Creating Lilac Fragrance: A Guide To Making Lilac Cologne

Lilac is a popular scent for perfumes, candles, and skincare products. The flower's scent is often described as soft, romantic, and nostalgic. While lilac essential oil does not exist, there are several ways to make lilac-scented cologne at home. One method involves steeping lilac flowers in boiling water, straining the mixture, and transferring the resulting lilac water into a spray bottle. Another approach is to infuse lilac flowers in a carrier oil such as coconut or sunflower oil, which can then be added to skincare products or used as a moisturising fragrance. It is also possible to create a lilac perfume using vodka, jojoba oil, distilled water, and lilac fragrance oil.

Foraging lilacs

The flowers bloom in dense clusters, usually in shades of purple, but sometimes white, and each flower is tube-shaped with four petals or lobes. They quickly turn into small green capsules that mature into brown seed pods containing winged seeds. The best time to harvest lilac blooms is either early in the morning or late in the day. When foraging, choose clusters in peak bloom or just before it, with some unopened flower buds. Try to avoid clusters with lots of brown flowers. Using pruners or stout scissors, clip the cluster from the shrub and place it in a container for transport.

Once you have your harvest, carefully remove the flowers from the stems and branches. Avoid getting too many stems in with the flowers, as they will add bitterness. There are many ways to use your foraged lilacs, from making lilac water, to liqueurs, cordials, and extracts.

Choosing a carrier oil

When making a cologne, the carrier oil is an important consideration. Carrier oils, also known as base oils, are used to dilute and carry essential oils, making them safe for application to the skin. They also play a role in determining how long the fragrance lasts and how intense it is.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a carrier oil for your lilac cologne. Firstly, you should think about the scent of the carrier oil and how it will complement the lilac fragrance. You may also want to consider the viscosity, or thickness, of the oil and how easily it will absorb into the skin. If you have a particular skin type, you should take this into account when choosing a carrier oil to ensure it is compatible with your skin.

• Jojoba Oil: This oil is a popular choice for perfume-making because it closely resembles the skin's natural sebum, making it highly compatible with various skin types. It is also stable, meaning it maintains its integrity over extended periods, which is ideal for creating long-lasting perfumes.
• Sweet Almond Oil: Sweet almond oil is light, easily absorbed, and rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, making it a nourishing option for the skin. It is often used in perfumes for individuals with sensitive skin due to its gentle nature.
• Fractionated Coconut Oil: Unlike regular coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil remains liquid at all temperatures and is lightweight and non-greasy. It blends easily with essential oils and leaves a non-oily finish, making it a versatile choice. It also has a sweet, energizing aroma that can enhance the fragrance of your cologne.
• Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil is known for its neutral scent and lightweight nature, allowing for quick absorption. Its neutral aroma ensures that the scent of your lilac cologne takes center stage. It also contains antioxidant properties, such as omega-6 fatty acids, that benefit the skin.
• Apricot Kernel Oil: Apricot kernel oil is renowned for its silky texture and skin-nourishing properties, making it a luxurious choice for perfume. Its moisturizing attributes help the scent linger on the skin, gradually revealing its nuances. This oil is ideal for creating long-lasting evening perfumes.
• Mango Seed Oil: Mango seed oil carries a delightful fruity aroma, adding a touch of freshness to your cologne. Its light texture ensures easy absorption, making it an excellent choice for daytime or summer-inspired perfumes. Its subtle sweetness blends well with floral and citrusy essential oils.
• Rosehip Seed Oil: Derived from wild rose seeds, rosehip oil has an elegant and delicate scent with slightly woody and floral notes. It is a favourite among perfume connoisseurs for adding a touch of sophistication to fragrances. Rosehip oil also offers skincare benefits, making it a dual-purpose choice.
• Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil is light, non-greasy, and exudes warmth and positivity. Its mild aroma provides a neutral base for essential oils, allowing the top notes to shine. This oil is perfect for crafting perfumes with floral, herbal, or citrusy scents as it accentuates their vibrancy.

These are just a few examples of carrier oils that you can consider for your lilac cologne. Each oil has unique properties and characteristics that will influence the final product, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Selecting an infusion method

Another option is to use the heat method, which involves steeping crushed lilac flowers in boiling water. Cover the container with foil or a lid and let it cool completely before straining out the flowers. Re-boil the same water and repeat the process until you're happy with the fragrance. This method is suitable if you want to make lilac water rather than an oil-based cologne.

Alternatively, you can use a combination of heat and slow infusion methods. Start by steeping the lilac flowers in hot oil, similar to the traditional slow infusion method. This process helps to release the fragrance from the petals more effectively. Then, place the jar in a cool, dark place and continue to add fresh petals over several weeks until you achieve the desired scent.

The choice of infusion method depends on your preference for a water-based or oil-based cologne, as well as the time and resources you're willing to invest in the process.

Adding other ingredients

Lilac oil is a great base for a cologne, but you can also add other ingredients to enhance the scent or give it a unique twist. Here are some ideas for ingredients you can add to your lilac cologne:

Alcohol

Alcohol is a common ingredient in perfumes and colognes as it helps to preserve the fragrance and prevent it from spoiling. Vodka is a good option as it is fairly natural and blends well with essential oils. You can also use rubbing alcohol, although vodka tends to give a better result.

Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and absolutes and help to "carry" the fragrance. Good options for carrier oils include fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sunflower oil. These oils are mild and have a neutral scent, so they won't overpower the lilac fragrance.

Other Essential Oils

You can experiment with adding other essential oils to create a unique fragrance. For example, you could try adding lavender, peppermint, or citrus essential oils. Just a few drops can make a big difference, so add them slowly and carefully.

Absolutes

Absolutes are highly concentrated aromatic compounds that are extracted using solvents. They are similar to essential oils but have a thicker consistency. Examples of absolutes that can complement lilac include rose, basil, and carnation.

Synthetic Fragrances

While lilac essential oil does exist, it is important to note that it is often synthetic and may not have the exact scent of fresh lilacs. Synthetic fragrances can be used to enhance the lilac scent or create new variations. For example, heliotropin is a synthetic substance that adds notes of vanilla, bitter almond, and cinnamon.

Natural Botanicals

If you want to create a truly natural cologne, you can infuse your carrier oil with other botanicals in addition to lilac. For example, you could add dried lavender flowers, rosemary, or citrus peels. Just be sure to strain the botanicals out before adding your cologne to a spray bottle or rollerball.

Storing the cologne

Storing your lilac cologne correctly is key to preserving its scent and preventing it from going bad. Here are some detailed tips on how to store your cologne:

Choosing the Right Storage Space

Keep your cologne in a dark, dry place, away from direct sunlight, which can damage the bottle and affect the scent. A closet or drawer is ideal, as it keeps the cologne away from light and helps maintain a consistent temperature. If you want to store it on a shelf or display it, opt for a low shelf to prevent breakage if the bottle falls.

Selecting a Storage Container

It is best to keep your cologne in its original bottle if it is airtight and has a good spray head. This will help prevent contamination with air. If the original bottle is not ideal, transfer the cologne to a different airtight container. You can also store the bottle in its original box, as this provides extra protection from light and temperature changes.

Preventing Damage

Always keep the cap on the bottle when not in use to minimise oxygen exposure. Avoid shaking the bottle before use, as this introduces unwanted oxidation. If you need to transfer the cologne to a different container, opt for a small, travel-sized bottle to reduce air exposure.

Additional Tips

• Keep fragile bottles on lower shelves or in a box on the floor to prevent breakage if they fall.
• Avoid storing your cologne in the bathroom, as the temperature and humidity changes can affect its quality.
• The refrigerator is an option for storage, as long as it is not too cold, but be aware that very cold temperatures can damage the perfume.
• If you live in a humid environment, consider storing your cologne in a room with a dehumidifier.

Frequently asked questions