Body mists are making a comeback – these scents are guaranteed to get you compliments
The best body mists are enjoying something of a renaissance right now – and I'm so here for it. Rewind a year or two, and any mention of a body spray would've conjured up thoughts of heady clouds of Impulse or Charlie filling high-school sports changing rooms. Body mists were for tweens; the best perfumes were for women.
But there's a new era of body mists here to change your mind. The airy cousins of colognes and eau de parfums – by cult brands like Glow Hub, Phlur and Sol De Janeiro – are grown up. Formulated to complement your long-lasting perfume (rather than replace it), and with skin-improving ingredients like hyaluronic acid to serve a long-lasting glow. What's more, they boast sophisticated and complex scent profiles. Gone are the over-the-top sickly, sweet scents of decades past: the internet went wild comparing Sol de Janeiro's Cheirosa 68 to Maison Francis Kurkdijan’s beloved Baccarat Rouge 540, while Phlur's Vanilla Skin packs a pink pepper punch to add warmth to otherwise sweet notes of creamy vanilla.
It's worth noting that body sprays are a much more affordable way of trying out your favourite brands. A Jo Malone perfume costs upwards of £100 in full size, but you can bag a body mist for under £50. Spritz it all over post-shower without feeling any guilt around wearing too much, then throw it in your bag for top-ups throughout the day.
What's the difference between perfume and body mist?
Perfumes are usually applied once (or twice, at most) a day and have greater, more pungent lingering power. Body mists, on the other hands, are designed to use as a top-up – for when your perfume has either worn-off, or to experiment with scent-layering to create your own unique signature scent.
Another big difference is the price point. Perfumes range from affordable prices under £50 all the way up to the more premium three-figure numbers (take the £235 MFK Baccarat Rouge 540, for one). Meanwhile, body mists and hair perfumes are a complete different story.
Their main charm is their inexpensive price tags and larger bottles, meaning that when you inevitably run out, the re-purchase won't hit your bank account as hard as it would with a luxury perfume.
How we tested the best body mists:
The GLAMOUR beauty team has trialled hundreds of body mists throughout the years and has quizzed many perfume noses to bring you this ultimate roundup. What's more, we're always keeping an ear to the ground to bring you new launches as quickly as we can. Need proof? Glow Hub's Collectable Body Mists launched today – and here they are: a trio of bold, ultra-wearable hair and body mists which are formulated to match your energy as it changes.
An experienced beauty or shopping editor has put as many of the body mists in this edit to the test as possible; for those that we're in the process of testing, we've noted. We mark each body mist against a set of specific criteria: scent profile (and whether we actually like it), lasting power, packaging and price point. Bonus points for perfumes which are vegan, cruelty-free and packaged sustainably.
Once we've got an idea of how each mist performs across these categories, we'll compare how it stands up to other body sprays on the market. From #PerfumeTok-approved scents to the freshest launches from Phlur, we've put together a selection that our editors would reach for instead of – or alongside – their signature perfume scent. So if you're ready to channel your Y2K body mist era, get scrollin'.
Ahead, the best body mists to spritz right now:
Glow Hub Collectable Body Mist Hot Sauce
Why we love it: Glow Hub is making moves in the world of fragrance with its launch of a trio of collectable body mists – housed in the most fun and aesthetic packaging, like, ever. They're priced at just £10 each – which is a total steal when you take their staying power into consideration – and while you can wear each of them alone, they're also perfect for layering.
Our favourite of the three new launches is Hot Sauce, a decadent and rich fragrance which smells far more expensive than it actually is. Expect a juicy hit of cherry and red fruit – followed by scents of soft florals and creamy vanilla musk. It's extra, it's fresh, and it's unforgettable.
- Fragrance notes: Top notes of cherry, red fruits and almond. Middle notes of rose and jasmine. Base notes of musk, vanilla, moss, sandalwood and peru resinoid.
SOL DE JANEIRO Limited Edition DANÇA MÍSTICA Perfume Mist
Why we love it: A body mist launched as an exclusive collaboration between Sol de Janeiro and Sephora, DANÇA MÍSTICA sets itself apart from the other scents in the line through its beautiful, marble-effect lid.
This is personally one of my favourite launches from Sol de Janeiro, because it's not too sweet. Thanks to notes of purple fig, warm vanilla, and sandalwood – which are included in some of the most popular perfumes on the market – it feels very evening appropriate and just a little bit sexy.
- Fragrance notes: Purple fig, warm vanilla, and sandalwood.
RARE BEAUTY Find Comfort Body & Hair Fragrance Mist
Why we love it: Rare Beauty is a brand that's perpetually trending on TikTok, which has a multi-generational appeal like few others do, and which is just as good as it is buzzy. The Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Tinted Lip Oil? Elite. So, when news broke that Selena Gomez was launching body products, every beauty sleuth in the land went wild.
Luckily, the body mist is really nice, if a little oily when it lands on the skin. It's fresh, bright and lemony – perfect for a midday pick-me-up. It also contains a whole host of hydrating ingredients to soften your hair and skin over time.
- Fragrance notes: Lemon zest, jasmine, Cashmere wood.
Collectable Body Mist Dopamine
Why we love it: Up next, another new launch from Glow Hub – one of the three collectable body mists we spoke to earlier. This one? Dopamine. Which, according to the brand, smells like a “bold and fun magnetic dream”. We can't argue: this smoky, woody and aromatic scent delivers a rush of spicy cardamom, punchy pepper and woodiness that smoulders. It's mysterious, grown-up, and perfectly balanced. Great for nights out.
- Fragrance notes: cardamom, black pepper, violet, orris, cashmeran, sandalwood, patchouli, cedarwood and amber.
Why we love it: This has been my go-to body mist for the past few weeks. The perfect holiday companion which is light and sweet without feeling too, well, childish. It's great for layering with other Phlur fragrances, or for wearing alone, and it's impressively long-lasting. As the name suggests, it's inspired by the scent of the peach, where notes of peach skin, plum and bellini subside to reveal notes of coconut caramel, amber and sandalwood. Apply liberally.
- Fragrance notes: Peach, plum, coconut caramel, amber and sandalwood.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist
Why we love it: Known as the ‘floral one’ among all the Sol de Janeiro body mist line-up – though equal parts fruity, too – this mist is light, delicate and, TBH, quite inoffensive. I didn't have me rushing back for more, but it's a great product to have in your gym bag: where heady notes of candied vanilla are accompanied by sweet pink dragonfruit, lychee, Brazilian jasmine, ocean air accord, hibiscus and musk.
- Fragrance notes: Pink dragonfruit, lychee, Brazilian jasmine, ocean air accord, hibiscus and musk.
GLOSSIER Hair & Body Spritz Sandstone
Why we love it: Yes, Glossier You is good – but have you tried their Sandstone Spritz? The perfect companion for layering undere the aforementioned perfume, if you're already a firm fan, or a mist strong enough to stand the best of time alone.
It's fresh and versatile, exuding notes of warm sandalwood, clary sage and fresh fig leaf. Top notes of orange blossom and neroli finish the journey on a refreshing note.
Top tip: Pair with a matching Daily Oil Wash and Daily Perfecting Lotion to enhance your fragrance experience and help your fragrance last longer throughout the day.
- Fragrance notes: Sandstone is aromatic + grounding with warm Sandalwood, Clary Sage + fresh Fig Leaf. Orange Blossom Neroli is refreshing + vibrant with Orange Blossom, Bergamot + fresh green Neroli buds.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist
Why we love it: Bursting with the sweet smell of pistachio and salted caramel, this best-selling body mist from Sol de Janeiro is perfect for everyday use. It's uplifting and is particularly great for summertime (or whenever you want to smell like it).
“It is by far the most addicting body mist I've tried," GLAMOUR contributor Denise Primbet said. "This gourmand scent is gets me guaranteed daily compliments wherever I go.”
- Fragrance notes: Top notes of pistachio, almond, mid notes of heliotrope, jasmine petals and dry notes of vanilla, salted caramel, sandalwood.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 40 Perfume Mist
Why we love it: This intoxicating body mist smells like ripe plums, freshly-cut flowers and the sparkling outfits of summertime – where notes of black amber plum, vanilla woods and jasmine blend to perfection. It's a bit of a grower, and the sort of body mist that'll get you lots of compliments. We found that you can really smell it linger and evolve throughout the day.
- Fragrance notes: Top Notes: Black Amber Plum, Crème de Cassis.
Heart Notes: Jasmine Bloom, Brazilian Orchid. Base Notes: Vanilla Woods, Warm Musk.
- Fragrance notes: Top Notes: Black Amber Plum, Crème de Cassis.
Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Hair & Body Mist
Why we love it: This hair and body mist from Rituals contains hints of cherry blossom and rice milk, which is perfect for helping you feel relaxed all day long. It's also formulated without alcohol to suit sensitive skin types. If you really want to help it last longer, use the body scrub, shower gel and body lotion prior to spritzing liberally from head to toe.
- Fragrance notes: Cherry blossom and rice milk.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '71 Perfume Mist
Why we love it: Caramelised vanilla, sea salt, toasted macadamia nut and white chocolate… No, these aren't the ingredients for a dessert. Instead, these are the notes that make up Sol de Janeiro's alluring beach fragrance – definitely worth packing with you on a warm weather holiday.
- Fragrance notes: Top Notes: Caramelised Vanilla, Sea Salt. Heart Notes: Toasted Macadamia Nut, White Chocolate. Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Coconut Blossom.
Jo Malone London English Pear and Freesia Body Mist
Why we love it: If you're looking for a sophisticated and luxurious body mist that smells like one of Jo Malone's best-selling scents, look no further. This iconic fragrance features notes of English pear and freesia as per the brand's iconic bestseller. Plus, it contains glycerin and other nourishing ingredients to provide your skin with a rush of hydration that lasts.
- Fragrance notes: Top Note: King William Pear. Heart Note: Freesia. Base Note: Patchouli.
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc All Over Body Spray
Why we love it: Inspired by the mystery and luxury of private islands, this multi-dimensional fragrance from Tom Ford is invigorating, sensual and perfect for wearing on a first date. You can wear it with your favourite perfume, or use it as a top-up on its own throughout the day.
The best bit? The bottle boasts a specially designed 360 spray technology, so that the “All Over Body Spray” can be ergonomically sprayed sideways, upside down and any which way on neck, arms, legs and torso. No other body mist in this edit features the same.
- Fragrance notes: Bergamot, Cardamom Oil Orpur®, Pistachio Accord, ylang ylang and Coco De Mer Accord.
DIOR Miss Dior Silky Body Mist 100ml
Why we love it: Hailing from one of the most iconic French fashion houses, this Miss Dior body mist is delicate, beautiful and unforgettable. Plus, it's also long-lasting, promising to linger on your skin for up to six hours at a time after each spritz.
- Fragrance notes: Top note is Mandarin Orange; middle notes are Rose and Jasmine; base notes are Musk and Patchouli.
PHLUR Mango Mood Hair and Body Fragrance Mist
Why we love it: Both a body and hair mist, this fragrance is sweet, dynamic and complex – thanks to a combination of mango, black pepper, patchouli and brown sugar. Peach Skin is still my favourite, but this equally-fruity fragrance comes in a close second.
- Fragrance notes: Top notes: black currant, pink pepper, mango. Heart notes: wild orris, black lotus, jasmine sambac absolute. Base notes: patchouli, vanilla elixir, brown sugar.
Why we love it: Rituals launched the Dream Collection to appeal to a younger generation; this fresh and fragrant body mist proves the brand are not just an excellent stockist of luxury gifts for mums. Designed to be a final flourish to your self-care routine, this uplifting body and hair mist is smells like a crisp, dewy morning. Nots of sheer jasmine and orris are both floral and woody.
- Fragrance notes: Blue daisy, moonstone, sheer jasmine, orris, musk.
Why we love it: The third and final instalment to Glow Hub's fragrant trio is Pipe Dream. It smells like golden hour: crisp air, citrus skies and the zing of another sunset. Expect notes of soft sandal wood, sweet vanilla and a hint of moss and musk.
- Fragrance notes: Top: bergamot, lemon, black pepper. Middle: pine needle, orris. Base: sandalwood, amber, vanilla, moss, musk.
