how my fragrance turned out, but I will say that the experience was a lot more simplistic than I thought it would be. Essentially, you can only mix one core fragrance with one of their customizations. So in the end, it felt a bit limiting.

Final Thoughts: Is Olfactory NYC Worth It?

I say yes! For $85, you get a full-size, custom fragrance to take home. That’s like the same price as brunch without the hangover. Plus, no one else in the room will ever smell like you. If you’re looking for cute birthday or date ideas, this is perfect.

Quick Facts About Perfume Making Experience:

• Price: $85

• Locations: They have three NYC locations in Williamsburg, West Village, and Nolita, one location in Boston, and one in Georgetown.

• How long does it take? About an hour

• Do they accept walk-ins? Yes! But I had a slightly larger group, so I made a reservation.

So, what do you think? Would you try making a custom perfume in NYC?

P.S. Help me keep growing my fragrance collection and share your favorite perfume recs with a comment!