7 Ways to Beat the Bugs Without Smelly Spray
by Emily Gaynor, Teen Vogue
Ditch the itch and smell amazing.
It was a brutal winter, but we’re officially out of the woods. Bring on as much outdoor adventure-time as possible (maybe even in the woods)—but heed the beauty commandments of warmer weather: pack plenty of SPF, have blotting papers handy, and steer clear of chlorine if you’re a bleached blonde.
But don’t buy into one of the most oft-overlooked summer beauty fails. Could there be more of a buzzkill than itchy, all-over bug bites? Yet who really wants to carry a jumbo-sized bottle of chemical-laden (and equally unappealingly scented) spray to every beach trip and music festival.
Related: 17 Products That Will Clear Up Your Skin—Fast
There’s a delightful-smelling solution for that. We’ve rounded up the most amazingly fragranced products that won’t make you feel like you’re spritzing on harsh chemicals. Because at the end of the day, what good is repelling insects if you’re also repelling your besties? Click through to find your new favorite summertime bug banishers.
1. Aromaflage Botanical Fragrance & Insect Repellent
This beautiful blend of citrus, vanilla and cedarwood smells refreshingly of summer and keeps pesky bugs far away. You won’t find any chemicals or parabens in this perfume—the creators looked to ancient practices of using essential oils to protect from pests. Plus, how chic is the bottle?
2. Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent
Leave it to our go-to natural brand to create a gentle-yet-powerful defense against all (well, most!) biting creatures. The simple mixture of rosemary, lemongrass and citronella oil means you can reapply throughout the day without any qualms.
3. California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent
Completely free of DEET (the dangerous pesticide found in many bug sprays), this natural formula is not only safe and effective when it comes to warding off creepy crawlers (and flyers), it also calms bites you already have. Who doesn’t love a two-for-one special?
4. The Honest Co. Bug Spray
Rosemary, citronella and wintergreen organic essential oils combine to create a serious force against nature in this vegan spray. Plus, the bottle is recyclable, so you can rest easy knowing you’re helping the environment while staying itch-free.
5. Intelligent Nutrients Certified Organic Perfume Spray
For an invigorating scent that also hydrates, spritz on this gorgeous medley of ingredients. You’ll attract everyone but the bugs.
6. Golda Hiba Wood Atmosphere Mist
Oil that is extracted from 300-year-old Aomoria Hiba trees in Japan is the foundation of this mind-awakening blend. Not only does the special oil keep bugs far, it is also said to act as a deodorizer…perfect for summertime sweat.
Related: 4 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Facial
7. Mrs. White’s Unstung Hero Natural Spray
This lemon tea-scented eau de cologne protects against pests for up to 4 hours. It smells so light and citrusy, we recommend using it as a room spray too!
More from Teen Vogue:
47 Awkward Celebrity Yearbook Photos
10 Quick Ways to Pump Up Your Ponytail
13 Anna Kendrick Roles You Completely Forgot About
