The 15 Best Body Sprays for Women to Wear This Summer
For fragrance-lovers, the spritz of a trusted scent is the finishing touch to the beauty regimen before heading out for the day or night. Some wear a longtime favorite on repeat to establish a “signature scent,” while others let their scent selection change to reflect their mood or a special occasion, adopting a different day, a different spritz of one of the best perfumes for women, mentality. Regardless of your fragrance style or scent preference, the warmer summer season calls for a different composition than your typical eau de parfum, perfume or cologne. Enter: the body spray, the ideal olfactory addition for the summertime.
What is Body Spray?
“A body spray is a less concentrated, lighter, and softer variety of perfume,” says Cheyanne, a French-trained perfumer and the founder of The Private Suite LA. “They are also referred to as body sprays, with subtle, delicate, and pleasant smells that usually last up to four hours.”
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She describes their composition as a mixture of water and alcohol, along with small amounts of aromatic extracts and perfume oils, affording them a more delicate onset that can be spritzed throughout the day.
Greta Fitz, founder and CEO of Ascention Beauty Co., Inc., notes that there is an art to applying perfume and these light and airy varietals are designed to be applied and reapplied generously “in a cloud that covers the entire body.”
This refreshing quality makes the best women’s body sprays ideal for the skin-baring summer months; Fitz suggests that the body spray is the “aftershave” of the perfume family. What’s especially great about body sprays is the fact that scent profiles run the gamut, from the classics, including rose, floral and vanilla-based fragrances, to options that are a little more frisky and unexpected.
To the unsuspecting consumer, a body spray might simply seem like a cheaper and less pungent alternative to a fragrance. Because of this, keeping in mind that a body spray is intended to be reapplied every few hours is key to prevent disappointment. All too often reviewers complain that body sprays loose their aroma after just a couple of hours, not even realizing that this feature is not only by design, but also the beauty of the composition.
Keep scrolling to shop the 15 best body sprays for women this summer 2022.
Top Body Sprays for Women 2022
Best Affordable Spray: Good Chemistry Women’s Body Mist Spray Queen Bee
Best for a Glow: Kai Body Glow
Best Drugstore Spray: Pacifica Dream Moon Hair & Body Mist
Best Fruity Spray: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ‘68 Hair and Body Mist
Best Citrus Spray: Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli Portofino All Over Body Spray
Best SustainableSpray: Chanel No 1 de Chanel L’eau Rouge Revitalizing Fragrance Mist
Best Luxury Spray: La Prairie Cellular Energizing Mist Body Spray
Best Floral Spray: Miss Dior Silky Body Mist
Best Evening Spray: Diptyque Citronelle & Geranium Summer Body Spray
Best Woody Spray: Juliette has a Gun Not A Hair + Body Mist
Best Aromatherapy-Inspired Spray: Erbaviva Relax Body Spray
Best Rose Spray: Jo Loves A Fragrance Body Mist in Tuberose
Best for Vaca Vibes: Natura Brasil Ekos Fragrances Acai Frescor Eau de Toilette
Best Earthy Spray: Annmarie Skin Care Palo Santo Hair & Body Mist
Best Tropical Spray: The Body Shop Coconut + Yuzu Hair + Body Mist
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Good Chemistry Women’s Body Mist Spray Queen Bee
Best Affordable Body Spray for Women
Size: 5.07 oz
Fragrance notes: Black currant, peony, amber
Special features: Ingredient transparency, “clean” formulation
This affordable pick from Good Chemistry is the best option for clean beauty lovers that like to be aware of what ingredients they put on their bodies. Described as a fruity fragrance with a floral heart, you can recycle the vegan and cruelty-free brand’s packaging thanks to their partnership with TerraCycle. “It’s fresh and clean but deeper… Try this one if you want a sexy, cozy scent,” writes one reviewer, while clean beauty aficionados will absolutely want to give the scents from this transparent brand a try.
Kai Body Glow Spray
Best Body Spray for a Glow for Women
Size: 4 oz
Fragrance notes: Gardenia, white floral
Special features: Cruelty-free, vegan
Meet the oil-infused body spray from Kai that has attracted a cult-following. “I have been using this for years and never get tired of the aroma,” writes one reviewer. Another adds that she “cannot wait to put it on after every shower.” The brand’s signature fragrance is delivered onto the skin via a delicate mist of jojoba and other oils, which impart a subtle sheen to make this spray extra nourishing. Note that if you have sensitive skin or are prone to challenging skin conditions like eczema, using this spray for hydration might be irritating.
Pacifica Dream Moon Hair & Body Mist
Best Drugstore Body Spray for Women
Size: 6.5 oz
Fragrance notes: Patchouli, sandalwood, sweet rose
Special features: Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, PCR-packaging
Pacifica makes some of the best drugstore beauty products around, and this Moon-inspired body mist is no exception. Its grounding scent imparts earthy patchouli and sandalwood, which is softened by the presence of delicate, floral rose. “This scent reminds me of my Baccarat Rouge 540 perfume,” writes one reviewer, comparing Pacifica’s little number to the ultra pricey Baccarat fragrance from Francis Kurkdjian. Astrology fans and moon-gazers alike will find themselves smitten by this earthy number.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ’68 Bejia Flor Hair and Body Fragrance Mist
Best Fruity Body Spray for Women
Size: 8.01 oz
Fragrance notes: Brazilian jasmine, pink dragonfruit, lychee, vanilla
Special features: Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free
A rising favorite of the trendy brand, Sol de Janeiro, is their first “fruity floral” fragrance. Inspired by the South American hotspot, Rio, this scent possesses top notes of pink dragonfruit and lychee essence, followed by Brazilian jasmine, ocean air, hibiscus, and sun musk. Reviewers note that a little bit goes a long way, with many pointing out similarities to Ariana Grande’s fragrance, Cloud. Some might find it hard to stray from the brand’s signature scent, which has a veritable cult-following for good reason.
Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli Portofino All Over Body Spray
Best Citrus Body Spray for Women
Size: 5 oz
Fragrance notes: Tunisian neroli, Italian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, yellow mandarin, orange flower, lavender
Special features: 360-degree spray technology
Tom Ford concocted this Italian Riviera-inspired scent for his private collection. This is a fab body spray for those who love floral and citrus blends, or are in search of a super chic, unisex option. “Refreshing and going to be great for summer — after the beach, before happy hour — for that quick freshen up,” says a Nordstrom reviewer. This is a no-brainer for wanderlusters, as well as fans of fashion’s multihyphenate designer and director. Plus, the identifiable turquoise bottle makes it a classic for your top shelf that can be used to refresh the original fragrance if you invest in both.
Chanel No 1 de Chanel L’eau Rouge Revitalizing Fragrance Mist
Best Sustainable Body Spray for Women
Size: 3.4 oz
Fragrance notes: Camellia, citrus, berry, rose, jasmine, iris, musk
Special feature: Made from 97% naturally-derived ingredients
The top pick for lovers of eco-luxury beauty comes from the iconic French brand’s Rouge No. 1 line, which was created with sustainability in mind. The collection’s signature ingredient is red camellia extract and water, while the fragrance mist incorporates florals like rose, jasmine, and iris within this citrusy botanical mix. One Ulta reviewer writes, “I was able to try this in store and fell completely in love with it… I wear it everyday.” For the follower of luxury fashion and beauty, this is quite simply a must-try that will leave everyone guessing what you’re wearing, thanks to its under the radar status.
La Prairie Cellular Energizing Mist Body Spray
Best Luxury Body Spray for Women
Size: 3.4 oz
Fragrance notes: Grapefruit, cardamom, verbena
Special features: Hydrating, smoothing, aromatherapy
Calling all luxury skincare lovers! In the body spray from Swiss brand La Prairie, it’s not surprising that they incorporated skincare goodies (think: glycerin, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid) along with aromatherapeutic notes. One review on Nordstrom — where it has exclusively received five-star reviews — writes: “I have had people stop me asking what fragrance I am wearing more than once! It is delicate, but with a lingering softness that is both energizing and sexy!” Though pricey, it is undeniably tempting and not just because of its delicious scent.
Miss Dior Silky Body Mist
Best Floral Body Spray for Women
Size: 3.4 oz
Fragrance notes: Orange blossom, neroli, rose, patchouli
Special features: Hydrating formulation
Fans of Dior’s signature Miss Dior fragrance line can now rejoice: A softer iteration has arrived. First commissioned by Dior “to smell like love,” this iteration of the classic fragrance filled with energizing citrus and earthy patchouli was designed to be lightweight while imparting six hours’ worth of wear. “Lovely fragrance that lasts for hours,” writes one reviewer. “It also makes my skin feel nice and soft.” Couture scent-lovers will find that this is the perfect way to top off and refresh their Miss Dior parfum throughout the day.
Diptyque Citronnelle + Geranium Summer Body Spray
Best Evening Body Spray for Women
Size: 3.4 oz
Fragrance notes: Geranium, lemongrass, lemon eucalyptus, neroli, orange blossom
Special features: Repels mosquitos
If you dread the summer months because mosquitos tend to eat you alive, know that you are not alone — and that we have a proposed solution for you. This new launch from Diptyque is a great pick for warm summer nights, and not just because it smells delicious. This essential oil-infused formula also repels insects, making it a multi-functional spray. “It has the complex and natural sort of fragrance which Diptyque is famous for, but light enough to spray in the summer,” writes one shopper. The brand also makes candles that can be carried outdoors to help with ambiance (and serve as bug-repellent).
Juliette Has a Gun Not A Hair + Body Mist
Best Woody Body Spray for Women
Size: 2.5 oz
Fragrance notes: Cetalox (synthetic ambergris)
Special features: Cruelty-free, alcohol-free, unisex
The body spray version of Juliette Has a Gun’s best-selling fragrance is terrific option for anyone who adores the aroma of the great outdoors. This unique, alcohol-free formula can be used to layer a few scents together, or worn alone. As one Sephora reviewer puts it, you might not notice it — but others will: “I would give this ten stars if I could.” This is exactly the type of indie brand that Cheyanne referenced as being on-trend this season. Plus, the body spray version can be used to help extend the aroma of the original parfum throughout the day — particularly when used in your hair.
Erbaviva Relax Body Spray
Best Aromatherapy-Inspired Body Spray for Women
Size: 3.5 oz
Fragrance notes: Eucalyptus, spruce, cedar
Special features: Organic, therapeutic-grade essential oils
For those who crave a midday restart, reach for this aromatherapy body mist for an instant pick-me-up. Therapeutic-grade essential oils like lavender, rose and Neroli help to clear the air and reset your vibe. Spritz and take a deep inhale for the full effect. This long-lasting body spray from Erbaviva will calm your senses. But the best part? The way the scent hangs in the air, creating a serene mini oasis within your home. Earth signs, stressed-out consumers, and those in need of reminders to take deep breaths throughout the day will find this wellness-enhancing body spray to be a true treasure.
Jo Loves A Fragrance Body Mist – Tuberose
Best Rose Body Spray for Women
Size: 3.4 oz
Fragrance notes: Tuberose, jasmine, ylang ylang
Special features: Vegan, cruelty-free
If you’re a fan of straightforward yet masterful scent profiles — and, of course, a Jo Malone stan — then this Tuberose body mist is for you. As a longtime fan of body mists, Jo Malone created this gentle, rosy concoction to help recharge your fragrance throughout the day. The especially great thing about the indie offshoot of her wildly popular line is that it feels like a more intimate reintroduction to the legendary perfumer. Pro tip: Put it in the fridge on hot days.
Natura Brasil Ekos Fragrances Acai Frescor Eau de Toilette
Best Body Spray for Vaca Vibes
Size: 5 oz
Fragrance notes: Acai, guava, rose, violet, musk, sandalwood
Special features: Paraben-free, phthalate-free, eco-friendly
With top notes of Brazilian acai, lychee, apple, pear, guava, pineapple, and almond, this body spray smells like vacation in a bottle. To curb the sweetness overload, the fragrance is balanced out by floral middle notes and a base of musk and sandalwood. “This is the most amazing thing I’ve ever worn in my life!!! It stays on throughout the day from four spritzes,” writes a reviewer on the Natura Brasil website. Considering Fitz mentioned the influence of wellness-inspired superfoods on fragrance trends in 2022, well, this one is right on the money.
Annmarie Skin Care Palo Santo Hair & Body Mist
Best Earthy Body Spray for Women
Size: 4 oz
Fragrance notes: Palo santo, peru balsam, cardamom
Special features: Crystal-infused, sustainably-sourced, Made Safe® certified
Meet the antidote to stress and unsettled feelings in this consciously-formulated therapeutic mist from Annmarie Skin Care. The earthy scent is said to awaken and uplift while being consciously crafted in Ecuador. “When I spray it on, I close my eyes, inhale deeply, and feel my cares slip away for a few moments,” one reviewer writes. You can also use this spray as a room refresher to reset your space and cultivate a mood, which Cheyanne sees as rising in prominence this year.
The Body Shop Coconut + Yuzu Hair + Body Mist
Best Tropical Body Spray for Women
Size: 5 oz
Fragrance notes: Coconut, yuzu, jasmine
Special features: Cruelty-free
This superfood-inspired hair and body mist from The Body Shop is refreshing, tart, and said to last longer than many other alternatives. One reviewer shares that, “Every time I use this I find myself thinking, ‘Wow, I smell good!” Hint: Another reviewer calls it a dupe for Tom Ford Soleil Blanc, making it a more affordable swap for the luxury pick. Plus, we love The Body Shop’s commitment to being cruelty-free.
Body Spray vs. Perfume
“All of the different terms for fragrance — perfume, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and body spray or eau fraiche — all depend on the concentration of the perfume oils,” explains Fitz. What’s more, Cheyanne notes that the key difference is that mists are less concentrated and lighter, while perfumes are more concentrated and heavier.
On one end of the spectrum, the best perfume oils are highly concentrated formulas containing 100% fragrance without any water or alcohol. More common are perfumes and eau de parfum, with concentration levels of aromatic ingredients ranging from 15-40% that result in a rich fragrance delivery. On the other end of the spectrum, body spray concentrations range from 1.3-3% (or on some occasions, up to 8%) with a less potent and shorter-lasting scent profile.
This difference in potency impacts both their points of application on the body, as well as the method of application. Perfumes are dabbed on, or applied via a targeted spray to specific pulse points on the body, lasting up to 24-hours. The breezy nature of a more dilute body spray — which is formulated mostly with water and a low alcohol content that diffuses the ingredients — is spritzed all over through a water bottle-like spray. Of course, you can also apply it to the traditional zones associated with perfume application. As she points out, these are reasons why body sprays come in larger sizes.
Another lesser well-known benefit of the body spray is that those with allergies or fragrance sensitivities are able to wear these varieties with greater ease. Particularly as the beauty world moves towards the voluntary (and in some cases, mandated) disclosure of the ingredients that make up their proprietary fragrance profiles, some people are finding themselves able to wear these more delicate scents as opposed to their more intense counterparts. Retailers like Credo and The Detox Market make it mandatory for their fragrance brands to disclose all ingredients — the reason being that the terms ‘parfum’ and ‘fragrance’ have been able to go unregulated without listing their ingredients. This was traditionally done to protect the brand’s proprietary intellectual property behind their scents. However, as consumers demand more transparency from brands — many fueled by fears of hidden endocrine-disruptors and toxins — brands that willingly choose to disclose their ingredients willingly are seen as “clean beauty rebels.”
Top Women’s Body Spray Trends of 2022
For a timeless, classic fragrance purchase, Cheyanne recommends the olfactory medleys by Frédéric Malle, naming Musc Ravageur as her all-time favorite (which also happens to be a great men’s fragrance, too). But for contemporary trends, she says to look for niche fragrances that evoke bohemian, indie vibes. “Wearing an unknown [scent] from a small-scale perfume house will become even more popular this year,” she says. “Nowadays, it’s a trend to cut yourself off from the mainstream.”
Cheyanne also predicts that a large number of “feel-good” scents will hit the market. “This year, we are going to smell a lot of expressive, happy perfumes,” she says. “Think optimistic notes of citrus, bold compositions, and exclusive ingredients.” Back in the day, this might have made you think of Clinique Happy. These days, however, the citrus takes come more in the form of gourmet selections like yuzu — no doubt benefitting from the overlap between fragrance and skincare actives.
Fitz names nostalgic scents — such as those that are reminiscent of 80’s trends — rising to prominence. This makes us think, for instance, of the cult-favorite perfume created by the sun-care line Vacation Inc. “Sun and ozonic scents are also trending for summer, which are super reminiscent of the beach, as well as [fragrances] with inspiration from the garden [like] carrots, dill, and cucumber,” she adds.
The Best Way to Apply Body Spray and Mist
“I recommend spraying your body spray all over your skin immediately after your morning shower or bath,” says Cheyanne. Her personal tip is to apply a body butter in a complementary scent prior to spraying, noting that, “the moisturizing properties of the body butter help to hydrate the skin and lock in your fragrance.” She points out that their more subtle profile also makes them ideal for fragrance layering, especially if you’re new to the game.
Reapplication throughout the day comes with the territory of a body spray. Feel free to spray with abandon, as often as every two hours. However, Fitz shares that they can last for up to four hours — particularly if you make sure the mist reaches your hair and clothes.
Another popular way to work with lighter fragrances is to layer them. This can be done by opting for a complementary scent of body butter before spritzing it over with your body spray, or, of course, reaching for more than one. Diehard fans of scents will sometimes apply their chosen perfume in the morning, and then refresh the scent with its body spray version throughout the day.
Highlighting the overlap between beauty and wellness that has stolen the scene of late, you can also apply a body spray as an instant pick-me-up; after all, smell is considered one of the most emotionally evocative senses. “It’s an in-the-moment experience that can be reapplied as needed,” Fitz explains of their instantly-refreshing, energizing effects. “It’s an all-body experience with one spritz, which is a different feeling of application [as opposed to] perfume and perfume oils.”
Meet the Experts
Cheyanne is an Ivy League-educated Physician’s Assistant and celebrity injector that was also trained as a perfumer in the South of France. After graduating from Harvard University, she apprenticed with a perfumer in a town called Mougins before being put to work creating fragrances for perfumes, candles, body oils, body sprays, and more.
Greta Fitz has over two decades of experience working with beauty brands at Coty, Shiseido, and L’Oréal. In 2016, she helped to create the fragrance brand Clean Reserve, before going on to found her own brand, Ascention, that combines her passions for wellness and fragrance.
Meet the Author
Jessica Ourisman is a freelance beauty editor with bylines on Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and more. With a Bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego and a Master’s degree from Columbia University, she has six years of experience as a beauty writer — and a lifetime of love for skincare, cosmetics, and self-care. She is currently based in Los Angeles, but has lived and worked in New York City and Paris, France.
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