DOLLARS AND SCENTS

Max Factor’s understandably raving about its new Michael Jackson perfumes, called Magic Beat. But Outtakes decided to bypass the hype and go straight to the experts--the young folk. We headed for Starky’s Deli and Arcade at the Beverly Center with all three fragrances--Unwind (promoted as ideal for casual, relaxed moments), Heartbeat (to spur romance) and Wildfire (for adventure and magic).

The test results:

Sisters Michele and Carol Clausen, age 14 and 16, respectively (they favor Estee Lauder), liked Unwind because it smelled expensive--they’d wear it on a date. But they considered Wildfire too “cheap smelling.”

Mahan Soleymani, 16, liked Unwind and would be “attracted to a guy wearing the sexy fragrance.” A Chloe wearer, Soleymani chose Wildfire for herself.

Steve Choi, 16 and reluctant to take the test, liked Obsession but said he wouldn’t buy any of the Magic Beat perfumes.

Nancy Lillian, 21, visiting from London, prefers light and fruity scents: “If I had to choose, it would be Wildfire, although it’s too light and doesn’t last really. This one (Heartbeat) gives me a headache.”

Grace Chu), 15, who “used to be crazy about Michael when he was popular,” usually wears Anis-Anis and voted for Heartbeat: “It’s softer than the other two. I’d wear it for anything special but not to school.”

Sean Freed, 18, is not a fan of Jackson but he does like Heartbeat: “If a girl was wearing Heartbeat, it would get my attention. Wildfire is too bland smelling. Sweat smells better.”

An unidentified Trivia Whiz player wouldn’t interrupt her video game to take the perfume test because “they stink too much already--and they’re not even out of the bag.”

Approved by Jackson and authorized with his signature, the Magic Beat collection is available in moon-shaped and star-shaped packaging with various novelty items (a scented ink pen for $4.95, a cologne mousse that leaves glittering highlights on the skin for $5.50, a perfume and Magic Star necklace gift set for $8.95). There is also the traditional spray-on perfume ($5.95) and splash on cologne ($2.95).