Finding The Perfect Perfume Is Tough, So I Crafted My Own At This Workshop
It’s kind of crazy how certain scents can instantly evoke memories you’d completely forgotten about.
The smell of warm chocolate cookies can transport you to that night you slept underneath the Christmas tree because your dad told you Santa and his reindeers will show up. Sunscreen and coconut oil can remind you of sunny days in Bali. And Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin cologne might make you recall your ex-boyfriend’s….mom?
There is a plethora of brands out there offering fragrances but the downside is there’s always the chance you may end up wearing the same scent as someone else–especially if you wear a classic fragrance like Chanel No. 5.
This is where Oo La Lab comes in. Established in 2016, this fragrance lab allows you to customise your fragrance with a mixologist to come up with your ideal perfume – from picking all the notes to choosing a name.
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Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
Craft Your Own Scent
You’ll smell it before you see Oo La Lab’s workshop, their counters are lined with bottles of essential oils and perfumes. Located in Delta House, Oo La Lab lets you customise your own fragrance in a 60-minute perfume making session ($88/pax, $176/two pax).
Starting with a quick theory lesson on the Oo Fragrance Table which has a total of 25 core scent and 2 complex scent available, we set out to start our perfume making process.
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25 eau da parfum core scents | Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
The first step required us to take a whiff of every scent and narrow down our favourite ones. The scents were split up to 3 different categories (bottom, middle, top notes).
Now, if you’re like me and you suffer from the butter finger syndrome, you’ll find yourself fumbling with the glass beakers, funnels and the bottles.
Please don’t break anything. Please don’t break anything. PLEASE don’t break anything.
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Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
The entire set up felt like a complete throwback to chemistry lessons in secondary school. All that’s left was a lab coat, goggles and gloves to complete my look.
While I was halfway through smelling the different scents, I started getting a little giddy or perhaps high from all the different smells. The lab also carries “edible” scents such as Vanilla and Gourmande which honestly got my tummy rumbling. The aromas were so sweet that I was almost tempted to taste them. They also carry a limited edition synthetic scent called “Chocolate” which will remind you of a chocolate fondue.
From Fresh and Floral notes to deeper Oriental and Wood fragrances, I had a tough time picking out the scents that would fit my personality.
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Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
Once I’ve decided on my scents, it was time to do the math.
I was allowed a total of 20 drops for each round (there are 2 rounds), which must include 10 drops of bottom and 10 drops of middle and top notes (5 from middle, 5 from top).
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Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
Here’s the slightly tedious part: Mark down the scents that you want to combine and decide how many drops of each scent will go into your trial mixture.
This requires quite a bit of trial and error because you don’t want to leave the workshop smelling like a Funfetti Cake or the Amazon Rainforest.
Now here’s where you get to feel like a chemist.
Based on your prior selection, it was time to translate 20 drops into 20ml which is the amount needed to fill your perfume bottles! This step was important because an extra drop might change the entire formula of your perfume.
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Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
The mixture in the bottle will then be iodised and topped up with alcohol, before being professionally sealed with a spray nozzle and cap. To make it even more personalised, you can name your perfume.
Once that’s done, you’ll receive your 20ml eau de parfum packaged nicely in plastic wrappers with a card indicating your mixture so you can re-order on the website if you ever run out!
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Final Product | Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
If you’re ever looking at doing something out of the ordinary in Singapore, this workshop is perfect for a date or even as a birthday gift. You’d be surprised to find out how everyone’s preferences are so different. Who knows, you might just be able to recreate a perfume you love.
Oo La Lab
Address: The Lab, DELTA HOUSE #02-04 2 Alexandra Road 159919 Singapore
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $88/pax
Book your workshop here
Website
Also Read I Paid $400 To Make My Own Watch From Scratch – And It Was Totally Worth The Price Tag
(Header Image Source: Discover SG)
Ambassador Highlights #11 – High Tea, Custom Tendon, DIY Perfume & More!
The month of June is done and dusted!
At DiscoverSG, we love looking back on and celebrating all the exciting activities our ambassadors dropped in on in the month.
This month’s highlights include plenty of electrifying events and scrummy eats!
1. Arteastiq
If boutique tea houses are your thing, you’ll love this dainty yet unique one.
Arteastiq is a teahouse/restaurant/art jam studio tucked away in Mandarin Gallery.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVY3yIxDyvO/?taken-by=cherzinga[/embed]Our ambassadors Cheryl, Diana ,Nicholas, Rachael, Vanessa were treated to a luxurious high tea experience there!
That means a full fancy 3-course meal (normally $48) prepared just for us!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVcGV7PFEhU/?taken-by=dianabakar_[/embed]The brunch menu consists of hearty and healthy dishes, while the dinner menu features creative Asian fusion dishes.
For appetisers, the ambassadors had the signature pan seared duck foie gras.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVcLYc0gy7z/?taken-by=nicholaslgl[/embed]Next up was the Herb-Crusted Codfish served on a bed of mash potatoes, asparagus, scallops and balsamic reduction sauce – a dish that was crunchy on the surface, while tender underneath.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BU3Fa6xBsbi/?taken-by=rachaelwong[/embed]Other must tries are the Australian Wagyu ribeye with sweet potato fries, and mango strudel that has actual popping candy in it.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BWFExmXhO6d/?taken-by=vaneszs.h[/embed]To complete our meal was an exclusive range of teas, brewed pot by pot on the spot with the finest tea leaves and herbs. (Psst! They even have alcoholic ones!)
Arteastiq
Address: Mandarin Gallery, #04-14/15 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238867
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6235 8370
Whether or not you got the chance to go to Ultra Singapore, it’s hard to miss the hype that took over all our social media platforms.
We sent a whole bunch of our ambassadors down to join in the fun at the hottest party this year!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVZOTtkAu_o/?taken-by=claregwendolyn[/embed]Just like last year, the 2-day electronic dance music festival in Singapore was ultra wet, ultra muddy, and ultra amazing!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVWwn1BBPF6/?taken-by=dtynx[/embed]We partied the day and night away to music by headlining DJs, including Hardwell, Nicky Romero, Steve Aoki, Dash Berlin, Steve Angello, Tiësto, and Don Diablo.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVSMesTDQka/?taken-by=gracekowie[/embed]Other famous names include Dubfire, Martin Solveig, Nic Fanciulli, Sasha & John Digweed and Showtek.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVUKSfegYXu/?taken-by=isapiaoz[/embed]Not to forgot our local acts on the Live stage: homeboy ShiGGa Shay, DJ Duo Rave Republic, and singer-songwriter Jasmine Sokko.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVRo6nFnIgL/?taken-by=siowjiamin[/embed]With stunning lights, visuals, sound and special effects, it was easy to stay upbeat and pumped even through the rain.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVKW19whTl_/?taken-by=victoinette[/embed]You know a party is ultra good when it’s hard to go for one set and not have #FOMO from passing up on the others; that’s exactly how we felt about Ultra Singapore’s crazy line-up this year!
3. Hao Lai Wu Steamboat and BBQ
Can’t decide between steamboat and BBQ?
You don’t have to at Hao Lai Wu Steamboat and BBQ, where they let you cook your food both ways at the same table.
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Image Credit: Choose from 5 types of soups: Ma La, Tom Yam, Chicken, Double Boiled Herbal & Tomato, to cook them all in.
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We sent our hungry ambassadors Chelsea and Nicholas down for a hearty meal.
They especially loved – and couldn’t stop eating – the prawns that were super fresh and sweet!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BV_VUEHArQc/?taken-by=nicholaslgl[/embed]They went for the specialty Ma La broth that added a zing to all the ingredients – perfect for lovers of spicy food.
Why not have your next family dinner here? Its unique steamboat in a crystal pot and smokeless BBQ will not disappoint!
Hao Lai Wu Steamboat and BBQ
Address: 8 Sago Street, Singapore 059012
Open: Daily, 11am – 3am
Tel: 62210065
Facebook
4. Oo La Lab
“Fragrance is a powerful personal ritual… It is the right to see and to be seen in ways that are not made from words.”
If that speaks to you, or if you’re just a sucker for nice-smelling things, you’ll love Oo La Lab’s sensorial workshop session!
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Image Credit: This craft fragrance lab lets you select from the finest raw ingredients to build your very own fragrance.
The perfume ingredients you pick are mixed on site and hand-poured to order.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVt4uXqACEX/?taken-by=chel.sea.ang[/embed]Our ambassadors Chelsea and Cheryl headed down for a whiff, and got the chance to mix their own perfect scent!
They had a lot of fun reliving their days of mixing chemicals in science class, and were extremely satisfied with their final product!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVt6heyjJoT/?taken-by=cherzinga[/embed]Whether you like floral, oriental or sporty scents, Oo La’s mixologists will guide you on how to achieve the perfect mix!
Or you could just go ham and create your own crazy scent that’s sure to be a conversation starter!
Oo La Lab Calling all tempura fans! Kogane Yama is the newest Japanese restaurant in town specializing in premium tendon bowls. Here, you get to choose your tendon toppings, base and spiciness level for a fully customisable tendon, just for you. The 4 flavours are Mixed Bowl ($15.80), Chicken Bowl ($13.80), Prawn Bowl ($13.80) and Vegetable Bowl ($11.80). Our ambassador Rachael headed there for a taste. She tried the Mixed Bowl, which had everything she could’ve asked for. She really loved the prawn tempura, chicken tempura and the green pepper, which were all so juicy under the crisp tempura crust!
Address: Commune Home, 02-51/52/53 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, 039596
Contact no.: 6338 3823
Kogane Yama
Kogane Yama[/caption]
Image Credit: Fussy about what goes into your tendon? Now, you can have it just the way you like!
Kogane Yama
Address: 200 Victoria Street, #02-50 Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021
Open: Sun – Thu: 11am – 10pm; Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Facebook
6. Ô Batignolles
Bon Appetit!
Ô Batignolles is an open-air concept wine bar that serves up food and wine with authentic French flavours.
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Image Credit: It pays tribute to a stellar range of wines, curated from small batch independent and passionate winemakers throughout France.
The elegant and chic bar also offers a large selection of quality air-flown cheese, and iconic French fare.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BWIED1-A53-/?taken-by=nicholaslgl[/embed]Our ambassadors Nicholas and Rachael went down for a relaxing afternoon meal.
They discovered that Ô Batignolles had just added a new French Tapas selection to their menu – a new way to enjoy and share their signature French dishes, appetizer-style.
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Image Credit: They’ve also revamped their popular weekend brunch, which now includes free-flow croissants!
That sure sounds like something we’d get out of bed for!
Ô BATIGNOLLES
Address: 2 Gemmill Lane 069247 Singapore
Contact no.: 6438 3913
Website
7. The Bridge Bistro & Beacon Bar
Love a relaxing view of the sea while you eat?
The Bridge Bistro & Beacon Bar is a seafront bistro located at RSYC, Asia’s oldest yacht club.
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Image Credit: This seafront bistro offers a selection of modern European cuisine with an Asian touch.
Their Signature bar lets you sip away on cocktails while watching the sun set in the horizon.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BV4YFWtB2nl/?taken-by=piinkmasquerade[/embed]Our ambassadors Nicholas and Stephanie got to chill out at this lovely little bar and bistro.
They were spoiled for choice – the newly revamped menu included a more comprehensive selection of yummy mains.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BWPqghlgYuQ/?taken-by=nicholaslgl[/embed]The beautifully plated dishes also made the whole meal experience a feast for the eyes as much as it was for the belly.
The bar will also be updating their drinks menu really soon, in particular to lower prices.
So come and grab a drink with your friends and family! Here, you won’t have to worry about burning a hole in your pocket!
The Bridge Bistro & Beacon Bar
Address: Level 2, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, 52 W Coast Ferry Rd, Singapore 126887
Contact no.: 6768 9443
If you’re looking to increase your brand’s awareness and want to introduce products or services both old and new to more Singaporeans, drop us an email at [email protected] We would love to work with you!
We’re also on the lookout for more ambassadors who are on a mission to discover the fun and exciting things in Singapore. If you love eating, shopping, and discovering new places in Singapore, drop us an email at [email protected]
Also read 10 Amazeball Events And Makan Places To Jazz Up The First Half Of July [1-15 July]
Oo La Lab Lets You Create Your Own Signature Scent So No One Else Will Smell Like You
Christian Dior once said “A woman’s perfume tells more about her than her handwriting.”
Indeed, a fragrance can tell you a lot about a person–and even their mood!
There is a plethora of brands out there offering fragrances but the downside is there’s always the chance you may end up wearing the same scent as someone else–especially if you wear a classic fragrance like Chanel No. 5.
This is where Oo La Lab comes in. Established in 2016, this fragrance lab allows you to customise your fragrance with the finest raw ingredients. Choose from popular formulas or work with a mixologist on-site to create your own signature scent.
You can even try customising one for your friends and loved ones! With its chic black and white packaging, we think it will make the perfect gift!
Oo La La: Creating your scent at Oo La Lab
The word “oo la” stands for emotion in Oo La Lab’s Fragrance Table.
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Oo La Lab’s Fragrance Table (Image Credit: Lux Mondi)[/caption]
Each fragrance from the lab corresponds to an element on the table. Organised by top notes (first two rows), middle notes (third row) and base notes (bottom row), clients get to visualise how different scent families and ingredients can complement each other.
Aside from using the best ingredients, Oo La Lab also prides itself in hand-pouring their fragrances and working in small batches. Staff at the Lab also prepare the fragrances on-site and in front of customers so you can watch the making of your own fragrance.
Prices for a custom-made fragrance starts from SGD$48.
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Credit: Oo La Lab[/caption]
For those of you who would prefer to pick Oo La Lab’s existing fragrances, you will be pleased to know that Oo La Lab has a wide range of Eau De Parfums, crafted perfumes as well as limited edition fragrances such as the (Top Image Credit:
