If your home has turned into the Arctic tundra, this may have something to do with your lack of interest in Valentine's Day. However, it's not too late to make amends - why not rush out now and buy bottle of scent or aftershave. With the help of a group of people with keen olfactory senses, I tested out an assortment of fragrances to assist you in making this romantic gesture. Fionn Danning, a lawyer; Gavin Buckley, an assistant film editor; and Tom Hennigan, a journalism post-graduate student, gave their verdicts on the perfumes. And Nesta Fitzgerald, an interior designer; Louise Butterly, a music press officer, and myself, a journalist, judged the aftershaves.

Perfumes

Kenzo, Jungle Elephant, eau de parfum, 30ml (£35) Not an overriding success with the boys. Fionn felt that although it was "homely and musky" it was rather "overbearing". Tom said it reminded him of a "fancy hair spray". "Rancid" was Gavin's only comment. 2/10

Yves Saint Laurent, Baby Doll, eau de toilette 50ml (£29.50) Yves Saint Laurent has brought out Baby Doll for Valentine's Day 2000. This pink perfume, which comes in a bottle shaped like a spinning top, is described in its press release as "feminine and childlike . . . seductive, independent, mischievous". The boys, however, weren't completely taken in by Baby Doll's naughty girl antics. Fionn felt it was "too rich". Tom said it was "nice and fragrant, but smells cheap", while Gavin said he "quite liked" it. The actual bottle caused a stir; the fact that you could play with it was a definite bonus in Tom's opinion. 5/10

Jean Paul Gaultier, eau de toilette, 50ml (£44.50) In honour of St Valentine's Day, Gaultier has created a mini Parisian mail box, containing mini his and hers fragrances in JPG's trademark body-shaped bottles. There was a mixed reaction to this scent - Tom said it had the "sting of the cheap about it" while Fionn was adamant that it was "not tarty at all". 6/10

Gucci, Envy, eau de toilette, 50ml (£39) Envy was the most popular perfume, both with the girls and boys. Fionn praised its "subtle" fragrance, while Gavin said it was "very feminine". Although it didn't do anything for Tom, he "loved the packaging". Louise, Nesta and I all agreed it was the "best of the lot". 8/10

L'Eau d'Issey, eau de toilette, 50ml (£44.50) Since this is the scent I wear, I was sensitive to the reaction, which unfortunately was not overwhelming. "It's OK," said Fionn. "Cologne-y . . . if you like that kind of thing," offered Gavin. Tom, came to the rescue, with an "umm, that's nice". 7/10

Aftershaves

Salvatore Ferragamo pour homme, aftershave emulsion, 50ml (£22.50) According to the press release this aftershave is for a "man who is noticed for his forceful presence that, though undemanding, is nevertheless captivating". We weren't altogether captivated. It reminded me of a Turkish tent, although Nesta "quite liked it". All the boys gave it the thumbs up. 6/10

Rochas Man, eau de toilette, 100ml (£39.95) Not a hit with the girls. For Nesta it was "cheesy man" all over, and I too thought it was pretty naff. Louise said it lacked youthful vigour, but would "suit an older man". 3/10

Gucci Envy pour homme, aftershave balm, 100ml (£22.50) The girls were more intrigued by this one than awestruck. While to Louise it was "homely", Nesta got visions of sailors, because "it's nearly fresh but not quite". It smelt to me like a dependable man; it's the kind of aftershave that would grow on you. The boys all loved it. 8/10

Jean Paul Gaultier, after shave lotion, 125ml (£35) Louise was taken by this one: "Not bad at all. It's mysterious and enigmatic." Nesta was fairly keen too: "I like that; it's minty." I couldn't agree; I found it cloying and cheap. The male torso bottle caused much derision. Louise declared that if she found that on her boyfriend's dresser she'd be deeply traumatised, and Nesta said she'd leave his house immediately. 5/10

L'Eau d'Issey pour homme, eau de toilette, 75ml (£33.75) This one went down very well. Nesta loved its fresh "lemongrass-y aroma". Louise felt that although it wasn't sophisticated, it was "subtle and refreshing". I thought it was definitely very sexy. 9/10

Unisex

Bulgari Black, eau de toilette for men and women, 75ml (£33) There was an all-round enthusiasm for the unisex idea. Although Fionn and Tom thought it smelt nicer on the girls, they agreed they would be "happy to wear it". Louise loved the "coconut-y flavour" and Nesta, although impressed, thought it suited the boys better. I didn't like it on either sex; to me it smelt like old sun tan lotion. Everyone loved the bottle: Gavin thought it would be "good for the handbag". 8/10