The Best Citrus Perfumes Are Surprisingly Versatile

If fruity fragrances lean too sweet for your liking and clean scents feel too minimalist, citrus perfumes may be the ideal middle ground. A well-crafted citrus scent doesn’t smell like your average multisurface cleaning spray or a simple squeeze of lemon; it’s more nuanced than that.

“A fruity perfume and a citrus-forward perfume speak entirely different languages on the skin,” Guerlain perfume creation director and perfumer Delphine Jelk tells Vogue . “A fruity fragrance is about lushness, roundness, and indulgence and often leans gourmand or soft. Citrus, on the other hand, is about light, energy, and crispness. Citrus notes come from the zests—the peel—so they offer an immediate, sparkling bite, an awakening of the senses.”

Citrus notes are remarkably versatile, according to Jelk. “Citrus marries beautifully with aromatic herbs like basil, mint, or thyme, which heightens its natural green facet,” she says, noting that citrus can work just as well with unexpected pairings, such as spices. She adds that woody, ambery, and musky bases create “gorgeous tension between a bright opening and a deep, sensual dry-down.” Scroll on to discover Vogue ’s favorite citrus perfumes.

Jo Malone

NORDSTROM

Guerlain

GUERLAIN

Le Labo

NORDSTROM

Dior

DIOR

Chanel

CHANEL

Acqua di Parma

BLUEMERCURY

Tom Ford

NORDSTROM

Phlur

NORDSTROM

AMAZON

Henry Rose

NORDSTROM

Nette

NETTE

Vogue ’s Favorite Citrus Perfumes:

Best Fresh: Jo Malone London Grapefruit Cologne

Best Spicy Citrus: Guerlain Néroli Plein Sud Eau de Parfum

Best Earthy: Le Labo Bergamote 22 Eau de Parfum

Best Bittersweet: Dior La Collection Privée Dior Paradise Eau de Parfum

Best Citrus Floral: Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum

Best Classic: Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne

Best Sparkling Citrus: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum

Best Citrus Skin Scent: Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum

Best Unique: Henry Rose Windows Down Eau de Parfum

Best Citrus Gourmand: Nette Lemon Puff Eau de Parfum

London Grapefruit Cologne

Néroli Plein Sud Eau de Parfum

Bergamote 22 Eau de Parfum

La Collection Privée Dior Paradise

Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum

Colonia eau de cologne

Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum

Missing Person Eau de Parfum

Windows Down Eau de Parfum

Lemon Puff Eau de Parfum