17 Best Perfumes for Teenagers: From Ariana Grande Cloud To Glossier You

Choosing perfumes for teenagers need not be a stress. Yes, teens can be notoriously fussy – but they just know what they like! And luckily, there is plenty out there for younger tastes (and noses). In fact, I’ve done the hard work to discover the best 17 scents perfect for the average young adult, whether they’re being treated, or picking one up themselves. And many of them could be snapped up at any age for a scented hit of nostalgia.
My own perfume journey started – like many people I know – at a tender young teen age, where 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.
I began with celebrity perfumes; from JLo Glow to Britney Spears’s offering, 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.
Best perfumes for teenagers at a glance – our top picks:
Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette
Calvin Klein CK One Unisex Eau de Toilette
Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche Sheer Moisture Mist
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 to save (note that most of the perfumes in this edit are affordable), opt for perfume body sprays instead; Sol de Janeiro and Victoria’s Secret have some great ones that could easily become a signature scent.
Scroll to view our edit of the best perfumes for teenagers…
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