When Princess Kate stepped out for a royal outing in County Durham, some reported that the Duchess gave off a lemon-like aroma. This little insight into how Duchess Kate smells is really quite spectacular. Citrus scents are ideal for spring occasions, and they're uplifting, too! Could this be the mood-enhancing note that our Kate loves?
Emma South, Jo Malone London's Fragrance & Lifestyle Expert, agrees that a sparkling citrus scent has special powers, telling us: "When you think about how our scents connect to our moods and our memories, and what's an uplifting scent to one person can be completely different for another - based on your personal associations with a particular scent. But universally across the board, citrus is known - in aromatherapy terms - for its uplifting powers, energy and sparkle."
Emma continued: "Citrus is awakening, and in perfumery, it's called hesperidic scents which comes from thinking of the sunshine which really does have that glow. I like to think of citrus scents for more in the day - there are no rules - but I prefer the awakening start of the day. I also think of it as being quite sporty because of the energy they give as well."
We all know Kate loves to take part in fun sporty activities, so maybe this is the scent she wears for the gym.
Ormonde Jayne’s founder and perfumer, Linda Pilkington, advises that we should all choose fragrances to uplift our moods: "Citrus ingredients, in particular, have an almost Proustian power on our optimism. The association of lime and lemon blossoms, showing off their beauty before they bear fruit, can connect us immediately to nature and life springing forth wherever we find ourselves."
If you're in the market for an uplifting scent, shop our favourites below…
How we chose the best citrus fragrances
After combing through the top new citrus perfumes from some of the finest fragrance houses around, we edited down to the list below focusing on the top notes being citrus.Whether you're after an eau de parfum, eau de toilette, or a cologne, this edit will have something for everyone. While we haven't tested all of these scents, we have tried some of those listed, and for the others we've focused on the ingredients listed online.
Christian Louboutin Loubimar Légère
If, like Kate, you're looking for a floral citrus splash with salty notes, you'll love this. Expect notes of lemon oil, tuberose and musk, all thanks to master perfumer Caroline Dumur.
Maison Margiela Replica Under the Lemon Trees
If you've dreamt of being on a sunlounger underneath the lemon trees in the Mediterranean, join the club! This scent will take you there - no flight required. Fresh and invigorating, sharp citrus notes mingle with green notes of coriander, mate absolute, and tea leaves. Personalise your Maison Margiela fragrance with a favourite memory and receive a custom bottle with your message on a cotton label.
Jo Malone London Orange Peel Cologne
This scent is a classic for a reason - and if you like your citrus scents to have a liittle more to them, this could be the on. Bright and tart, mandarin blends with the zestiness of lime to bring a vibrant freshness to the top notes.
Ormonde Jayne Tanger
The bustling city of Tanger on The Silk Road is the inspiration for this vivid display of neroli, blended with ylang-ylang and bergamot. Tanger from Ormonde Jayne's new collection La Route de la Soie, is a sunny, golden perfume, joyful and entirely lovable and perfect for spring.
L'Occitane Citrus Verbana
Organic verbena from Provence and grapefruit and lemon from the Mediterranean come together in an exhilarating zesty accord. The Citrus Verbena Eau de Toilette is a fragrance that exudes happiness, and iis a timeless fragrance that never ages.
Perfect for any season, for any age, for men and women alike. Using the aromatic scent of lemon trees growing in Provence as it's inspiration, this is an invigorating fragrance blended with lemons, oranges, rose and verbena for an uplifting and zesty aroma. Fresh!
CK ONE Summer Limited Edition
The iconic CK ONE bottle has been reinvented and the rare citrus blend of lemon and orange hybrid is bitter yet sweet. The vibrance of the rhubarb conveys a modern brightness, the freshwater accords explodes with sparkling vitality, and the luscious peach skin reveals a sweet fruitiness.
Penhaligon's Quercus
Now this is one sparkly sophisticated scent, named for the iconic English oak. With basil and lemon, it's as fresh as a morning walk.
Happy Chopard Lemon Dulci
Fresh, citrusy and uplifting, each spritz is overflowing with zesty citrus fruits that swirl alongside ginger, green leaves, and naturally sweet apple. When the base notes strike, there’s a subtle blend of orange flower water, mango, and cucumber. On duller days, consider this a little pick-me-up.
Aerin Limone Di Sicilia
This scent is inspired by the gorgeous sunlight of Sicily. A luxurious citrus floral blend, this combines Bergamot and Muguet de Mai with Lemon Primofiore, Italian Mandarin, Egyptian Jasmine, Rose Centifolia, Ambrox and Oak Moss. Divine!
Jo Loves White Rose & Lemon Leaves a Fragrance Paintbrush Gel
This travel-friendly fragrance paintbrush by Jo Loves will be a firm fixture in your handbag. Blending porcelain white Norma Jean Rose with subtle strands of Peppered Citrus and soft Cedarwood, this elegant, fresh and floral fragrance blooms as it warms and settles on the skin.
Kayali Citrus | 08
Sparkling citrus notes of Italian Bergamot and Pink Grapefruit mingle with Rhubarb, Blackcurrant and Pink Pepper. Immaculate floral chords of Rose Centifolia and Rose Damascena from Bulgaria lie at its heart. A lingering veil of Musk, Tonka and mystical Oakmoss grounds the hypnotic scent in nature.
BDK PARFUMS Citrus Riviera
The nose behind this fragrance is Ralf Schwieger. Top notes are Italian Lemon, Neroli, Italian Mandarin and Fig; middle notes are Watery Notes, Orange Blossom, Eucalyptus, Green Accord, Immortelle, Jasmine and Strawberry; base notes are Haitian Vetiver, Indonesian Patchouli Leaf, Tonka Bean and White Musk.
Tom Ford Mandarino Di Amalfi
This fragrance gives a serene perspective of the Amalfi cliffsides, with their citrus fruits and calm idyll. With accords of zesty lemon and fragrant mandarin combine with herbaceous notes of basil, Shiso leaf and spearmint to give a fresh, fruity scent.
Creed Viking Cologne
In contrast to the original Viking – a bold and fiery masculine masterpiece that launched in 2017; this cooler counterpart has been created for a lighter scent for a unisex appeal. Created by sixth-generation Master Perfumer Olivier Creed and his son Erwin, this masterful alchemy of zingy citrus fruits with aromatic heart notes is fused together by a woody base, featuring dry sandalwood and earthy vetiver.
If a scent isn't what you're looking for, maybe a shower-time fizz could be a good option. Tisserand’s Happy Vibes Bath & Shower Wash is the perfect way to set yourself up for a good day ahead. With a wonderfully uplifting blend of Lemon Tea Tree, Bergamot and Nutmeg 100% natural pure essential oils, helping to refresh the skin and boost your mood. Massage all over the body in the shower or bath.