Long-lasting, juicy citrus scents are the order of the month, we feel – yes, of course when it’s sunny they feel so appropriate, but even when the weather’s not playing ball it’s time to let those citrus scents sparkle! Wearing juicy-smelling citrus scents brings the feeling of sunshine in a fragrance, no matter the weather.
That’s why we’re declaring July a month long olfactory opportunity to gather your most-beloved citrus scents and – or even better, try some new juicy numbers – because NOW is the time to allow them to shine…
LABORATORIO OLFATTIVO Pompelmo
Master of understated simplicity, Jean-Claude Ellena taps into his Italian background here, where – as he explains – ‘several beverages celebrate bitterness.’ Front and centre is grapefruit, considered in Asia to be a sacred fruit which was offered to the gods; Jean-Claude worked on the fruit’s ‘lively and sour freshness’, while stressing its bitter scent.’ Pink pepper, resinous lentisque, patchouli, white musk and vetiver feature in the olfactive chorus line of this fresh, shareable masterpiece.
£90 for 100ml parfum Cologne
ROBERT PIGUET Cravache
Originally launched in 1963, we celebrate the revivification of Piguet’s classics, now under the guardianship of genius nose, Aurelian Guichard. Here, the citrus zing has the sparkle turned up to eleven, with quenching mandarin, bitter orange and bright petitgrain zesting up even the dullest of days. Granted the addition of jasmine, orris, sage and saffron, the clarity of the composition remains, even in the snuggle of tree moss-lined woodiness as it warms.
£205 for 100ml eau de parfum
MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN Aqua Media Forte
Francis Kurkdjian’s Aqua Cologne Forte collection is suffused with light and freshness, its philosophy seeking to help us cultivate ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body’. Thus, we welcome Media Forte, ‘the embodiment of balance and harmony’, a deceptively simple construction that is tangibly fresh and citrus bright, showcasing Italian bergamot, radiant hedione and aromatic sweet fennel, grounded in a green moss facet, patchouli and woody musks. Spray, breathe, chill.
£175 for 70ml Cologne forte
ACQUA DI PARMA Arancia La Spugnatura
In time for summer lunches, vacations and outdoor living (everything crossed), this grab-it-while-you-can limited edition has a fascinating back-story, as well as a sublimely zesty scent. ‘La Spugnatura’ is an ancient and rare technique for extracting aromatic notes from citrus skin – usually limes – but here, AdP switched to Arancia Vaniglia, from ‘the city of Oranges’, Ribera, in Sicily. In a nod to the orange’s name, soft vanilla is added – and it’s so, so moreish.
From £141.30or 100ml eau de parfum
FRAGRANCE DU BOIS AM
Full of tenderness, this scent tiptoes to the window and throws it open to greet the dawn. Cool air circulates softly, tendrils of woodiness weaving through an intriguingly dry damask rose. Italian orange, aromatic thyme and leathery saffron are drizzled with a vintage patchouli and a touch of tropical vanilla sweetness. A collab between Internet sensation Producer Michael and the sustainable luxury fragrance brand, it sure gets a day off to a fabulous start.
£325 for 100ml extrait de parfum
Looking for even more juice? Get the squeeze on citrus scents (and know your lemon from your citron) in our fragrant ingredients guide…
Meanwhile, if you’re seeking bottled sunshine and an instant holiday hit (or are actually travelling somewhere lovely for a break, and need to discover your next fragrant fling (maybe even a lifelong romance!) head to our brilliant Find a Fragrance page – have six new scents suggested, tailored to your exact tastes.
Written by Suzy Nightingale
