As soon as the temperatures start to sizzle, my fragrance collection transforms, welcoming citrus perfumes with open arms. With years of exploring and writing about fragrances, I’ve come to a steadfast conclusion: citrus notes reign supreme as the most versatile and impressive aromas out there.
Do you steer clear of citrus scents? Allow me to enlighten you on why your stance might need a refresh. Not all citrus fragrances are reminiscent of warm, sticky summer days. In reality, perfumers often utilise citrus notes to infuse a sense of joy and upliftment into their creations. Whether paired with a deep, woody base, a floral heart, or an effervescent top, a touch of citrus is essential for any spring/summer scent.
Why, you ask? Well, not only do citrus scents evoke feelings of freshness and happiness, but the finest citrus perfumes also boast complexity, allure, and magnetism. I can confidently say that wearing any of the following citrus fragrances will have heads turning and inquiries flowing from the get-go.
These nine fragrances have captivated me (and those around me) in their distinct ways—whether I caught a whiff of it on someone else and became obsessed or found myself gifting bottles to everyone I know because the compliments just wouldn’t stop. Trust me when I say these citrus perfumes epitomise the pinnacle of perfumery.
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Best Overall Citrus Perfume: Diptyque Eau Des Sens
Specifications
- Blend: Eau de Toilette
- Key notes: Orange blossom, angelica root, patchouli, juniper berry
I’m usually quite confident in my perfume recommendations. It’s my duty to ensure people make informed choices and opt for only the best of the best. However, credit where it’s due, this recommendation comes from none other than Sunil Makan, Marie Claire UK Editor. It’s his signature scent, and it stands as one of the finest citrus perfumes ever crafted. Wherever he goes, compliments follow—I’ve witnessed it firsthand.
Initially refreshing and crisp, there’s a comforting, woody warmth that exudes familiarity and draws people in, akin to an orange tree basking in the summer sun.
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Best Citrus Perfume with an Air of Luxury: Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche
Specifications
- Blend: Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Citron, jasmine, teak wood, amber
In exuding opulence and luxury, few can rival Chanel perfumes, and this one is particularly exceptional. It’s fresh, juicy, and invigorating, yet there’s an underlying sparkle that exudes richness—something that resonates with luxury. The entire fragrance seems infused with the essence of wealth. Trust me, this is one you need to experience.
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Best Sparkling Citrus Perfume: Olfactive O Citrus
Specifications
- Blend: Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Bergamot, lemon, champagne, grapefruit, mandarin, marigold, amber, musk, philadelphus
This fragrance is sheer joy bottled up. Seriously, it’s impossible not to crack a smile when you catch a whiff of it. It embodies citrus in its purest form—like tearing into a fresh lemon. What sets it apart is its remarkable freshness, devoid of any heaviness or warmth. It possesses a captivating vibrancy that’s a rare find in citrus perfumery, and it sparkles and glistens, tantalizing the senses.
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Best Luscious Citrus Fragrance: L’Objet Kérylos
Specifications
- Blend: Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Yuzu, grapefruit, galbanum, lentisque, santal, white musk
The task set for perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena was to concoct a fragrance reminiscent of an overripe citrus fruit crashing onto a sun-drenched Mediterranean rock on the beach. He succeeded. It captures the juicy succulence I adore without feeling overly sweet or cloying—instead; it boasts a refreshing sea-like quality that clears the senses and uplifts the spirits.
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Best Zesty Citrus Perfume: Phlur Tangerine Boy
Phlur Tangerine Boy via phlur.com
Specifications
- Blend: Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Tangerine, lemon, apple, amber
Craving a tangy, citrusy scent that transports you to beachside bliss and ice cream indulgence? Look no further than Phlur’s Tangerine Boy. Juicy, vibrant, and bursting with vitality, this perfume is almost edible. It’s the kind of scent that makes me want to envelop myself in it when the sun kisses my skin and I mentally prepare for a day of beachside cocktails.
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Best Verdant Citrus Perfume: Maison Margiela Replica From The Garden
Specifications
- Blend: Eau de Toilette
- Key notes: Patchouli, geranium, green mandarin, tomato
This fragrance is a sensory delight unlike any other. It deviates from the typical citrus scent, offering a unique olfactory experience. Picture a greenhouse brimming with the ripest, juiciest tomatoes. Yet, amidst this greenery, there’s a crispness that only citrus can provide. Like a refreshing shower after a scorching day, it’s invigorating.
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Best Citrus Perfume with Depth: Acqua di Parma Colonia Essenza
Specifications
- Blend: Cologne
- Key notes: Grapefruit, mandarin, petitgrain, patchouli, white musk, amber
This fragrance serves as my go-to example whenever I encounter individuals claiming to dislike ‘citrus’ scents. It embodies citrus in its purest form, with notes of grapefruit and mandarin taking center stage. However, it’s not immediately recognizable as such. To me, it exudes a clarity akin to freshly lathered soap, yet it possesses a woody complexity that lingers on the skin for hours. It’s worth noting that it ranks among my top three perfumes of all time.
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Best Floral Citrus Perfume: Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger
Specifications
- Blend: Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Orange blossom, jasmine, white rose
Far from being juicy or overly warm, this fragrance from Serge Lutens is a constant source of compliments. It’s so captivating that I’ve gifted it to numerous friends who couldn’t stop praising it. Picture an unripened orange, enveloped in a veil of soft, velvety petals—light, delicate, and utterly captivating.
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Best Citrus Perfume with Warmth: & Other Stories Solar Essay
Specifications
- Blend: Eau de Toilette
- Key notes: Lemon, coconut, cyclamen, mimosa, tiare, tonka beans, cedarwood
The best way to describe this wonderfully affordable perfume? It’s like sunshine in a bottle. While lemon dominates, the addition of white florals, warming woods, and tonka beans infuse it with a radiant glow—like basking under the midday sun without a care in the world.
This article was syndicated from Marie Claire UK
Translated and adapted by Praise Vandeh, Marie Claire Nigeria Content Writer
