The 12 Best Citrus Perfumes to Try This Summer

Various citrus fruits on white background

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Fresh and floral fragrances might get all the attention, come summertime, but we’re 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, we’re 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.

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Eau de Toilette $80.00
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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.

Bond No. 9 Little Italy
Bond No. 9 New York Little Italy $300.00
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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 Cristalle Eau Verte Eau de Toilette
Chanel Cristalle Eau Verte Eau de Toilette Concetrée Spray $110.00
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Chanel No. 5 might be the fashion house’s most famous fragrance, but we love this light, fresh scent for summer. It reimagines the scent of classic, floral magnolia by adding in notes of citrus and Neroli.

Chantecaille Vetyver Parfums Pour Femem
Chantecaille Vetyver Parfums Pour Femme $185.00
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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.

Fresh Citron de Vigne
Fresh Citron de Vigne $50.00
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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.

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Limon Verde
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Limon Verde $130.00
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We love anything that reminds of us of sipping cocktails on the beach, and this caipirinha-inspired perfume is just the thing to take us to our happy place. The lemon and orange pair exceptionally well with the jasmine and white lilac.

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne
Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne $70.00
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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.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh $118.00
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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.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Forte Eau de Parfum
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Forte Eau de Parfum $275.00
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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.

Clinique Happy Perfume
Clinique Happy Eau de Parfum Spray $53.00
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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.

Burberry Weekend Eau De Parfum for Women
Burberry Weekend Eau De Parfum for Women $52.00
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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.

Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette
Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette $78.00
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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.

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