Body spray quick picks
My fragrance collection has come a long way since my middle school days. I’ve slowly replaced my department store body mists with ornate designer perfumes … only for body sprays to be experiencing a major resurgence. Up until recently, I thought fragrance mists were simply an introduction to the world of olfactives, but the best body sprays are much more versatile than the mists that ruled my adolescence. With complex, layered aromas that can feel fresh and airy or sweet and sultry, today’s body sprays are made for everyone, regardless of your age or scent preferences.
“There is a carefree lighthearted element of body mists,” says Bee Shapiro, founder of Ellis Brooklyn. “The scents typically are very joyful and easy to wear, so it’s an easier way to get into fragrances and play around a bit.” The lighter quality also makes body sprays ideal for the muggy summer months when you still want to smell nice without leaving a strong fragrance cloud in your wake. Not to mention, they’re often much more affordable than their eau de parfum counterparts.
How do body sprays differ from standard fine fragrances, though? Ahead, fragrance experts outline the defining characteristics of the best body sprays and explain why you should add a few to your vanity.
What are body sprays and mists?
“Think of fragrance mists as a lighter, more ethereal version of traditional perfumes,” explains Chriselle Lim, founder and creative director of Phlur. “They’re typically formulated with a lower concentration of fragrance oils, creating a gentle mist that lightly scents the skin.”
If you’re one to save perfumes for special occasions, Lim adds that body sprays are the ideal alternative for everyday wear. “They’re perfect for when you want a subtle hint of fragrance that feels refreshing and uplifting, and are great for spritzing all over the body after a shower, before heading out the door or anytime you want a quick pick-me-up,” she says.
What is the difference between body spray and perfume?
The main difference between fragrance mists and eau de parfums is the ingredient concentration. “What sets body mists apart from perfumes is the mix of water, alcohol and oil,” explains Vince Spinnato, a cosmetic chemist, fragrance developer and founder of Turnkey Beauty. “Body sprays have more water and alcohol than oil, giving them a light and pleasant scent. On the flip side, perfumes pack a punch with a higher concentration of fragrant oils, making their scent stronger.”
You may have noticed that body mist bottles are larger than eau de parfum or eau de toilette vessels, even though perfumes are much more expensive. Lim says that this is because perfumes are much more intense. One to two sprays of an EDP will leave an elevated impression, while body sprays can be generously spritzed without overwhelming your senses.
That said, because of the lower concentration, the scent of body sprays won’t linger for long — which is another reason why you can mist liberally. Spinnato says you’ll typically be able to catch whiffs of a body mist for about three to four hours after spritzing, compared to 10+ hours of wear with perfumes. If you want to extend the longevity, Lim suggests applying a body mist along your pulse points, like your wrists, neck and behind the ears.
“These areas tend to generate more heat, which can help to activate and amplify the fragrance,” she says. “Consider carrying a travel-sized bottle with you for quick touch-ups throughout the day, too. A few spritzes here and there can help revive the scent and keep you feeling fresh and fragrant all day long.”
Why are body sprays so popular right now?
The unexpected revival of body sprays is, in part, thanks to social media — especially TikTok, where the term “best body spray” has over 34 million views. Though, Lim also attributes fragrance mists’ rising popularity to their versatility. “Unlike traditional perfumes, which can sometimes feel too heavy or overpowering for everyday wear, fragrance mists provide a lighter, more subtle alternative,” she explains, which is something that most people are after in the summertime.
However, Lim doesn’t think the body spray trend will fade any time soon. “The resurgence reflects a broader shift towards embracing simplicity and self-expression in our beauty routines,” she says. “Fragrance mists allow us to curate our own personal scent experience, enhancing our mood and confidence with just a spritz or two. It’s a beautiful fusion of fragrance and self-care that really resonates with people.”
Best body sprays and mists
After speaking with the experts — and testing dozens of fragrance mists for myself — I realized that body sprays do in fact deserve a coveted spot alongside my luxury perfumes. As Lim says, both perfumes and body mists offer their own unique benefits, and incorporating a mix into my anthology has enhanced my mood and created a more harmonious fragrance collection.
Keep reading to discover 17 of the best body sprays for summer. Whether you prefer fruity, fresh, floral or sweet scents, there’s an option that will appease every nose.
Best fruity body mists
This luscious, fruity mist has an enchanting quality that instantly energizes the senses — almost like magic. A juicy cocktail of green apple, pomegranate, pineapple and orange bursts through on the first spritz. As it wears, ripe blackcurrants intertwine with delicate jasmine and geranium before settling in a warm haze of vanilla and amber. I find it to be just as bewitching as the gemstone it was named after: The first day I wore it, multiple people stopped to tell me how incredible I smelled … and the compliments haven’t stopped since then.
Peach scents tend to have a youthfulness to them, but this alluring fragrance mist is much more sensual. The chameleon-like spray opens with a bright mix of succulent peach and blood orange. This initial fruity tinge fades rather quickly as earthy patchouli peeks through, culminating in a heady, musky vibe. Beyond the scent itself, I adore the 360 spray technology that makes this feel like an elegant version of my adolescent body sprays. I recommend keeping one in your gym bag for bougie post-workout refreshes.
Sol de Janeiro sets the standard for fragrance mists. Not only are they incredibly long-lasting (I can still catch whiffs on my clothes days after spritzing), their scents also beautifully embody the carefree energy of summer. My current favorite is the limited-edition Carioca Crush, a joyful fruity-floral with hints of crisp, juicy pear, dazzling pink violet and warm white cedarwood. It's exclusively available in-store at Sephora, but Doordash can deliver it same-day if it's in stock near you. If not, Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ’68 Beija Flor or Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ’40 Bom Dia will also transport you to a vacation state of mind.
Need a midday pick-me-up? One sniff of this fruity mist is designed to boost your mood. (Yes, really!) Rooted in aromatherapy and backed by neuroscience, the vegan body spray features happiness-inducing notes like passion fruit, pineapple, watermelon and ginger. I bet your wallet will also be pretty ecstatic about this pick: At under $15, it’s one of the most affordable options on our list.
Best fresh body mists
While traveling to St. Barts may be expensive, smelling like paradise doesn’t have to be. Ouai bottled the essence of the tropical island with a fresh mix of dragonfruit, orange blossom and a tinge of chiffony tuberose petals. Spritzing this editor-approved scent makes me feel like I’m lounging at a luxury beach resort … even if I’m in my dingy apartment.
On super-early mornings, I prefer misting this uplifting scent on my pulse points rather than pouring a fresh pot of coffee because it instantly wakes me up and helps me start the day on the right foot. Energizing notes of sparkling lemon, tangy clementine and cheerful orange blossom enhance my focus and invigorate the mind. Plus, I love that it’s a true multi-tasker that can be sprayed on skin, hair and linens. (It’s become my secret weapon for sprucing up my space before guests arrive.)
For those who prefer masculine scents — or are looking for a cologne to gift their S.O. — this high-end body spray will surely satisfy anyone who chooses to wear it (as well as those that are lucky enough to catch a whiff). An intoxicatingly clean and earthy fragrance, this smells like a freshly showered man thanks to a combination of vibrant pink pepper, crisp lavandin, suede-like orris, and grounding vetiver. To put it plainly, I need this to be my future boyfriend’s signature scent
This body splash that associate beauty editor Sophie Shaw recommends for summer is a bit more concentrated than the other sprays on this list. It has a powdery, clean scent that wears close to the skin, and because it's alcohol-free, it has a conditioning feel. The base notes of vanilla and powder get a lift from black currant, rose and iris for a soft and comforting effect. Splash it on straight from the bottle and massage it in, or use the included sprayer to spritz it. You can even keep the spray in the fridge for a cooling treatment on a hot day.
In my book, few things compare to summer sun rays grazing your skin, and this mist beautifully encapsulates that feeling in a scent. Sweet clementines, lemons and orange flowers provide a brilliant opening that softens as hints of vanilla emerge. I can’t help but compare it to enjoying an orange creamsicle after a long beach day — similar to the sweet treat, this instantly incites joy.
Best floral body mists
It’s one thing for a fragrance mist to smell good, but Rare Beauty took things to the next level with this spray that also offers a variety of skin benefits. The calming scent — which features notes of soft jasmine, zesty lemon, feathery violet and comforting cashmere woods — encourages your body and mind to unwind, while the niacinamide- and biotin-infused formula moisturizes and strengthens the skin barrier.
If you’ve ever wished for Moroccanoil to turn its hair products’ signature scent into a perfume, you’re not alone. The brand has received thousands of requests over the years, and it finally obliged. With this fragrance mist, you can spritz the floral and ambery scent all over. Now your whole body (and hair!) will smell like a salon visit any day of the week, not just on wash day!
Rose is one of those scents that often feels matronly, which is the main reason why I tend to stay away from the floral aroma. However, the flower takes on a youthful, vivacious energy in this body spray. Fusing soft rose petals with geranium and a dash of zesty lemon creates a whimsical mist that people of all generations will love.
Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive …all of these locations in Los Angeles have one thing in common: They smell distinctively expensive. Spinnato set out to affordably replicate the ritzy aroma with this garden-inspired mist. Blooming rose and peony, along with a touch of tangy rhubarb, transform your skin into an ethereal bouquet. As it dries down, a heady mix of amber and vanilla emerges, cementing the fragrance’s star power.
Best sweet body mists
Although vanilla is one of the most popular gourmand fragrance notes, it can quickly become overpowering, especially during the hot sticky months. In Nest’s new body mist, the note takes on a lighter, airier quality, leaving just a flutter of long-lasting sweetness on your skin. It’s nearly impossible to over-spritz, and a few extra mistings will give you the silkiest skin, courtesy of nourishing baobab seed oil in the formula.
Instead of being saccharinely sweet, this airy body mist has a honey-like radiance that will leave others thinking you naturally smell incredible. Smooth sandalwood, warm amber and sheer musks create a comforting potion reminiscent of climbing into freshly cleaned sheets after a day of basking in the sun.
Sabrina Carpenter has completely taken over the music scene. As if being a pop star weren’t enough work, she also recently expanded her perfume line to include two delectable body mists. This one, which features the same scent as her indulgent Sweet Tooth Eau de Parfum, will satisfy your sugar craving with hints of chocolate marshmallow, rich vanilla and chantilly cream. I suggest layering the EDP with the mist for a long-lasting sugar rush. But if you prefer just the body mist, you can get that for $10.
Contrary to popular belief, vacation-centric scents don’t need to be littered with tropical fruit notes to make you feel like you’re on island time. Bath & Body works proves it with Vacation Vibes, a lively mist with notes of whipped pistachio, mouthwatering praline and blooming jasmine. A spritz will melt away all your worries and stimulate the “5 o'clock somewhere” vibes, no matter what time of day it is.