Orange, neroli, mandarin…

Juicy orange scents go hand-in-hand with summer. No wonder we’re smelling their upbeat fragrance notes throughout the fragrance department lately.

As the warm weather wafts in, citrus acts as an instant mood pick-me-up, especially on slow-moving, hot-and-hazy days. With a spritz of orange, neroli or mandarin, the moment is suddenly lighter, zestier and a touch more effervescent.

We’ve explored the mood-boosting power of citrus scents before, but whether your nose craves the distinct juiciness of orange or mandarin, a sharper neroli essence—FYI, neroli gets its character from the blossom of the bitter orange—or the sweet-floral scent of orange blossom, your every citrus whim can be sated this summer. Here a few of the new and notable orange-laced scents perfuming the day:

ORANGE ELEGANCE

Hermès presents two new eau de colognes for its summer fragrance lineup, one of which is Eau de Mandarine Ambrée (fyi, to the scent-loving and the scent-curious: the other is Eau de Narcisse Bleu). With mandarin and sultry amber as its defining personality, the spritz manages to be warm and refined yet refreshing at the same time. (Full disclosure: It’s this particular writer’s new favourite.) $190 (200 ml), www.hermes.com (below image, far left)

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Nerolia Bianca (far right) has orangey goodness throughout. Top notes of bitter orange, petitgrain and peppermint; a heart of neroli essence, orange blossom and ylang ylang; and a base of white musk, white amber and cedar meld together for a multi-faceted citrus fragrance. The neroli and orange blossom lend the floral-citrus perfume a lighthearted femininity. $65 (75 ml), www.guerlain.com

SPIKED CITRUS

Yves Rocher Secrets d’Essences Neroli (centre, right) pairs its citrus (notes of neroli and orange blossom) with musk. Though there’s a sharpness from the neroli upon first spritz, the musk adds warmth as the fragrance dries down. EDP, $69 (50 ml), www.yvesrocher.ca

Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau d’Été (centre, left) is light but sultry, so an optimal choice for warm-weather days. Though not a true citrus scent, its top notes of orange blossom and clementine (alongside rose) define its sunny disposition. Mid notes of sambac jasmine, ylang ylang, lily of the valley and white iris; and a base of vanilla, musk and amber supply a contrasting and appealing richness. $74 (100 ml), www.jeanpaulgaultier.com