If you want to make a good impression this Valentine's Day or any other day, don't worry if you don't have a shred of fashion sense or your conversational skills are sadly lacking - just make sure you're showered and smell good.

According to the poll, 55 per cent of Canadians prized fragrance highly, saying that "the biggest turn-off on a Valentine's Day date" would be if their date "smelled bad." By contrast, only 22 per cent said they would lose interest if their date was a poor conversationalist and just four per cent cared if their date was well dressed.

Given these findings, it's not surprising 43 per cent of women said that washing with a "seductive smelling shower gel" is the most important thing a man can do before going on a Valentine's Day date. Sadly, it doesn't appear men are getting the message that fragrance matters: only one in four consider using a shower gel a top priority before heading out for a night of romance.

The poll found significant differences in respondents' answers depending on their sex and age and where they live. For example, Prince Edward Islander's amorous inclinations were most sensitive to smell, with a whopping 84 per cent saying that an odiferous date would be their biggest turn-off on Valentine's Day. The national average was 55 per cent.

Young people appear to take greater care to ensure they smell good when dating and on Valentine's Day with 41 per cent of guys and girls 18 to 24 reporting they take two showers on February 14. Only 25 per cent of those aged 55 and above do the same. 

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