Citrus-based fragrances are a very popular choice for year-round wear but particularly in spring and summer, thanks to their zesty scent that just seems to go so well with warm temperatures and the shining sun. Zesty, citrus fragrances can smell incredibly fresh and uplifting, awakening your senses and helping you to feel a little more energised.

For these reasons, citrus scents are ideal for both men and women, given that they aren’t too sweet or too intense. Typically balanced with green notes, and hints of floral and woody scents, we take a look at some of the best ingredients used in some of the most iconic fragrances.

Bergamot

Bergamot is a fruit similar to an orange, usually with more of a yellow or green colour that is comparable to a lime. Bergamot has a classic sweet yet tangy scent, that also has a zesty, spicy edge to it. The smell comes from oils extracted from the peel of the fruit.

Bergamot is used in a huge variety of fragrances, both for men and women. It is complemented perfectly with other citrus fruits as well as floral scents like jasmine and rose. A great example of bergamot used in a fragrance is Acqua di Parma Colonia Pura, which is a unisex scent. Bergamot, alongside orange and petitgrain, is used to open the fragrance with citrus, airy notes, following by jasmine and coriander for an aromatic heart. Finishing with patchouli, cedar and musk, Colonia Pura creates a smooth, balanced scent.

Lemon

The lemon fruit is unbeatably fresh and fragrant, often described as smelling very clean. In a perfume or aftershave, it is perfect for creating an uplifting scent and is often used to transport you to the Mediterranean.

One of the best fragrances to demonstrate this is Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue perfume. Capturing the essence of the Mediterranean sea and sun-drenched beaches, this perfume opens with Sicilian lemon, bluebell and apple for a fresh and zingy scent. With a heart of jasmine and rose, the fragrance finishes on a warming and sweet base of cedar and amber.

The men’s version of Light Blue is also a dazzling, citrus cocktail with Sicilian orange and bergamot.

Grapefruit

Grapefruits are the largest citrus fruit and grow in bunches, just like grapes. The colour of the flesh can vary from a yellow-orange through to pink and red, and tastes tarter than an orange. Grapefruit has a sharp, aromatic scent which makes it perfect for use in fragrances, often alongside herbs to bring a fresh, green element to the final scent.

Mandarino Di Amalfi by Tom Ford is a zesty, unisex fragrance with a refreshing edge, opening with the perfect combination of grapefruit, basil, tarragon and blackcurrant. Its heart brings together more herbs with a floral twist, including coriander, sage, jasmine and orange blossom. With a warm base of vetiver and amber, this unisex fragrance is completely inspired by the Amalfi coast and its warm summer breeze.

Yuzu

Yuzu is a citrus fruit originating from East Asia, and can be either yellow or green depending on its ripeness. Its scent is similar to an orange or grapefruit, and is tart, sweet and light. It’s used in a variety of fresh fragrances to add an uplifting element.

One of the freshest fragrances on the market, Issey Miyake’s L’Eau d’Issey, is created with the perfect blend of zesty citrus notes, herbs and a woody finish. Opening with yuzu, tarragon, lemon, sage and bergamot, the multitude of notes in this fragrance work in complete harmony. Followed by a heart of saffron, lily-of-the-valley and geranium, the fragrance finishes on a woody base for a balanced scent.