Horace Vetiver Primavera Review: A Bold Citrus Fragrance for Summer 2025

Let’s talk fragrance today—and more precisely, let’s talk about one of the most iconic ingredients in masculine perfumery: Vetiver. A few months ago, I reviewed L’Etiquette, Horace’s modern twist on lavender. It was bold, elegant, and felt like the kind of fragrance you'd wear on a clean white shirt day. Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on their latest creation—Vetiver Primavera, a name that already hints at spring. Horace is a brand I’ve come to admire—not only because it’s French (like me), but because it manages to bring a fresh, cool vibe to men’s grooming without ever feeling pretentious.

What is Vetiver Primavera?

Vetiver Primavera is the fourth fragrance by Horace, following the very popular &Horace, the romantic Oud Rose, and the aromatic L’Etiquette. This one opens with a burst of citrus—we’re talking Lemon, Yuzu, and Mandarin. At first spray, I mostly pick up the Lemon and Yuzu, and trust me, it’s strong—sunshine in a bottle. It’s immediately uplifting, zesty, and unapologetically bright.

As it settles, the heart notes emerge: Orange Blossom, Geranium, and Frankincense. Now, Frankincense (or olibanum) is a resin with a slightly balsamic, spicy-sweet edge often used in incense. Here, though, it's more in the background. I mostly get Orange Blossom, which softens the citrus and adds a floral warmth.

The base is where the vetiver comes in—alongside Ambroxan and Cashmeran. Ambroxan is a synthetic amber note often used for its warm, musky and long-lasting quality. Cashmeran brings a soft woody-musky vibe. But honestly? The vetiver takes its sweet time to show up. On my skin, the citrus dominates for a good while before the earthier, greener base appears.

Packaging & Presentation

As always with Horace, the packaging is minimalist and elegant. The bottle is sleek and simple, and the juice inside is noticeably yellow—which gives away the lemon-heavy composition. The box is clean and modern, and I’m personally a big fan of that understated, chic aesthetic. Nothing screams luxury more than simplicity done well.

My Experience with Vetiver Primavera

I’ve been wearing this fragrance in Bristol, where the weather has been a mix of early summer sun and the usual grey skies. It performs well enough—on my skin, I get about 4-5 hours of wear. Not as strong as Oud Rose or L’Etiquette though.

That said, I’m planning to take this bottle with me to the south of France this August, near Toulouse, where the sun is intense and the skin warms up faster. I’m curious to see how it holds up in that dry, summery heat. I will let you know!

Let me be clear: if you don’t like citrus-forward fragrances, this won’t be for you. It’s even more citrusy than Versace Eros Energy—so if that one’s not your vibe, skip this. But if you love zesty, fresh, almost bitter lemony scents with a sophisticated twist, this is worth trying.

What I Like

• The bold citrus opening – fresh, uplifting, and energetic

• The elegance of the composition – feels refined, not generic

• The French touch– modern yet respectful of tradition

• The minimalist packaging– stylish and clean

• A perfect summer fragrance for daytime or casual wear

What Could Be Better

• Performance – I wish it lasted a bit longer.

• Vetiver isn’t front and centre – if you’re expecting a classic vetiver bomb, you might be disappointed

• Polarising – not everyone will enjoy such a citrus-heavy scent

Final Verdict

Horace took a risk with Vetiver Primavera—and I like that. It’s bold, fresh, and elegant. But it’s also a bit of a tease. The vetiver is there, but it plays second to the lemon and yuzu. That’s not a bad thing, but the name Vetiver Primavera might set up the wrong expectations.

Would I recommend it? Yes—but only if citrus is your thing. If you're like me and enjoy exploring niche, well-crafted fragrances with a modern twist, I think you'll enjoy this. It’s a lovely daytime scent and will definitely be in my rotation this summer—especially as I head back to France.

And if you’re already a fan of &Horace or Oud Rose, this adds a fresh chapter to the Horace fragrance story.

Available at Horace.com

Jerome

Jerome is a 51-year-old lifestyle blogger and fragrance reviewer based in the UK. A proud Frenchman, he shares honest, real-world reviews on scents for men through his blog Dapper & Groomed. His nose leans toward elegant, modern masculines—always with a personal twist.