'Smells like Penhaligon's but just £25' – how fragrance mists became luxe

If the mention of fragrance mists instantly takes you back to a school PE changing room, where a thick cloud of sickly-sweet sprays seemed to permanently hang in the air, you’re not alone. For many, body mists were once a quintessential part of the teenage experience – they were cheap, cheerful and a welcome addition to any Christmas haul.

As usual however, the rise of social media and new innovations has flipped this image on its head; the selection of fragrance mists on offer in 2025 is suddenly much more grown-up, and certainly on-trend. Brands such as Sol de Janeiro (with its viral tropical holiday-in-a-bottle Cheirosa 62 Mist) and PHLUR (whose ‘edible skin’ collection puts a sophisticated spin on food-inspired fragrances) have amassed thousands of views on TikTok, and in doing so, infiltrated the shelves of our favourite beauty retailers.

These modern offerings have gained popularity by maintaining elements of what we used to love most about mists and sprays (that is, offering a desirable scent on a drugstore budget), and adding the opportunity to experiment. Body mists also offer an accessible route into premium perfume, with brands like Chanel and Jo Malone getting in on the act.

Christelle Lim, founder and creative director of PHLUR, explains: “It’s been so fun to see the rise of fragrance mists and how they’re evolving. They play a big part in curating a true fragrance wardrobe, as they are a way to be more playful with scent, using both fun and sophisticated notes.”

How are fragrance mists different from perfumes?

As the name suggests, fragrance mists offer a more ‘mist-like’ texture than standard eau de parfums. They’re softer, lighter and formulated using a lower concentration of fragrance oils, which makes them ideal for either a quick spritz of fragrance, or for enhancing a longer-lasting scent throughout the day.

Being less potent, fragrance mists and body sprays are safe to be applied liberally – without the risk of assaulting the senses of those around you. Most fragrance brands recommend spraying a mist all over, directly onto the skin, to achieve a refreshing scent.

What are the benefits of fragrance mists for adults?

They’re perfect for layering

“Unlike traditional perfumes, which can sometimes feel too overpowering for everyday wear,” says Chriselle, “fragrance mists provide a lighter, more subtle alternative, and are a lot more versatile to play around with.”

For those who like to switch up their signature scent with each season, struggle with the intensity of eau de parfums, or simply like the freedom of having options, a fragrance mist is ideal for layering, allowing you to create a customised scent.

Laura Simpson, Sol de Janeiro’s communications manager, explains: “Perfume mists strike the perfect balance between fragrance and freshness – they’re easy to mix, match and take on the go. We have leaned into the layering trend by developing a ‘mistology’ scent menu which helps customers find their own custom fragrance, and make it unique to day-to-day moods and experiences.”

They’re ideal for for on-the-go

According to Chriselle, “fragrance mists are perfect for any event, whether you're heading to the office, running errands, or enjoying a leisurely day at home.”

Because they’re adaptable – whether that’s through layering on top of other fragrances or offering a range of scents to suit any occasion – fragrance mists are often purse-friendly, and easier to pack into a handbag than an expensive perfume.

They’re budget-friendly, but smell expensive

With ease comes affordability. While fragrance mists are typically priced at a fraction of the cost of an EDP, the variety of scents on offer in 2025 means that they’re suitable even for those with a more sophisticated palette.

From feminine florals to earthy musks, these are our top picks for the best fragrance mists.