CHICYEE

Few compliments are as gratifying as those three little words: “You smell good.” Whether you’re walking into a room or making your exit, it’s a major confidence boost to know you’re leaving behind a beautiful scent. Perfumes have long been the go-to for creating a delicious moment, but body mists are also experiencing a resurgence, reminding us that fragrance comes in many formats. Body sprays are a fun, accessible way to dive into new scents, and today’s versions are a far cry from those you might remember. With sophisticated aromas and airy formulas, they often complement perfumes rather than compete with them. This has earned them a permanent spot in many a fragrance library, but understanding the core differences that set body mists and perfumes apart is still helpful in deciding which to wear. 

While we’d never suggest ditching one for the other, a few tips will help you make the most out of each format. Below, we asked two fragrance experts all about the differences between perfumes and body mists, including how to wear them and the best way to get a lingering effect.

What Is a Body Mist?

Fragrances are typically broken down by weight, which determines a scent’s strength. Body mists are the lightest of the category, and therefore, they impart a more subtle aroma. “These mists are naturally a bit less fragrant than a perfume or cologne, but still have a noticeable scent,” says Nordstrom’s national beauty director, Autumne West.

Instead of using weighty oils, West explains that body mists and sprays are generally water-based, allowing them to lie gently on the skin’s surface. In other words, they’re like the linen shirts of the fragrance world. “Think: easy-going, low-commitment, and effortless—the perfect combination for people who want to smell good without trying too hard,” says By Rosie Jane founder and CEO Rosie Jane Johnston. 

What Is a Perfume?

On the contrary, perfumes are heavier and more fragrant due to an oil-based formula. This allows them to offer complexities and longevity that body mists can’t. From sophisticated accords to intricate scent profiles, they deliver fragrance quality that justifies their higher price point and luxury reputation.

Perfumes’ heavier composition also means that the aromas are deeply concentrated, allowing the fragrance to sink into and linger on the skin. “Spritzing on perfume should feel like slipping into your favorite pair of perfectly broken-in jeans—comfortable, but impactful,” Johnston emphasizes. 

When to Use Each

Thinking about these fragrances in terms of weight, it would be easy to assume that their use should be seasonal: Light and airy body mists for summer, and weighty, oil-based perfumes for fall and winter. But ultimately, the choice is more nuanced and completely personal. While body mists offer a lighter veil of fragrance fitting to sticky summer days, they’re just as ideal for daily use any time of year. According to West, most options today hold up for hours, so you can either wear them alone all day or spritz them on to freshen up your scent. 

If you’re looking for a more direct approach, making a distinction between casual and special-occasion wear can be helpful. “Body mists shine in relaxed and informal moments since they tend to offer fresh, skin-like scents and a lighter concentration,” Johnston says. Perfumes are more intentional by design, so you might apply them to moments of a similar sentiment, like date nights, special dinners, and holidays. 

How to Apply Body Mists and Perfumes

There’s really no wrong way to apply body mists or perfumes, but the pros do have a few tips to get the most out of each.

• Body mists: “A few splashes of a body mist right out of the shower on clean, damp skin creates a nice scent base, and you can generously apply it everywhere, including your shoulders, chest, behind the knees, and hair,” Johnston says. You can also mist yourself in a light fragrance cloud after moisturizing, and carry the bottle with you to refresh your scent throughout the day. Think of it as your first layer of fragrance, or the scent closest to your skin.
• Perfumes: When it comes to heavier perfumes, your pulse points serve as the best guide for application. “Start with a few spritzes on the wrists, neck, décolletage, and inner elbows, then a light spray on your clothes or hair,” Johnston elaborates.

The Final Takeaway

Body mists are light in texture and offer a subtle scent ideal for layering, while perfumes provide a more robust aroma that lingers. Whether you wear them together or alone is up to you, but pairing them can create a more complex scent. If you’re new to layering, West says to spritz a body mist in a scent profile you already know and love before applying the perfume to deepen the smell. Mists are also ideal for a quick midday refresh. Both perfumes and body mists have a versatile place in your fragrance library, so you don’t have to be too strict about choosing one over the other. “I like to think about fragrance as that final touch before you run out the door,” West tells us. “It sets the mood for your day, regardless of how strong or lightweight the scent is.”