Walking into Le Labo’s boutique on Elizabeth Street is a welcome antidote to the hard-selling atmosphere of any New York City department store’s fragrance section. Le Labo is exactly that—a laboratory environment dedicated to creating fragrances of the finest craftsmanship. You can’t help but feel transported back to a more respectable time and place. The store itself is a sensory experience that pays homage to the traditions of perfume-making, as Le Labo uses essences that have been imported from Grasse (France’s historical perfume capital). Browsing here is a comforting experience, as you’re encouraged to sample scents at your leisure. The process of selecting a fragrance is supported by the knowledgeable and friendly staff, and comes complete with your own personalized label.