Scents and perfumes have been used since time immemorial, possibly to mimic pheromones. One of the most popular is musk, which has a smell very close to the male hormone testosterone. The Romans used civet and ambergris as the carriers for lavish perfumes that were erotic in nature.

Vanilla, lavender, and flower essences have been used for thousands of years to add allure to our bodily scents. Many of the tropical forests in Hawaii were cut down in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries for the delicate, earthy scent of sandalwood. The finest European fans for aristocratic women were made from sandalwood. This wood never loses its scent, so it served as a perfume when a woman seductively fanned herself.

When choosing a perfume, pick something that isn't too overbearing. It should complement the subtle scent of your own skin, hair, and pheromones. Try going without perfume sometimes, especially before a night of lovemaking. This way, it won't cover up your own natural erotic smells.

People have long used incense to set the scene for romance. Again, pick something that is appropriate and not overbearing. You might want to place it in an adjacent room like a bathroom so that the hint of it reaches you; you wouldn't want to be distracted by the full strength of the incense. You can also freshen a room by lighting incense and then putting it out quickly, to give just a hint of the scent.

By visiting an aromatherapy store, you can mix your own unique blend of oils and substances, thus creating a scent that is completely custom tailored to your own tastes. You may want to save this for special occasions, or perhaps to use as a secret signal (dab it on when you want your partner to know you're in the mood for love).

Just as with aphrodisiacs, scents can be a matter of personal tastes and preferences. One person may find a scent exciting, but it might be a turn-off for someone else. Don't worry if you get excited by an unusual scent (say, peanut butter or the smell of a new car). You're just unique!