An unscientific scent sampling reveals each fragrance has its own appeal.

An unscientific scent sampling reveals each fragrance has its own appeal.
By KATHY VAN MULLEKOM
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
Choosing a pleasing fragrance for your sweetie is not an easy task. How do you know whether she or he likes musk or spicy scents? Floral or fruity smells?
"When men come in, I let them sample some scents, then I ask them a few questions," says Jon Q. Williams, a consultant at Ulta, a cosmetics and fragrance specialty store with locations nationwide (www.ulta.com). "Women have no trouble knowing what they like."
To find out what men prefer in fragrances for women, we asked three guys David Cross, 42, of Hampton, Va.; Eric Doherty, 32, of Yorktown, Va.; and Steve Gilchrist, 29, of Newport News, Va., to test a few perfumes at Ulta.
Williams selected the scents used in this unscientific sampling. The fragrances were sprayed on the wrists of women working there, and we blindfolded the men to ensure they couldn't see the fragrance containers or the woman wearing the scents.
Then, as the trio sniffed away, we asked them to describe the woman who would most likely wear each perfume and to comment on them.
Sometimes they agreed. Sometimes they didn't. Fragrance is in the nose of the smeller.
Test results
Fantasy by Britney Spears is described as a charming, romantic scent with a blend of fruit, musk and floral aromas.
Cross: A slender, sexy woman would wear this. It's kind of sweet, but not too sweet; actually pleasant. It's sort of a mild, springtime fragrance.
Doherty: It's my grandmother's house; I can smell it! It's something my grandmother would wear. I don't like it.
Gilchrist: A young, vibrant, energetic woman, someone in her 20s to 30s, would wear this. Teens could get away with it. I like the young springtime floral smell. I think it's pretty good; it's my favorite.
Euphoria by Calvin Klein is described as a sexy, sensual scent with hints of black orchid, lotus blossom and liquid amber.
Cross: It's for the woman who doesn't want to get a date. Kind of too strong; meant for an older woman. I don't like it.
Doherty: I see a middle-age secretary wearing this scent. Smells like baby powder.
Gilchrist: Yeah, there's a little baby powder here. It reminds me of a cold, hard office building.
Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana, described as a lively blend of Granny Smith apple, bluebells, bamboo and white rose with a touch of amber and musk.
Cross: It's kind of old, a Sunday perfume, I don't care for.
Doherty: Smells fruity, something a teenager would wear. I like it.
Gilchrist: Smells fresh, hypnotizing. Can I smell that one more time? Not bad, I like it.
Romance by Ralph Lauren, described as an essence of falling in love; scented with marigold, ginger, chamomile oil, lotus flower, day lily and oak moss.
Cross: I can see it on a woman who has gray hair and wears white pearls. Smells like a bunch of flowers. It's for the woman in her 50s to 60s.
Doherty: My mom would wear it.
Gilchrist: A modest woman who wears a suit would wear this perfume. It smells too much like a car freshener.
Pure Turquoise By Ralph Lauren, described as sensual and provocative, yet refined; scented with night-blooming cereus, patchouli, polished amber, vanilla bourbon, rum and lily of the valley.
Cross: I could get lost in it -- it's my favorite. Kind of refreshing, not too powerful.
Doherty: A woman with flowing hair would wear it. Elegant smell. It's a party or fancy dinner perfume. It's my favorite.
Gilchrist: I see a woman with flowing hair wearing this perfume on a moonlit beach. Or, maybe with some kind of evening wear.