Do you dread the day your favourite perfume runs out? Shopping for a new scent can be an expensive acitivity. Plus, if you're keen to try out a new perfume, it's a bit of a risk in case you bring a pricey bottle home and end up not liking it.
The solution? A body mist. If you're a millenial, you'll probably crinkle your nose at the thought of the old soapy So...? and Impulse sprays, but I promise you mists are having a moment right now, and they're more perfume-like than ever.
In fact, designer brands like Jo Malone, Tom Ford and Phlur are all rushing to launch mist versions of their lighter, best-selling scents in a bid to capture a new audience of shoppers who might not necessarily have been able to afford the more potent perfumes.
So, what is a body mist and how does it differ from a perfume?
A body mist is basically a lighter, fresher take on a traditional perfume—perfect for those who love a subtle scent without the intensity of a full-on fragrance. With a much lower concentration of fragrance oils (usually 1-3%, compared to 15-20% in an Eau de Parfum), it’s designed to be spritzed generously all over, offering a soft veil of scent rather than a long-lasting perfume cloud. Many body mists also come with added skincare benefits, like hydrating ingredients to keep skin feeling fresh and nourished.
The main difference? Longevity and intensity. A perfume is designed to stick around all day, while a body mist is more of a fleeting refresh that may need topping up every few hours. Think of it as the casual, easygoing sibling of a perfume.
Ready to get shopping?
Phlur Vanilla Smoke Body Mist
Mist price: £38 for a 236ml bottle on SpaceNK
Perfume price: £99 for a 50ml bottle on SpaceNK
READ MORE:
‘This £25 vanilla perfume is my go-to spring scent and gets me so many compliments’
This mist is a brand new launch from trending brand Phlur. And though there isn't an exact match Vanilla Smoke perfume, it's a close match to the brand's hugely popular Vanilla Skin EDP – incredible, by the way.
This body mist features a sultry blend of bergamot, pink pepper and birch at the top, followed by heart notes of cacao blanc, cashmere vanill and tonka bean, and rounded out with base notes of incense, Peru balsam and amber. Though it's definitely lighter than the brand's Vanilla EDP, I can confirm it packs a real punch – and I could still smell it on my clothes at the end of the day.
Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia Body Mist
Mist price: £48 for a 100ml bottle on Jo Malone
Perfume price: £82 for a 50ml Cologne on Cult Beauty
If you love Jo Malone’s iconic English Pear & Freesia scent but don’t fancy splashing out on the cologne, the body mist is a brilliant alternative. At £48, you can still enjoy that fresh, juicy pear and delicate floral blend without committing to the £82 price tag of the cologne. Lighter and more refreshing, it’s perfect for those who want a subtle, everyday spritz rather than a full-on fragrance moment.
The mist still captures the same fruity-floral magic—ripe pears, elegant freesias, and a warm base of amber and woods—but with a soft, airy feel. Plus, it’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like glycerine to keep things hydrated, so it’s more than just a pretty scent.
Kylie Cosmetics Cosmic Hair and Body Mist
Mist price: £28 for a 100ml bottle on Selfridges
Perfume price: £55 for a 100ml bottle on Boots
Keen to give Kylie's best-selling scent a go? This mist offers a more budget-friendly option for those looking to try it out. Featuring a floral fragrance profile, with top notes of star jasmine and blood orange, heart notes of amber accord and peony and base notes of vanilla musk accord and cedarwood, it's light, refreshing and great for spritzing throughout the day,
Kylie's Cosmic perfume isn't too expensive as it is, so if you love the spray, you can move up to the more concentrated formula without too much of a sting.
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc All Over Body Spray
Mist price: £65 for a 150ml bottle on SpaceNK
Perfume price: £145 for a 30ml bottle on Look Fantastic
The Soleil Blanc spray features the same sultry floral amber scent as the Eau de Parfum, with notes of bergamot, cardamom oil, pistachio accord, ylang-ylang, benzoin extract, and coco de mer accord. Its 360-degree spray technology allows for easy application on various parts of the body, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a luxurious fragrance experience at a more affordable price point.
Reviews for it are also glowing, with one buyer penning: 'I adore this body spray as much as I love the fragrance!"
Nest New York Madagascar Vanilla Body Mist
Mist price: £39 for a 125ml bottle on Cult Beauty
Perfume price: £102 for a 30ml bottle of Perfume Oil on Sephora
This mist transports you straight to Bali with every spritz. Its dreamy blend of creamy coconut, tiare blossom and salted musk creates a perfect balance of soft florals and warm, woody notes, leaving a subtle yet lasting impression. Like wearing a postcard from paradise, it's the closest I'm getting to winter sunshine.
Though I'm fully on board the mist train now, not all body sprays are created equal. This luxe one blends top notch oils to give the depth that mimics a pricier perfume, hence why it's slightly higher in price than some of the other sprays.
Kayali Yum Pistachio Gelato 33 All Over Body Spray
Mist price:£39 for a 125ml bottle on Cult Beauty
Perfume price: £79 for a 50ml bottle on Cult Beauty
This is a lighter, more affordable way to enjoy the much-loved gourmand fragrance without committing to the full perfume. With notes of creamy pistachio gelato, fluffy whipped cream, and a touch of rum, this mist has a sweet and playful scent that feels warm and comforting. The mist format makes it softer and more refreshing than the perfume, and I think it's great for daily wear.
It’s also a great option for layering or topping up throughout the day without breaking the bank. For anyone tempted by the full Eau de Parfum but unsure about the price, this is a budget-friendlier way to experience the scent.