A Beginner Perfume Making Class, Gently Guided
A beginner perfume making class is for anyone who loves scent but has never made it. Even so, you do not need a trained nose. You only need curiosity.
Our version is the Perfume Making 101 Workshop. It is quoted for your group, with a minimum of 3 guests. Then we bring it to your home, venue, or event space anywhere in Chicagoland.
- No experience needed
- Quoted for your group
- Minimum of 3 guests
- Leave with a finished bottle
Why a beginner perfume making class feels easy
Most first-timers worry they will choose wrong. However, the instructor guides each step. Also, the palette is curated, which means it is chosen ahead of time for classes.
The lesson starts with perfume basics in plain words. Top notes are what you smell first. Middle notes, or the heart, come next. Finally, base notes are the deep scents that stay longest.
Then you choose materials with help beside you. So your first perfume makes sense from the very start. Even nervous guests usually relax within minutes.
Bring a perfume you already love, or simply its name. That way, the instructor gets a clue about your taste.
What your first class teaches
The 101 covers the basics in three steps. Also, along the way, you pick up these skills.
Notes and structure
First, learn how top, middle, and base notes stack. After all, this is the skeleton of every perfume.
Fragrance families
A family is a group of scents with a shared feel, like floral or fresh. It helps you name what you like.
Evaluating materials
Next, you smell and compare. Soon, you learn to notice warmth, brightness, and depth.
Choosing complements
Some notes flatter each other, while others clash. The instructor helps you find good pairs.
Strength and balance
Then you adjust how strong each note feels. Even small changes make a big difference.
Your personal profile
Finally, you leave knowing what you love. That knowledge stays with you long after class.
Gather two friends and start
Three guests is all it takes, so it is easy to plan. Then we quote the class for your group and bring it anywhere in Chicagoland.
Ideas for your first class
Beginners have the most fun with a gentle prompt. Here are three to try.
The 101 welcomes adults, teens, families, and kids ages 5 and up. So beginners of every age can join.
Great reasons to book a beginner perfume making class
First classes suit relaxed gatherings. Here are a few favorites.
A small birthday
Three or four friends make a sweet, unhurried celebration.
Moms' afternoon
Moms finally get a few hours to make something for themselves.
Grandma and me
Generations learn together, since kids 5 and up are welcome.
Neighbor gatherings
A class also gives new neighbors an easy reason to talk.
Teen milestones
Teens enjoy a grown-up activity. See our teen perfume making parties too.
Holiday gifting
Make perfume in November or December, then give it as a gift.
Easy places to host
Beginners feel most at ease somewhere familiar. So choose a cozy spot.
Your kitchen table
It is comfortable, and snacks are close by.
A friend's home
Take turns hosting, so everyone gets a chance.
Community rooms
Clubhouses and church halls suit a slightly larger group, too.
Mokena studio
Opening in January 2027, its private party room holds up to 40 and has a kitchen.
How the beginner perfume making class works
- Learn the foundations.First, the instructor explains notes, families, and how perfumers build balance.
- Explore the palette.Next, you smell a curated set of materials chosen for classes.
- Select your notes.Then you pick what you love, with guidance along the way.
- Blend your formula.After that, you blend for roughly 40 minutes.
- Bottle and label.Finally, you bottle, name, and label your perfume to take home.
Our classes are hands-on lessons, not certification programs. Instead, they are meant for joy and learning.
A look at beginner perfume making class settings
These photos show the warm setups first-timers step into. Every detail is ready before guests arrive.
Book your beginner class
Reserve online or call 815.418.6740. We will help you pick a date and plan the details.
Glitters & Grace was founded by Cheryl Gleason, a trained perfumer, a cosmetic and skincare formulator, and the creative force behind every bar we bring to your event.
Where beginners can learn
The 101 travels anywhere in Chicagoland, our home base. For groups in Milwaukee and Indianapolis, local teams offer The Fragrance Workshop. Our Mokena studio opens in January 2027.
Chicago and the North Shore
Condos, homes, and party rooms from the city to Lake Forest.
Western and Northwest Suburbs
Homes, clubhouses, and venues across DuPage and the northwest suburbs.
Southwest Suburbs and Will County
Our home base, minutes from the Mokena studio.
Milwaukee Area
Local Glitters & Grace hosts and teams to bring you sparkle.
Indianapolis Area
Local Glitters & Grace hosts and teams to bring you sparkle.
Mokena Studio
19060 Everett Blvd, Suite 107, Mokena, IL 60448. Opening in January 2027 with a private party room for up to 40 guests. Visit the studio page or call 815.418.6740.
Questions from first-time perfume makers
Do I need any experience?
No. The class starts with the basics, and the instructor guides every step.
What if I can't describe scents?
That is normal. Soon, you will learn simple words for what you smell.
How many people do I need?
The 101 needs at least 3 guests. After that, we quote the class for your group.
Will I really finish a perfume?
Yes. Every guest bottles, names, and labels a finished perfume before leaving.
Can my daughter come?
Yes. The 101 suits kids ages 5 and up, plus teens and adults.
Do I get a certificate?
No. This is a hands-on class for learning and enjoyment, not a certification program.
Do you come to the southwest suburbs?
Yes. We come to Orland Park, Tinley Park, Frankfort, and New Lenox, plus all of Chicagoland.
Is there a beginner option in Milwaukee?
In Milwaukee, we offer The Fragrance Workshop, which opens with the basics. It is quoted per event.
Is there a beginner option in Indianapolis?
Yes. The Fragrance Workshop serves Indianapolis, and it starts with the basics, too.
Can I take a class at your Mokena studio?
The studio opens in January 2027 at 19060 Everett Blvd, Suite 107. Meanwhile, ask about booking the party room for your group.
Start with a beginner perfume making class
Reserve online or call 815.418.6740. Then make your very first perfume.
perfume@glittersandgrace.com · 815.418.6740
With Grace,
Cheryl Gleason · Owner, Perfumer & Creative Director