Choosing perfumes for teenagers doesn’t need to be stressful.
My own perfume journey started – like many people I know – at a tender young teen age, when I first discovered the power of scent. I remember writing up my Christmas list and struggling to select just one perfume gift set from Boots’ festive catalogue. (Don’t even get me started on the unlimited joy of the Argos catalogue).
I began with celebrity perfumes. From JLo Glow to Britney Spears’ Fantasy, buying a fragrance that’d been given the A-list seal of approval was the ultimate early noughties flex.
Next, it was the likes of ‘00s classics, including CK One (a unisex fragrance that was the first of its time), Tommy Girl, Vera Wang Princess and of course, the potent concoction that was (and still is) Thierry Mugler’s Alien. I distinctly recall my Mum hating the smell of this, but I couldn’t get enough.
Over time, my taste refined and I moved on to the likes of Chloe’s first soft floral fragrance and the more seductive Gucci Guilty. Fast forward to now, and I prefer a sophisticated scent that’s not too fruity, floral or overpowering. But those original bottles? They paved the way for where I am (and what I smell like) now.
Of course, buying for a teen a whole decade later is a different ballgame. Teens can be notoriously fussy – though, really, they just know what they like. Luckily, there is plenty out there for younger tastes (and noses).
We’ve done the hard work to discover the best fragrances perfect for a young adult. (And pssst: you don’t even have to be a teenager – many of them can be snapped up at any age for a scented hit of nostalgia).
Which notes are best in perfumes for teenagers?
When referring to my own teenage perfume journey, there’s a definite pattern, and it’s one that may not surprise you. Fruity and floral notes are definitely the most common for younger adults, and (depending on what they are specifically), they usually ensure a perfume isn’t too mature or rich for a younger audience.
Look out for the likes of citrus fruits, berries and fresh flowers such as lily, rose or peony. I’d also recommend sticking to fresh, lightweight smells that won’t overpower a teen palette. Again, citrus notes work well here, along with things like bergamot, musk and cedar.
Which brands do good perfumes for teenagers?
Lines such as Ariana Grande’s are paving the way for the modern celebrity perfume, while classics like Dior, Chanel and Prada have some great, sweet or fresh scents for a teen nose.
If you want something affordable, opt for perfume body mists instead; Sol de Janeiro and Victoria’s Secret have some great ones that could easily become a signature scent.
