In the perfume world, there are few other ingredients with the ability to capture a sunny, upbeat feeling than citrus.
From the tang of lemon to sweet mandarin and nuanced bergamot, the elements have long been used in fragrance creation, even going back hundreds of years. These days perfumers often use the versatile zesty and crisp notes to complement floral and woody ingredients in popular releases.
Given an increased desire to manage stress and for the products we use to enhance our wellbeing, its no surprise the juicy freshness of orange in particular has returned to favour in recent times.
Some studies have suggested citrus smells, particularly lemon, orange and grapefruit can help reduce stress and nervous tension, though more conclusive and in-depth research is required.
Orange is generally associated with the warmer months, so we can wear it to enhance our season in the sun, or to immediately transport us there mentally when it is cold and miserable outside.
Of course, when combined with more sensual rich notes like sandalwood and amber, it can also be used for warming, winter-appropriate scents.
In many lighter combinations, it also has wide appeal, being worn by people regardless of gender.
These are some of the best perfumes that highlight orange in their composition.
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Orange Soleia
Pure and refreshing, if you love oranges, this realistic scent is worth seeking out. Capturing the sunny and fresh nature of a verdant orange grove, it was inspired by Sicilian citrus groves soaked in the hot sun. The scent combines blood orange, bergamot and pink pepper with Petitgrain and Mint on base notes are musk and tonka.
A sweet new floral-fruity blend where orange only plays part of the story. It is mixed with pear and bergamot for an upbeat opener, a heart of freesia and softer woody notes that linger.
An aromatic citrus from the luxury jewellery brand inspired by the ‘effervescent alleys of this Brazilian region, swaying to the rhythm of the Samba’. It opens with a slightly tart and sweet juicy orange, has softer green notes of fig leaf and coconut on a woody base.
Released in the cooler northern hemisphere months prior to Christmas, this citrus-woody scent is described ‘a winter cocktail’. A blend of oranges mix with amber, spice and sandalwood.
An elegant, grown-up blend of citrus fruits, precious neroli and orange blossom absolute, nestled on the balsamic notes of Siam benzoin and copaiba balm.
Louis Vuitton Afternoon Swim EDP
The name indicates just how refreshing and energy-boosting this scent is, the luxury fashion brand describing the release as harnessing the ‘energy of the waves washing over the skin on a hot summer’s day’. The scent mixes orange, bergamot and mandarin.
Hermès Concentré D’orange Verte EDT
Another popular aromatic release inspired by an orange grove where the juicy fruits nestle among greener notes of oak moss and patchouli.
Valentino Born in Roma Donna Coral Fantasy EDP
Evocative of Rome at sunset, this is a floral-fruity mix where orange plays a supporting role to kiwi, jasmine and rose as well as aromatic ambrette seeds and white musk.
