Best women's eau de parfum

Start with Lancôme La Vie Est Belle — the safest crowd-pleaser here: sweet iris and praline, hugely popular and rated 4.7 from over 4,500 reviews. It's the one most people mean by "a well-reviewed women's EDP."

Who the others suit:

• Chanel Coco Mademoiselle — fresh, citrusy patchouli; polished and office-friendly.
• Burberry Goddess — warm vanilla and lavender, cozy for evenings; also well rated.
• Dior J'adore — bright, classic florals for someone who likes elegant rather than sweet.
• YSL Libre — lavender and orange blossom with a sharper edge; try before buying.
• Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb — big, sweet floral for statement wear.
• Chanel No. 5 — the timeless aldehydic classic, best for someone who wants tradition.
• Prada Paradoxe — modern, clean floral-amber.
• Yara — soft, sweet and inexpensive; a low-risk first buy.

Tip: sample the sweet ones (La Vie Est Belle, Goddess, Flowerbomb) before committing to a full bottle.