My fragrance collection has evolved significantly since middle school, a time when department store body mists were the absolute peak of sophistication. Over the years, I slowly replaced those aerosol bottles with ornate glass flacons of designer perfume, convinced I had left the world of mists behind. Yet, the beauty industry has a way of circling back, and body sprays are experiencing a major resurgence. But this isn’t just a rehash of the past; the best modern body sprays are far more versatile and complex than the singular, sugary notes that ruled my adolescence.
Today’s formulations offer layered aromas that range from fresh and airy to sweet and sultry, designed for everyone regardless of age. According to Bee Shapiro, founder of Ellis Brooklyn, there is a “carefree, lighthearted element” to these mists. “The scents typically are very joyful and easy to wear, so it’s an easier way to get into fragrances and play around a bit,” she explains. This lighter quality makes them ideal for muggy weather when a heavy eau de parfum might feel suffocating, offering a way to smell incredible without leaving an aggressive fragrance cloud in your wake. Plus, the price point often allows for more experimentation than traditional luxury perfumes.
The New Class of Fragrance
Fragrance experts suggest adding a few of these revamped sprays to your rotation, noting distinct differences from standard fine fragrances. Take the Phlur Moonstone Body & Hair Fragrance Mist, for example. This luscious, fruity blend has an enchanting quality that energizes the senses immediately. It opens with a cocktail of green apple, pomegranate, pineapple, and orange before settling into a warm haze of vanilla and amber. It lives up to its name; the first day I wore it, strangers stopped me to ask what I was wearing, and the compliments haven’t ceased since.
For those seeking something less youthful and more sensual, Tom Ford’s Bitter Peach All Over Body Spray offers a sophisticated alternative. It opens with a bright mix of succulent peach and blood orange but quickly pivots to earthy patchouli and a heady musk. The 360-degree spray technology gives it an elegant feel, making it a perfect, albeit “bougie,” post-workout refresh for your gym bag.
Sol de Janeiro continues to set the standard for longevity in this category. Their limited-edition Carioca Crush captures the carefree energy of summer with crisp pear, pink violet, and white cedarwood. It’s a scent that sticks to clothes for days. If that isn’t available, their Cheirosa ’68 or ’40 blends are equally capable of inducing a vacation state of mind. Similarly, Ouai’s St. Barts Hair and Body Mist bottles the essence of a tropical island with dragonfruit and tuberose, transporting you to a luxury resort even if you are just lounging in your apartment.
On the more affordable end, Pacifica’s Passion Fruit Hair & Body Mist uses neuroscience-backed aromatherapy to boost mood with notes of pineapple and ginger—all for under $15. For early mornings, Being Frenshe’s Citrus Amber serves as a caffeine-free wake-up call, using sparkling lemon and clementine to invigorate the mind and improve focus.
The 2026 Aesthetic: Darker Tones for the Cold Season
While our olfactory palettes are embracing light and fruity notes, the trend forecast for nails in 2026 is taking a decidedly darker, more dramatic turn. As the cold season approaches, the desire for well-groomed hands becomes a central beauty ritual, yet the classic French manicure is taking a backseat. According to industry insiders, the “Onyx” look is poised to be the most elegant trend of the coming year.
Inspired by the gemstone, Onyx nail polish delivers a deep black hue with a mirror-like finish. It is a look that feels noble, clear, and avant-garde. It is a particularly refined choice for the colder months, as the stark black harmonizes with dark winter wardrobes while creating a striking, elegant contrast against pale skin and cozy knitwear. Brands like OPI are already capitalizing on this shift with shades like “Onyx Skies,” offering a vegan formula that aligns with the demand for high-performance, ethical beauty products.
Mastering the At-Home Manicure
Achieving this high-gloss, salon-quality look doesn’t require a professional appointment. With the right technique, the Onyx trend can be mastered at home. The process begins with preparation: a warm hand bath, ideally enhanced with baking soda or nourishing oil, relaxes the skin and preps the nail plate. Once dry, cuticle care is essential—gently pushing back the cuticles and treating them with a rich oil creates a clean canvas.
Shape is just as important as color; for this trend, nails should be filed straight rather than round, with the surface smoothed by a polishing file. The application requires patience. A high-quality base coat is non-negotiable to protect the nail, followed by two layers of the deep black Onyx polish to ensure full opacity. A glossy top coat provides the final seal, maximizing durability and achieving that crucial gemstone shine. To maintain the look, daily care is vital. Regular gentle exfoliation and a rich hand cream applied at night will keep winter dryness at bay, ensuring your hands look as polished as your fragrance smells fresh.
