I’m a big fan of a fragrance wardrobe. I like to switch up my scent depending on how I’m feeling, and love getting ready and choosing between my selection of the best perfumes. Some days I reach for a gourmand fragrance, whereas other days I like a musky, woody scent. However, whether I’m happy or sad, whether it’s sunny or raining, or whether I’m dressing up or staying in sweats, there’s one fragrance note I gravitate towards more than anything else, and that’s orange.
As you’ll see in my roundup of the best orange perfumes below, this note is incredibly versatile. Of course, it’s as zesty as you’d expect, but depending on its complementary notes, it can take on a manner of qualities. Having said that, after testing hundreds of citrus scents over the years, one thing I’ve learnt is that all orange perfumes possess an It-girl quality that brings in compliments like no other.
But before getting into all that, I consulted a fragrance expert to learn more about one of my go-to scents.
What Do Orange Perfumes Smell Like?
“Orange can be interpreted in so many different ways, which is why we love working with it,” says Chriselle Lim, founder of cool-girl fragrance brand Phlur. “Mandarin feels juicy and vibrant while orange blossom is softer and more floral. Depending on what you pair it with, it can feel fresh and sparkling or warm and sensual.”
Why Are Orange Perfumes Popular?
So, why do I find myself gravitating towards this scent? “I think people are craving fragrances that instantly lift their mood, and orange does that quite effortlessly,” explains Lim. “It feels bright, optimistic and joyful without being overly sweet.”
Can Orange Perfumes Work All Year Round?
Whilst many people might assume orange works best in the summer months, this note is incredibly versatile. “In summer, orange feels bright, juicy and refreshing, but when you pair it with woods, vanilla or amber, it suddenly feels cosy enough for autumn and winter too,” says Lim.
If, after hearing all that, you’re keen to try an orange perfume for yourself, keep on scrolling for my top picks that all give It-girl energy.
The Best Orange Perfumes, Tried & Tested
- Best Overall: Beauty Pie Orange Absolute Intense, £35
- Best Evening Scent: Phlur Golden Rule, £99
- Best Daytime Scent: Acqua Di Parma Colonia Il Profumo, £146
- Best New Perfume: Dior Paradise, £175
- Best Luxury Perfume: Tom Ford Taormina Orange, £220
1. Beauty Pie Orange Absolute Intense
best overall
Price shown is members’ price.
Key notes: Lemon, clementine, orange and tangerine essential oils, rose, sandalwood, jasmine, tonka bean
If you want a true orange perfume through and through, you can’t go wrong with this Beauty Pie scent. Spritzing this is like being on holiday, biting straight into the freshest, juiciest orange after an energising dip in the sea. It’s vibrant, uplifting and totally addictive. Plus, the base of sandalwood and tonka bean creates a warm, lasting impression that will earn you compliments all day long.
2. Phlur Golden Rule
best evening scent
Key notes: Mandarin, pink pepper, coconut milk, vanilla cream, orange flower, jasmine
I feel like orange perfumes are often categorised as daytime scents, but this fragrance from Phlur is my go-to for date night. A sensual blend of mandarin, pink pepper and vanilla, it’s zesty, bold and a little bit spicy. When researching the notes, I wondered how they’d all work together, but upon testing, I realised just how well-rounded it is. Honestly, since getting my hands on it, I can’t stop wearing it.
3. Acqua Di Parma Colonia Il Profumo
Best daytime scent
Key notes: Lemon, sweet orange, lavender, rose, verbena, rosemary, sandalwood, patchouli
If you do want an everyday orange perfume that still feels special, let me introduce you to Acqua Di Parma Colonia Il Profumo. We named this as one of our best citrus perfumes of all time, and for good reason. It contains all the makings of a typical citrus scent with notes of lemon and sweet orange, and elevates them with lavender and rosemary, creating a fresh, almost herbaceous undertone.
4. Dior Paradise
best new perfume
Key notes: Mandarin, almond, tonka bean
Warm and luminous, this new fragrance from Dior is like sunshine on the skin. A blend of mandarin and almond, the scent is inspired by Château de La Colle Noire, Christian Dior’s Provençal escape where hundreds of almond trees bloomed. The freshness of the mandarin and the sweetness of the almond perfectly intertwine for a unique olfactory experience that’s unforgettable in all the right ways.
5. Tom Ford Taormina Orange
best luxury perfume
Key notes: Blood orange, orange flower absolute, patchouli oil, oakmoss absolute
Tom Ford fragrances do this incredible thing where they hone in on one note and take it to levels you didn’t even know existed. Case in point, Taormina Orange. Inspired by the sparkling waters of Sicily, the scent centres around notes of orange, with a green, earthy undertone of patchouli and oakmoss. It’s fresh, zesty, energetic, but overall, completely captivating.
6. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Kurky
best sweet perfume
Key notes: Tutti-frutti accord, white musk, vanilla
If gourmand fragrances are your thing, Kurky by Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a great choice. Although it doesn’t centre around notes of orange, it does feature a fruity blend of orange, raspberry, pear and peach, alongside creamy vanilla. It’s a playful, youthful, joyous creation, and I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t love this scent.
7. New Notes Akigala Mandarino
best woody perfume
Key notes: Mandarin, passion fruit, raspberry, apple, freesia, jasmine, akigalawood
This fragrance is truly unlike any orange perfume I’ve ever come across. It is a head-turning scent, but not in the way you might think. Yes, mandarin adds a fresh, zesty element, but it’s the woody, spicy dry-down that makes this a heady delight. If you like a niche perfume that stands out from the crowd, this might be the orange fragrance for you.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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