Citrus Fragrances: Best Citrus Perfumes for Her and Him

We’re often loyal to a specific type of fragrance. But when that happens, our preferences can become a little… one-note. Floral bouquets tend to capture the nose first, while amber scent profiles are known for their rich, indulgent quality. But what about citrus perfumes?

Comprising notes of orange, lemon, lime, mandarin, bergamot, grapefruit, and tangerine, citrus fragrances are known for their zesty, dynamic profiles. Their notes also blend beautifully with other fragrance families for a unique aromatic experience. While this scent profile is often overlooked, it’s the perfect option if you’re seeking a lively, crisp scent to carry you through the workday – or to wear on your next scorching summer holiday.

Below, we’ve rounded up YSL’s best citrus perfumes for women and men to help you find your next dazzling scent.

Libre L’Eau Nue Parfum de Peau (women’s)

YSL’s first alcohol-free perfume, Libre L’Eau Nue Parfum de Peau, is a sultry women’s citrus perfume reminiscent of long Mediterranean summers.

Calabrian citrus perfume notes of green mandarin and juicy bergamot give this Libre perfume an invigorating start, while Moroccan orange blossoms and hints of French lavender round out this sparkling, alluring fragrance. Just remember to focus on your pulse points (neck, wrists, and behind the ear) when applying perfume to make it last longer on your skin.

YSL fragrance experts spent over two years crafting and refining this unique oil-in-water citrus fragrance so that it melts onto your skin, leaving you with a lasting radiant glow. A generous mist of the Libre L’Eau Nue Parfum de Peau gives the skin a sun-kissed feeling.

Best for: Libre L’Eau Nue Parfum de Peau is a summer citrus fragrance in the truest sense – meaning it’s tailormade for daytime wear or to romantic, balmy nights.

Black Opium Illicit Green (women’s)

Next in our citrus fragrances for her is a staple of YSL’s iconic Black Opium collection – Black Opium Eau De Parfum Illicit Green. Some of the best women’s citrus perfumes blend fresh, juicy notes with sensual feminine aromas, and this fragrance captures this elusive fusion perfectly. Fruity green mandarin and sweet, creamy fig provide a delicate contrast with Black Opium’s signature roasted coffee and vanilla bourbon base.

Best for: With rich notes at its base, this citrusy fragrance transitions seamlessly from day to night wear – the type of addictive scent that draws people in.

Y L'Elixir (men’s)

Men's citrus colognes tend to prioritise top citrus and fresh notes, before unfurling to a spicy heart and seductive woody base. Y L'Elixir follows a similar journey, opening with a signature citrus perfume note of bergamot alongside lavender, ginger, and saffron.

Heart notes of geranium, sage, juniper and diva lavender eventually reveal a warm incense and oud base – taking you on a rich, captivating olfactory journey.

Best for: This beguiling YSL Y scent is perfect for evening wear, date nights, or special occasions.

L’Homme Eau de Toilette (men’s)

An amalgamation of fresh and woody olfactory families, L'Homme Eau de Toilette balances bright citrus perfume notes of bergamot with a complex, spicy heart and warm woody base notes. This citrus aroma begins with a zing of ginger essence, violet leaves, and basil flower accords, before unveiling a heady blend of vetiver, tonka vanilla bean, and cedarwood.

Best for: this fragrance has an uplifting scent profile that makes it ideal for warmer weather, and the fusion of fresh and woody scent profiles gives it great wearability – day or night.

Trench Eau de Parfum (unisex)

Some of the best citrus perfumes combine both feminine and masculine notes for a more gender-neutral scent. Equal parts sensual and sophisticated, YSL’s Le Vestiaire des Parfums Trench Eau de Parfum envelopes the senses by pairing fig accord with glittering citrus perfume notes of bergamot and tangerine.

Enchanting iris is at its heart, interwoven with neroli accord (derived from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree) to deepen the sweet citrus journey. The scent culminates in a musky cedar finish – the perfect denouement to this vibrant citrus fragrance.

Best for: light enough for the office but with a remarkable day-to-night versatility, this citrus fragrance is compatible with any spring or summer fragrance collection.

Capeline Eau de Parfum (unisex)

Also from YSL’s Le Vestiaire des Parfums collection, the Capeline Eau de Parfum is another example of a captivating – yet delicate – floral-citrusy fragrance. The fragrance opens with zesty top notes of juicy mandarin and bergamot essence, with pink pepper giving the blend a subtle, spicy edge. Lilies and neroli essence imbue this scent with its floral, citrusy heart, while a musky vanilla base highlights the fragrance’s true depth.

Best for: subtle enough for day wear, the Capeline Eau de Parfum also makes for an elegant, sensual evening scent.

To ensure the longevity of your citrus fragrances, explore our perfume storage essentials guide next.