I'm going to let you in on a little-known perfume secret: When a floral perfume smells particularly delectable, it's likely due to the addition of one note. That note is orange blossom, and when it's added to fragrances, they morph into something truly delectable.
Orange blossoms are gorgeous white flowers that bloom on orange trees. They've been blended into perfumes for centuries and have even been touted as an aphrodisiac. Orange blossoms work so well in perfumes because their scent is so complex—they don't just smell floral, but they also have notes of citrus, honey, and even greenery. Orange blossom oil (also known as neroli oil) is really potent and a little goes a long way, so perfumers consider it a specialty oil.
You'll likely find whiffs of orange blossoms in a lot of your favorite perfumes, as they add a certain je ne sais quoi to just about everything they touch. I've rounded up my eight recommendations if you're on the market for an orange-blossom-centric scent—so get ready for the endless compliments to roll in.
Key Notes: Clementine flower, orange blossom, white lilac, orris wood. Packed with both orange blossom and clementine flower, this fragrance is a white-flower lover's paradise. It's bright and versatile and smells just as good layered with other fragrances as it does on its own. Customer Review: "Smells really good, would definitely wear it on special occasions. Pretty long lasting scent. Would definitely buy again in bigger bottle. Happy I got to try this perfume, a perfect scent for daily wear or a night out."
Key Notes: Cassis, honey, peach
Key Notes: Orange blossom, lemon, musk, bergamot, petit grain. If your purview of Le Labo starts and ends with Santal 33, it's time to expand your knowledge of the brand. The star of this scent is an orange blossom note that took over three years to compose, and it's utterly sumptuous. Customer Review: "All my life I have searched for a perfume I could wear without getting a headache and was not offensive to the senses. I finally found it. This is a beautiful and fresh scent. I get compliments from both men and women. Most importantly my husband loves it. Your bottle is crafted and mixed after ordering to ensure it’s fresh..."
Key Notes: Orange blossom, vanilla absolute, marshmallow, amber. Rihanna's signature perfume is spun-sugar sweet, but it also has notes of orange blossom. The floral is perfectly blended with vanilla and marshmallow for sweetness, and it ends with a touch of amber to give it a rich base. Customer Review: "I usually get a headache when wearing perfumes, but this perfume is light, yet sweet [with] floral-like notes and lasts so long. I have never smelt a perfume like this, I am so happy Sephora sells this brand because I only wear Killian, this is my favorite brand!!!!"
Key Notes: Almond milk, iris, musk
Key Notes: Orange blossom, tuberose, vanilla. This is the ultimate classic floral scent. Orange blossom and tuberose are weaved together for the perfect floral, while vanilla keeps the whole thing grounded. Customer Review: "This perfume has such a sweet aroma which lasts throughout the entire day. It’s sure to get you compliments and pairs really well with Kayail Vanilla 28. It’s a sure test against sweltering humidity and really cold winter days. I swear by it!"
Key Notes: Jasmine, gardenia, woods
Key Notes: Bergamot, galbanum, tarragon, lemon, jasmine absolute, tuberose, lily of the valley, violet absolute, rose absolute, ylang-ylang, carnation, broom flower absolute, orange blossom, beeswax absolute, clove, oak moss absolute, sandalwood, civet, cedar, musk, tonka bean. It doesn't get much more iconic—or classically Parisian—than a Houbigant Paris scent. The perfume house has been around since 1775 and is the only fragrance house that spans four centuries. This dreamy floral is sure to turn heads.
Key Notes: Jasmine, orange blossom, grasse tuberose, ylang-ylang. If you're a floral lover, this one is for you. It's basically like wearing a bouquet of gorgeous flowers on your skin. Customer Review: "Beautiful! Just an all around beautiful, well-balanced scent. Classic Chanel."
Key notes: orange, Grasse jasmine, May rose, patchouli, vetiver
Key Notes: Orange, pear, iris, orange blossom, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, amber, vanilla. If you're after a scent that balances florals with fruit, woods, and a tinge of gourmand, try this fragrance. It's citrus on the nose with lots of subtle notes woven through. Customer Review: "So delicious and lasts long enough for work."
Key Notes: Lavender, orange blossom, musk accord. A hint of musk transforms this floral-forward fragrance into something a little subtler and breezy. It's perfect for anyone who doesn't want just another floral perfume. Customer Review: "Long lasting and pretty strong, so a little goes a long way. Great for a night out! My guy friends were also obsessed with this scent!!"
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
