Since I posted lists of the top 20 fragrances preferred by US and French women (men’s lists will be coming soon as well) I decided to compile a list of Bois de Jasmin reader favorites. You might recall a post I ran a few weeks ago in which I asked readers for their top five favorite fragrances. While blog readers are not at all representative of the general perfume-wearing population, I thought it would be interesting to see what perfumistas prefer. Moreover, many answers were unusual, with selections that inspired me to explore new lines and new fragrances.

So if you have not had a chance to share your top 5 favorites with me either here or on Facebook, please do. I will include your answers when compiling the Bois de Jasmin list of reader favorites.

Image: Chanel Cuir de Russie, one of my top 5 favorites.

My article on orange blossom, a note I adore, appears today in Financial Times Magazine. In Orange Blossom : A Note That Embodies Spring, I talk about different effects that orange blossom can capture, from light and innocent to dark and sultry.

Extra from Bois de Jasmin archives: Bitter Orange family: Orange blossom, Neroli, Petitgrain.

In April, Caron is launching two new fragrances, Délir de Roses and Yuzu Man. Both fragrances are created by Richard Fraysse. Délir de Roses includes notes of jasmine, lily of the valley, lychee, lotus flower and rose. Despite the list of notes that reads like every other fruity-floral on the market, Délir de Roses is quite an interesting rose focused composition, with a pronounced gourmand accord. The fragrance is reminiscent of a Turkish delight confection scented with roses and almonds. Another addition to the roses trend this spring.

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Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

A lurid press release that makes bodice ripper novels appear tame has pretty much been the only distinctive thing about Les Elixirs Charnels, which include Gourmand Coquin, Chypre Fatal, Oriental Brûlant and Boisé Torride. Despite my lack of excitement about the collection, I nevertheless made a trip to Bergdorf Goodman to try the latest release, Floral Romantique. After all, I thought, the last thing one loses is hope! And I am just about to lose it… This review does not even need my customary three paragraphs to encapsulate my feelings about this new Guerlain launch. Floral Romantique is an orange blossom version of Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue with an ultra-luxurious price tag.

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Top Selling Feminine Fragrances 2o12 France

Top Selling Perfumes USA : Popular Fragrances Spring 2012

Top Selling Feminine Fragrances 2011 USA

Top Selling Feminine Fragrances for 2010 USA

Top Selling Masculine Fragrances 2010 USA

Since many of you were interested to learn the European list of top sellers, here are the top 20 feminine fragrances for France. A quick glance at the list reveals that it shares only a few similarities with the US list of top sellers—there are many classics on the list, including the American gem Clinique Aromatics Elixir; the tendency overall is towards the oriental and floral oriental blends (in contrast to the fruity-floral perfumes that still drive sales in the US). Also, the brand name is one of the most important factors in determining what might end up on the top seller list.

20. Lancôme Ô de Lancôme (1969)
A classical cologne that still retains its vibrancy and freshness—an elegant citrus-orange blossom accord suspended over a mossy, ambery base.

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