Lemon is one of, if not the most refreshing of fragrance notes. It’s often used as a top note top compliment floral fragrances, but there are some perfumes where it’s the star of the show. This article outlines the origins of Lemon and lists the best Lemon fragrances available today.
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Lemon Perfume Origins and History
The exact origins of Lemons are unknown; but it’s understood that they originated from Northern India, Myanmar or China.
Lemons were brought west along the silk roads by Arabian traders in the 8th century and first reached the Americas on Christopher Columbus’s ship when he discovered the new world.
The Lemon fragrance is created through the peel of the fruit which is cold-pressed. It’s unusual that the scent of the extracted oil is almost precisely the same as that of the fruit.
Dolce & Gabbana Fruit Collection Lemon
Dolce & Gabbana Fruit Collection Lemon is one of three fruity fragrances in the brand’s Fruit Collection.
Sicilian Lemon and Calabrian Bergamot are kept sharp with the addition of Ginger. A slight green undertone comes from a hint of Vetiver and Petitgrain. I think Dolce & Gabbana Fruit Collection Lemon is one of the freshest and greenest interpretations of lemon in a fragrance.
Versace Dylan Turquoise
Versace Dylan Turquoise is a fresh summer scent. Initially its super lemony with a hint of an Orange perfume note too. I think these citrus notes are ideal for hot humid summer days.
There is also a Guava fruity perfume note which of course is associated with tropical and vacation scents.
After the Lemon settles, there is a hint of Freesia, Cassis and Jasmine which create a floral feminine undertone.
Versace Dylan Turquoise is an Eau de Toilette so this isn’t a strong scent. I recommend it for day time and hot weather.
Hailey Bieber is the main face of Versace Dylan Turquoise and Dylan Blue.
Under The Lemon Tree
The Maison Margiela Replica scents aim to recreate a real life scent and Under The Lemon Tree really does make you feel like you’re sat next to a lemon tree!
The lemon vibe is created through Petitgrain and Lime, which create a green slightly aromatic lemon which is initially sharp.
The perfume also really focuses on the ‘tree’ element, with Mate, Coriander and Cardamon.
Overall, Under The Lemon Tree is an aromatic lemon scent which is super unisex. The woody and green notes in the fragrance mix last the longest and so after an hour or so the lemon vibe has faded and the scent becomes a gentle green perfume.
Aqua Allegoria Bergamote Calabria
Calabria is a southern Italian region where Bergamot is grown and which inspired Aqua Allegoria Bergamote Calabria.
The Bergamot is the main note which, accompanied by a hint of Ginger, creates a very refreshing but simple lemon scent. There is also a hint of Cardamon which creates a slightly aromatic and spicy feel to the Bergamot.
Lemony scents don’t tend to be great for lasting and unfortunately Aqua Allegoria Bergamote Calabria is no exception; I get maybe 1-2 hours from this perfume. Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria fragrances are a lovely collection of citrus and natural scents; I have an article which explains what all of them smells like.
Acqua di Gioia
Acqua di Gioia is a classic fresh summer scent. It’s characterised by lemon zest and mint fragrance notes which are exactly what you need on a hot summer day.
There are hints of jasmine, peony and cedar notes but predominantly Acqua di Gioia is all about that fresh green lemon.
Although Acqua di Gioia is an Eau de Parfum it is light and so would be best work during the day and in spring/summer. Check out my article on the entire Acqua Di Gioia perfume range.
Moschino Cheap & Chic Hippy Fizz
Moschino Cheap & Chic Hippy Fizz was an iconic release; I think the Hippy vibe really captured the Moschino style at the time and the 2000s trend!
Hippy Fizz is a fresh Lemon scent combined with airy floral notes and a slightly green Osmanthus base note. It’s simple and fresh like the other Moschino Cheap & Chic fragrances.
