Elevating the Senses with a Custom Fragrance Class at Sfumato
This post contains affiliate links and ads. Affiliate links and ads support my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!Creating an elegant life is all about discovering new ways to elevate the everyday. What better way to do that than by embracing the magic of fragrance, something that is at once both powerful yet simple. Recently, I took the opportunity to explore the mesmerizing world of perfumes by taking a custom fragrance creation class at Sfumato Fragrances, located within the subterranean bar Castalia, in Detroit, Michigan.
Sfumato’s Fragrance Creation Class is held monthly, and this one-and-a-half hour experience is not just about mixing natural fragrances; it was also an educational and interesting introduction to the history of perfume, an exploration of the senses (yes, your class ticket includes a fragrant cocktail!), and a creative outlet that allowed us to craft our own signature fragrance.
The Art & History of Perfume
Perfume has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to create perfumes, using a blend of natural oils and resins in religious ceremonies as offerings to the gods. Class instructor and co-owner, Erica, also alluded to the story that Cleopatra may have worn excessive perfumes to enhance her beauty.
The word “perfume” itself stems from the Latin phrase “per fumum,” meaning “through smoke,” as incense was often a primary mean of fragrance in ancient rituals. Of course, that tradition still holds today. A quick sniff of frankincense and myrrh immediately transported me to special Masses in our Catholic church.
Erica guided us through the history of fragrances and perfume, sharing how the art of perfumery has significantly evolved over the centuries. The Renaissance period say the rise of personal fragrances among the aristocracy, with notable figures like Catherine de Medici popularizing the use of scented oils (and forks, but that’s another story!) in France.
Fast forward to the 19th century, and the introduction of synthetic fragrances transformed the industry, making perfumes more accessible and diverse.
Sfumato (which is an Italian word meaning “turned to smoke, or vapor”), brings the world of fragrance and perfume full circle by creating fragrances made with natural oils designed for the modern person. With a grasp of perfume history and Sfumato’s guiding principles of natural ingredients, culinary principles and small batches, we set out to craft our own fragrances. With a curated selection of fragrances derived from essential oils and natural ingredients at our disposal, we were able to take the time to explore each individual note, experiment with different combinations, and create a scent that truly represented our individuality.
Custom Scented Cocktails: A Sensory Adventure
What made this experience even more delightful was the addition of complex, custom scented cocktails and mocktails. Each drink was thoughtfully crafted to complement the fragrance-making process, enhancing our sensory journey. Imagine sipping on a cocktail infused with botanical essences that mirrored the scents we were blending — an extraordinary way to engage our taste buds while stimulating our sense of smell.
Castalia is the name of the cocktail bar that opens once Sfumato Fragrances closes the doors for the day. At 5pm, the fragrance gift shops turns over to an intimate subterranean experimental cocktail bar featuring complex, handcrafted cocktails (and mocktails) inspired by the natural fragrances of Sfumato. It is a small, intimate space, with seating for only 16 people, so advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Perfume Etiquette to Remember
As we left the class with our uniquely crafted fragrances, I was inspired to take a moment to reflect on how scent can elevate our everyday and add a sense of elegance to our lives. Here are some simple perfume etiquette tips to keep in mind:
LESS IS MORE: When it comes to applying fragrance, a little goes a long way. A couple of spritzes on pulse points — such as wrists, behind the ears, and at the base of the throat — can create a lasting impression without overwhelming those around you. An important note when using natural fragrances, the notes of essential oils dissappate much more quickly than those found in synthetic fragrances.
LAYERING FRAGRANCES: For a truly personalized scent, consider layering different fragrances. Start with a base note, such as sandalwood or vanilla, and build up with middle notes like jasmine or rose, finishing with top notes like citrus or mint for a fresh burst. This is exactly the formula we used in our class to create our own custom fragrance!
MIND THE SETTING: Different occasions call for different scents. Lighter, fresher fragrances are often ideal for daytime and casual outings, while richer, more complex scents can be perfect for evening events and special occasions.
SEASONAL CHOICES: Just like clothing, fragrances can be seasonal. Lighter, floral scents tend to resonate well in spring and summer, while warmer, spicier notes are often preferred in autumn and winter. Reflecting this reality, you can expect the cocktail menu at Castalia to rotate about every four months.
RESPECT PERSONAL SPACE: Always be mindful of how your fragrance interacts with others. In close quarters, such as offices or public transport, opt for subtler (or natural!) scents to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for everyone.
Elevating Your Everyday with Fragrance
The right fragrance can do wonders beyond just smelling good. It can boost your mood, evoke memories, and even enhance your confidence. Whether it’s a spritz of your favorite scent before heading out for a big event or a calming aroma to unwind and the end of a long day, fragrance has the power to transform ordinary moments into something extraordinary.
My experience at Sfumato was an exploration of creativity, history and the art of fragrance. It was also the perfect opportunity to try something new and catch up with my friend Michelle while we celebrated our birthdays!
As I wear my custom fragrance, (Erica said it smelled like a summer picnic in a citrus garden… I’ll take it!) I’ll be reminded of this unique adventure and the ways in which fragrance can enrich our lives.
Whether you are a fragrance novice, a seasoned enthusiast, or simply looking for a new way to elevate your everyday, I encourage you to explore the world of fragrance — because it’s not just about smelling good, it’s about feeling good, too!
Interested in taking the Custom Fragrance Class at Castalia? View their upcoming classes here.
Have you ever created your own custom fragrance? Do you have a signature scent? I’d love to know — share your favorite fragrance in the comments below!
