The best citrus perfumes to welcome spring with a zing
If you thought the only bit of zest in your morning routine came in the form of orange juice (or, maybe a detoxing lemon tea) then you'd be wrong. You see, citrus perfume is the way to dose up. After all, citrus is often hailed as a natural mood-booster in aromatherapy and known for its calming effects, not to mention being energy boosting, uplifting and stimulating at the same time too. Citrus scents are perfect when you're feeling stressed or down in the dumps, they even help with winter blues.
It's a bit like when someone peels a juicy clementine on a busy commuter train home at night, when everything else just smells a little…stale. Your nose buds wake up, it's fresh, zingy and alive. Exactly, the kind of scent we want to bottle up and wear when we need a little pick-me-up.
Fresh, fruity citrus perfumes have, understandably, stood the test of time when it comes to cult fragrances. After all, they are rarely too overpowering, and instead their light qualities make them perfect all-year-round scents, bringing a clean feeling to all other scent profiles - from delicate florals to peppery spices, and even earthy musks, a subtle hint of citrus makes these notes really stand out.
There's rumours even Kate Middleton has turned to a citrus perfume as her signature scent after a recent royal outing in County Durham, where members of the crowd told press that she gave off a lovely ‘lemon-like aroma’. If it's good enough for royalty…
Thankfully, there are plenty of classic citrus perfumes on the market that will help you hit the right refreshing zesty notes (without smelling like your kitchen products). From zingy scents inspired by the London rainfall to fragrances that will whisk you to straight over to Sicily, White Lotus-style. Get ready to get your best zest on, whatever the season.
Ahead, 12 of the best citrus perfumes to add to your checkout.
The tropical citrus
Marc Jacobs Daisy Ever So Fresh Eau de Parfum, £56 for 30ml, Boots
With top notes of mandarin essence, mango and pineapple, this is as refreshing as a tropical smoothie. It's light, whimsical and fills us with dappled sunshine.
The woody citrus
Orange Absolute Eau de Toilette, £100 for 100ml, Beauty Pie
Created by French nose Serge De Oliveira of Robertet, this is a modern French twist on a citrus perfume, with lemon and orange oils alongside nuzzly musk, wood and tonka bean.
The White Lotus citrus
Aerin Limone Di Sicilia eau de parfum, £152 for 50ml, Estee Lauder
Whisking us to the Sicilian coast, this is pure, expensive sunshine in a bottle with citrus notes whirled with Egyptian jasmine and rose.
The dark citrus
Vilhelm Parfumerie Black Citrus eau de parfum, £185 for 100ml, Liberty
If the light, fruity perfumes aren't for you, this one, inspired by the calm after a London rainfall, might be. Bergamot, cardamom and violet notes are mixed with dusting of zesty patchouli.
The classic citrus
Lime Basil and Mandarin Cologne, £55 for 30ml, Jo Malone London
There's a reason this fragrance, with notes of mandarin, basil and amberwood, is a cult classic. It's chic, easy to wear and never boring.
The sophisticated citrus
Matiere Premiere Neroli Oranger, £205 for 100ml, Selfridges
Uplifting and refreshing, every ingredient in this fragrance has been carefully sourced - orange blossom from Tunisia, bergamot from Italy, neroli from Lebanon, and ylang ylang from Comoros.
The bitter citrus
Bois d'Hadrien eau de parfum, £100 for 50ml, John Lewis
There's bittery notes running through this perfume making it a real grown-up citrus, lemon breezes through aromatic cypress, intensified by dark base notes of rich, earthy woods.
The energising citrus
Pomelo A Fragrance, £78 for 50ml, Jo Loves
Sandy beaches, fresh linen sheets and sparkling iced water comes to mind with this gorgeous and easy-wearing grapefruit-infused perfume that will lift your mind in one spritz.
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The Italian Riviera citrus
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum, £195 for 50ml, Look Fantastic
Tom Ford's homage to the Italian Riviera has become a citrus perfume-lover's favourite. Fresh, clean and iconic, you can't beat it.
The gingery citrus
Phlur Tangerine Boy Eau de Parfum, £96 for 50ml, Selfridges
A fresh, juicy citrus with a hint of spiky ginger, this unisex scent was co-created by one of the top perfumers, Jérome Epinette.
The floral citrus
Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Eau De Toilette Spray, £107 for 100ml, Boots
There's a pretty floral citrus sparkle to this spinoff of the classic Chance thanks to the zesty freshness of citron, jasmine and teakwood.
The Mediterrean citrus
Maison Margiela Replica Under the Lemon Trees Eau de Toilette, £51 for 30ml, Look Fantastic
A fresh crowd-pleaser perfect for everyday wear, fresh lemon is balanced by coriander and musk that will transport you to sultry sunny days under the Palermo skies.
