How To Make Lilac Fragrance

Lilacs are a low-maintenance shrub that are grown for their longevity, ease of care, privacy screening and abundance of full springtime blossoms. Though "lilac" brings to mind a light purple color, the lilac flower comes in many shades from white to dark purple and even magenta. No matter the color of the flower, the scent remains the same: soft, romantic and nostalgic. It's no wonder lilac is one of the most popular scents in perfume, candles and skin-care products. If you have access to fresh lilac flowers, you can easily capture some of their short-lived springtime fragrance for yourself.

Step 1

Make a fragrant lilac water by steeping crushed lilac flowers in boiling water. Fill a heat-resistant container with lilac blossoms and pour boiling water over them, filling the container. Cover with foil or a tight-fitting lid. When the liquid has completely cooled, strain it and discard the spent flowers. Re-boil the same water and repeat the process until you are satisfied with the depth of the lilac fragrance.

Step 2

Use the funnel to transfer your lilac water into a spray bottle. Store your lilac water in the refrigerator and spray it on as a light perfume.

Step 3

Steep lilac flowers in a pure oil to make a moisturizing fragrance that can be added to other skin-care products. Fill a heat-resistant container with crushed lilac flowers and cover them with a quality oil (almond, jojoba or olive are good choices) that has been heated.

Step 4

Let the lilac and oil mixture set for 24 hours then remove the flowers and strain the oil.

Step 5

Rewarm the oil and repeat the process with fresh flowers until you are happy with the fragrance of the lilac-scented oil. Bottle the oil and use it to scent homemade or commercially made shampoos, lotions and hand creams or as a perfume oil rubbed directly onto your skin.