10 Best Citrus Colognes for Men

The late Gianni Versace said it best: “Perfume puts the finishing touch to elegance – a detail that subtly underscores the look, an invisible extra that completes a man and a woman’s personality. Without it, there is something missing.”

Wearing cologne isn’t just about smelling good. Like the clothes you wear, a fragrance should be an extension of your personality; a representative that speaks on your behalf to the people you come in contact with. 

As lovers of fragrance, we know how vital a good scent is. And whether you’re in the market for a new cologne or gift shopping for a special someone, you’ve come to the right place to discover the 10 best citrus colognes for men. 

We’ve compiled a versatile list of designer fragrances and trendy scents that range from citrus-fruity to citrus-woody blends. There’s something for everyone here, and the products highlighted are a perfect blend of light and edgy citrus to carry you through the winter and into 2023.

1. Atlantis by Blu Atlas

You probably expected the first cologne on our list to come from a designer brand like Dior or Valentino. Instead, we’re taking you to the coastal jungles of Bali with Atlantis by Blu Atlas, a unique eau de parfum that inspires adventure and wanderlust with every spritz. 

Holding its own as the flagship cologne of men’s skincare brand Blu Atlas, Atlantis features a top-note blend of bergamot, lemon and blackcurrant for a refreshingly citrus scent. The heart-note blend of lavender, clary sage, peach and apricot sets the stage for memorable base notes of orris, oakmoss, violet, ambrette seed and musk. 

Ranked as the best citrus cologne for men by Men’s Journal, Atlantis’ note breakdown is intriguingly fresh, green, floral, musky and fruity. The notes complement each other to create a divinely fresh and aquatic citrus design with a hint of warm musk. The cologne has excellent performance and longevity, lasting upwards of seven hours in both cold and hot weather. 

Preservative- and paraben-free, Atlantis was designed with premium ingredients and is vegan and cruelty-free. It is formulated with industry clean standards.

It wasn’t enough for Blu Atlas to simply create an extraordinary fragrance and ethically produced product. With its matte black coating and lettering, Atlantis is a full-fledged experience that comes with a magnetic cap and a beautifully padded black box, all for an affordable $100. 

Here’s what people are saying: 

“This is legitimately the best smelling cologne I have in my collection,” said Arnas G., verified reviewer. “I’ve used over 30 colognes in the past two years, and this is the clear winner. It has such a unique composition of notes. You get peach & apricot notes, yet there’s a hint of oak moss and musk in the undertones. Order this ASAP, gentlemen.”

2. Acqua Viva by Profumum 

A lemon sorbet mixed with the breeze of the Mediterranean Sea is the perfect way to describe Acqua Viva by Profumum. With notes of Amalfi lemon and cedar, the cologne is fit for a king who sails the seas by day and sits under the moonlight by night with a glass of champagne. 

This sophisticated scent merges the zest and juiciness of fruity lemon with the warmth of cypress and cedar for depth and balance. The cologne will brighten up your winter days with its longevity and performance. 

Here’s what people are saying:

“This has always been a favorite of mine: an extremely addictive lemon summer scent suitable for easy refreshment with a slight yet enough amount of story-telling and harmony,” said Lorenzo Y., verified reviewer. “It smells like lemon peel, hints of orange peel here and there, with very little touches of cypress and cedarwood that provide the fragrance some more aromaticity and a final broom note to eat away anything sour.” 

3. Light Blue Pour Homme Eau Intense by Dolce & Gabbana

This is a designer cologne that smells good and won’t break the bank. 

Citrus meets aquatic in Light Blue Pour Homme Eau Intense by Dolce & Gabbana, an eau de parfum that evokes sun-kissed skin by the Mediterranean Sea. This award-winning fragrance features top notes of grapefruit, bergamot, Sicilian mandarin and juniper. The fresh, spicy and aromatic middle notes blend pepper, rosemary and Brazilian rosewood. They yield to the woody and warm-spicy base notes of musk, incense and oakmoss.

If you’re looking for a head-turning cologne, Light Blue Pour Homme will not disappoint. Its citrus and aquatic flair is perfect for the summer. The cologne is versatile and easy to wear, with a pleasant demeanor. Though the fragrance loses presence around the five-hour mark, it’s light enough to reapply without becoming overbearing. 

Here’s what people are saying: 

“I got this perfume as a gift for my boyfriend, and he loves it,” said Patrisha D., a verified reviewer. “I think the bottle itself is very nice since the cap is magnetic, and the velvety packaging makes it seem so luxurious! As for the smell of the perfume, I feel like I can wear it as a girl, and I like how it smells on my boyfriend.”

4. Sicily by Mancera

Coming in at No. 4 is Sicily by Mancera, a decadent blend of citrus, fruity, sweet, fresh spicy, powdery and white floral deliciousness. The top notes introduce fruity scents of citrus fruits, apple, peach and pineapple, while the heart notes dazzle with jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang and violet. The fragrance closes out with sandalwood, cedar wood and white musk base notes.

Heavy on the citrus, Sicily blends the fruity notes for a bright balance. Ylang-ylang and peach have a slight tropical impact for a mesmerizing fragrance that lasts upwards of 12 hours. Sicily is a versatile scent that is confident without being overbearing. 

Here’s what people are saying:

“You can trust me when I say a citrusy perfume is good, not because I’m an expert, but because I hate citrus,” said Birnam W., a verified reviewer. “It’s such a vivid fruity scent. Though I can pick up several citrus notes, there are also quite a few other tropical fruits here to make it a whole. This is a vivid, 3-D citrusy-fruity perfume.” 

5. Fly Away by Mugler 

Are you feeling fancy? Immerse yourself in the high-fashion world of Mugler with Fly Away, a multidimensional fragrance that blends notes like citrus, cannabis, fresh spicy, herbal green and smoky. 

Simple is better for the Fly Away note breakdown, which includes grapefruit and cannabis for a juicy and earthy tone. Though atypical in its composition, the grapefruit-cannabis blend works wonders in creating a brave and bold scent. 

Here’s what people are saying:

“Got this for a very, very good price. This fragrance is hands down one of the best in the new cologne lineup,” said David T., a verified reviewer. “It opens up really fresh, like pure realistic grapefruit opening with a very slight hit of the secret note C. Cannabis is very light in the background, really deepening the grapefruit. (Sounds like a weird mix but works amazingly well!) Overall pick this one up if you are not into heavy-smelling or face-smacking fragrances. I can see everyone loving this one.” 

 6. Viking Cologne by Creed

Good luck getting your hands on Viking Cologne, an eau de parfum by Creed that channels the Arctic sun and a spirit of adventure. 

In the top note, woodsy cedarwood merges with petitgrain and Italian-sourced bergamot and lemon for a warm, citrus flair. The middle notes, sourced from  Egypt, France, Indonesia and Haiti, feature lavender, patchouli, vetiver and the ever-calming geranium. Base notes of frankincense, nutmeg, rosemary, sage and sandalwood sourced from India round out the fragrance for a juicy and effervescent scent. 

Think of Viking Cologne as a crisp and long-lasting metallic blend bottling the intersection of land and air. It’s a bold, hyper-masculine fragrance that does justice to its Viking namesake. 

Here’s what people are saying: 

“I must admit that I always liked the original Viking (while everyone rushed to bash it). So, of course, I like this one too,” said Sam M., a verified reviewer. “However, this one is a lot better blended and has [a] similar scene scent profile, just more summer appropriate (as the original was a bit too heavy for warm months)…Give it a try, wear it on your skin (as you should with all Creeds), and even if you didn’t like the original Viking, chances are you will come round and buy a full bottle of this!”

Viking Cologne is available in 50 and 100 milliliter bottles. With each purchase comes the option of text and medallion engraving. 

7. Versace Pour Homme

Versace Pour Homme is a luxurious citrus blend with roots in the Mediterranean. 

The eau de toilette spray has top notes of lemon, bergamot, neroli and rose de mai. The middle notes are a delicious blend of hyacinth, cedar, clary sage and geranium, and the base notes feature the warm and alluring tonka bean, musk and amber. 

Versace Pour Homme has become a timeless classic. A versatile scent with an eight-hour longevity, it’s suitable for all seasons and has an intoxicating citrus aura. 

Here’s what people are saying:

“I’ve tried many different colognes over the years, and I always come back to this one because it smells amazing, and you only have to use it once a day,” said Richard J., verified reviewer. “I’m constantly getting compliments on how amazing I smell. By the way, if you want to smell even better, combine it with Jake by Abercrombie. The two together is an unstoppable combination!” 

8. Ice by Jimmy Choo

There is a reason why Ice by Jimmy Choo is on our list of the best citrus colognes for men. It doesn’t get more citrusy than a top-note blend of citron, bergamot and mandarin orange. The middle notes merge apple, vetiver, cedar and patchouli, while the base notes blend notes like musk and moss. 

Think of Ice as sparkling lemonade in a bottle. Without losing its sweetness, the top notes give way to an earthy blend that culminates in the musk and moss base notes. Ice should be your go-to if you’re looking for a comfortable, confident fragrance. 

Here’s what people are saying: 

“I remember the first time I smelled Jimmy Choo Man Ice, my eyes rolled in the back of my head and stayed there,” said S.A., a verified reviewer. “It has a scent that gives you a feeling of exhilaration and is sure to put a childish smirk on your face. It’s a frosty, creamy lemonade scent. Very brisk. Smells like a pitcher of lemonade filled with lots of sugar and lots of ice cubes. That vetiver punch makes it all the more better. To me, this is one of the best citrus + woody aromatic fragrances out there within its price range. Period. The smell, for what you pay for, is simply genius, and it’s no surprise that it continues to sell very well.”

Man Ice is a top selection if you like a citrus cologne complemented by woody and musky tones. The cologne, which has a starting price under $100, comes in a variety of sizes. 

9. Missoni Wave

The penultimate fragrance on our list is Wave by Missoni. The eau de toilette cologne opens with aquatic, Sicilian, mandarin and citrus top notes. The middle notes consist of lavender, clary, sage, rosemary, Egyptian and pelargonium. The base notes are a hearty blend of vanilla, orchid, Haitian vetiver, patchouli and oakmoss. 

The oceanic bottle sets the stage for an aquatic sea mist of juicy citrus, perfect for the summer heat. The cologne grounds you in its citrus and woody tones for a balanced fragrance that will ensure you stand out in the crowd. 

Here’s what people are saying: 

“Quite possibly my favorite fragrance in my collection; signature scent, actually,” said K.T., a verified reviewer. “Every time I wear it, I get compliments, and I love getting whiffs of it throughout the wear of the fragrance. It’s got tons of character and depth. Works well with the heat, and I’m sure it works well in the fall as well. It’s just that good.”

10. Fun by Azzaro

Here is an affordable eau de toilette spray with a little bit of everything. In Fun by Azzaro, you’re met with a fruity, citrus, woody, sweet, fresh blend that makes for an unforgettable scent. 

It’s a one-person show for blood orange, the lone top note in this aromatic fragrance. Heart notes of black currant, rhubarb, cedar and amber join the base notes of akigalawood and Haitian vetiver. 

To wear Fun is to cloak yourself in a sweet citrus scent that is lighthearted but never frivolous. Perfect for the summer, Fun is a grab-and-go fragrance that is the ideal complement to any situation. 

Here’s what people are saying: 

“This one smells very similar with Hermes Eau Tres Fraiche and with Guerlain Nerolia Bianca, especially in the opening,” said G.V., a verified reviewer. “It has the exact same vibe and scent, which was a huge surprise for me because I really love ETF. Great scent for summer and warmer days, also very affordable, fresh, clean, and playful.”

An Introduction to Fragrance 

If you’re new to the world of fragrance and know little about the different scents, allow us to introduce you to the fragrance wheel, your new best friend.

Like the color wheel, fragrances are broken down into primary notes: oriental, floral, woody and fresh. 

Fresh notes consist of aromatic (lavender + aromatic herbs), citrus (bergamot + citrus oils), water (marine + aquatic notes), green (galbanum + green notes), and fruity (berries + fruits). These primary notes are home to secondary notes like bergamot, a citrus scent, and berries. If you favor scents like lemon and orange, a cologne with a high concentration of fresh notes is the way to go. 

Oriental notes consist of floral oriental (orange blossom + sweet spices), soft oriental (incense + amber), oriental (oriental + resins) and woody oriental (sandalwood + patchouli). The most exotic of the primary notes, oriental notes include scents like vanilla, jasmine, orchid and cinnamon. 

Floral notes are home to soft floral (aldehydes + powdery notes) and floral (fresh cut + flowers). You’re probably most familiar with scents like rose, lily, lavender and peony. 

Woody notes include woods (aromatic woods + vetiver), mossy woods (oakmoss + amber) and dry woods (dry woods + leather). Some of the common wood notes are vetiver, cedarwood, pine, sandalwood and oud. 

Top, Heart and Base Notes

Here is where things get tricky, as most fragrances incorporate a blend of primary notes. All fragrances comprise three notes: a top note, a heart note and a base note. 

Think of the top note as the first impression. It’s what you immediately smell upon spraying cologne, and it lasts between five and 15 minutes before giving way to the heart note. Top notes are typically reserved for fresh and floral scents like lemon, orange, rose and lavender, keeping the first impression light and alluring. 

If the top note is the introduction, the heart note is the second date. You’re getting to know the scent more intimately, and this is where you’ll meet 70% of the fragrance. Heart notes, lasting between 20 and 60 minutes, typically incorporate floral, spicy and fruity notes like jasmine, peach, ylang-ylang and cinnamon. 

The base notes seal the deal with woody and balsamic tones like sandalwood, vanilla and musk. Usually lasting over six hours, the base is your scent’s foundation; it’s what makes the cologne memorable. 

What Fragrance Category Fits You?

When shopping for cologne, it’s important to remember that they’re sold in six categories: perfume, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de cologne, eau fraiche and perfume oils. The higher the concentration of perfume extracts within a fragrance, the longer the scent lasts and, typically, the more expensive it is. 

Perfumes top the list with a 20-30% extract concentration. Eau de parfums come in second at 15-20%, and eau de toilette is third at 5-15%. Finally, eau de cologne has an extract concentration between 2% and 4%. 

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about maximizing the wear of your fragrance.

Is There a Right or Wrong Way to Wear Cologne? 

So you’ve found the perfect citrus cologne and can’t wait to wear it around town. 

To make the most of your pricey buy, there are a few steps you can take to prolong the fragrance’s wear and get the biggest bang for your buck.

The best time to apply cologne is after you’ve showered, when your skin is moist and warm and your pores are open. Under these conditions, the fragrance will have a better chance of absorbing into your skin and lasting longer. 

Ready for another hack? Use a body wash that is in the same wheelhouse as your cologne. If the scents are equivalent or complementary, you’re sure to smell better for longer with the two working together.

Now for the fun part. 

When putting on your cologne, remember not to oversaturate your skin. Yes, you want your cologne to turn heads, but not for the wrong reasons. It’s best to spray six inches away from your body, and remember to pay attention to hot spots. Think chest, inner elbows, forearm, neck, shoulders and wrists. These are the warmest areas of the body, which will ensure your cologne’s scent lingers throughout the day. 

Cologne works best when it’s able to mix with your natural scent, so we recommend refraining from spraying it on your clothes.

When you’re finished using your cologne, make sure to store it properly, which will significantly affect the fragrance’s potency and viability. The second you remove your cologne cap, the fragrance becomes oxidized and can slowly become diluted over time. 

Always remember to cap the bottle when finished using it, and to store the cologne in a dry, dark place away from sunlight.  Sunlight and external moisture can break down your fragrance’s chemical design, and it will become a double whammy if the plastic starts to melt alongside it. 

Our final tip is for owners of colognes stored in clear bottles. Remember to check in on your fragrance and ensure it hasn’t become discolored. Although discoloration can happen through the darkening of natural ingredients over time, this can also signify that the fragrance is losing its longevity and scent. 

The Psychological Benefits of Cologne

Not only does cologne smell good, but it is proven to positively impact your mood and overall demeanor. If you’re big into aromatherapy and want to get a citrus-based cologne that offers different healing scents, consider buying a fragrance that incorporates the following aromatherapy essential oils:

• Peppermint: known to reduce pain, improve mental function, reduce stress, and treat coughs and colds. 
• Lavender: known to alleviate depression, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, menstrual cramps and promote relaxation.
• Frankincense: known to have antiseptic and anti-neurotic effects.
• Citrus oils: known to reduce stress and increase moods
• Geranium: known to alleviate anxiety and depression 

We’ve covered a lot of topics in discussing the best citrus colognes for men. Atlantis by Blu Atlas leads the pack with its freshly invigorating scent, innovation and commitment to eco-sustainability. 

However, don’t count out Acqua Viva by Profumum or Light Blue Pour Homme Eau Intense by Dolce & Gabbana, which came in a close second and third, respectively. 

While our list includes many fragrance heavy hitters, we factored in several affordable gems that are sure to leave a lasting impact. Whichever cologne you settle on, remember our tips for making your fragrance last as long as possible. And don’t be afraid to dabble in different blends and notes on the road to finding your perfect match.