This period of extended time spent at home has taught me a lot about myself. I have a newfound appreciation for my makeup-free face, I’ve leaned into my morning routine, and I’ve even rediscovered some affordable skincare favorites that make my skin sing. But amid all the positivity I’m trying to stay focused on (my mental health depends on it!), there are of course those moments of longing for the simple things I never thought I’d miss, such as transitioning my scent wardrobe to suit the impending warmer weather. This is the time of year when citrus perfumes usually get to take center stage.
Citrus fragrances are versatile and varied, ranging from pure, lemony-spritzes to complex blends that draw in spicy, sweet, or earthy elements to play with. And any way you slice it, there’s just something about this playful scent family that instantly reminds me of vacation!
Until the time comes when I can book a flight or take a long drive to my destinations of choice, I’ll be spending my days embarking on citrus scent adventures that transport me to the farthest reaches of the Earth. So come away with me on a pretend world tour! Ahead, check out the 17 best citrus perfumes to play out the most epic imaginary vacation from the comfort of your own home.
Escape to: Monaco. Lemon, mandarin, and orange might not sound like notes typically found in Chanel’s fragrance library, but this new-world take on the ubiquitous Chanel N°5 is meant to surprise you a little.
Escape to: Miami. This vibrant scent is the kind you wear on a warm night with that dress that hugs your curves in all the right places. At first, the top notes of citron, pear sorbet, and bergamot take center stage, but it’s not long before the accent of neroli and lingering notes of ambery woods, palo santo, and musk come into play.
Escape to: Capri. This clean fragrance is like summer in a bottle. Its notes of bergamot, neroli, grapefruit, and blood orange envelop the senses with a sweet and zesty vigor.
Escape to: Tokyo. With just one spritz, the scent sends you on an olfactory experience akin to skipping through a sprawling citrus grove. It’s a fresh and fruity experience, bringing in grapefruit, green mandarin, Florida orange, Italian lemon, tamarind, and clementine.
Escape to: Malibu. Bergamot, pink pepper, and lemon mixed with soft florals, coconut milk, and woody goodness? Yeah, it’s good. Close your eyes and drift, friends.
Escape to: Mallorca. From the crisp smell of lemon fruit to the rugged, woody scent of its leaves and branches, and even the earthy aroma of the soil from whence the trees sprout, this naturally derived fragrance captures every mouthwatering facet of an organic lemon.
Escape to: Windsor. This softer take on a crisp citrus scent is just divine. It combines soft lotus flower and freesia with sparkling citrus notes and hints of precious woods.
Escape to: Ubud. It doesn’t get much cooler than this chic, clean fragrance. It’s spicy, zesty, sweet, and woody all at once, with star anise, bergamot, and cedar. And don’t let the name fool you—you’ll love wearing this one all year (especially during summer).
Escape to: Sardinia. I bought this decadent scent as a gift for my fiancé, but I routinely steal spritzes of it for myself. Its citrus element is subtler. Its notes of juniper, herbs, green notes, oak, and warm woods can read fresher or even spicier, but there’s no denying the crisp, lemony zing.
Escape to: Positano. After you get past the initial musk first emitted from this bottle, a brawny blend of lemon, chinotto, and blood orange emerges to create a perfectly bitter citrus situation.
Escape to: Morocco. This tangy scent will just about make your mouth water. Smelling it is just like taking a bit of juicy pink pomelo.
Escape to: Maui. This complex scent combines all the best summertime fare: mandarin, lemon, neroli, jasmine sambac, cotton candy, and musk. It truly smells how a warm day spent sipping sweet cocktails feels.
Escape to: Melbourne. I love a small-batch, clean fragrance line. This intoxicating mixture of rose, bergamot, clary sage, lemon, sandalwood, and vetiver makes for an uplifting scent story that’s both sweet and spicy. The oil application makes it especially intimate.
Escape to: Sedona. This straight-up citrus roller is so crisp and spicy. It has bergamot (obviously), grapefruit, petitgrain, orange blossom, cedarwood, vetiver, and musk.
Escape to: Paris. A true botanical experience, this luxe oil immediately imparts grapefruit, cedarwood, and patchouli for a juicy, herbaceous scent.
Escape to: Mexico City. Unlike some of the strikingly clean and fresh scents presented on this list, this sweet orange oil is decidedly more honeyed. Aside from just smelling heavenly, the sweet orange scent is meant to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress.
Escape to: Joshua Tree. I’ll just come out and say it: The smell of this peppery, citrus fragrance might inspire you to listen to Grateful Dead. It’s smoky, spicy, herbaceous, and completely bluntastic. Up next, I own over 50 perfumes, and these are by far the most uplifting.
