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April 2024 by Kel L.
I 100% recommend taking the fragrance workshop! It's a really interesting creative experience - both super hands on and informative. I went with two of my gfs and we had a wonderful time smelling SO many smells, learning about the history of fragrance, and making our own scents! I was pleasantly surprised at how challenging it was to nail the scent I was going for (strawberry pastry lol) and I would absolutely go back again to make something new. If you're considering it, def do it!
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July 2023 by Holly Macfee
Phenomenal team of fragrance magicians. Super easy to work with, friendly and willing to customize packaging and scents to your needs.
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March 2023 by S X
I stumbled across this gorgeous shop for the first time while walking around and I’m so glad I went inside! I ended up purchasing the scent Cocoa Butter & Cash and my partner adores how it smells on me. While this little bottle was pretty pricey, it’s the first perfume I’ve ever purchased where one spritz truly lasts ALL day and doesn’t change or fade.If you’re wanting a unique, long-lasting scent that’s neither overly feminine or masculine, I would definitely recommend stopping in here.
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June 2022 by Rena
We loved the high quality products and assistance and education from the knowledgeable staff
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June 2022 by Rena Brisentine
We loved the high quality products and assistance and education from the knowledgeable staff
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May 2022 by Nathaniel G
Chanced upon this absolute hidden gem of a store while out fragrance shopping with a friend. It looked pretty from the outside, so I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that they made perfumes (alongside soaps and candles!). The perfumer (whose name I forgot to ask for) showed great expertise and passion in their craft. They even showed us samples of the essential oil notes they used in their fragrances!They were able to answer all of our questions about their fragrances, their formulation, and their philosophy which really sold me on Myrto, the perfume I ended up buying. Fragrances don't need to please everybody; they should be special to you and be meaningful to you. It wasn't cheap ($88/1oz), but it was well worth it to support a local business and they also had accessible samples ($8/2mL).
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August 2021 by Rena Oates
We loved the high quality products and assistance and education from the knowledgeable staff
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November 2020 by L G
One-of-a-kind and so luxurious. The shampoo/conditioner packaging is simple and modern, which I love. Shop was a bit hard to find at first but totally worth it.
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October 2020 by Mario Catani
I had such an amazing experience taking their soap making class that I went twice! They are a wealth of information and I learned so much about the different kinds of aromas and how they work. On top of that they are so incredibly friendly and you can really tell that they put their heart into their craft. Highly recommend! 10/10 ❤️❤️❤️
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October 2019 by Lady Pryce
I visited the store after smelling their A-mazing candles and soap at Ava Gene's. I was so thankful to meet Grant who kindly took the time to discuss the basics of perfumery and pointed me in the direction of some great resources to check out online. I'm so glad they have Ava Gene's Nightshade available for purchase! When I'm back in town, I hope to check out their soap-making experience available on Airbnb. It's no surprise the classes fill up so quickly! My loss.
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August 2019 by Tony L.
I didn't buy anything, but I'm rating it highly for the experience. You really get the feel that these individuals, (4 in the entire company!), like the rest of Portland, are masters of their craft and truly care about creating an amazing product rather than spending exorbitant amounts of money A) convincing you that you're lacking something and B) that their product will fill that void. Screw the psychological mindgames the ad-world has taught us, and rely solely on quality product that stands for itself. Maak has done numerous collaborations, and hopes to be in Opening Ceremony stores in NYC soon - and I cross my fingers for them, because I really want them to make it over here! The scents were unique, powerful, and engaging. The person who runs the stock in the store was extremely patient, explaining the notes of each scent and how they came upon it for inspiration. I was really impressed by how knowledgable he was and clearly how thoughtful the company was in creating the experience in the scents. Moreover, I walked away with sizeable free samples of the liquid soap and the daffodil perfume, so I was even more elated. Here are a list of recommendations to bump the score up to a 5-star experience: 1) They have testers for all the products - which I dig - but they don't have a functioning sink for customers to try the more sticky/soapy products. I would have loved to admire the scents after washing, as the formulations always tend to smell different in the various modes (ie. soap, shampoo, candle, parfum). 2) Prices - nothing had a price on it! And I genuinely still don't know how much anything cost, and I was afraid to ask. This creates an unnecessarily anxious experience for customers who want to enjoy your product and see where it stands. 3) Notes - the worker was able to explain the base notes, but not all of the parts of each scent, which I think is important. I was interested in the Myrto for my partner, but as we know, scents are tricky and if you can't have them physically present to try, you need a sample to figure out the interaction with their body chemistry. Well, my partner lives in another state, so the next best thing would have been to explain it was vetiver +... but I never got an answer in person, and when I tried e-mailing, as they directed, I never got an answer (about a week and a half ago).
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July 2019 by Nathan Bobey
Maak Lab is absolutely a 5-star spot! The soaps and scents are second to none 😬 I even have it written in my will that my ashes are incorporated into a special batch of soap after I pass for my surviving family members to enjoy!
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July 2019 by Alex Nguyen
I stopped into Maak Lab on a recommendation from a friend and was completely blown away by their expertise and level of service. They explained to me the manufacturing process, which all takes place in their workshop, and taught me about the ingredients that make up their products. Their ability to identify and create scents are beyond one's imagination. I purchased their liquid soap and candle which has been fantastic. I also learned that they offer a Fragrance & Soap Design Workshop through airbnb where you can craft your very own soap! Such a cool local brand that is doing big things.
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July 2019 by Emily Dudley
What a beautiful store! I am always looking for good natural scents for candles and soaps because the artificial scents smell so plasticy and fake to me. I love their firlow shampoo and I always bring the peppermint wet towels with me when I fly for an inflight refresh.
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August 2018 by Jen S.
Bless Maak Lab. I just recently took a trip to Honolulu and stayed at an Autograph Collection Marriott hotel called the Lay Low. Cutest hotel ever but that's besides the point. They had this very distinct scent, earthy yet tropical and come to find out they collaborated with a Portland company (Maak) to make such a magical scent. Game changer. So naturally, within the first week of returning to the mainland I found Maak and I bought a Lay Low candle. The gentleman working also let me know that they do scent workshops through Airbnb for $85 per person. Sounds a little steep to me but maybe for a special occasion!
