Whether you're looking for an invigorating aroma to keep you in the zone or an alluring, impression-making scent—in case of a surprise gym crush run-in—these are the best, sweat-disguising gym perfumes, according to the experts...
While you might already have your office perfume sorted and even your vacation scent, you might want to consider upping your workout fragrance game—especially if you find your deo just isn't cutting it anymore.
Though perfume is often attributed to just smelling nice on our skin, a familiar scent or just knowing you smell like a dream can also do wonders for our self-confidence—and even our focus. So, if you find the gym a little intimidating (we see you, fellow shy-girl workout lovers) or you just want to feel at the top of your game, these are the best perfume notes to opt for...
MIL'S EDIT OF BEST GYM PERFUMES
Whether you're a Pilates gal or love sweating it out on the treadmill, here are our picks of the best energizing and long-lasting scents—so you can just concentrate on hitting your goals...
RRP: from $24 for 3 fl oz.
If you want a really easy perfume option, this Sol De Janeiro body and hair mist is ideal! It can live permanently in your gym bag and act as both an energizing boost and a post-workout refresh.
This spray is layer-able with a mix of fruity black amber plum, vanilla woods and jasmine blooms.
RRP: from $70 for 0.8 fl oz.
The Fragrance Shop's Natalia Ortiz, recommends this scent for its fruity/floral mix of green apple, citron wood, cedar amber, bluebell, jasmine, rose, bamboo and musk. It's also an Eau De Toilette, which Ortiz recommends for an effective but light, Gym fragrance.
RRP: from $98 for 2.2 fl oz.
This unisex scent features the perfect balance of fruity and floral notes, including pear, wild Freesia and sandalwood. It's also a vegan and cruelty-free perfume.
RRP: from $85 for 1 fl oz.
If you love to grab a coffee before heading to spin class, or afterward—why not channel that caffeinated vibe during your workout with this 'Coffee Break' scent? With notes of coffee, lavender and milk mouse, this is a great, soft and sweet option.
RRP: from $80 for 1 fl oz.
For another super fresh option that will also perfectly double as an office perfume, go for Jo Malone's Lime Basil and Mandarin cologne. It boasts notes of juicy mandarin, earthy basil and warm amberwood, which will definitely help to nullify any sweatiness!
RRP: from $175 for 3.4 fl. oz.
This fresh scent features a blend of soft florals and zingy fruit notes. The stand-out aromas include prickly pear, bergamot and jasmine, making this perfume both a great gym fragrance and a holiday perfume.
Best perfume notes for the gym
- Recommended notes: zesty scents of orange, lemon, grapefruit, guava, fresh coffee and florals
Quizzing Natalia Ortiz, Chief Commercial Officer at The Fragrance Shop about the best energizing scents, she said: "Zingy scents are great for boosting your energy levels for the gym such as grapefruit or guava, but fresh hits of coffee notes in your fragrance can also wake up your senses so you feel fresh and ready for the gym!"
If you're a floral perfume lover, Ortiz also recommends something botanical—like the best spring perfumes—especially as a way to cover up sweat odor. She adds: "Perfume is a great way to mask sweat, and wearing florals can be a long-lasting cover-up for body odor from the gym. If you want more vibrancy though, Ortiz suggests a 'zestier, fruitier scent.'
In general, Ortiz says: "I would keep gym perfumes light and fruity (such as citrusy scents like lemon, orange or lime), as they're strong enough to withstand sweat but not overpowering, where it could feel too heavy whilst you're working out." You don't want your perfume to be distracting or OTT, where you start to feel slightly nauseous.
Should you wear an Eau De Parfum or Toilette to the gym?
If you're wondering if you should lug your pricey Eau De Parfum to the gym, Ortiz says: "An EDT is a great option for the gym, as it's lighter than your EDP—which you could then change to, after your post-gym shower.
"If you do choose to wear an EDP for the gym, you can always wear fewer sprays, so that your fragrance isn't distracting you whilst you work out or too overpowering for the gym environment."
