Quick answer: A fragrance mist is a lighter, more diluted spray meant for all-over use and for layering. A perfume (eau de parfum or extrait de parfum) is more concentrated, needs fewer sprays and generally lasts longer. In our store the perfumes are extrait de parfum or eau de parfum, and the mists are a separate product type listed in 250 ml.
Fragrance mist vs perfume is a question that comes up whenever a 250 ml bottle sits next to a 50 ml one. At heart the two differ in how much fragrance they carry and in how you are meant to use them. This guide explains the difference in plain words, how to use each, when to choose which and what we know about the mists in our store. We are an authorized Mykonos retailer for Europe; the general explanations follow the usual industry conventions, and what we say about our own products comes from the brand's product data.
Fragrance mist vs perfume: the difference at a glance
| What differs | Fragrance mist | Perfume (eau de parfum or extrait de parfum) |
|---|---|---|
| Fragrance load | Lower: a lighter, more diluted spray | Higher: a more concentrated fragrance |
| Sprays | Several, over the body | Few, on chosen spots |
| Feel | Soft and airy | Richer; the strength varies by scent |
| Staying power | Generally shorter | Generally longer |
| Best for | A fresh feeling after a shower, layering, a top-up | A signature scent, evenings, a long day |
| Sizes in our store | 250 ml | 15 ml, 50 ml or 100 ml, depending on the scent |
What is a fragrance mist, and what is in it?
A perfume is fragrance oil dissolved in alcohol, and the more oil it holds, the higher it sits on the concentration ladder. On a perfume label you will find eau de parfum or extrait de parfum, and an extrait de parfum is the more concentrated of the two. We compare them in extrait de parfum vs eau de parfum, and eau de toilette vs eau de parfum covers the rest of the ladder.
A fragrance mist sits lower. It carries less fragrance in a lighter, more diluted liquid, which is why it feels soft and is made to be sprayed freely. You will also see it sold as a body mist. We give no figures here: levels differ between products, and for our mists we have none.
How do you use a fragrance mist and how do you use a perfume?
A fragrance mist
Spray it generously from a short distance, over the arms, chest and shoulders, for instance after a shower. A mist is made for free use, so a few extra sprays do not overwhelm the way they can with an extrait. Reapply whenever you like.
A perfume
Use fewer sprays on chosen spots, such as the neck and chest, and let the scent do the work. Extraits in particular need little; our guide to how many sprays of perfume has a rule of thumb for every strength.
Body mist or perfume: which should you choose?
- Choose a fragrance mist when you want a lighter, softer effect, a quick top-up or a base layer under another scent.
- Choose a perfume when you want a scent others can notice, a longer day or an evening out, or a signature scent.
- Use both if you like. Our suggestion, not a combination from the brand: spray the mist over the body first, then add perfume on one or two chosen spots, with scents that suit each other. How to layer perfume explains how.
If you want to carry a little perfume in a bag, see how to decant perfume.
Which fragrance mists does our store list?
Our store lists fragrance mists as their own collection. All are 250 ml, and there are at least 12 of them. Names include Mykonos Beauty (floral and fruity), Mykonos Sweet Pea (floral and fruity), Mykonos Blue Peony (floral) and Mykonos British Pear (fruity). Those family tags are all we have: we hold no notes and no handbook ratings for the mists, so we do not describe how a particular mist smells, how long it lasts or how far it carries.
You will find them in the fragrance mists collection. Our perfumes sit elsewhere in the store; the extrait de parfum collection is the place to start.
Can you take a fragrance mist in hand luggage?
A mist is a liquid like any other. Under the standard EU hand-luggage rules each container holds 100 ml or less, so a 250 ml mist belongs in checked luggage. Rules differ between airports, so check before you fly; can you take perfume on a plane? has the details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between body mist and perfume?
A body mist, which our store calls a fragrance mist, is lighter and more diluted and is meant for generous, all-over use. A perfume is more concentrated, needs fewer sprays and generally lasts longer.
Does body mist last as long as perfume?
Generally not. A mist carries less fragrance, so it usually fades sooner, and you can reapply freely. We give no figure for any Mykonos mist, because we have no handbook rating for them. How long a scent lasts on you also depends on skin and climate.
Can you layer a fragrance mist and perfume?
Yes. Spray the mist over the body first, then add perfume on one or two spots, using scents that suit each other. Our guide to layering perfume shows how.
Can body mist go in hand luggage?
It counts as a liquid, and the standard limit is 100 ml per container. Our mists are 250 ml, so they go in checked luggage. Check with your airport and airline.