Body Mist vs Perfume: Know the Difference

In the words of master perfumer, Olivier Creed, “a man will never remember your handbag, but he will remember your perfume.”

But will he remember your body mist?

You may have heard the terms parfum, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, or eau de cologne before. Each is a category referring to the strength of a perfume’s fragrance. The higher the oil concentration, the stronger the scent (parfum being the strongest). Although body mist, also referred to as eau fraiche, is a fragrance, it doesn’t fit in these categories as it has the lowest oil concentration.

While all fragrances can play a similar role in your life, they do so at different capacities. Despite the notable differences, it can be remarkably easy to confuse the different types. Knowing when to use body mist vs. perfume can create an added measure of allurement when compelled to, and the right amount of subtlety when not.

What’s the Difference Between Body Mist and Perfume?

The amount of fragrance oil is the most considerable difference between body mist and perfume. With a small oil concentration of 3-5%, body mist has a strong water and alcohol base. This gives it a lighter scent and less longevity than perfume. Likewise, perfume’s high oil concentration of 20 to 40% makes its scent not only stronger but also longer lasting.

The differences between the two fragrances allow for more options when going out for different occasions. A body mist is a good option when going out for a few hours, but won’t last all day like a perfume will.

Mists & Sprays

Body mist, alternatively called body spray, is a light fragrance with the smallest concentration of oil. Because of this, it’s more budget-friendly but also lasts only about one to two hours at a time. It has the greatest impact when combined with a similar-scented lotion or body wash, acting as a scent enhancer for these other products without being overwhelming.

How to Use Body Mist?

Much like perfume, body mist can be a permanent part of your daily routine, or it can help you freshen up halfway through the day. If you find a few pieces of clothing hiding in your closet, you can use it to freshen them up too.

To get a longer-lasting scent from your mist or spray, try fragrance layering. The most typical fragrance layering includes the same or like scented body wash, followed by applying body butter, and completing the routine with a few spritzes of body mist. It’s simplest when using the same fragrances, but can be done with complimenting scents as well.

Other times to choose body spray vs. perfume:

• After a shower
• If you’re allergic to perfume
• On top of deodorant
• As a facial mist
• On your pillow or the edge or your blanket before bed
• Along the inside edges of your drawers to enhance the smell of your clothes

Perfume

Perfume has a strong oil base with a smaller amount of water and alcohol content. The aroma is both stronger and lasts longer than body mist, leaving your daily acquaintances more time to enjoy your alluring sillage (pronounced “see-yazh”). Wear perfume vs. a body mist on occasions where you want to feel special or have a more impactful scent, such as on dates, at large events, or on a night out.

How to Use Perfume?

It seems simple enough, but there are less effective ways to use and store perfume. There are also ways to use it that most people never consider. To get the most out of your fragrance, follow these tips:

Spray on the Hottest Parts of Your Body

Pulse points are prime locations. The warmth that radiates from these spots acts as a natural diffuser throughout the day.

Choose Smaller Packaging

Oxygen can change the scent molecules over time. Bottles that can be used quickly are better.

Spritz your Hair or Scarf for Increased Longevity

Since they move with the air, the scent can diffuse longer. While this can be beneficial for some, be cautious if you have naturally dry hair and use perfume with high alcohol content. The alcohol will leave your hair even drier. If you’re worried about this occurring, go the safe route and spray your skin or scarf instead.

Store in Cool, Dark, and Dry Places

As tempting as it is to leave your fragrance on the windowsill or in the bathroom, humidity and light can alter your perfume. Storing it in a closet or dresser drawer will protect its intensity & quality.

What to Avoid

Perfume can be easily altered in a variety of different environments. If you want your fragrance to last as long as possible, as most of us do, follow these tips:

Spray, Then Rub

Francis Kurkdjian, the perfumer behind the Christian Dior Eau Noire, says that the friction created from rubbing heats the skin & produces natural enzymes that change the course of the scent. Spray it on and leave it alone!

Directly Spray Your Skin If You’re Prone to Perspire

Sweating causes the scent to diffuse quicker, and we know you don’t want that. Try the hair or scarf trick mentioned previously instead.

Mist Yourself (A “Spray & Step”)

It’s glam in movies, but walking through sprayed air doesn’t hold fragrances well. Spray or dab directly on your pulse points for the best result.

Can I Use Body Mist and Perfume Together?

The high concentration of oil in perfume allows it to stand on its own for up to 24 hours. Still, there are times when using both body mist and perfume work together lovely. On days you need a little extra flounce, try using a complimenting body mist and perfume.

When combining the two, your perfume will be your base, and strongest, scent. A mandarin scented perfume can work well with a vanilla-scented body mist, but if you want vanilla to be the overarching fragrance, try using a vanilla perfume with a mandarin body mist instead.

There are obvious times when a perfume should be worn rather than a body mist, but there are no feminine rules against using them interchangeably now and again. Experiment with fragrance layering and combining mismatched scents to spice up your routine. Whether wearing perfume, body mist, or both, a man won’t fail to recall the sweet fragrance. Have a look through our large collection of fragrances today!

Interested in reading more fragrance guide? Check out below!