Beauty Beat: The Nose Knows

Guys, want to improve your looks? Don't skimp on soap. According to research described in Chemical Senses, ladies consider a man less fetching if they sniff something repugnant while looking at him—even if he's not producing the stink. Pleasant and neutral odors make women find head shots much more handsome than does the stench of B.O. or rubber. According to researcher Charles Spence, "women rate smell as one of the most important cues in mate choice, and bad odors often come from threatening stimuli." (He suspects he'd get similar but weaker results with male noses.) So if you're looking for a good pickup joint, skip the dive bar.

Get Your Smell On

How did my girlfriends picture the men who'd wear these scents?

• Nivea Replenishing After Shave Balm

  drugstore.com; $5.29

  Smells fresh, cool, and invigorating.

  What Women Think: "This is a guy who grooms himself, keeps skin soft and smooth, and is clean—always a turn-on."

• GRASS by Demeter

  demeterfragrance.com; $20

  Imagine he's just come in from mowing the lawn or rolling down the hill with his kids.

  What Women Think: "I love this springy aroma. It's an uncommon cologne so it makes him stand out, as well as seem very manly—like a fit outdoorsman."

• BVLGARI Pour Homme

  sephora.com; $54

  Notes of spice, dry woods, musk, and amber.

  What Women Think: "The man who wears it seems confident, practical, and handsome."