Sweat it out

Feeling amorous? It's not just those beers you had after the beach. Researchers at Boston State Hospital in the US found summer sun raises testosterone levels by 120 per cent. "The heat means sweat, which emits oestrogen and testosterone," says Dr Ian Kerner, author of He Comes Next. Sweat might not sound like a recipe for romance, but scientists at Rutgers University in the US found the two hormones stimulate sexual desire.

Turn up the heat: Here's an active strategy to maximise the testosterone you waft her way. "Take your ball to the park," says Siski Green, author of How To Blow Her Mind In Bed. "Research by Brock University, Ontario, found competitive sports further boost your testosterone levels, while studies at the University of St Andrews in Scotland confirm women are more attracted to high-testosterone men." Women can sniff out your raised testosterone in the scent of your sweat. And research at the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago confirmed it can be a more powerful arouser than any aftershave. When fresh, presumably. Now you can both take a cold shower. "Contrary to popular belief, cold showers actually increase desire by boosting circulation," says Green.

Get outside

We all know sunbaking isn't good for us, but that doesn't stop us finding lightly bronzed skin more attractive. And research from the University of Arizona in the US found women are biologically programmed to seek out men with a tan because they're perceived as older, richer and more "dangerous". So how do you get that healthy outdoor look without exposing yourself to harmful UV rays?

Turn up the heat: Some foods can help give your skin that golden colour. "Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which prevents sunburn and aids tanning," says nutritionist Carina Norris. "As do lutein-rich foods such as spinach and those containing zeaxanthin, such as red peppers. But don't rely on these instead of an SPF cream." You could also consider a fake tan, but this won't protect you from the harmful effects of the sun's rays so you'll still need to practise the normal Slip, Slop, Slap routine. While you're out and about, remember that in the mating game it's not just what's on the inside that counts: Studies in the British Journal of Psychology found you're 790 times more likely to be approached by an attractive stranger if you're wearing jeans, T-shirt and trainers and walking a dog. Definitely a man's best friend.

Dust off the passport

The holiday fling is alive and kicking according to the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles conducted in the UK, which found one in six women would have first-night sex on holiday. "Her higher testosterone levels make her less receptive to the bonding chemical oxytocin," says Susan Kuchinskas, author of Love Chemistry.

Turn up the heat: Choosing wisely can boost your chance of success. The Durex Global Sex Survey found women from Norway, Finland, New Zealand and Sweden are most likely to be up for no-strings action. And while that flesh is on display, take a close look: research at the University of Göttingen in Germany found women with tattoos are more open to sexual flings. As for your opening gambit, it may sound about as exciting as inviting her to a paint-drying event, but try talking about the weather. Psychologists at Temple University in the US found that talking about good weather makes people happy and they then transfer these positive feeling towards you.

Dine horizontal

"Women are sociologically primed to consider picnics romantic," says Green. And there's more sexual science to the rug: "Australian National University research found people remember more, are more reflective and more likely to concentrate when lying down," says Tracey Cox, author of Superdate. So what you say will stick in her mind, and she'll feel closer to you." Chill some sauvignon blanc, just to make sure.

Turn up the heat: Pack a punch in your hamper. "Raw celery, truffles and caviar all contain the hormone androsterone, which acts as an attractant and mood booster to women," says nutritionist Ellen Albertson, author of Temptations: Igniting the Pleasure and Power of Aphrodisiacs. "Protein-rich foods contain tyrosine, which is used to make the sexual stimulants dopamine and norepinephrine, and chicken provides niacin, which enhances sensitivity to touch," says Albertson. "Nuts help produce prostaglandins - needed for sexual response - with Brazil nuts also rich in sex drive-boosting manganese. Wash it down with orange juice, which is high in sexually enhancing folic acid and vitamins A and C."

Be a hit

Music festivals could be fertile ground. Harvard University research found women are sexually aroused by bass tones, while researchers from the University of Leicester in the UK found hip-hop fans are more likely to have casual sex than any other music fans. Now you wish you'd gone to the Big Day Out...

Turn up the heat: Head for the dance-floor. "Dancing increases blood-flow through the entire body," says Dr Sari Locker, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide To Amazing Sex. "This enhances arousal." Studies in the journal Cerebral Cortex found dancing causes a huge endorphin rush, so your job is half done. But don't just stand there: studies from Rutgers University in the US found you're 70 per cent more likely to get sex if you dance yourself. "You don't have to be the best dancer," says Green. "But watch your body language - clenched fists say you're stressed." And when approaching a potential dance partner, touch her lightly on the arm. Studies in the journal Social Influence found you're 50 per cent more likely to get a "yes" this way than if you approach without physical contact.