My first exposure to Pure Instinct Attract Cologne was at a convention. A friend, before leaving to set up her table in the vendor room, dabbed a tiny dot of this on her throat and wrists. I'm not a fan of perfumes or colognes -- I think clean and soap is the best smell a person can wear -- but I was instantly captivated by the fragrance. I remember asking her, "What IS that??" wanting to write down the name of her perfume. "Pheromones," she grinned at me, observing the way I had unconsciously edged a little closer to her, so that I could keep smelling it. "Believe it or not, it makes the customers more inclined to linger and buy things." And without me even knowing what it was, I knew that it had already worked on me. I also knew with absolute certainty that when I got home, I was going to order a little blue bottle for myself.

I tried out her secret, and it worked like a charm! I don't wear it all the time, but I use it whenever I have a public function to attend, or some other occasion where I'm expecting to be outgoing and personable.

It's important to remember that this isn't a magical love potion. It won't necessarily 'catch' that special someone for you. Strangers won't be spontaneously buying you flowers or kneeling at your feet. But it does seem to grease the wheels of social interaction a bit.

I can't say definitively with scientific assurance that Pure Instinct really modifies others' behavior -- and I'm too scientifically-minded myself to argue with the skeptics who'll point out that maybe I just act more confident because I know I have it on. I've knocked one star off my review because I have to admit to the chance of placebo effect -- but I've been using it for almost a year, and I've noticed that when I wear it, my ability to grab and hold attention is boosted just a bit. People who might otherwise have a neutral reaction toward me, react more positively, or seem more inclined to linger. It really does seem as if they're a little more intrigued by me, or a little more interested in what I have to say.

I also wear it when I'm expecting to be intimate, and while I don't feel that it creates the mood where there wouldn't otherwise be one, I do notice that my partner sits a little closer, or touches me casually a little more, or seems a little more inclined to play.

What's in it? Well, that's part of the mystery, I guess. The bottle doesn't list ingredients and neither does Jelique Products' website (though they do state that all of their products are environmentally friendly and are not tested on animals. If you're sensitive to particular ingredients and have concerns about using the product, there is a phone number listed on the website.

The scent is light and sweet, but it varies from wearer to wearer. It just takes a tiny dab, so the little .5 ounce bottle will last as long as any other perfume. The inside of the cap is fitted with a small glass rod, allowing you to dab a small dot where you want it, without the danger of accidentally tilting the bottle too far and smelling like you've gone for a swim in it.

I use a tiny touch of the glass applicator rod at either side of my throat, one touch between my breasts, and sometimes one at each wrist. That's more than enough fragrance for me to smell and continue smelling all day.

One tip: wash it off completely with soap and water at night, because the next morning the smell will still be present but will be a little sharper and less pleasant. Reapplying new over old can sometimes make my eyes water.