Event Report: Sniffapalooza Demeter Fragrances Blending Master Class with Mark Crames + 20th Anniversary Draw

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Demeter Master Class February 27, 2016

Saturday February 27, Team Karen of Sniffapalooza invited us to to Wall Street for an exclusive Demeter Blending Master Class with Demeter CEO & Perfumer Mark Crames at the Trump Building. Due to demand, there were two sessions to choose from, morning and afternoon. Both were over subscribed.The Master class was held in the private Duane Reade Education & Training Center. The room was set up in a classroom format with two blending tables off to the side. Karen Dubin, Founder/ CEO welcomed us and spoke of her love of the line (she has lost track how many she owns). We were all happy to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Demeter  Fragrance Library and fab food and drinks were provided.  

Karen Dubin

Karen Dubin collects Demeter Fragrances

Karen introduced CEO Mark Crames (Mark spoke at last years Sniffapalooza's  Spring Fling and as a side note Michelyn was the first to interview him for another site some years ago.)Mark gave us some background on the company's history, before guiding us through the customer blending process. The house was founded by Christopher Brosius (now of CB I Hate Perfume) and Christopher Gable. Mark purchased the company in 2002, and Demeter scents were then sold in Urban Outfitter; they are now carried by Sephora and Duane Reade.

DemeterDirt

With over 300 scents, Demeter releases a new fragrance every month. They were first to create fragrances based on cocktails (spritz on Sex on the Beach anyone?). Their scents are inspired by almost everything –from nature (Dirt is one of the most popular and a celebrity favorite) to the Zodiac. The mission is create affordable(most are under $20), fun and great smelling fragrances for every day. We challenge you just to own just one!  During the Q and A,  Mark was asked if all fragrances (including those created pre 2002) are available for purchase. Mark informed us that some have been discontinued. He mentioned that some are sold only in certain countries as exclusives based on culture. The company was just launching in France and Italy. Why so long? These territories known for fine fragrance took longer to break into.

Because our sense of smell triggers our strongest emotional response, wearing a Demeter fragrance is a personal expression of that emotional response, which makes Demeter  one of the few fragrance companies that is all about the user, and not about the designer. Demeter have also created scents based on customers suggestions, such as Sunshine.  I would think that would not happen with a LVMH or Lauder brand where focus groups and marketing  take precedent. Interesting Demeter facts: Baby Powder is not sold in China or Germany. Their baby powder is nothing like Johnson & Johnson's (our reference point). New Baby took 15 years to perfect (Babies Head was the original name).  Some Demeter fragrances are also All Natural such as Patchouli  and is a steal at $29/1.7 oz. Score for their customers.

Mark  Crames presentation demeter fragrance library

Mark Crames  explaining The Demeter Blending Pyramid

Before we created our own custom scent, Mark took us through the Demeter Blending Pyramid. He stated that Rule # 1, there are no rules. Blend one to five (at most) fragrances. Any more, you are either over your head or ready for ISPICA. Three is optimum. Marc encouraged us to name our scent. Karen Dubin shared  some of her favorite blends… Vetiver and Bulgarian Rose, Fig and Paperback and Ginger Ale and Earl Grey. My blend was vetiver, gin and tonic and leather which Karen Dubin named, "Hollywood."

Mark Crames Demeter Look Boutique

The Demeter Look Boutique

After creating our custom scent, we were escorted down to the ground floor to the at the LOOK Boutique in Duane Reade where we could purchase the fragrances (with a nice discount) and receive our Gift Bag (no purchase required) which includes three yet to be launched fragrances and a Blending Tool Kit.

Hernando Courtright, New York City Event Contributor and Brand Ambassador (with MC). All Photos by Hernando with the exception of Dirt.

demeter TRIO 2016 Scentperfumes

Thanks to Mark Crames we have a draw for a registered CafleureBon reader in the US or Canada for an avant premier of the TRIO 2016 Scent Preview (three .5 fl oz.| 15ml Pick­Me Up Colognes Sprays and Foolproof Blending Kit. To be eligible, please leave a comment with your favorite Demeter fragrance or one that appeals to you.Draw closes March 9, 2016

 We announce the winners only on site and our Facebook page, so like CaFleureBon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will just be spilled perfume

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20 comments

  • The only Demeter fragrance I’ve smelled is Baby Powder and it was awesome! I’m a huge fan of baby powder so it smelled completely authentic. The one I wanna smell next are Lavender and also Rain.

    Thanks for the draw and I’m in Canada.

  • pursejunkie says:

    I love Demeter! I’ve bought so many of their works over the years, but my favorite is Vinyl! No, seriously! It’s totally addictive.

    I’m in the U.S.

  • I very much like the Demeter Salt Air. But I have tried and enjoyed many others. US

  • fazalcheema says:

    My favorite is Zombie for Him. Granted it is not entirely the type you would wear or it is very pleasant but it was an impressive translation of how zombies may smell. I am in the US.

  • I had just been on their website recently and I am really tempted by the Nutmeg Ice Cream. Also, I love the smell of tomato leaf and I have heard how realistic it smells. I have Winter Day and it is a great, long lasting spicy vanilla. I am in the U.S.

  • I love Sunshine, Rain, Clean Skin, and many others! They typically have great longevity on me and I’m in the US!

  • Diana Devlin says:

    My favorite Demeter scent is Jasmine. It’s simple, pure and gentle.

    I live in the U.S.

  • Great recap! I have so many favorites, but here are a few: Whiskey Tobacco, Olive Flower, Paperback, Vetiver, Cannabis Flower, Fireplace, Gingerale, Leather. Such fun to layer, I’m totally addicted!

  • My favorite Demeter fragrance is black pepper. I would love to try more fragrances from this house Happy 20th anniversary Demeter. I live in the USA

  • What a fun idea to blend your own. I have enjoyed Demeter Jasmine and Salt Air. I just checked their site again and found a bunch of others that I would want to try. USA

  • What an exciting thing to blend your own perfumes. I have always loved Demeter’s quirkiness as a brand. My favorite of the ones I’ve tried is their Honeysuckle. Such a beautiful scent although sillage and longevity is definitely an issue with that one.

    Thanks for the draw. I’m in Canada.

  • I haven’t tried one in a while, but I used to have one I liked called, I think, Gin and Tonic. They are cheap and cheerful, which I like. USA

  • sounds like a great outing. what can be better – fragrance and good food. I don’t own any Demeter but I have smelled many. It’s actually fun looking through all the different varieties and names (most fun). I think it would be really great to create your own fragrance. I didn’t know they release one each month – that is some undertaking and manage to keep it fresh. this is a nice offer. thank you. I am in the US and registered.

  • My favorite Demeter fragrance is Sunshine. It smells like my favorite, most comfortable cotton t-shirt left outside and warmed by the sun. Now I’d like to try Moonbeam. This “foodie floral” appeals to me.

  • Another house im unfamiliar with but hopefully that will be changing soon. Id like to try Dirt or Sex on the Beach. Im in the USA

  • I have not experienced Demeter yet, but it seems like a fun house to try out. They bring out very unique scents to say the least haha. Thanks for the draw. I’m a Canadian reader!

  • girasole638 says:

    What a fun experience! I love testing out different Demeters, but my favorite combo is Black Ginger and Chai Tea – I own two huge bottles of these! Someone above mentioned Nutmeg Ice Cream – I’d love to try that one! I’m in the USA. Thanks!

  • What a great event! I have enjoyed Demeter fragrances since the early days. My favorite is Cherry Blossom, so true to the blossom. I get compliments constantly!

    I live in the USA. Thank you!

  • My favorite is ginger ale my mom always gave me a glass if I felt sick or on occasion as a treat some days if I need a pick me up this is a go-to! I live in the USA love the affordability and am so impressed with its growth.Thank you for your working in making people happy!