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Scent-ual spritz

The way you smell can make or break a potential hookup. While soap and water is usually enough to get by, a little extra fragrance never hurts, as long as it's the right one. The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago has done some interesting studies on how aromas effect sexual arousal. Research found baby powder was a total turnoff to men, while women were less horny after smelling cherries and, ironically, men's cologne. So here are some unique perfumes that will put you in the mood and won't repel your potential mate.

Women:

• Island Michael Kors Hawaii

Orange flower, pineapple, white amber, sandalwood and Hawaiian ginger lilies make this smell like a romantic getaway in a bottle. It costs $60 at Sephora.com.

• Always Sexy Demeter

Vanilla, ginger and patchouli create a balanced, inviting scent while ylang-ylang, an aphrodisiac, relaxes the nerves, putting you in the mood for love. It costs $25 at Demeterfragrance.com.

Men:

• Riding Crop Demeter

The name is naughty, but the aromatic hints of leather in it will leave you feeling rebellious and ready to do something sexy. It costs $5-$39.50 at Demeterfragrance.com.

• Impressions of Dolce and Gabbana After Midnight pheromone cologne

This woodsy, manly cologne evidently contains human pheromones. While there's no proof that a pheromonal substance can directly influence human behavior, the store's owner regularly sells out of this product and says customers of either gender claim it helped them score. It costs $6 at After Midnight, located at 964 N. Congress Ave., in West Palm Beach. Call 561/682-1002 or visit After12am.com.

Wild style

Some adult stores emit a creepy, dirty feeling immediately upon entry. Fortunately, After Midnight Lingerie and Gifts is not one of these -- quite the opposite, in fact. This shop has shoes and lingerie neatly sectioned off from the X-rated DVDs, magazines and toys. It carries a wide variety of bras, panties, nighties, swimsuits and even costumes by brands such as Dreamgirls, Playboy and Coquette.

"We don't want people to feel sleazy buying adult products. It should be as natural as purchasing any other form of entertainment," After Midnight's owner, Leslie Eby, says. "We're very selective in what we carry, and we try to offer a comfortable atmosphere for men and women to shop in." The shop also has a plus-size section with hosiery and corsets and a men's underwear rack, as well. The prices are reasonable, which is unusual for an adult store. Fishnet bra and panty sets cost about $20, and body stockings average $15. With the impressive spread of Kamasutra oils, bachelorette-party gag gifts and pasties surrounding the cash register, you'd never guess there's a fucking machine for sale in the back room, but that's just the kind of surprise inventory that keeps a shopper coming back for more.

After Midnight is located at 964 N. Congress Ave., in West Palm Beach. Call 561/682-1002 or visit After12am.com.

Hot product

One-night stands generally aren't planned, but a woman can be prepared anyway with this adorable Ho on the Go Kit. It includes a thong, toothbrush, toothpaste, two condoms and a moist towelette tucked inside a portable pouch. Now, if only relationships could be this tidy. Available in small, medium or large, it costs $18.99 at Hoonthego.com.