What does Lemon Blossom smell like?
Lemon blossom smells like orange blossom made greener and tarter. The honey is there but lighter. Behind it, a zesty facet reminds you that this is a lemon tree and not a bitter orange. The whole effect is clean and sunny, slightly soapy. On skin the note softens quickly. What remains is a gentle white flower that musks carry on.
Origin and production
The lemon tree (Citrus limon) flowers several times a year in mild climates, with white buds tinged with purple. Extracts from its flowers are rare on the market. The perfumer rebuilds the note from neroli, orange blossom and lemon petitgrain, which is distilled from the leaves. A few citrus notes complete the accord and give it sparkle.
How perfumers use it
Lemon blossom sits in the top. Serge Lutens made it the subject of Fleurs de Citronnier (2004), with petitgrain and nutmeg before a heart of neroli, honey and tuberose. The same house uses it against type in Datura Noir (2001), where it opens a dark floral oriental alongside apricot and mandarin. Paco Rabanne Olympéa Aqua (2018) pairs it with clementine over salted vanilla. Versace Eros pour Femme (2014) places it in the heart near jasmine.
How to wear it
Lemon blossom is a daytime scent for spring and summer. It works in the office. Fleurs de Citronnier stays light, so an afternoon top-up is fine.