Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
Like any Millennial that came of age in the early aughts, I have core memories attached to the prized format of teen fragrances: body sprays. Calgon commercials as a kid, perusing the aisles of a Bath & Body Works as a tween, and spritzing Victoria’s Secret Love Spell head to toe before my first kiss. In fact, I could probably recreate the scent profile of my beloved ‘90s gummy bear spray in my brain if I try hard enough. I sprayed liberally and loved them deeply. But just like the body sprays themselves, my interest faded over time — until this summer.
On a whim, I stepped into a Bath & Body Works to see if they still carried the scents I loved as a teen (they did). So with a new bottle of 2005’s Japanese Cherry Blossom in tow, I decided to research what else was on the body mist market. To my surprise, there was a world of fandom online filled with videos of hauls, launch announcements, and surprisingly in-depth reviews. And it’s not just teens, either. Men and women of all ages flock to the internet — on TikTok, YouTube, Fragrantica, and Reddit — in search of the best body mist that might appeal to both an inner child desire and refined, adult tastes.
We like
We don't like
What’s Behind The Body Mist Renaissance?
Suffice to say that along with everything else from Y2K’s zeitgeist, body sprays and mists are fully in their comeback era. But…why? “Consumer interest is rising due to their accessibility, convenience, and affordability, especially among younger demographics influenced by TikTok,” explains Yarden Horwitz — co-founder of the machine learning and trend analysis platform Spate.
According to Horwitz, it’s a golden formula for success. “The body spray products category receives 14.9 million views on average each week and views have grown +427.8% since last year,” they add. Sol de Janeiro claims a large stake in this explosion of viewership, driving an average of 5.5 million weekly views with +100.1% growth in views in just the last year. So you can thank TikTok for those ransacked Sol de Janeiro shelves at your local Sephora.
The 2.0 Approach to Body Mists
A few things have changed this time around. There’s significantly more choice on the menu with newcomers like Sol de Janeiro, Phlur, and Saltair now running among the original body spray pack. Luxury perfumers have quickly taken note of body mist popularity, too. Tom Ford, Henry Rose, Dior, and Chanel have all jumped in the game with less concentrated, lower priced mist options.
Plus, tastes have changed. Horwitz notes that a collective sweet tooth has led to surges in gourmand fragrances (vanilla, coffee, and bourbon lead the way), while trends like #perfumelayering have shifted the way we approach fragrance. “Gen Z prefers variety over a single signature scent, curating collections that match their mood and occasion,” says Maggie Arms, the Director of Fragrance Marketing at Sol de Janeiro. “Our mists meet this need by offering affordable, versatile options for layering and personalizing scents, aligning with their desire for individuality.”
Others use body sprays as pricey perfume dupes, which retailers like Bath & Body Works have caught on to. This year, Bath & Body Works launched a Everyday Luxuries Collection consisting of 10 body mists inspired by trending luxury perfumes. It went viral on TikTok and promptly sold out — but if you missed out, word from their team is that it’ll be available in all stores soon.
The Best Body Mists and Body Sprays
So what makes for a great body mist these days? While all answers are clearly subjective (it’s all about body chemistry and personal tastes), there are leaders in the now crowded category who are creating truly memorable experiences in the world of ephemeral fragrance. I’ve narrowed down the best body mists that I’ve used to round out my personal (and ever-growing) collection.
Best Nostalgic Body Mist
The one, the only, Sweet Pea. Originally released in 2007, it’s one of the few early ‘00s mists that remains a permanent fixture on Bath & Body Works shelves. It’s got a fruity side thanks to headliners of sweet pea, raspberry and black currant that’s balanced by airy freesia and pink peony. It’s an inoffensive, clean smell that can be liberally applied after a shower, throughout the day, or before bed (my personal m.o.) for a brief scent cloud that’s vaguely reminiscent of shampoo — in the best, most comforting way.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to score more nostalgic ‘90s and ‘00s scents, Bath & Body Works tends to release heritage scents from the vaults (like Freesia, Cucumber Melon, or Sun-Ripened Raspberry) during their semi-annual sales.
We like
We don't like
Best Daytime Body Mist
If you want to smell like an expensive vacation, this is what you reach for. Soleil Blanc is led by coconut, bergamot, white and yellow florals, and practically begs its wearer to soak up some sun. It’s subtle and wears close to the skin, which makes it ideal for daytime. I proudly stashed this one in my bag for a hit of solar-scented dopamine on the go.
And to state the obvious: $100 is a lot for body spray, even considering TOM FORD’s notoriously high price point. However, you’ve got a lot more volume to work with. A 3.4 oz bottle of the Soleil Blanc Eau de Parfum fragrances will cost you $445 at Sephora, so 5.0 ounces for a quarter of the price helps offset the sticker shock.
We like
We don't like
Best Evening Body Mist
Known for their firming Brazilian Bum Bum Cream with an addictive, tropical scent — a foray into fragrance just made sense for Sol de Janeiro, who is accredited by many for jumpstarting the revival of body mists. Their perfume mists have become collectors items, with limited-edition scents driving frenzy both online and in stores. In fact, Cheirosa 76 is a triumphant return to their permanent collection after quickly selling out under the name “After Hours” last summer.
Inspired by the Brazilian discotheque era of the ‘70s, Cheirosa 76 features black currant, midnight jasmine, freesia, and amber woods to create a sultry backdrop for a night on the town. It’s sweet, a little spicy, and woody and truly paints a picture of warm, Rio de Janeiro evenings.
We like
We don't like
Best Fresh Body Mist
Opening with a zing of blood orange and neroli, Mustang Sally is dubbed “sunshine in a bottle” for good reason. Pascal Gaurin, the perfumer behind the scent, was inspired by the scent of orange orchards and Mediterranean sea freshness along the coast in Valencia, Spain. It’s beautifully citrusy, sparkling, and clean with the addition of airy musks.
And sure, it’s a celeb-backed brand with Michelle Pfeiffer as its founder, but her commitment to clean fragrance shines through Henry Rose’s standards: ingredient transparency (they’re EWG Verified™), dermatologist testing, and genderless compositions. As someone who has experienced skin irritation exacerbated by fragrance, it’s a refreshing reassurance.
We like
We don't like
Best Tropical Body Mist
Helmed by fashion stylist and beauty blogger Chriselle Lim, Phlur creates instantly-loved fragrances made with responsibly-sourced materials and ingredient transparency. I was drawn to the colorful, luxe packaging (a cute addition to any shelf) and the mango name — it’s one of my all-time favorite scent notes. Mango Mood recreates the juiciest, perfectly-ripe mango that hits your senses right out of the gate, drying down to a warm vanilla-sugar base. It’s tropical, sexy, and a must-have for anyone who loves mango.
We like
We don't like
Best Woody Body Mist
Saltair strikes the perfect balance between utility with sustainable, recyclable packaging and truly elevated scents for an incredibly reasonable price. And you really can’t go wrong with any of their scents, they’re all fantastic — but Santal Bloom is a star. Creamy sandalwood, amber, and musk create a comforting, sensual fragrance that I can only describe as a “cool girl” scent. While Santal Bloom has surprising lasting power, you can easily layer the mist with matching body wash, body lotion, and roll-on deodorant for a head-to-toe effect.
We like
We don't like
Best Vanilla Body Mist
Leave it to Victoria’s Secret to create a scent that pleases my current self and inner teenager. With notes of vanilla meringue, santal flower, and sheer amber, this light-as-air body mist is like cocooning oneself in a soft, sweet cloud. A lactonic creaminess cuts the edge of the sugary vanilla meringue, making it less like a synthetic vanilla cupcake and more like a panna cotta at a fancy Italian restaurant.
We like
We don't like
Now that you’re fully versed in the world of body sprays and mists, find the perfect-for-you scents to build your own fragrance wardrobe. Here’s a head start.
