I Went to Macy’s Holiday Square Editor’s Outpost

I've always loved the holidays because of the way they smell like cinnamon and pine.

That's why I was so excited to check Macy's Holiday Square on 34th Street Herald Square, in the heart of Manhattan. Tucked away on the department store's lower level, Macy's Holiday Square features a curated selection of local vendors, personalized gifts and pop-up shops, including The Editor's Outpost, a collaboration with Eater, The Cut and Yours Truly, Popsugar, throughout December.

I was there on December 18th to visit the “Perfume Lab”, a fragrance pop-up that was like a hidden beauty experience waiting to be discovered. With the help of the Fragrance Lab staff, customers were invited to select premium base and top notes to create a custom perfume, cologne or room spray for themselves or as a thoughtful, personalized gift.

With the help of local consultants, each customer received a scent card to track their selections. It included a choice of five base notes (the base notes were pre-populated and displayed) as well as a choice of three top notes out of 15. Customers could then hand their cards to a staff member who would actually create their unique scents.

I chose the base of Sophisticated Sensual and selected the top three notes – dubbed “peaceful”, “confident” and “seductive” – ​​and watched my scent come to life in real time. As someone who loves perfume and has always wanted to take a perfume making class, this seemed like the perfect introduction. It was accessible, creative and surprisingly intimate – and best of all, completely free. I had to leave with a very cute branded perfume bottle that represented me perfectly. It was a little gift for me and it smelled as sweet as the holidays.

Shari Straker (she/her) is a social content producer at PS with over five years of experience. A graduate of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, she manages PS's TikTok and IG Reels accounts and is obsessed with all things social media, beauty and fashion. On her days off, she plans her next trip, learns how to apply eyeliner, or tries a new restaurant.