If you grew up in the late 1990s and early 2000s, you may recall the fragrance fashion trend of body sprays. For young people at the time, body mists were an introduction to wearable scents that were affordable. Some of the first body sprays were marketed primarily to women by Bath & Body Works, the Body Shop, and many drugstores. When combined with their affordability, the accessibility of body sprays exerted a strong cultural and emotional grip on our culture. The exclusivity was short-lived as brands realized that properly marketed and packaged to men, the economic upside offered additional potential.
The reason for their price advantage over eau de parfums and eau de toilettes is based on a simple factor. They contain a lower level of fragrance oil and higher levels of alcohol and water. The amounts can vary but they’re typically 3 to 5 percent, versus the 10 to 20 percent of a parfum or 5 to 15 percent of a toilette. As a result, the lighter scent has less longevity than a traditional perfume. Still, it provides an all-over fragrance experience without being overpowering.
Flash forward to the resurgence of body sprays today. The trend reflects the growing desire to introduce more elevated and complex scents to this more modern and mobile fragrance format. The packaging is typically lightweight and travel-friendly, easy to toss in a backpack, sports bag, or tote for a quick touch-up as needed throughout the day.
The appeal is one of ease, affordability, and sophistication. Many prestige and luxury brands are embracing the return of the mist format. Among the premium brands giving a serious upgrade to the body spray category are Tom Ford, Diptyque, Chanel, and Dior.
Across the universe of fragrances, there’s a brand and price point for everyone. Those who enjoyed the body sprays of two decades ago are revisiting them, and the mists are also drawing in younger generations. For Millennials, GenX, and even GenZ, the popularity is reflected in the Spate 2023 Fragrance Trends Report, which notes that searches for body sprays increased almost 10% compared to the previous year.
Personal care brand marketers have also taken note and are taking advantage of the trend to create line extensions for their deodorants, shampoos, and other products using body sprays to create a total scent experience. The marketing effort extends to both women and men.
Axe, the men’s personal care products brand that’s “all about attraction,” was in on the first wave. Today, its presence continues to attract customers thanks to a wide range of available body spray fragrances that have the “superpowers of keeping you feeling like you’ve just stepped out of the shower all day long.” Included in their extensive body spray scent collection are black vanilla, blue lavender, golden mango, and purple patchouli.
One important way they continue to maintain their brand personality and positioning is through the aluminum packaging provided by CCL Container to Axe for their body sprays. They recognize that both on the store shelf and on hand the look and feel of aluminum imparts a premium impression with customers. As a packaging material, aluminum is lightweight and resists corrosion and rust. This is especially important in humid environments like locker rooms. Another factor favoring aluminum is its 100% recyclability and the preference of consumers for this responsible, sustainable packaging.
So, when all is said and done, looking good and smelling good go hand in hand. And not only when it comes to today’s consumers themselves but also, the body sprays they choose to use.
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