The 12 Best Citrus Perfumes to Try This Summer
Fresh and floral fragrances might get all the attention, come summertime, but I am particularly enamored with perfumes that have notes of citrus. They bring a clean feeling to all other scent profiles—from delicate florals to peppery spices, and even earthy musks. No matter what scent you normally prefer, I am making a case that everyone could use some sparkling citrus notes of lemon, grapefruit, and orange in their fragrance wardrobe.
These 12 best citrus perfumes are a lively and energetic bunch. Well-suited to daytime wear, they are just the thing to wake you up in the morning before you've had that second cup of coffee.
Keep reading to see the fresh citrus perfumes you need this summer!
Be instantly transported to the shores of the Amalfi Coast by spritzing on this fresh scent. Notes of brown sugar, peonies, and water jasmine temper bright Primofiore lemon.
This gelato-inspired fragrance is just as delicious as the summertime treat—it’s crisp, clean, and a little bit indulgent, thanks to top notes of mandarin, grapefruit, and clementine paired with a musky base note.
Chanel No. 5 might be the fashion house’s most famous fragrance, but I love this light, fresh scent for summer. It reimagines the scent of classic, floral magnolia by adding in notes of citrus and Neroli.
Vetiver is an earthy, citrusy scent commonly used in unisex fragrances. Here, the intensity is tempered by the spiciness of pink pepper and the freshness of grapefruit.
This sparkling perfume was inspired by the Champagne region of France—so it’s no surprise that it manages to be both playful and sophisticated. Citrus-y top notes of Neroli, bitter orange and grapefruit are balanced by earthy bergamot, dark almond, and white sandalwood.
I love anything that reminds me of sipping cocktails on the beach, and this caipirinha-inspired perfume is just the thing to take me to my happy place. The lemon and orange pair exceptionally well with the jasmine and white lilac.
Jo Malone’s signature unisex scent starts off with zesty, tropical lime and mandarin. The addition of basil and white thyme is unexpected but invigorating.
The crispness of grapefruit and woodiness of musk keep the floral tones of this bubbly iteration of Marc Jacobs' original Daisy fragrance from being too cloying—perfect for a summertime pick-me-up.
Infused with the tangy essence of bergamot and Amalfi lemon, floral notes of jasmine and rose, and a base of wood and musk, this citrus perfume strikes the perfect balance of fruity, floral, and earthy scents.
Just like the name says, this fresh and summery perfume will lift your spirits after a brutal winter season. Mandarin orange and pink grapefruit blend with crisp floral notes for an airy, feminine fragrance.
Like Burberry’s iconic trench coat, this citrus scent goes with everything. Sparkling nectarine and green sap are layered over floral notes for a fragrance that’s fun, modern and youthful.
One of the first successful unisex fragrances, CK One awakens the senses with notes of papaya, pineapple, lemon, and florals, over a base accord of green tea. A refreshing, clean scent that’s light enough to wear to breakfast but invigorating enough to give you a burst of energy when you need it.