Since ancient times, women have used scent to enhance their seductive allure. Now though, modern science is drawing connections between olfactory stimuli and male perception and desire.
Dr. Alan Hirsch, of Chicago's Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, has discovered that certain scents can actually take years off a woman's age in the eyes (and nose) of the male beholder.
In a study, Hirsch asked male volunteers to estimate the age of different women while wearing nose-masks infused with various scents. "In the presence of the smell of pink grapefruit women appear to be six years younger than their real age," says Hirsch.
Curiously enough, women inhaling the citrusy-scent were immune to its perception-bending powers.
As a dating coach, I stress the importance of looking one's best, but now also smelling one's best. Adding pink grapefruit scents -- perfume, body wash, lotion, candles -- can be an easy and relatively inexpensive way to enhance your anti-aging arsenal.
For products with strong pink grapefruit notes I recommend Philosophy's Soulmates body wash, Dolce & Gabbana's Rose The One, Williams-Sonoma Pink Grapefruit Essential Oils Collection, and Clinique's Happy perfume.
If you're not interested in looking younger, what about slimmer?
Dr. Hirsch also examined the ability of various scents to make an individual be perceived and thinner. He waved different scents under the noses of nearly 200 men, asking them to estimate women's weight. The aromas ranged from citrus-floral (think Eau de Givenchy or Dior's Poison) to lily of the valley (think DK's Cashmere mist -- or back to childhood: Muguet) to floral-spice (think Michael Kors or Bulgari).
The result: The floral-spice scent took 12 pounds off a women's weight in the eyes of the male testers! Other great options for that slimming floral-spice scent includes Marc Jacobs, Giorgio Armani's Mania and Calvin Klein's Eternity.
Of course, perfume can't replace diet and exercise when it comes to rejuvenation -- but after a delicious, indulgent holiday season, us gals can use all the help we can get, don't you think?
If you're wondering whether your scent needs a makeover or you simply need some help on the dating front, sign up for a free 10-minute consultation at www.maliburulesgirl.com.