Beauty Treatment: A Nose For Deception

Guys, Axe body spray doesn't replace a shower. A study conducted at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia suggests that women can sniff out body odor even when concealed by other smells.

When men and women sniffed vials of human sweat, they rated the intensity equally. But when they smelled sweat mixed with one of 32 different fragrances, results were divided: Nineteen of the scents blocked men from detecting BO, but only two fooled women.

Women have evolved to smell which mates would make for the healthiest offspring, researcher Charles Wysocki says. Why are they also better at sniffing out other women? "We speculate that they're keeping track of their competition."—Catherine Fata

From soaps to sprays, I tested three ways to smell great.

• Beekman 1802 goat milk soap ($12.50 for 2 bars)
  This soap, made from the rich, creamy milk of goats, left me clean without chemicals.
• Origins Calm to Your Senses Lavender and Vanilla body souffle ($28.50 for 6.7 oz)
  This not-too-thick lotion absorbed quickly, leaving behind a soft, sweet aroma.
• Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray ($37 for 3.3 oz)
  Tea, mint, and jasmine combine in this refreshing scent that was a favorite among guys and gals.