Five Pillars of Perfume: Complementary

Exploring contrast and harmony through scent

In this session, we explore the fifth pillar of perfume composition — Complementary Scents — and discover how contrast creates harmony. Just as color theory teaches that opposites can enhance one another, perfumery too thrives on balance between light and dark, cool and warm, sweet and dry.

Through guided smelling and discussion, you’ll learn how complementary scent pairs — such as citrus and woods, spice and floral, resin and green — create dynamic, memorable fragrances. Amy will demonstrate how these natural opposites work together to form a more complete, living scent.

Participants will practice blending complementary pairs, refining proportions, and learning to sense when a perfume comes alive through tension and resolution.

You’ll leave with your own complementary perfume blend — and a deeper understanding of how difference creates depth and beauty in fragrance.

You’ll experience

• The theory and art of complementary pairing in perfume

• Smelling sessions exploring classic and unexpected pairings

• Guided blending and personal feedback

• Creation of your own complementary perfume composition

“In perfume, as in nature, opposites attract — each note finding its brilliance in the presence of another.”

Availability:
Offered as a private or small-group workshop guided by Amy.
Ideal for returning students, creative explorers, or anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of interaction and flow in natural perfumery.

To inquire or schedule, contact info@collagewithnature.com or call 503-232-8224.