9 Best Lemon Perfumes for an Incredibly Refreshing Smell

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 12, 2024
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A fresh fragrance is always taken a notch higher by the zesty and sparkling note of lemon. The best lemon perfumes for women offer a chirpy and vibrant fragrance that is never out of fashion. If you are new to the citrus accents in the perfume world, we'll hook you up with some of the best lemon perfumes to add some zest to your life. Citrusy fragrances have become the newest way of starting your day on a fresh note.

Don't worry, there are a ton of citrus-based perfumes available that don't overpoweringly smell like laundry detergents. Instead, a lot of citrus scents have a light, airy sense to them. Read on to see which 10 citrus perfumes will blend naturally into your spring/summer perfume collection, ranging from fragrances with citrus notes that are inspired by the English countryside to smells with a seductive woodsy twist.

What Does Lemon Perfume Do?

Lemon perfume has a flavor that is identical to that of real citrus fruit and peel. If you are already conjuring images of lemon juice or fresh lemons, you’re on the right track. Lemon oil is typically cold-pressed, which sets this perfume apart from others, making it a familiar scent, one that we’ve been familiar with since our childhood, making it all the more comforting. The vivacious, stimulating aroma pairs beautifully with floral notes like rose, ylang-ylang, lavender, and geranium as well as other citrus oils like orange and grapefruit.


Citrus is regarded as a natural mood enhancer in aromatherapy, therefore whenever mental stress, worry, or overwhelming feelings arise, many people turn to citrus essential oils (1). It’s basically your warm comforting hug in a bottle. If you are someone who could use some mood-enhancing enablers to raise your spirits, a citrus perfume is a perfect starter for you. The note of lemon has a zesty, acidic, and incredibly fresh aroma similar to the fruit itself, yet it can also emit a sweetness like candy. This versatility of the lemon fragrance makes it appropriate for citrusy notes as well as a part of fresh and sweet perfumes. Since lemons grow well all over the world, thankfully, their fragrances are typically inexpensive to produce. So, frugal or not, you can acquire a beautiful lemon scent at just about any price point, from the bargain bin to the ultra-luxury. Here’s a list of the best lemon perfumes that you can be best friends forever with.

9 Best Lemon Perfumes

Lucky You Eau de Toilette Spray is a daytime citrusy scent that is from the Liz Claiborne design house. The Eau de toilette comes in a clear glass bottle with a rusty red colored perfume. If you’re someone who likes holding on to fragrances, this one might just be your best fit because it is an addictive scent that comes from a blend of fresh citrusy flavors and a flowery fragrance. Whether you’re out for a lunch date or a work meeting, this lemon perfume will make sure that you squeeze the day! It has a tangy ruby red element as its top note while musk, sandalwood, and amber hints give a seductive base note. But the fragrance's core is revealed by a combination of blue poppy, peony, and star jasmine.

Pros
  • Giftable
  • Does not stain
  • Pleasant scent
  • Inexpensive
Cons
  • Lasts for an hour
  • Fidji by Guy Laroche Eau de Toilette Spray

    Fidji by Guy Laroche Eau de Toilette Spray
  • Fidji by Guy Laroche Eau de Toilette Spray is your entry ticket to a world of feminine, exotic, and evocative energy. It is an old classic perfume that has stuck around over the years for its eccentric scent. Perhaps because it is the perfume from the far-off and alluring sunny islands, Fidji has become immensely well-known. The flowery heart notes of rose, jasmine, and ylang-ylang, and violet, meet the refreshing whiff of galbanum, hyacinth, lemon, and bergamot to give a smell to remember. The carnation's spicy floral undertone adds to the composition's identity and gives it a coarser edge. You will love this lemon perfume if you are a fan of sandal, amber, musk, or vetiver, which are all present in the lingering base notes of this perfume.

    Pros
    • Giftable packaging
    • Does not irritate the skin
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Fades quickly
  • Best Long-lasting

    Panier des Sens Eau de Toilette

    Panier des Sens Eau de Toilette
  • If you are looking for an exquisite, natural, and timeless bottle of fragrance that you can use or even gift your partner, your quest  should end with the Panier des Sens Eau de Toilette. Both your mind and your body will feel like it just stepped into an aromatherapy center with the Orange Blossom fragrance.The essence of the perfume lies in sage and petitgrain that have soothing effects, which work well with the effervescent freshness of citrus peel to soften the skin. It is a magnificent combination of calming essential oils with a cheeky and dazzling scent! This timeless collection, which epitomizes beauty and well-being, draws its wealth from the plant's heart through herbal extracts and gradually introduces you to the science of aromatherapy.

    Pros
    • Easy application
    • Good quantity
    • Smells great
    • Lasts all-day
    Cons
    • Overpowering scent
  • Best Sweet Smelling Lemon Perfume

    Lemon Sugar Roll On Perfume

    Lemon Sugar Roll On Perfume
  • If you are someone who loves the smell of fresh lemons with a hint of sugar, this roll-on perfume is the jackpot that you deserve. Lemon and sugar might be best served with pancakes but you would be surprised that the two create a spellbinding fragrance, like a fresh lemonade in a candy store. Craving something sweet? This perfume will serve as your sugar explosion in a bottle and we’ll tell you how. It has top notes of lemon and sugar cane (yes, you read that right!) and middle notes of caramel (who knew we could have caramel in our fragrances), bergamot, and raspberry. If these ingredients haven't intrigued you enough, the bottom notes of the perfume are full of vanilla and musk, waiting to swoon you. It comes in a small lipstick-sized bottle and is extremely handy.

    Pros
    • Easy roll on
    • Travel-friendly
    • Sulfate-free
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Not unisex
  • Best Lemon Perfume for Full Body

    BLUEBYRD Soap Co. Sugared Lemons Fragrance

    BLUEBYRD Soap Co. Sugared Lemons Fragrance
  • Bluebyrd Soap Co. Sugared Lemons Fragrance will show you that there’s so much more to life than making lemonades out of lemons. This lemony fragrant mist for the hair is a showstopper. Use this incredible-smelling spray to awaken your senses and infuse your entire body with mood-enhancing smells. It is indeed a brand-new form of everyday physical ritual. The high alcohol content in most fragrant products might result in dried-out tresses, despite how alluring it is to spritz some perfume on your hair. But this perfume mist is a mild body spray without alcohol and can be used from head to toe. Even on bad hair days, you can spritz your way and feel like you had a good hair wash. Now, that's what’s called hitting two birds with a stone.

    Pros
    • Alcohol-free
    • Silicone-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Multiple uses
    Cons
    • Might seem too sweet
  • 100BON L'Eau Du Parc

    100BON L'Eau Du Parc
  • 100BON L'Eau Du Parc is a sweet and vivacious fragrance spray that was inspired by the plants, flowers, and scents of Lyon's renowned Park de la Tête d'Or. The citrusy-woody aroma is vegan, vibrant, fresh, and brimming with vigor. Bergamot and lemon serve as the fragrance's top notes, which are complemented by mint and bitter orange blossom in the heart and scented vetiver and patchouli in the base. This is the ideal travel perfume because it is also small and lightweight. The eco-friendly fragrance spray can be refilled when your new choice fragrant runs out, so you can have your newfound love with you everywhere you go. To top it off, it is produced with organic wheat and alcohol.

    Pros
    • Rechargeable
    • Refillable
    • Sustainable packaging
    • 100% natural
    Cons
    • Poor Sillage
  • 4711 Acqua Colonia Lemon and Ginger Eau de Cologne

    4711 Acqua Colonia Lemon and Ginger Eau de Cologne
  • Acqua Colonia Lemon and Ginger Eau de Cologne is a one-of-a-kind perfume that will tease your senses with a crisp and earthy scent that’s rejuvenating. If you are wondering what a blend of Amalfi lemon and ginger smells like, we can affirm that it presents itself as a poetic and refreshing scent straight from the lovely Italian city of Sicily.  It has a soft touch of spicy accent with a whole lot of citrusy base notes. It also has a subtle trail of cinnamon that’s intriguing. The cologne comes in a crystal bottle and looks luxurious. Whether you’re a gym freak or a yogi at heart, this cologne could be your instant pick-me-up and also make you smell incredibly energized.

    Pros
    • Not greasy
    • Skin-friendly
    • Good for summer
    Cons
    • Can be strong
  • Maison Margiela Perfume Replica

    Maison Margiela Perfume Replica
  • Maison Margiela's perfume called Under The Lemon Trees is a women's fragrance that has a citrusy, earthy, and spicy note. The aroma of this perfume is akin to awakening  from a well-deserved snooze under the shade of citrusy lemon trees. Having made its debut in 2018, this fragrance opens with top notes of bittersweet petitgrain and sweet, earthy cardamom. The grand opening note of this fragrance is complemented by the Asian citrus fruit kalamansi, which has floral and acidic undertones. You can also smell the fresh zesty coriander, green tea extract, and mate (a South American tea with eucalyptus-like bitterness) at the heart of the perfume.  The fragrance also has a warm and woodsy base note that comes  from musk and cedar.

    Pros
    • Mild
    • Travel-friendly
    • Antique collection
    • Giftable
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Might be too spicy
  • Best Giftable Lemon Perfume

    Skeem Design Print Block Rollerball Perfume

    Skeem Design Print Block Rollerball Perfume
  • With his portable, miniature edition of the Print Block candle collection, you can savor a woodsy and zesty fragrance everywhere. This beautiful-looking perfume is contained in bottles that look like they belong next to handicrafts, in the showcase. Its intricately carved maple lids are modeled after wooden printing blocks used to print fabrics. Each bottle is elegantly presented in a tube made of birch wood, finished with a ribbon and button. Perfumes have the power to evoke mixed emotions and recollection and this lemon scent with a touch of its fruity and sweet smell makes it all the more special. You’ve got to try this woodsy blend of lemon and oak that also has lemongrass, citrus peel, and amber. If you don't fancy it much after use, you can always keep the bottle in your collection.

    Pros
    • Non-toxic ingredients
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Engraved bottle
    Cons
    • Does not last long

    What to Look for When Buying the Best Lemon Perfumes

    You can never really falter with lemon and citrus scents unless you soak yourself in a bathtub of it. In general, lemon perfumes are quite appealing and have the benefit of being light enough to wear in every scenario. There are many options when it comes to lemon perfumes and to save you from trial and error, we'll spill the beans on things to look for before making the purchase. Here are some guidelines you should follow if you haven't decided on a scent yet in order to choose the right one for you.

    Notes in a Lemon Perfume

    Understanding the notes of a perfume is key to perfumery. The top, middle/heart, and base notes are the three categories into which fragrance sets in a perfume are typically divided. Over time, a perfume's overall aroma is defined by the sum of its notes. One note follows another as they dissipate in order. The middle and base notes come after the top note, which has the most potent and prominent scent. But, within 5 to 15 minutes of perfume application, the top notes are reduced to no scent. The base notes last for about four to six hours, whereas the middle notes disappear in about two to four hours. Typically, the base notes are deep and resonant. Keep this in mind before you choose the perfume. After all, one spritz is not enough to decide.

    Test the Scent

    Any lemon perfume you plan to purchase should always be sampled first so you can make an objective assessment. Test the scent of perfume by giving it a direct whiff, giving your wrist a light spritz, or lightly misting some fabric. Absorb the individual notes closely and decide for yourself if you like the smell of the base note which stays the longest. Never decide based on the top note. A life-changing piece of advice is to always ask for samples of perfumes before buying them, especially if they cost an arm and a leg. Also, you can always keep sample perfumes handy in your bags when you are traveling. So it's not really a waste.

    Take Note of the Type of Perfume

    For a layman, perfume is just anything and everything that smells good. But, in the world of perfumery, every scent is taken seriously and also monikered based on the durability and longevity of the perfumes. Since we are on the topic, it wouldn't hurt to learn a thing or two about the types of perfumes to understand which one suits our purpose. 

    • Eau de Cologne: This scent lasts for around two hours and contains 2 to 4 percent perfume that is diffused in alcohol. So, this is your best bet if you want to smell great for a brunch. But it's not going to stay long enough for that dinner date. 
    • Eau de Toilette: This lasts for two to three hours and contains 5 to 15 percent scent that is diffused in alcohol. This could be your best choice for evenings and also daily wear.
    • Eau de Parfum: The longevity of this type of perfume is four to five hours. It often costs more than the former two and contains 15 to 20 percent alcohol-diffused perfume. 
    • Perfume: Sometimes, simple is the best. The ones that are just perfumes have the strongest scent and can linger on the skin for up to 24 hours. That is the most costly and your best choice if you don't want to keep spritzing every few hours.

    Conclusion

    When life gives you lemons, make sure it’s in the form of perfume! Lemon perfumes are a perfect pick-me-up and can even replace your morning cuppa that you need to refresh your senses. So whether your olfactory senses are attracted to the best lemon perfumes or not, we’d definitely recommend keeping one citrusy perfume for the warm summer days– after all they can help boost energy and keep you feeling happy all day long. A perfume is an invisible accessory that can amp up our personalities in just a spritz, so choose your poison wisely and while you’re at it, don't forget to get a sample!

    FAQ's

    Is lemon a good perfume?
    Lemon scents are adaptable and are typically best in the summer. They can be ideal for flowery and spicy scents and give your day a fresh, energizing vibe.
    Do people like the smell of lemon perfume?
    Yes, it’s a great pick-me-up and people often feel energized by the scent of lemon perfumes.
    Does lemon scent help anxiety?
    Lemony and citrusy scents are known to elevate the mood. Citrusy smells are nature’s gift of zen and help in physical, mental, and spiritual well-being
    Does lemon perfume leave yellow stains on your clothes?
    Deeply colored perfumes have a higher staining risk than lighter ones. It is less prone to stain if the sprayer emits the fragrance as a fine mist because the liquid is spread out more. But lemon perfumes don't stain.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our in-house perfume enthusiast, Sayantani, says that lemon perfumes can be a delightfully refreshing olfactory experience. Bursting with the zest of freshly squeezed lemon juice, these fragrances exude a bright and energizing aura. When Sayantani tried the products, she noticed that one awakened her senses like no other. The Lucky You Eau de Toilette Spray had an addictive blend of citrus and floral scents. It was inexpensive, didn't stain her clothes, and made an impression on those around her.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. Citrus Essential Oils in Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/12/2374

    2. (PDF) As Light as Your Scent: Effects of Smell and Sound on Body Image Perception

    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344376628_As_Light_as_Your_Scent_Effects_of_Smell_and_Sound_on_Body_Image_Perception

     

    Author BIO
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    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More