We know the age-old fragrance commandments by heart – heady woods for winter, sensual spices for autumn, flirty florals for spring and citrus splashes for summer. But the change of season doesn’t always have to serve as a trigger for scent transition – why does perfume have to be so practical after all? We’re breaking down beauty boundaries, with one particular scent in mind, because when something smells this good it seems a shame to restrict it to a single season. The note that has us reconsidering our weather appropriate eau wardrobes, you ask? Neroli. An essential oil extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange, it’s often filed away as a summer exclusive scent, but whilst the sun-drenched Sicilian citrus vibes are definitely prominent, it’s a multi-faceted note with a floral heart and a bite of spice at the base. It carries a complexity that many traditional summer scents lack, and so we’re granting it year-round access to our vanities. If Neroli still makes you nervous, don’t fret – we’ve made an edit of the very best interpretations for any season; some skew sweet, some skew spicy, and they’re certainly all worth a sniff.
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Ermengildo Zegna Parfums
Ermenegildo Zegna Parfums Acqua di Neroli Eau De Toilette
This drop is the chicest citrus splash we ever did smell, sitting more toward the sunny side of the Neroli spectrum thanks to zesty lemon and fresh bergamot.
Jo Malone London
Jo Malone Basil & Neroli Cologne
The flirty floral side of Neroli comes out to play in Jo Malone’s exquisite eau. It’s fresh, femme and fun with an earthy twist thanks to its basil base.
L’OCCITANE
L’OCCITANE Néroli & Orchidée Eau de Toilette
Tantalisingly tangy, this L’Occitane scent is an orchid-orange blend with Neroli at the heart for serious staying power. It’s part fruity, part floral and altogether enchanting.
Estee Lauder
Estée Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia
Lauder’s drop pairs Neroli with two of Estee’s favourite flowers, gardenia and tuberose for a soft take on Neroli that somehow steers clear of the zesty zone in favour of femininity.
Bastide
Bastide Neroli Lumiere EDT ($190, mecca.com.au)
Energetic but ethereal, Bastide’s Neroli fragrance will take you on a seasonal sensory journey all the way from the summery opening spritz to the wintry woody dry down.
Hermes
Hermès Eau de Néroli Doré ($170, myer.com.au)
Favouring an abundance of Neroli over the usual subtlety perfumers opt for, Hermes has teamed it with spicy saffron, so prepare for many turned heads and an influx of cologne-centric compliments.
I would love to try these fragrances, they do sound delightful. I need some perfume for winter.
I didn't know that Neroli was associated with citrus
The Estee Lauder Private Collection is divine but I just can't justify spending that much :-/ Hmmm… maybe one day.
I had the L'Occitane perfume which wasn't too bad but not something I normally go for
I love it too! There are so many in that range and all of it is amazing.
I am guessing it was a gift then!
The bottle is lovely.
I must try some of these fragrances, I haven’t heard of neroli before.
Would love to try neroli perfume love the smell of oranges.