Citrus fragrances or hesperidée is a family of perfumes in which I am not used to sailing. Even if there are some creations I like, it is fragrances that I rarely wear everyday, preferring light flowery options. Nevertheless, with this hot episode we had these last days, I wanted freshness, perfumes that would give me a zesty and juicy sensation ! So, I gathered my little selection of the moment to make you sparkle!
Citrus fragrances : the bases
Citrus or hesperidic fragrances include lemon, orange, grapefruit and bergamot compositions from which the essential oil contained in the bark is extracted. It is the oldest family of perfume well known with Cologne Jean-Marie Farina, created in 1806, and is still marketed at Roger & Gallet.
This fragrance family is generally the most accessible in the olfactory field : easy to access, between hygiene product and perfume, the composition is build on top notes essentially. The citrus notes are very light and volatile and fade quickly.
Citrus fruits appeal to both women and men and have a universal character in perfumery.
Citrus fragrances : my current selection
The first one I went back to was Clementine California from Atelier Cologne. I had a crush when it came out and what I like about it is both the acid side but also aromatic and woody that makes the whole completely addictive.
A selection of fragrances without mentioned Jo Malone is not possible for me! The two citruses I have in my collection are Sorrel & Lemon Thyme from The Herb Garden Limited Edition. This creation smells of Provence : with its lemon and thyme notes, I walk in the middle of the scrubland. The second fragrance I turned to is the iconic Lime Basil & Mandarin. Again, the citrus fruit, here the mandarin, is sublimated by an aromatic note: basil. I like his masculine side that gives a touch of unexpected on the skin of a woman, while remaining deeply fresh and contemporary.
The last is Histoire d’Orangers by L’Artisan Parfumeur. This fragrance is fresh, soft and luminous. It carries in a beautiful memory of a sunset in Taroudant in Morocco that subjugated the nose, Marie Salamagne.
Histoire d’Orangers has something soothing, like a caress, while the other three have a more sparkling, juicy and dynamic vibration. We are not on the same moods and the same moments of the day. In the morning, coming out of the shower, I will wear Lime Basil & Madarin, which would be like an extension of the arms of your lover once waking up. In the late morning, I will dive in Clementine California for its aquatic freshness. In the afternoon, I will go to the fields of Provence with Sorrel & Lemon Thyme, the sun at its zenith and the cicadas in the background. Then, when the sky will turn pink and blue, I would reserve Histoire d’Orangers that would accompany me in the sweetness of the night.