Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between fruity, citrus, and gourmand fragrances?
The lines can sometimes get a little blurry when it comes to fragrance descriptors, but fruity, citrus, and gourmand scents are not the same thing! According to Jean-Marc Chaillan, VP perfumer at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), citrus scents are defined by notes like bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin; they “create an immediate impression of brightness, cleanliness, and energy.” Citrus fragrances, he says, are often characterized by their “sparkling, uplifting identity.”
On the flip side, fruity fragrances are defined by a “succulent, mouthwatering character, creating an immediate sense of pleasure, modernity, and approachability,” he shares. As Chaillan explains it, fruity notes are used to add volume and dimension to a fragrance. There are some cool innovations happening in the fruit fragrance world, too. “Traditionally, it was impossible to have a natural fruit in the perfumer’s palette, but recently IFF introduced a passionfruit and a raspberry to our natural’s palette that add new dimensions to fruit for fine fragrances,” he says.
As for gourmands, they’re all about “indulgence and comfort” and are built around edible notes like vanilla, caramel, chocolate, coffee, and praline, Chaillan explains. “Unlike the brightness of citrus or the juiciness of fruity compositions, the gourmand space is defined by its richness and addictive warmth, creating an emotional connection that feels both comforting and irresistible. These fragrances evoke the pleasure of taste through scent, delivering texture, depth, and long-lasting impact.”
How do you make fruity perfume last all day?
Fruity fragrances have a reputation for not lasting as long as their gourmand, smoky, or woody counterparts; Chaillan notes that this is often because the fruit notes are concentrated at the top and middle notes of a scent, which dissipate faster than the base notes. If you’re concerned about longevity or sillage, consider layering your favorite perfume with its corresponding body lotion or an unscented moisturizer, as moisturized skin absorbs scent better. Concentration matters too: An eau de toilette or cologne will fade fastest, and a parfum will last the longest.
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best fruity perfumes, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from fragrance experts. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Done reading? Now, watch the cast member of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 9 react to viral beauty trends:
