Scent and dissent

Our panelists find that the 'perfect fragrance,' like a perfect relationship, depends on individual taste and chemistry

As if it wasn't hard enough to please the finicky N&O beauty panelists, we gave them their toughest challenge yet: fragrances.

Why is that so difficult?

Because, as most of us know, finding the perfect scent, the one that meshes with your own body chemistry and dazzles your senses, is like finding a pair of perfect-fitting jeans. You've got to try a lot on to find the right match.

Knowing the challenge before us, we gave them a range of products to spray, slather or dab, including one scented body lotion. We also included a ridiculously expensive perfume by Italian designer Missoni. The least expensive scent was a $27 perfume by Elizabeth Arden that can be found at most Target stores.

It turns out the body lotion (also by Elizabeth Arden) was the group favorite, mostly because of its light, crisp scent. As one panelist noted, it would make a perfect gift. And with a price tag of $30, it's a gift that won't break the bank.

Here's what our panelists had to say.

Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean body lotion, 6.8 ounces, $29.50, Macy's, Ulta

Stephannie Reneé Cooper: A nice crisp scent. I really liked this one and would probably say that I loved it if I could have layered the cream with the actual perfume to see if that increased its staying power. Not too heavy but noticeable.

Jill Dykes: This reminds me of an ocean-scented candle -- and I realize that may not sound like a good thing, but I actually really like this product. The lotion absorbs nicely and has a crisp, clean fragrance. This is a perfect option for summer when "skin is in" because it moisturizes and smells great.

Helen Featherson: The body lotion had a luxuriously silky feel as I spread it on. The fragrance was light but just right for me. I could smell the fragrance even after yoga. I would be interested in knowing the ingredients in the lotion, because they were not listed on the tube. The lotion is pricey, but I would welcome it as a gift. It gets an A-plus from me.

A.J. Scarzafava: This body lotion, in its shimmering Mediterranean blue tube, does a good job of visually whisking you into a seaside mood. It glides on and leaves your skin really smooth to the touch. But don't get carried away. A little goes a long way, so decide in advance whether you're in the mood to smell like a blossom or a bouquet. I think this is just the right summer fragrance.

Nina by Nina Ricci, $39 to $69, department stores, Sephora

Cooper: Nice packaging in a cute bottle shaped like an apple. I found this fragrance a little bit too sweet for me (not that there is anything wrong with that). I guess I should have expected that with the apple-shaped bottle. I felt that the endnote of this product made it more appropriate for a younger consumer.

Dykes: This is my second favorite, after the Vicky Tiel. The apple-shaped bottle is beautiful, and the fragrance is very feminine and delicate. It's a warm, cozy scent, probably one I'll wear in fall and winter.

Featherson: Of all of the perfumes, I liked this one best. I find it hard to describe what I liked about it other than the light fragrance. I just know that it smelled good and was appealing to my sense of smell. The apple-shaped bottle was cute. My daughter also fell in love with Nina.

Scarzafava: Without even taking a sniff of this luscious fragrance, the first thing you notice is its cute peachy-pink apple-shaped bottle. As soon as I popped the top, I knew this was my favorite fragrance. I was blown away by its combination fruity, floral scent. I'd describe it as a mix of citrus fruits -- grapefruit, tangerines and oranges under a sweet, floral fragrance. Yum. Absolutely no apple smells in this medium to heavy fragrance. Very appropriate for summer days but especially nice on summer nights.