Best perfume counter where Tommy Girl is not an option

Tired of the endless stream of designer and unisex fragrances that everyone and his sister (and brother) buys? Desana offers custom-blended perfumes for those who don't want to smell like everyone, or anyone, else. Customers tell the staff which scents they especially enjoy (woodsy, floral, spicy, etc.) and then get help choosing from a wide variety of fragrance oils that can be combined in virtually unlimited ways. Perfumes and cologne sprays are available (at $50 and $40, respectively), as well as custom-blended body products including lotions, shampoos, and after-shaves (all for $15 each).

"We have the capability of copying almost anything, but we really prefer working with customers to develop a fragrance that is uniquely theirs," says Kelly Reed, a perfumer at Desana. The staff also keeps records of individual recipes on file for reordering.

The most unusual request ever? "Well, we had one woman who wanted to smell like a rainstorm in a cornfield," says Reed, "and she was very happy with what we came up with."

And the special treatment doesn't stop with good scents. Desana also sells vintage perfume bottles, handmade silk dressing gowns, candles, and other products designed to promote pampering.

Desana Fragrances, 211 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 450-9599.