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Nothing is as refreshing as splashing on one of the best citrus perfumes on a hot, sticky summer day. The crisp, zingy burst of citrus feels like an instant reset for your senses: energizing, invigorating, and enlivening. On the flip side, wearing a citrus scent in the depths of winter is a reminder of sunnier days to come and can be just the optimistic boost you need when you’re deep in the doldrums.
TL;DR: If you’re looking for a transportive, refreshing orange scent, we love Tom Ford's Taormina Orange Eau de Parfum. For something unique, with notes of mandarin, rose, and leather, try Tory Burch’s Sublime Eau de Parfum. And if you’re craving a spicy, cozy citrus fragrance, you’ll be obsessed with By Rosie Jane’s cardamom-infused Remi Eau de Parfum.
Our Top Citrus Perfumes
- Best Orange: Tom Ford Taormina Orange Eau de Parfum, $195
- Best Grapefruit: Henry Rose Windows Down Eau de Parfum, $120
- Best Lemon: Granado Bossa Eau de Toilette, $95
- Best Gourmand Citrus: La Collection Privée Christian Dior Paradise Eau de Parfum, $350
- Best Earthy Citrus: Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Parfum, $155
- Best Spicy Citrus: By Rosie Jane Remi Eau de Parfum, $86
The best citrus perfumes often feature notes like mandarin, orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and bergamot as their “hero” notes, so to speak, but it’s very common to find citrus notes in all kinds of perfumes, from florals to gourmands. Bergamot, in particular, is a popular way for perfumers to add lift and brightness to the opening notes of a fragrance, and neroli, which is derived from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, is a gentler, sweeter floral note.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What is the difference between citrus and fruity fragrances?
- Why do citrus scents typically fade faster than other fragrances?
- How would you recommend making a citrus scent last longer?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
We believe that everyone should have at least one citrus scent in their perfume wardrobe; they're so varied (and so much fun!) that their sparkling, spirited personality becomes almost addictive to wear. And what better time to round them all up than at the peak of summertime? Ahead, find an orange, lemon, grapefruit, or bergamot perfume that sparks joy for you.
Best Orange: Tom Ford Taormina Orange Eau de Parfum
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Tom Ford
Taormina Orange Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Sephora
Bluemercury
Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the Tom Ford Taormina Orange Eau de Parfum
Sophia Panych
Why we love it: Orange scents are just as refreshing and sweet as a glass of freshly squeezed juice, and Tom Ford’s version of orange is unsurprisingly chic and sophisticated. Taormina Orange, which was inspired by the sweeping views of a Sicilian summer near the blood orange groves, opens with tart blood orange and mandarin notes, with spicy cardamom and earthy patchouli and oakmoss at the base to ground you in the (theoretical) scenic setting.
Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych
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“Tom Ford Taormina Orange is an unapologetically citrus fragrance—it leans into the brightest, most tart citrus ingredients like blood orange, lime, green mandarin, and bitter orange—and doesn’t try to soften the sharpness of those notes. What the woody-mossy base does so well is add depth, making it more interesting and complex (and longer-lasting) than many options in this category. Throughout this summer’s heatwaves, it’s the fragrance I've been gravitating towards the most because a few spritzes leave me feeling fresh, pretty, and mentally on a beach in Sicily versus my sweaty underground commute.” —Sophia Panych, content director
More to know
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- Key notes: blood orange, cardamom oil, orange flower absolute, orange bigarade oil, patchouli oil, oakmoss absolute
- Sizes: 0.3 oz, 1 oz, 1.7 oz
Best Lemon: Granado Bossa Eau de Toilette
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Granado
Bossa Eau de Toilette
Nordstrom
Allure contributor Kara Nesvig applying the Granado Bossa Eau de Toilette
Kara Nesvig
Why we love it: Lemon is a unique citrus note because it plays equally well with sweet scents as it does with earthy, spicy, or floral fragrances; if you’re a lemon dessert fan, you know exactly what I mean. But Granado’s Bossa is definitely more on the light and fresh side of lemon—and that’s exactly what makes it so special. The eau de toilette is crisp and easy to spritz throughout the day thanks to a blend of citrus, solar, and oceanic notes that make you feel like you’re soaking up the sun in Brazil, cocktail in hand.
Tester feedback from contributor Kara Nesvig
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“My husband and I are big fans of Granado’s retro-chic packaging and evocative fragrances, and Bossa is definitely one of my go-tos during the dog days of summer. The lemon top notes mingle playfully with mandarin and petitgrain, and marine and tiare notes add a beachy warmth to the base. Since it’s an EDT, you can’t really go overboard with it, which is part of its sunny, breezy charm. I’m already looking forward to wearing this one in the middle of a Minnesota winter.” —Kara Nesvig, contributor
More to know
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- Key notes: lemon, mandarin orange, petitgrain, marine, tiare, musk
- Sizes: 3.4 oz
Best Gourmand Citrus: La Collection Privée Christian Dior Paradise Eau de Parfum
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Dior
La Collection Privée Christian Dior Paradise Eau de Parfum
Dior
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the La Collection Privée Christian Dior Paradise Eau de Parfum
Shanna Shipin
Why we love it: Just like how citrus notes elevate a cake or pastry, they do the same for a gourmand fragrance. Exhibit A: Dior’s Paradise, a woody gourmand that pairs juicy, cheery mandarin with almond and tonka notes. The scent was inspired by Monsieur Dior’s gardens in the south of France and, despite its gourmand profile, captures a unique, outdoorsy freshness. This sweet balance is exactly why we think even people who might not typically be into citruses will dig this one.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“Citrus runs in my blood—at least I like to think so (my mom ate lemons and oranges daily when she was pregnant with me, and I came out with an insatiable appetite for all things citrus)—so this feels a bit like a twin flame fragrance for me. It comes on strong with all sorts of citrus notes (mandarin, lime, bergamot), then you get the warmth from almond and maybe some vanilla. This fragrance also has some notable woody threads, which give it an air of mystery rather than a typical gourmand scent, and make it a good unisex option. The combination is equal parts sweet and smooth, like a luxurious and layered summertime cocktail that you'd feel very cool ordering at the bar. I'm so in love with this fragrance that it's one I want to hoard even from myself! Good thing: It lasts so incredibly long on my skin—I'm talking dawn to dusk—which helps justify the price tag.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key notes: mandarin, orange, lime, bitter almond, tonka bean, woody notes
- Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz. 6.8 oz
Best Earthy Citrus: Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Parfum
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Tory Burch
Sublime Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure social director Kassidy Silva with the Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Parfum
Kassidy Silva
Why we love it: Tory Burch’s fragrances are the ultimate complement to her unique, preppy-with-a-twist designs, and Sublime is the perfect example. This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner is an earthy, leathery scent that opens with a cheerful pop of mandarin, which brightens up the richer notes of rose, osmanthus, and vetiver. Burch wanted it to smell like the inside of a handbag, and it does—albeit a very fancy one. If you like the idea of a citrus fragrance but want something with more complexity and depth, give Sublime a sniff. (The bottle is gorgeous, too, and looks like a work of art on your vanity.)
Tester feedback from social media director Kassidy Silva
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“If you could bottle up the essence of summer, it would exist as 90 milliliters of Tory Burch's Sublime Eau de Parfum. The bright mandarin note hits you first, followed by a tinge of rose and peach, and ends with a surprising hint of leather. This perfume is consistently my go-to recommendation for anyone looking for a more elevated citrus scent or is looking to test the waters in the category.” —Kassidy Silva, social media director
More to know
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- Key notes: mandarin, rose, osmanthus, vetiver
- Sizes: 0.3 oz, 1 oz, 3 oz
Best Floral Citrus: Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Cologne
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Jo Malone London
Orange Blossom Cologne
Nordstrom
Sephora
Bluemercury
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Cologne
Christa Joanna Lee
Why we love it: Orange blossom and neroli scents toe the line between citrus and floral fragrances, and that’s part of their magic. Orange blossoms come from the orange tree (surprise surprise!) and have a delicately sweet scent with just a hint of citrus freshness. Jo Malone’s perfectly lovely interpretation is a bestseller for a reason; because Orange Flower is a cologne versus an eau de toilette or parfum, it has a lighter concentration of perfume oil—ideal for those days when you’re in the mood for something airy and simple but still elevated.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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"As someone who's pretty sensitive to fragrance—and prone to headaches from anything too strong—I've been on a mission to find fresh perfumes that don't overwhelm me. It turns out Jo Malone London has quite a few favorites that fit the bill, with the latest being the Orange Blossom Cologne. The orange note is definitely noticeable, but because it comes from clementine blossom and orange blossom rather than straight citrus peel, it smells softer, airier, and more floral than zesty. I usually do three spritzes—two on my neck and one on my wrists—which gives me plenty to have it last throughout the day!" —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key notes: orange flower, clementine, lilac, orriswood
- Sizes: 1 oz, 3.4 oz
Best Spicy Citrus: By Rosie Jane Remi Eau de Parfum
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By Rosie Jane
Remi Eau de Parfum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Allure temporary features director Kara McGrath applying the By Rosie Jane Remi Eau de Parfum
Kara McGrath
Why it's worth it: At first you’d think Remi is an all-citrus, all the time fragrance, but then it surprises you with a generous sprinkle of cardamom. This spicy, cozy take on citrus opens with mandarin and bergamot, then quickly warms up with the addition of cardamom, petitgrain, and a luscious base of amber and cedar. While many citrus fragrances feel extra summery, Remi is one you could easily wear all through fall and winter, especially with your favorite cashmere sweater.
Tester feedback from temporary features director Kara McGrath
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“Remi has become one of my go-to travel scents: It's so light, fresh, and universally appealing that I know it'll work well for any variety of activities I have planned for a trip. I love a mandarin-forward scent—it smells a bit sharper (in a good way) to me than other orange citrus—but particularly appreciate the cardamom note in this one. That hint of spice makes it feel a little sexy and, in my opinion, helps it last longer than other zesty scents. Remi dries down to a beautiful amber fragrance by the end of the day, which works well as a base if I want to layer a new evening scent on top.” —Kara McGrath, temporary features director
More to know
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- Key notes: bergamot leaf, mandarin, cardamom, petitgrain
- Sizes: 0.3 oz, 1.7 oz
Best Marine Citrus: The Harmonist Sacred Water Eau de Parfum
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The Harmonist
Sacred Water Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Bluemercury
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen holding The Harmonist Sacred Water Eau de Parfum
Sarah Kinonen
Why it's worth it: The Harmonist’s Sacred Water is the kind of citrus scent (and Best of Beauty Award winner, mind you) you reach for when you need to recenter yourself. Inspired by the immersive, invigorating energy of the ocean, it’s an uplifting fragrance that blends crisp citron and mandarin notes with a twist of zingy ginger to wake up your senses, then relaxes into a heart of marine and woody notes—essentially bringing the rejuvenating beauty of a vast seaside view to you wherever you are.
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“I've been wearing this fragrance—with notes of orange blossom, ginger, and amber—exclusively since I discovered it during Best of Beauty testing in 2022. It's light, fresh, and has a certain je ne sais quoi that elicits compliments throughout the day—in and out of the office. I do wish Sacred Water was more affordable, but it's such a beautiful scent in an even more beautiful bottle, so it's easy to see why the cost is so high!" —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- Key notes: citron, mandarin, ginger, orange blossom, cedar
- Sizes: 1.7 oz
Best Fresh Citrus: Better World Fragrance House Cloudar Eau de Parfum
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Better World Fragrance House
Cloudar Eau de Parfum
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Better World Fragrance House Cloudar Eau de Parfum
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: OK, first things first: the bottle! How cool is this orb-shaped, frosty white bottle? Good news—the scent inside is equally exciting, a woody, aromatic fragrance with top notes of spicy ginger balanced by juicy mandarin orange and crisp pear. Sage sings at the heart, enhanced by jasmine and lily of the valley, and as the scent develops, it settles into a base of warm tonka and woody vetiver and cedar. Like Sublime, this is a fragrance you’ll definitely want to display; it could do double duty as an objet d’art in your home.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“Never did I think I'd be into a scent created by checks notes Drake out of all people, but here we are! I would've clocked his scents as intense and heady but Cloudar is quite the opposite: light, fresh, and uplifting, thanks to notes of mandarin, ginger, and clary sage. It's kind of like a spa, bottled, but not as herbal-y or woody as an actual spa. It's the type of approachable but unique scent I can wear just about anywhere, from the office to happy hour. I'm not usually into minimalist packaging, but I have to say, the sculptural design of it is pretty cool—even if it does take up more space than your usual perfume.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key notes: ginger, mandarin, nashi pear, sage, tonka, vetiver
- Sizes: 3.4 oz
More citrus fragrances we love:
Best Grapefruit: Henry Rose Windows Down Eau de Parfum
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Henry Rose
Windows Down Eau de Parfum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Credo Beauty
Why we love it: Grapefruit is the kind of citrus note that practically sparkles right out of the bottle, and Windows Down has a delightfully adventurous air that feels like hopping in the car for a summer road trip. This Best of Beauty Award winner is paired with the equally zesty bergamot right up top, with Earl Grey tea, orange flower, and jasmine mid-notes bringing a calm, sweetly floral freshness to the heart. Moss, guaiacwood, and musk are reminiscent of forest scenes whipping past the windows as you drive down the highway.
Tester feedback from contributor Jihan Forbes
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"Henry Rose's Windows Down Eau de Parfum was made for the summer; its notes of grapefruit, bergamot, and neroli combine to create a fresh-but-not-overpowering smell. It's one of those scents that just melts into your skin, mingling beautifully with your body chemistry. Yes, it smells like you're wearing a bit of perfume, but it mostly smells like you smell good naturally. I've been rotating between this and two other fragrances this month, applying this after moisturizing." —Jihan Forbes, contributor
More to know
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- Key notes: grapefruit, bergamot, Earl Grey tea, orange flower, jasmine, moss, musk
- Sizes: 0.27 oz, 1.7 oz
Best Bergamot: Le Labo Bergamote 22 Eau de Parfum
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Le Labo
Bergamote 22 Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Why it's worth it: Le Labo’s Bergamote 22 is a best-in-class bergamot scent that spotlights the tart green citrus fruit in all its glory. Along with the star, Bergamote 22 expertly blends in grapefruit and petitgrain for an effervescent opening, combined with white tea notes for extra freshness, plus a woody backbone of vetiver paired with amber and musk. Because of its high citrus concentration and lighter profile, Bergamote 22 would be the perfect pick for an office fragrance.
More to know
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- Key notes: violet leaf, grapefruit, petitgrain, amber, vetiver, musk
- Sizes: 0.33 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 6.8 oz
Best Green: Chloe Atelier des Fleurs Vert Soleil Eau de Parfum
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Chloé
Atelier des Fleurs Vert Soleil Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Why it's worth it: “Vert soleil” means “green sun,” and that’s exactly what the fragrance feels like on the skin: bright, energizing, and evocative. The key note is lentisque, a shrub that is native to the Mediterranean and elevated by the delightful sweetness of mandarin. A lot of scents claim to be a vacation in a bottle, but this green citrus fragrance really is one! (And we can’t get over that gorgeous bottle color, either.)
More to know
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- Key notes: mandarin, bergamot, pink pepper, black pepper, musk
- Sizes: 5 oz
Best Citrus Blend: Chris Collins Citrus Grandis Eau de Parfum
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Chris Collins
Citrus Grandis Eau de Parfum
Nordstrom
Why it's worth it: Chris Collins’ Citrus Grandis does it all: It’s bright and cheerful, yet deep and thoughtful. At first spritz, you’re instantly enchanted and uplifted by sparkling, tart notes of pomelo and yuzu. As the scent develops, notes of vetiver and cedarwood add a woody complexity, especially when paired with the citrus-herbal verbena heart. This is the citrus fragrance you’ll want to wear in the depths of winter when you’re craving spring so much you can almost taste it.
More to know
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- Key notes: pomelo, yuzu, verbena, vetiver, cedarwood, incense
- Sizes: 1.7 oz
Best Refreshing: Bvlgari Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial
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Bvlgari
Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial
Nordstrom
Why it's worth it: As refreshing as a glass of freezing-cold iced tea on a steamy day, Bvlgari’s Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial is a blend of crisp, malty black tea from Sri Lanka and a healthy squeeze of Italian citrus. Just like a slice of lemon enhances the flavor of your iced tea, the fruit does the same thing here, making it all the more luscious without ever feeling heavy. Instead, the perfume is light, bright, and a total delight to wear.
More to know
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- Key notes: citrus, black tea
- Sizes: 2.5 oz, 5 oz
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between citrus and fruity fragrances?
The lines can sometimes get a little blurry when it comes to fragrance descriptors, but citrus and fruity scents are not the same. According to Christina Christie, senior perfumer at Givaudan, citrus notes bring “freshness, brightness, energy, and an uplifting quality to a fragrance.” Citrus scents include ingredients like bergamot, lemon, orange, or grapefruit; fruity fragrances would include ingredients like berries, peach, or pear.
Why do citrus scents typically fade faster than other fragrances?
As Christie explains, citrus notes tend to fade faster because they’re “primarily derived from natural materials and are composed of highly volatile molecules” that evaporate quickly. “Citrus ingredients are designed to create an immediate burst of freshness and impact rather than long-lasting performance,” she says.
How would you recommend making a citrus scent last longer?
To make a citrus fragrance last longer, Christie suggests layering with musks, woods, and floral notes for a longer-lasting foundation. And don’t underestimate the power of a fragrance-free lotion as a base to help lock in your scent.
Meet the experts
- Christina Christie, senior perfumer at Givaudan
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For our list of the best citrus perfumes, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from fragrance experts. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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