Citrus 08

This is the last fragrance to try out of my mini discovery set, and it's another really good one. I am super impressed with these Kayali fragrances, and to be honest, I didn't really expect to be. Rumors they were good, combined with an opportunity to purchase a slightly used discovery set, is the only reason I am able to write these reviews. I would never have blind purchased these fragrances, but I think three, out of the four in my set, are full bottle worthy. The opening of citrus 08 is a super beautiful bergamot, then I get the grapefruit and black currant. I did not get the pink pepper at first, it was drowned out by the cirtus, but I can smell a hint of it right before it settled. I did not get the rhubarb, but that doesn't mean it's not in there. This had a super fresh and sour opening, so it was probably amalgamated with the citrus. It settles into a light fresh rose, very light, with a nice pretty grapefruit. Very citrus, but not sharp like a cleaner. One of the best citrus fragrances I have tried. I don't get a lot of projection, but I get a little. It is a pretty strong skin scent, with pretty great longevity for a citrus fragrance. This gets a little sweet in the drydown, probably from the tonka bean, a hint of musk, and if I get oakmoss, it really just smells like the rind of a fresh green citrus. This is a pretty citrus fragrance, and I like it better than all of the citruses I already own. When I am in a citrus mood, I will reach for this one first.

I think by now it's widely known, at least among us Fragrantians, that citrus notes are among the most fleeting, just as a matter of course. Not all notes have the same ability to stick around, no matter what. Because this is the case, most fragrances have longer-lasting notes like oakmoss, patchouli, musk or vetiver (or combo of any of those) in their base to at least keep the blended dry-down intact in some incarnation. But for a fragrance like this that is literally called "Citrus", I'm not entirely sure that it was a huge desire of the brand to have the base notes overpower the intended fresh citrus scent. So yes, the fragrance is quite beautiful, and yes, it does soften down to its muskier, sweeter notes quite quickly, and yes, it is not a powerhouse scent by design. All of that said, especially since I got my Kayali scents in the mini form, it feels pretty clear to me that they were designed to be layered. I have found that Citrus and Vanilla are a really beautiful pairing...but I'm also experimenting with layering my Solinotes Tonka fragrance with Citrus (tonka, not vanilla, is a note listed in the perfume pyramid on Fragrantica), and my current "trick" to make my fragrances last longer is to take a note from a perfume's pyramid and amp it up with some kind of solinote. More often than not it works! I'm also keen to re-purchase a bottle of Fresh's Hesperides Grapefruitl and layer it with Kayali Citrus to see what it does to it.

I must be an outlier because I haven't enjoyed many of the Kayali scents I've tried (the most popular ones, Vanilla and Eden are both a bit repellent to me) - but this is a favorite, not just from the line but overall. And I'm not a huge citrus (or rose) fan! I agree that the name could be misleading for those searching for a more traditional citrus; this is more of a rose that is brightened and amplified by the citrus/rhubarb/fruit. Since rose can turn musty on me, I find that the citrus helps tremendously. And it's not an overly sharp citrus, which can give me a headache and overwhelm my nose. Overall this is a perfect balance, an easy reach in warmer weather, and nice to layer with sweeter or darker scents to add some sparkliness (today I'm wearing with Burberry Her, for example). I picked up a 10ml, which may not seem like much investment, but considering 99% of the time I'm wearing and trying new samples, is a significant indicator! TLDR, this is a lovely grapefruit-rose - for anyone who wants something that isn't too floral, too citrusy, or too heavy.

I saw this citrus perfume on Sephora’s website during VIB Sale and blind bought it. This is a pretty floral citrus scent definitely feminine. Scent trail is good on me so I can smell it when I cross my own path. It radiates out to 6 feet on me. Arizona desert heat even in November burns up perfume fast on my skin so it lasted about 4 hours before it became a skin scent. After the initial blast of citrus (lemon and lime) within 10 minutes it changed to floral, rose mixed with hint of berries, and it stayed that way on me. I never smelled musk, oak moss, or Tonka. Maybe a hint of amber but maybe that is my imagination. Overall I like this perfume despite not being a fan of florals. I don’t know why they call it a citrus perfume because that is only in the opening. I will wear this as a date night perfume or when I’m feeling girly. Men, this is not unisex perfume so sample do not blind buy.

Seeing all the mixed reviews, I would say this a case of different body chemistry reacting different ways, as well as olfactory senses. That being said, on me, the citrus stays there throughout the entire wear time, but I tend to bring out the citrus notes in any perfume. The bergamot and grapefruit are still there from this morning and have beautifully blended with the rhubarb and rose, creating a soft, clean, sparkly fragrance, reminiscent of a Lolia scent In used to have. It's wearing well, but I do use body cream, which helps scent adhere better. I really like this a lot. I don't see it as unisex, it leans quite feminine.

This smells wonderful! And almost exactly like Calvin Klein IN2U. The CK fragrance lasts like 5 minutes though, this was has better lasting power. I'm surprised by all the comments saying it smells like cleaning spray or piss. I get almost all the notes listed, except for the dry down...there is oak moss but I also smell a hint of vanilla...maybe it's the tonka bean I'm smelling. It's too bad it's been discontinued. If you don't enjoy grapefruit though you won't like this, it's very strong in the opening- zingy but a bit bitter. I love grapefruit so I enjoy it!

I initially wrote this off pretty quickly as citrus scents aren’t usually what I like. However, the more I wear it the more I like it. It starts off very tart, but after the top dries off a bit it becomes a very nice fresh sparkling rose. I think if it were called Rose instead of Citrus it would get more attention. This is great for work and I think will be really nice during the summer heat. I see this usually at the bottom of everyone’s kayali list, but I would urge people to give it some time they may end up really liking it.

Many years ago I was travelling to Jordan, there was a quaint store with body and bath oils, fragrance mists and soaps. I picked up this beautiful bottle and sniffed it, that was my first experience with Middle Eastern perfumes. That bottle smells very very similar to kayali citrus 🍊 it was a blast of nostalgia because I had saved that perfume for years before it got spoiled. It is not a sour citrus, it’s more like a sweet and musky citrus perfume. Very different from most other ones atleast try a decant or the 10ml 😀

I just received a sample of this from Sephora and was pleasantly surprised at the fresh and citrusy elements. Can't get any of the tonka or musk though. It's definitely invigorating and girly but with some whiffs I smell like citrus dishwashing liquid. Will do more of a wear test before deciding if I want the full size. Edit: I DO want the full size. Have fallen utterly in love with this fragrance, it's just so energizing!

Not sure why all the hate, but this perfume is beautiful. I think the name throws people’s expectations off, but the scent is classy and sophisticated. It’s more floral with a hint of citrus. It smells high quality and well formulated. I get the same vibes that I get when I wear Gris Dior. I think the oak moss grounds it and adds that extra level of sophistication. TRY it yourself before judging it based on reviews alone!

So pleasantly surprised by this fragrance. A perfect addition for a summer day! Light and refreshing with such a lovely scent. The initial burst of citrus is replaced by sweet and oh so pleasant floral notes. This is not a huge scent but for those who love perfume as a personal affair...it most certainly does the job. Great for those summer days when the only person you want to impress is you!

Okay this is like gold dust. You cannot get it anywhere. I treasure my 50ml bottle. I spray every now and then. And I love it more than when I first got it! It is bright and fresh with a sweet dry down! The rose is NOT strong (and I am not a floral girlie). I paired with Musk 12 AND let me tell you what a combo. Maybe this will be on its way back too

I thought this perfume was going to be just a one note citrus, but I was pleasantly surprised! You get the grapefruit in the opening and the tartness of the rhubarb, but I also got the rose right off the bat. As it dries down, I still get the rose and a hint of the grapefruit, but with a musky aura. Overall, very beautiful fragrance!

I love this one, the only one from Kayali for me btw. I also own old and new YSL in love again and Hermes rhubarbe and Jour. These scents tend to be kind of freshy but not alike at all imo. Friendly and delicious and not an overpowered sugar oud bomb which many people seem to like to scare others away with these days.

This is one of the most beautiful and long-lasting citrus perfumes that I have ever tried. I received a small sample of this and cannot wait to get the full size bottle! I love citrus smells but literally every citrus perfume that I own has very poor longevity and no projection. This has both! It is a winner.

This is a beautiful well rounded fragrance, the opening is absolutely spectacular, opulent, zesty! It has been an hour and it has become a more powdery musky smell with the grapefruit still around! It is lovely! This fragrance on its own is stunning, but I bet would be beautiful layered as well.

It's my favorite citrusy fragrance ever.. Usually I don't like citrusy fragrance but this one I felt in love with first sniff.. Isn't a traditional citrusy smell instead of that it's a very nice combo of peppery floral citrusy smell which has its uniqueness.. Love it definitely ❤

This surprised me. It’s not a sour citrus. It’s bright but musky at the same time. When i first bought it, i sprayed too much and felt like i was covered in dish detergent. A couple sprays is enough for a clean, very pretty scent that projects more on the intimate side.

This is a warm and spicy citrus. I was expecting something more fresh and juicy but I really like it! Edit: it’s the next morning and I still smell it. It’s softened to a sweet, peppery scent. Love it. But I wouldn’t put it in the citrus category.

One of my favorites from Kayali. Such a beautiful fragrance which I treasure because it is discontinued and who knows if Mona will ever bring it back?🙄🙄🙄