Combine the dry ingredients in a microwave safe bowl.

Add the water and vegetable oil and mix to combine.

If you want the whole batch of playdough to be the same colour / scent you can add the food colouring and essence to the water at this point.

Cook on high in the microwave for 1 minute at a time, taking it out to stir each time.

As the mixture starts to heat up it will form into a dough.

Stop microwaving when it is almost come together as a dough

Wait until it is cool enough to handle and take it out of the bowl and knead it until it is smooth and pliable.

If you want to make several colours of playdough you can divide this dough into four, roll it into a ball, make a well in the middle and add a few drops of colouring. Fold it over and knead until the colouring has spread evenly through the playdough. You can also add a scent at this point.