This Victoria’s Secret Perfume May Be Your New Favorite Bug Repellent

I don’t know about you, but I hate the smell of bug repellent. Unfortunately, it’s something I’ve had to learn to deal with so that I can stand being outside during the summer months.

Lucky for me, a study conducted last year found that Victoria’s Secret Bombshell perfume as well as Avon Skin So Soft Bath Oil could both be used as bug spray. Where has this news been all of my life?

Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Perfume, $52, Victoria’s Secret

Getting to smell sugary sweet and not get eaten alive by mosquitos sounds like some kind of dream. I’d gladly spritz either of these on to ward off bugs. Finally— a repellent I can wear with pride!

Avon Skin So Soft Bath Oil, $15.99, Avon

The study did note that they used quite a bit of the perfume in their samples, so you may have to douse yourself in this stuff rather than just spritz it on to reap the benefits. Still, this doesn’t sound all that bad to me.

According to the study, Avon Skin So Soft bath oil was effective 120 minutes after application, but not at 240 minutes (which is why Consumer Reports has given this makeshift repellent from the ’90s a ho-hum review, as compared to the products they recommend that can last up to seven hours). The Victoria’s Secret perfume was effective 120 minutes after application, as well.

These might not be the longest-lasting repellents, but they surely smell the best. So, at the very least these could accompany your other bug spray this summer. You know, to get the scent and the protection all in one. Hey— it’s worth a try!

[h/t: Self Magazine]