How to Smell Great for a First Date

Studies have found that a sense of smell is intricately linked to a person's memories. A first date is all about making a good first impression, so finding the perfect scent will leave your memory wafting through your date's mind long after you leave them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Body wash
• Shampoo
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste
• Mints or gum
• Perfume or cologne

1. The obvious first step would be to shower. This washes away any scents left over from lunch or a hard day at work and gives you a clean slate to build on. A scented body wash is a great tool for a natural, long-lasting scent that lasts throughout the evening.

2. Wash your hair. Some hairstyles are easier held with hair that isn't washed every day, but anyone who has spent a night out in a smoky bar knows that hair can hold a scent.

3. Covering your body with lotion once you get out of the shower will allow the scent to seep into your pores. Remember to keep all of your scents in a similar family and avoid mixing a musky body wash with a clean, soapy lotion. You don't want to start a fragrance war on your skin.

4. Apply deodorant or antiperspirant. First dates are notoriously nerve racking, and you would rather smell like Teen Spirit than sweat.

5. Choose a perfume or cologne that compliments the scents of your body wash and lotion. Applying to pressure point like the neck, wrists, back of the knees or temples will ensure that it lasts. Give yourself at least 15 minutes between application and the beginning of the date to allow the scent to fade naturally and don't go overboard. Three spritzes or pressure points is usually more than enough.

6. Brush your teeth. No matter how great your body smells, the good night kiss is the defining moment of a great first date. Bring a toothbrush in your purse and excuse yourself to the restroom if you insist on ordering a meal heavy on garlic or onions. Offering your date a mint or gum after a meal also takes care of this issue for both parties.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose one signature scent and stick to it.
• Perfumes and colognes often come in gift sets including lotions and body washes.
• Don't go overboard. You want a subtle, not overpowering scent.
• You can become desensitized to your own smell, so get a second opinion before leaving the house.
• Don't smoke.

[AnnaS]

on 8/2/2008 PLEASE, don't go overboard on the scent!