The teenage years are a time of self-discovery and exploration. We explore new music, fashion, and various ways of self-expression. It is a critical time for character development and personality building.
When I was a teenager, I refused to wear any fragrance without vanilla in it. Although I now try to diversify my fragrance collection, my love for vanilla fragrances remains. This is also a reflection of the popular fragrances at the time. I also believe that was when the buildup for gourmand popularity began.
But what fragrances are today’s teenagers wearing?
The internet is forcing today’s youth to grow up too quickly. This is why we see teenagers today reach for more mature fragrances, symbolizing this rush to be perceived as adults. While I understand the need for teenagers to grow up, especially in today’s day and age, when many of the individuals they look to for fashion trends and style advice are relatively older than them, this doesn’t mean that teenagers are adults.
On the other hand, they’re no longer toddlers… Which means they can’t exactly be wearing children’s perfumes (except if they want to). I would suggest something in between. Fragrances that are mature yet not overdone. These will be perfect to symbolize this transitional phase in their lives.
For Her:
1. Calvin Klein One Shock For Her EDT
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Calvin Klein |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Spicy |
| Notes | Top: Passion Flower, Red Poppy, and Peony Middle: Blackberry, Mexican Chocolate, Narcissus, and Jasmine Base: Vanille, Musk, Amber, and Patchouli |
| Release year | 2011 |
| Projection | High – Moderate |
| Perfumer | Ann Gottlieb and IFF |
Calvin Klein One Shock For Her is a great choice for teenagers, as it strikes a balance between youthful sweetness and a touch of maturity. The blend of passion flower, peony, and poppy offers a sweet floral opening, while the addition of Mexican chocolate and blackberry adds a gourmand touch without being overly heavy.
This fragrance is versatile and can be worn on a variety of occasions. Its moderate projection makes it suitable for daytime wear, such as school or casual outings, while the warm and spicy notes also make it appropriate for evening wear or special events. I would recommend it for teenagers aged 15 and up, as the blend of sweet and mature notes makes it a good transition from children’s fragrances to more sophisticated scents.
2. Arabian Eagle Hind EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Arabian Eagle |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Floral |
| Notes | Top: Incense, Pink Pepper, Vine Peach, and Hazelnut Middle: Rose, Jasmine, Osmanthus, and Coconut Base: Sandalwood, Ambergris, White Musk, and Labdanum |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Arabian Eagle |
Arabian Eagle Hind can appeal to teenagers seeking a more mature fragrance experience. This fragrance is best suited for evening wear or special occasions due to its complex blend of notes. It would be ideal for parties, dinners, or more formal events.
The warm and rich notes make it particularly well-suited for fall and winter, although the floral elements also allow it to be worn in the spring. I would recommend it for older teenagers, as the depth and complexity of the fragrance may be more appreciated by those with a more developed sense of smell and a desire to explore more mature scents.
For him:
1. Guess 1981 Pour Homme EDT
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Guess |
| Best for | Men |
| Fragrance Family | Woody Chypre |
| Notes | Top: Violet Leaf and Bergamot Middle: Ambergris, Cedar, and Oakmoss Base: Olibanum and Leather |
| Release year | 2017 |
| Projection | High – Moderate |
| Perfumer | Guess |
Guess 1981 Pour Homme can appeal to teenage boys looking for a fragrance that is suitable for both daytime and evening wear. It is appropriate for school, casual outings, or even special occasions.
The woody and fresh notes make it particularly well-suited for spring, fall, and even cooler summer evenings. I would recommend it for teenage boys of any age, as the blend of fresh and mature notes makes it a good transition from younger, sweeter scents to more traditionally masculine fragrances.
2. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male EDT
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Jean Paul Gaultier |
| Best for | Men |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Fougere |
| Notes | Top: Lavender, Mint, Cardamom, Bergamot, and Artemisia Middle: Cinnamon, Orange Blossom, and Caraway Base: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Amber, Sandalwood, and Cedar |
| Release year | 1995 |
| Projection | High |
| Perfumer | Francis Kurkdjian |
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male is a bold and iconic fragrance ideal for older boys. It would take a boy who’s getting out of his shell and trying to express his individuality to appreciate this scent for its boldness.
It would be ideal for parties, dates, or any event where you’d opt for something a bit louder. The balance of notes between warm and fresh makes it a very versatile fragrance that can be worn year-round.
Unisex:
1. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Jo Malone |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Aromatic |
| Notes | Top: Ambrette Seeds Middle: Sea Salt Base: Sage |
| Release year | 2016 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Christine Nagel |
I wish someone had put me on Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt when I was a teenager. If your teenager prefers something more subtle and goes for the quiet luxury/clean girl aesthetic, they’re gonna love this one.
The combination of ambrette seeds, sea salt, and sage creates a light and airy composition that takes you back to the seaside. Its simplicity makes it a versatile option, suitable for those who want a fragrance that is easy to wear. It features a clean and natural scent profile that appeals to a wide range of preferences, making it an excellent choice for those just starting to explore the world of fragrances.
2. Lattafa Khamrah EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lattafa |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Spicy |
| Notes | Top: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Bergamot Middle: Dates, Praline, Tuberose, and Mahonial Base: Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Amberwood, Myrrh, Benzoin, and Akigalawood |
| Release year | 2022 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Lattafa |
Lattafa Khamrah is a rich, gourmand fragrance. I was reluctant to add this here, but decided to after some thinking. Given its sweet fragrance, I was trying to find something more subtle, but why wouldn’t we have a sweet scent here?
This fragrance is best suited for evening wear or special occasions due to its rich and complex nature. It would also be ideal for parties and dinners. I would also recommend it for teenagers aged 16 and up.
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