I was looking for a place that would custom-design a perfume for me, and came upon La Maison du Parfum through a friend. I called and made an appointment with the owner and perfumer, Xviara. She was extremely personable and I felt welcome as soon as I met her. Although I was excited to be making my own perfume—there were so many essences to choose from!--, I was thrilled to realize that I was receiving an education too, as Xviara guided me patiently through the process. \r
Was I pleased with my first perfume? Yes, and I still like it. And she will tweak your perfume until you’re satisfied. But now that Xviara has broadened my horizons so I can start to appreciate different essences, I realize that my taste is evolving. I sit down with her once a year to make a new perfume, and each represents a different stage of my taste. She can make a simple perfume or a complex one, depending on your preference. I trust her because she has a natural gift and a passion for fragrances, and besides her training and expertise, she likes to travel and look for ideas, which she brings to fruition through her “Privé” collection, each of which is unique. She also has other ready-made perfumes and colognes for both men and women.\r
Once in a while I will still explore department store/designer perfumes, but I have given away most of the old ones I bought in the past. NOTE: Once you go to La Maison and experience the perfumes, you will never feel the same way about department-store fragrances again! And if you are serious about making a perfume, be advised that you should not go right after a meal, especially one heavy on garlic or onion, or be chewing strong-smelling gum or breath mints. These can all interfere with your sense of smell, so you don’t get the full effect of each essence.\r
I have also gone for a facial there; Frances is wonderful, a warm and gentle person with a calming touch who is very knowledgeable about various products and how you should take care of your skin and face, and I would recommend her highly. La Maison has a soothing atmosphere that makes me love going there!
Pros: Educational, aromatherapeutic, a unique adventure
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