Why Body Mists Are the Perfect Intro to Perfume for Teens

Typically applied all over rather than pulse points, body mists can be used throughout the day for a refreshing boost.

They evaporate faster than perfume but are ideal for layering with other skincare products, making them versatile and suitable for younger skin.

When it comes to body mists, Steven Glyde, head of fragrance at Mecca, has simple advice: “Use generously!” »

“The lightweight formula can be sprayed onto skin, hair and clothing without worrying about oil buildup or high alcohol concentrations. Hair and clothes tend to hold scent longer than your skin, so spray relentlessly.

Why Choose Body Mists for Teenagers?

They are gentler on the skin:

As teens experience hormonal changes, they may have sensitive skin or acne-prone conditions. Using harsh, alcohol-based perfumes can cause irritation or worsen skin problems due to their drying effect on the skin.

Body mists are generally less harsh because they are made with a lower alcohol content and a lighter formulation that is less likely to clog pores.

Statistics from the Dermatological Society of New Zealand show that acne affects around 80 per cent of teenagers in Aotearoa at some point during their teenage years.

However, a study published by the British Journal of Dermatology in October 2024 found that New Zealand was the only country out of 204 studied to show a decrease in acne rates among people aged 10 to 24 between 1990 and 2021 .

Regardless, acne remains a big problem among teens, so it’s essential to choose products that are non-comedogenic and gentle on young skin.

Body mists offer a gentler scent:

“More decadent perfume oils and accords can become extremely intense when used at a higher concentration, so a body mist is a great way to balance these notes into vibrant, fragrant scents that don’t overpower whoever is using them. door,” Glyde explains.

Schools often discourage students from wearing strong perfumes. For adolescents in shared spaces like classrooms, a body mist offers a pleasant alternative that nevertheless allows them to express themselves without causing discomfort to those around them because they are short-lived.

Because they’re lighter, body mists don’t linger on the skin for hours like perfume. This is a positive for teens who are just starting to find their personal scent preferences, and it means they can reapply their mist during the day without overloading their senses.

Body mists are more affordable:

Fragrances can be expensive, especially for brands that might appeal to teens due to celebrity endorsements or social media trends. Body mists are generally much more affordable, making them an easier option for those starting to explore their personal style without committing to investing in expensive perfume bottles. Plus, they’re easy to find at local drugstores or beauty retailers, meaning you can experiment without breaking the bank.

Light, refreshing body mist

Body mists allow you to treat yourself to personal fragrance in a fun, low-risk way. Here are some of our favorites.

MECCA MAX OPTIMIST Energizing scent mists in Top Down (apple, melon and fresh-cut greens), Holiday Heatwave (coconut, vanilla and sea salt) and Date Night Butterflies (a floral bouquet with a peppery top note), $36 each.

OXX perfume In Mexico, body mist (pear, jasmine and sandalwood) and Summer Season body mist (cotton candy, vanilla and coconut), $10 each.

McoBeauty Collection of scented mists, $122. Contains six fragrances: No.1 Black Plum & Vanilla, No.2 Salted Caramel & Pistachio, No.3 Dragonfruit & Jasmine, No.4 Vanilla & Macadamia and No.5 Violet Orchid & Sandalwood. Each scent is also available to purchase separately starting at $25.

Impulse Mist-ic Scented Body Mist in Empower (ginger, ylang-ylang and jasmine) and Inner Peace (blackcurrant and sandalwood), $11.99 each.

Lucy Light is a beauty and lifestyle columnist for the Herald. She has worked in print and digital publishing for the past 17 years in New Zealand and Australia, on several well-known titles in fashion, beauty, entertainment, food and House. Recently, she shared the best body care in the supermarket aisleI looked if TikTok’s “morning shed” trend worth the hype and is recommended teen-friendly skincare.