Mica Ricketts
As a beauty director, I'm lucky to receive a lot of perfume, which means that my fragrance collection is extensive and full of the best perfumes. As long as any given scent doesn’t make me turn my nose up at first sniff, I’ll usually add it to my shelf. The reason for this is that my job is to try as many products as possible and get a feel for them, even if they’re not to my usual tastes. But when it comes to new perfumes, this can be tricky business.
In order to give each fragrance in my lineup a proper go, I try to mix things up every single day. While one day I might try a head-turning oud, the next I might opt for a light musk or spring-like floral. Not just because variety is, of course, the spice of life, but also because I have found that it is the best way to take others by surprise and gauge reactions. And so, after many years of subjecting those around me to hundreds of smells, I feel as though I am now at a stage where I can spot patterns. One thing I know for sure is that citrus perfumes are without a doubt my most complimented scents. These are, undoubtedly, the best out there...
The Best Citrus Perfumes
- Best everyday citrus perfume: Acqua di Parma Colonia il Profumo (£217)
- Best zesty citrus perfume: DIOR Escale à Portofino Eau de Toilette (£92)
- Best elegant citrus perfume: Penhaligon’s Quercus Eau De Cologne (£140)
- Best uplifting citrus perfume: D.S. & Durga Italian Citrus (£155)
- Best sweet citrus perfume: Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Pera Granita (£91)
1. Acqua di Parma Colonia il Profumo
Key notes: Lemon, sweet orange, lavender, rose, verbena, rosemary, sandalwood, patchouli
With a range consisting of predominantly citrus fragrances, Acqua di Parma are leaders when it comes to elegant citrus scents. Colonia is a great example of this. Citrusy yet aromatic, it takes common citrus notes like lemon, sweet orange and bergamot and elevates them. Perfect for hardened citrus fans and those who are new to the notes, this is one of those perfumes that are virtually impossible to dislike.
2. DIOR Escale à Portofino Eau de Toilette
Key notes: Bergamot, lemon, orange blossom, almond, cypress
This eau de toilette is quite possibly one of the most mouthwatering, zingy perfumes I have ever come across. It combines lemon and bergamot with almond notes, so you'd be forgiven for thinking it might be sickly sweet. In contrast, however, it's an incredibly green and luscious citrus scent with additional notes of cypress and juniper berries. A refreshing wake-up call with every spritz.
3. Jo Loves Jo by Jo Loves
Key notes: Grapefruit, bitter orange, lime, cedarwood
Jo Malone CBE actually made this delicious grapefruit perfume for herself (hence the name). It combines grapefruit and bitter orange with lime and spearmint to create the ultimate fresh fruity cocktail. But again, it doesn't have a sticky smell. Instead, woody notes and pepper mean it melts into the skin to leave behind a warm scent that oozes midsummer sunshine.
4. Penhaligon's Quercus
Key notes: Lemon, lime, mandarin, bergamot, jasmine, lily of the valley, cardamom, oakmoss, sandalwood, galbanum, musk, amber
Out of all of the perfumes in my rather extensive collection, this one is by far the most asked-after. One spray has people flocking over to ask what I'm wearing—and so it should for that eye-watering price tag. It combines zesty citruses with billowing florals and a hint of spicy warmth that together smell like a sophisticated garden party. Enticing, comforting and slightly mysterious, this bottle has it all.
5. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte
Key notes: Italian bergamot oil, Italian mandarin oil, solar floral accord, sensual musky accord.
Francis Kurkdjian himself described this perfume as the feeling of lying down your head on a sun-drenched pillow, and quite honestly, I couldn't possibly say anything more fitting. With musk, sandalwood, mandarin and bergamot, it captures that sort of humid Mediterranean stuffiness while still smelling fresh and free. Not a day goes by that I don't at least give this stuff a sniff.
6. Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Pera Granita
Key notes: Pear, grapefruit, lemon, apricot, osmanthus, musk
This is the first perfume on this list that I would probably describe as sweet. But not in a sickly, vanilla sort of way, rather like a sugared grapefruit sparkling in the sunshine. It's the sort of perfume I reach for when I'm a little bit bronzed and want to embrace my inner J.Lo, put on some gold hoops and wear a low-cut top. I don't think I have ever worn this without someone giving it a compliment.
7. Zara Gracefully Madrid
Key notes: Bigarade, bergamot, lemon, basil, mint, musk
Both invigorating and clean-smelling, this is one of my favourite citrus scents, which was created in collaboration with Jo Malone CBE for Zara. Orange and geranium burst onto the skin before the musk leaves a subtle, skin-like quality that's smooth and refreshing. It's one of my favourite Zara perfumes.
8. D.S. & Durga Italian Citrus
Key notes: Pressed lemon, Chinotto, blood orange, incense, green mandarin, violet, copaiba balsam, musk ambrette, oak moss
Whatever citrus perfume you come across, just know that this stuff is the citrus perfume. It wasn't the first, and it might not be the most well-known, but it is, in all interpretations of the word, a citrus perfume through and through. It's lemony but warm, fizzy but warm, floral but sweet. If you ask me, no one has and likely ever will create a citrus perfume that comes close to matching the pure brilliance of Italian Citrus.
9. Sana Jardin Berber Blonde
Key notes: Moroccan orange blossom, musk, neroli
Unlike most citrus perfumes around, this stuff isn't particularly fresh. If you prefer strong, warm smells, this one is definitely for you. With orange blossom, neroli oil and musk, it has the same lightweight freshness as your typical citrus but also has the lingering power of musk. It's a citrus that can be worn just as easily in the winter as it can in the summer.
10. Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Lemon, jasmine, aldehydes, teak, amber
For a citrus scent that's gentle in its approach, I highly recommend Chanel's Chance Eau Fraîche. With delicate notes of lemon alongside fragrant jasmine and warming amber, it's a cosy citrus scent that creeps up on you rather than bowls you over. Perfect for wearing to the office or for days when you want something that won't overpower those around you.
11. Diptyque L’eau des Hespérides Eau de Toilette
Key notes: Bitter orange, grass, lemon, mint, rosemary, peppermint, cedar
A citrus scent for people who don't like citrus, Diptyque's L’eau des Hesperides is a work of art. Rather than the sweet sharpness commonly found in citrus fragrances, this clever scent gets its kick from notes of bitter orange and lemon, offering a darker, more intense take. Blended with gentle herbs, spices and woody notes, these notes become fresh and clean without smelling astringent — like you've showered outside and natures wrapped it's arms around you.
What Makes the Best Citrus Perfume?
For me, citrus perfumes are something of a crowd-pleaser. They’re fresh, inoffensive, and have an ability to tickle the nose with a type of zestiness that whisks you off to faraway lands. And I’m not alone in my fondness for them—perfumers agree. “A good citrus perfume is all about balance, as while citrus notes help to lift the composition of a fragrance and impart freshness, brightness and clarity, their staying power can be fleeting,” explains Cherry Cheng, founder of fragrance brand Joussiance. “However, paired with natural notes like neroli, orange blossom, petitgrain…soft woods or light musks, you can round out a citrus scent and help the citrus to shine for longer.”
What Should I Look for in a Citrus Perfume?
Personally, over time, I’ve found that not only have citrus perfumes become some of my favourite summer scents ever, but they’re guaranteed to earn me the most compliments when I wear them. But I was interested to know what an expert thinks we should look out for when choosing a citrus scent, beyond the classic orange and lemon notes. “Unquestionably, bergamot oil,” says Cheng. “It’s a beautiful and versatile note—a citrus that imparts florality….and brightens everything.” Cheng also rates mandarin oil, with three different types available (green, yellow and red) depending on your tastes. “My favourite is green mandarin, which is the most bitter and green of the three with a scent profile that’s close to neroli—floral and pollen-like,” Cheng explains.
How We Tested
As I mentioned, I like to change my perfume every day, and so, as a result, I've tried and tested many fragrances over the years, including a lot of citrus scents. These 11 not only got my seal of approval but also elicited compliments from other people. For that reason, you can truly trust that these citrus perfumes are the best (and zestiest) of the best.
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