Lemon in perfumery is the purest expression of clean, zesty brightness, sharp, sparkling and instantly uplifting. The oil comes from cold-pressed peel and smells exactly like the fruit, all zest and juice with a clean, almost soapy freshness. It dominates eau de colognes, fresh chypres and summer citruses, where it delivers that bracing wake-up call. Like all citrus oils, it is fleeting, burning bright for an hour or two before yielding to the heart notes. In Indian summers, lemon-based openings are incredibly refreshing, cutting through heat and leaving you feeling clean. The downside is that lemon can turn slightly harsh in extreme heat, so the best summer lemons are blended with green tea, mint or soft musks to keep them smooth. A timeless, honest freshness.