by Catalogs.com Info Guru Aurora LaJambre

For those who savor every spritz, perfume is much more than a beauty item that smells good.

It lifts spirits and gives us a subtle hand in refining our identity. People around the world naturally gravitate to different notes, though background and surroundings serve as heavy influences.

The most popular perfumes in Europe range from ultra feminine to crisp and outdoorsy.

10. Lancome La Vie est Belle

According to recent sales numbers, one of L’Oreal’s best-sellers in Europe, especially France, is Lancome La Vie est Belle. No surprise there. This is one of the most popular luxury perfumes on the market and apparently it goes well with baked baguettes and le chocolat chaud. Often described as a blend of fresh, sweet and slightly fruity, this one is working its way towards the icon department.

9. Christian Dior J’Adore

Already widely considered a classic, the glamorous floral scent of Christian Dior J’Adore makes any woman feel like a million bucks. Of course the surprise ladies from Paris and Berlin to Florence never leave their pied a terres without this perfectly balanced bouquet.

8. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis

Among modern unisex scents, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis has received numerous awards. It takes a clean, light approach with simple floral notes, primarily lily of the valley. The name translates to universal water and plays with the sensory connections between skin, sheets, clothes and water.

7. Chanel No5

No list of most popular perfumes in Europe would be complete without a nod to this classy classic. Chanel No5 is still one of the top selling perfumes in the world. Many devotees consider it their signature scent and wear it daily. Created in 1920s Paris, this floral fragrance scented much of the 20th century and just may continue its reign throughout the 21st.

6. Bvlgari

Created in Rome in 1884, Bvlgari first made its name with exquisite jewelry before delivering this gift to the perfume world. The crisp fragrance wakes you up. Some say it smells like gold. Most people simply like its subtle touch. When in Rome!

5. Dries van Noten par Frederic Malle

High fashion and luxe fragrances are made to go together. Just ask fashion designer Dries van Noten. The results of this collaboration are sexy, warm and woody. Now you know what to wear with those ridiculously high heels and that sumptuous fur coat.

4. Prada Infusion d’Iris

Upscale Italian brands are so widely known, it’s easily to forget they hail from the land or sublime raw ingredients. Prada Infusion d’Iris is a bold scent influenced by timeless men’s colognes. This is long-lasting and nuanced with a unique combination of clashing elements that just work.

3. Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche

Another Parisian-born star, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche was inspired by the Left Bank’s bohemian culture. You can’t miss the sophisticated, musky hint of rose, but like many of the most popular perfumes in Europe, it’s not overpowering.

2. Ormonde Jayne Tsarina

This posh perfume comes with a price tag to match, but the mix of cassis, labdanum, sued and musk notes make it oh so worth it. Perhaps this is what the great opera houses, countryside castles and lush mountaintops combined smell like. The effects are soft like a gentle breeze. When choosing a perfume, remember this one’s perfect for any occasion.

1. Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire

This pretty bottle recently tallied in as the 3rd best selling feminine fragrance in the world. Not bad for a limited edition introduced in 2009. This is a sweet one. Many say it smells like deliciously sweet cherry with a hint of mischief. Why let Europeans enjoy all the yummy smell-good. Try it while it lasts!