A new kind of mixology

I am a HUGE fan of custom items: custom iPhone covers, custom backsplashes, and...custom fragrances!  I highly recommend paying scents n' suds a visit.  This hole in the wall store at Ansley Mall (corner of Piedmont and Monroe) has been in business for over 35 years.  I go to yoga at the Ansley Mall LA Fitness every Monday and occassionally go into scents n' suds to smell their yummy perfumes and candles.  After failing at an attempt to create my own scent a few years ago (it ended up smelling like baby powder) at a different store, I decided to give it another try. 

The owner, Michael Weed, is extremely knowledgeable about fragrance.  He spent about 30 minutes with me and was very helpful and patient while I decided what I wanted.  He explained to me that it usually works best to pick 3 different oils which work as a base, middle, and top notes.  It felt like science class as we decided on the exact formula for my new scent. 

Michael uses essential oils instead of alcohol unlike most perfume manufacturers.  Perfume and/or eau de toilette typically contain about 70-90% alcohol, so you are paying top dollar for something that costs less than $1 in a drug store.  Instead, I recommend you go see Michael at scents n' suds and pay just $25 to create your own perfume.  Once you decide the formula you want to use, the process only takes about 5 minutes.  For $25, you get 1/3 oz. in a rollerball bottle which is perfect to tuck in your purse and use when you are on the go.  You can also get other sizes and different types of containers.  The hardest part was deciding which scents to use-he has every scent imaginable.  I am quite happy with my recipe and love how it is light and lasting at the same time. 

A fun idea would be to go in and create a custom fragrance for a special occassion such as a wedding.  Why not combine a few scents that both you and your future husband both like?  Maybe you took a trip to Provence together, and the smell of lavender brings back fond memories.  Or, perhaps he always brings you roses, and their scent is special to both of you.  You can even name your own scent if you want.  How fun is that?  But of course you don't need a special occassion to create your own fragrance.  Every day warrants putting on your custom scent and enjoying it throughout the day.  Michael can also mix your new fragrance into lotion, shower gel, bubble bath, you name it.  The possibilities are endless.  As the seasons change, you can go back to the store and have Michael add a spicier scent for fall or a lighter and more floral oil for spring. 

For more information on scents n' suds, go to: http://scentsnsudsstore.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1.  The Web site doesn't list all of the available oils, so you should just visit the store.  Happy mixing!