I Wear a Different Perfume Every Day, But These 11 Earn Me the Most Compliments

Key notes: Lemon, sweet orange, lavender, rose, verbena, rosemary, sandalwood, patchouli

With a range consisting predominantly of citrus fragrances, Acqua di Parma is the leader when it comes to elegant citrus scents. Colonia Il Profumo is a great example of this. Citrusy yet aromatic, it takes common citrus notes like lemon, sweet orange and bergamot and elevates them. Perfect for hardened citrus fans and those who are new to the notes, this is one of those perfumes that are virtually impossible to dislike.

Key notes: Bergamot, lemon, orange blossom, almond, cypress

This eau de toilette is quite possibly one of the most mouthwatering, zingy perfumes I have ever come across. It combines lemon and bergamot with almond notes, so you'd be forgiven for thinking it might be sickly sweet. In contrast, however, it's an incredibly green and luscious citrus scent with additional notes of cypress and juniper berries. A refreshing wake-up call with every spritz.

Key notes: Grapefruit, bitter orange, lime, cedarwood

Jo Malone CBE actually made this delicious grapefruit perfume for herself (hence the name). It combines grapefruit and bitter orange with lime and spearmint to create the ultimate fresh fruity cocktail. But again, it doesn't have a sticky smell. Instead, woody notes and pepper mean it melts into the skin to leave behind a warm scent that oozes midsummer sunshine.

Key notes: Lemon, lime, mandarin, bergamot, jasmine, lily of the valley, cardamom, oakmoss, sandalwood, galbanum, musk, amber

Out of all of the perfumes in my rather extensive collection, this one is by far the most asked-after. One spray has people flocking over to ask what I'm wearing—and so it should for that eye-watering price tag. It combines zesty citruses with billowing florals and a hint of spicy warmth that together smell like a sophisticated garden party. Enticing, comforting and slightly mysterious, this bottle has it all.

Key notes: Italian bergamot oil, Italian mandarin oil, solar floral accord, sensual musky accord.

Francis Kurkdjian himself described this perfume as the feeling of lying down your head on a sun-drenched pillow, and quite honestly, I couldn't possibly say anything more fitting. With musk, sandalwood, mandarin and bergamot, it captures that sort of humid Mediterranean stuffiness while still smelling fresh and free. Not a day goes by that I don't at least give this stuff a sniff.

Key notes: Pear, grapefruit, lemon, apricot, osmanthus, musk

This is the first perfume on this list that I would probably describe as sweet. But not in a sickly, vanilla sort of way, rather like a sugared grapefruit sparkling in the sunshine. It's the sort of perfume I reach for when I'm a little bit bronzed and want to embrace my inner J.Lo, put on some gold hoops and wear a low-cut top. I don't think I have ever worn this without someone giving it a compliment. 

Key notes: Bigarade, bergamot, lemon, basil, mint, musk

Both invigorating and clean-smelling, this is one of my favourite citrus scents, which was created in collaboration with Jo Malone CBE for Zara. Orange and geranium burst onto the skin before the musk leaves a subtle, skin-like quality that's smooth and refreshing. It's one of my favourite Zara perfumes.

Key notes: Pressed lemon, Chinotto, blood orange, incense, green mandarin, violet, copaiba balsam, musk ambrette, oak moss

Whatever citrus perfume you come across, just know that this stuff is the citrus perfume. It wasn't the first, and it might not be the most well-known, but it is, in all interpretations of the word, a citrus perfume through and through. It's lemony but warm, fizzy but warm, floral but sweet. If you ask me, no one has and likely ever will create a citrus perfume that comes close to matching the pure brilliance of Italian Citrus.

Key notes: Moroccan orange blossom, musk, neroli

Unlike most citrus perfumes around, this stuff isn't particularly fresh. If you prefer strong, warm smells, this one is definitely for you. With orange blossom, neroli oil and musk, it has the same lightweight freshness as your typical citrus but also has the lingering power of musk. It's a citrus that can be worn just as easily in the winter as it can in the summer.

Key notes: Lemon, jasmine, aldehydes, teak, amber

For a citrus scent that's gentle in its approach, I highly recommend Chanel's Chance Eau Fraîche. With delicate notes of lemon alongside fragrant jasmine and warming amber, it's a cosy citrus scent that creeps up on you rather than bowls you over. Perfect for wearing to the office or for days when you want something that won't overpower those around you.

Key notes: Bitter orange, grass, lemon, mint, rosemary, peppermint, cedar

A citrus scent for people who don't like citrus, Diptyque's L’eau des Hesperides is a work of art. Rather than the sweet sharpness commonly found in citrus fragrances, this clever scent gets its kick from notes of bitter orange and lemon, offering a darker, more intense take. Blended with gentle herbs, spices and woody notes, these notes become fresh and clean without smelling astringent—like you've showered outside and nature's wrapped its arms around you.