Smells Like Teen Spirit? Body Sprays Revisited: The Body Shop, Soap and Glory, Roger and Gallet

It's been a long, long time since I used a body spray. The very word conjures up memories of my school changing rooms and the heady aromas of 32 intermingling  types of Impulse - the very height of sophistication for 13 year old girls.  I moved on to perfume and never looked back.

But body sprays seem to be a growing trend, with lots of brands getting in on the act and bringing out new types. I've been sent this trio and, despite initial scepticism, have been won over by their fragrant, freshening ways! Lighter than perfume, they can be worn on their own or layered with your favourite scent, for an all over mist of fragrance that's refreshing in the heat.

The Body Shop have just introduced a new line of body mists, priced at €11.95. There are 8 in the range, and my favourite is this coconut one. It won't be to everyone's tastes - it's not the most subtle and it won't work under every perfume. But to me this smells of warmth and sunshine and beaches - perfect for summer!

At first glance I was sure this Soap and Glory offering, €9, would be way too sweet for my tastes. Mist You Madly is described as a flirty floral with notes of bergamot, blackcurrant, magnolia, freesia, vanilla and musk. That sounds incredibly girlie and overpowering but it's actually a clean, fresh and subtle scent that won't fight with your perfume.

If you're still suspicious that body sprays are teen territory, one spritz of this should put your mind at rest. Eau de Bienfaits from Roger & Gallet is invigorating, fresh and zesty, and definitely one for the grown ups. Not everyone's a fan of citrus scents, but they're pretty much my idea of heaven and this one, with its blend of blood orange, mandarin, bergamot and lemon essential oils, is just gorgeous. It's pricier than the other two offerings - €33 for 100 ml -  but smells divine, and layers beautifully with my favourite citrussy scents.

Do you use a body spray, or think they're best left to the teens? Tell us in the comments!