Spend a full day inside a working botanical perfumery in Santa Fe, creating your own natural perfume from a curated palette of rare plant materials.
The Art of Botanical Perfume is a one-day immersive workshop led by a pioneer in natural perfumery, with over three decades of experience in aromatherapy, botanical fragrance, and sensory education. This is a rare opportunity to work closely within a dedicated perfumery studio environment, guided through both the technical and intuitive aspects of the craft.
Together, we explore how botanical perfumery bridges alchemy, herbalism, aromatherapy, and the arts—while remaining deeply connected to the natural world and its effect on the human experience.
Throughout the day, you will work directly with a professional palette of plant-based materials, developing both your sensory awareness and your ability to compose with intention.
You will leave with a trained awareness of scent, a clear understanding of how natural fragrances are structured, and your own custom botanical perfume in liquid form.
“A grounded, sensory awakening… I walked out with my very own handcrafted perfume.”
— Amruta
“I ultimately walked away with a beautifully crafted scent made by my own hands—and the confidence to begin creating on my own.”
— Eren M.
“This workshop opens up a whole world of perfume… an authentic experience with a master perfumer.”
— Cynthia Jones“Transformational… I created a scent I’m truly proud of.”
— Katherine
THE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
- Guided exploration of botanical essences
- Training the nose through olfactory awareness
- Understanding the structure of natural fragrance
- Hands-on blending and composition
- Creation of your own personal perfume
You will compose and refine your own nine-note botanical perfume, working step-by-step through the creative process, and leave with your finished fragrance.
The workshop begins with setting up an introduction to perfume and its rich history while we explore olfactory awareness with our palette of essential oils, c02 extracts and absolutes.
We will explore the concept of olfactory awareness interspersed with learning about fragrance families & types, and artistry.
You will compose and refine your own nine-note botanical perfume, working step-by-step through the creative process and leave with your finished fragrance in liquid form.
This is an intimate, small group workshop to allow for individual guidance throughout the blending process.
-> THE STUDIO
This workshop takes place within a dedicated botanical perfume studio in Santa Fe’s arts district, home to Illuminated Perfume and the School of Lost Arts. The space functions as both a working lab, a scent bar and a teaching environment, offering access to materials and practices not typically available outside a professional setting.
Workshops are intentionally kept small to allow for individual guidance and a focused, immersive experience.
-> MATERIALS
You will work with a curated palette of natural perfumery materials, including essential oils, CO₂ extracts, and rare absolutes—many of which are costly and seldom encountered outside a professional perfumery.
Illuminated Perfume has been part of the natural fragrance movement since the early 1990s, with the brand formally launched in 2007. The teaching palette reflects decades of study, practice, and direct sourcing.
No isolates, nature-identical materials, or animal ingredients are used.
“From the moment I stepped into the perfumery, I was transported into a world of creative scent exploration.”
— Anna Levy
“It was exactly what I needed… the motivation and confidence to pursue my love for botanical fragrance.”
— Tiffany
-> DETAILS
Date
Upcoming dates will be released soon. You may join the inquiry list to be notified when registration opens. Space is limited.
Time
10:00am – 5:00pm (with a break for lunch)
Location
Lena Street Lofts, Santa Fe, New Mexico
School of Lost Arts / Illuminated Perfume
All materials, tools, and a notebook are provided.
To preserve the integrity of the scent environment, participants are asked to arrive free of fragrance (including personal care and laundry products).
-> MORE
-> CANCELLATION POLICY
If you are unable to attend, your registration may be applied as a credit toward a future live or online workshop.