It happens to us all. Young women everywhere walk into a mall, hoping to find a simple new body spray, and walk out with nothing to show for it but confusion, a sense of defeat and the feeling that we stepped out of a stink vat. In hopes of sparing even a couple girls from this shopping mall horror story, I took on the task of finding the best body sprays out there. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Victoria’s Secret Pink Peace Love Hope Sheer Fragrance Mist ($20)
This is my top pick. Despite winter looming right around the corner, this fragrance is light, flirty, and reminds me of those sunny summer days that seem like ions ago.  Scented with green apple and honeysuckle petals, the mist lasts longer than I would usually expect and isn’t sticky at all.  Although it is a little bit pricier than I would usually consider, it seems worth it for those dreary days when I need a light reminder that spring is on its way.   

Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Fragrance Mist ($12)
If you’re looking for something a little more seasonal, this spray is great holiday scent without having to walk around smelling like a Christmas tree. A reliable favorite, this spray somehow actually smells warm (I have no idea how those geniuses at Bath and Body Works do it!). Filled with vanilla and brown sugar, it lingers longer on the skin than most other body sprays I’ve tried. If nothing else, it will make you want to curl up next to a fireplace with some hot cocoa and cherish the winter season.

— By Kristy Shaulis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign