Consider the perfume you wore as a teenager. Are you reminded of sickly sweet florals and overpowering, cheap notes of vanilla? Yeah, us too. It goes without saying that fragrances intended for teens were (and still can be) a headache in a bottle.
Unless, of course, you know exactly what to look for.
So just the same as we’ve narrowed down the best natural perfumes, found the fragrances our favourite celebrities actually wear, and even sourced scents that can treat anxiety, we’ve also rounded up an impressive list of perfumes that are not only delicious but also age-appropriate for young adults.
Whether you’re taking your teenager shopping for their first fragrance or you’re looking for a new scent for a young member of your family, here are our top picks when it comes to the best perfumes for teenagers…
The best perfumes for teens…
CLINIQUE Happy Perfume Spray
We say: Described as a “sparkling floral”, CLINIQUE’s Happy Perfume Spray certainly lives up to its name. With its fresh, youthful and feminine scent, it incorporates the goodness of ruby red grapefruit, boysenberries and Hawaiian wedding flowers for an instant punch of joy.
You say: “Happy is the perfect summer scent. It’s a lively citrus-floral that smells fresh, clean and vibrant. Now that it’s autumn, I find myself reaching for this one so I can sniff the cap in anticipation of next summer.” – Lucrecia629
$69 at Myer
Want to know more? Read CLINIQUE’s Happy Perfume Spray reviews here…
The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom Fragrance Mist
We say: For teens with a travel bug, this perfume is the perfect way to transport themselves to the gardens of Tokyo. With a delicate, subtle, and floral scent, The Body Shop’s Japanese Cherry Blossom Strawberry Kiss Eau de Toilette is sweet without being overpowering. Ideal as a first-fragrance or a new addition to any teenage girl’s collection.
You say: “The scent is not too strong or overpowering and lingers nicely. I like to spray it on before I leave the house or even sometimes when I’m at home because I love the scent so much. The scent doesn’t smell artificial and the 100ml is a large enough size to last you awhile” – Miss19
$32 at The Body Shop
Want to know more? Read The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom Frangrance Mist reviews here…
Ouai Melrose Place Eau De Parfum
We say: In a nod to the Hollywood hot spot, this velvety-rose scent from Ouai has been described as having hints of “a verified Instagram account”, plus lychee, cedarwood, and white musk. Now if that doesn’t scream teenage girl…
$31 at Sephora
Glasshouse Fragrances Sunset in Capri – White Peach & Sea Breeze Eau De Parfum
We say: Have a teen in your life who is happiest by the sea? Allow them to bring that comfort everywhere they go. As part of a limited edition collection, this fragrance offers an energising, citrus scent infused with white peach, jasmine and mandarin for a fresh ocean-side scent.
$29.95 at Glasshouse
Want to know more? Read Glasshouse Fragrances Sunsets in Capri Eau De Parfum reviews here…
Ariana Grande R.E.M.
We say: As is the case with most celebrity fragrances, you don’t have to be a fan to enjoy their scent. Despite this, it’s hard to find a teenager (or adult for that matter) that doesn’t like Ariana Grande. The R.E.M. perfume, which comes in a crystal bottle, features notes of pear, fig, and warm salted caramel, which are balanced against delicate lavender and sandalwood.
You say: “The bottle is gorgeous and very unique, which suits the perfume, as I have definitely never smelt anything like it.” – Simone Gee
$49.95 at Chemist Warehouse
Want to know more? Read Ariana Grande R.E.M. reviews here…
So…? Miss So…? Day Dream Eau de Toilette
We say: Inspired by strong women, this is a scent that will instill confidence into teens on the cusp of adulthood. Infused with fruity notes, the So…? Miss So…? Day Dream Eau de Toilette is a multi-layered fragrance that gives hints of caramel and amber once it has settled on the skin.
$18.99 at Pharmacy Direct
Have you tried So…? Miss So…? Day Dream Eau de Toilette? Leave a review and let us know what you thought
Vera Wang Princess of Hearts
We say: If the hand-drawn heart adorned bottle alone is not enough to convince you, the bright, whimsical and floral fragrance inside will. As an added bonus, the jeweled crown lid can be worn as a statement ring.
You say: “It comes in the most beautiful bottle that looks beautiful on any vanity. While I would say it is probably a younger scent, it was my go to perfume most days (until I ran out). I got so many compliments on it as well. I need another bottle already, I am in love!” – Thelifeoflaura
Want to know more? Read Vera Wang Princess of Hearts reviews here…
$42.39 at Perfume Company
Chanel CHANCE Perfume Pencils
We say: For teens who are new to fragrances or who need an application that can withstand being on the move, this pack of four perfume pencils are a great alternative to spray-on perfume.
$145 at David Jones
Do you know any other great fragrances for teenagers? If so, what are they?
Main image credit: @sadiesink
Some great fragrances for young women and young men. I would not mind trying some myself.
and vera wang. Can’t forget good ol’ vera wang fragrances
I’ve never tried any of Vera Wang’s perfumes. Her Ready-to-Wear? I swoon!
I used to always wear marc jacobs as a teen
Like what does it smell?
Yes teenagers nowadays have more of a variety than we did and chemist warehouse was not around when we were young .Perfume was so much more expensive too when we were young.
Wait til you discover Libertine Parfumerie!
I have a teen daughter and just like buying clothes. I wouldn’t buy perfume without her being there.
Wise decision Perthchick!
Those perfume pencils look interesting!
They do! I love the colours as well!
The perfume pencils are beautiful!
I’m not sure if they are still producing them but Zara was selling fragrances created by none other than Jo Malone herself! Total Queen!
I love Lubin’s Jardin Rouge and it would definitely suit a teenager with refined tastes!
I wear some of these myself!
They are lovely to wear at any age in my opinion!
My daughters not into perfumes yet. But if she were to ask me for one I would just take her shopping and get her to choose something for herself.
My eight year old loves L’Occitane but she has eczema. We burn different scented candles and wax melts that don’t irritate her skin or allergies!
Very wise thinking, Izzy09.
Some of the So..? Fragrances are very nice.
I never got into So..? Maybe I need to start exploring?
When I was a teenager I remember my mum use to always buy my sister and I those Impulse body sprays. I remember I always had to the have Goddess scent. I also had Paris Hilton and JLo perfumes as they were sweet and I still love sweet fragrances to this day.
hahah..omg Impulse! My sis had them! I could not wear perfumes until just a year or so ago, my early 40s…so skipped those teen fragrances.
Paris makes some beautiful fragrances- such a savvy businesswoman and by all reports from strangers who have met/worked/hung out with her at festivals, she’s a real sweetheart!
oh, remember clinique happy. Yeah, not headache or nausea inducing. Do not remember its scent though.
I remember it had sunflowers or something similar in its marketing? I could be wrong.
I feel I need to go to the body shop – but how cute are those Chanel perfume pencils!
The Body Shop used to sell wonderful mix and match kits. They sadly discontinued them! 😢
My teen who is 17 doesn’t seem to wear perfumes but my 21 year old already has a signature scent! My 23 year old has been overloaded with perfumes and perfume sets from her boyfriend so she’s not doing too badly either.
What a sweet boyfriend! My hubby hardly wears scents!
When I was a teenager, it was all about Impulse. Who remembers that!
Ahh Impulse! Remember the Dolly Impulse Modelling Competition? Miranda Kerr was the youngest to win it and Pia Miller (Loyola) won it another year! Impulse was in every 90s teen girl’s bag and the boys wore Lynx!
Impulse – yes, Karma Llama! Same for me, I was a teen in the 80s & we all doused ourselves in it.
Oh I was given a horid perfume as a teen (probably about 13) but then I entered a ‘Beauty Club’ and received a really nice one which I’ll have to come back to post about it when I remember it’s name – it’s been a while!
Can you remember the name of the horrid perfume? I’m curious!
I was never into perfumes because they gave me an instant headache. About the only thing I could use was a citrus body spray which I loved. I’ve only just started wearing perfume in the last 5 years.
I get headaches, asthma and allergies from many perfumes too. Check out Libertine Parfumerie online, in store (Brisbane) or at their Myer stores (Melbourne and Sydney). They do workshops and you can get 10 samples with every order!
Love the Chanel pencils! Used to wear Chance. Quai Melrose Place and Sunset in Capri sound delicious.
Interesting that Glasshouse has brought out fragrances! I’m really keen to see what they smell like
I also really like the vanilla body spray from The Body Shop. That would be a good one for teenagers
Oh I’ve never seen perfume pencils before! They look so cute! 🙂
I thought Ouai was a haircare brand? maybe they have branched out. Some of these are quite reasonably priced which is good.
There are some wonderful fragrances have never tried any of them wonder if they are only for teenagers?
Some good brands listed! I would love to test them. I Think body sprays are also a good option for teenagers
Some nice brands listed
There are some nice ones here but they can be for older gals too
Chanel Pencils for a Teen? Maybe on a Holleywood Budget.
Chanel Chance perfume pencils I am intrigued!
yes me too, i love Chance
Happy by Clinique is lovely
Love this!!! So many wear such strong perfumes and the nearly blow you out of the room!!!
My tween is using JoJo Siwa’s perfume – which is not too bad. I was pleasantly surprised.
Nice gift ideas for teenagers.
Some great gift ideas for my niece.
Don’t forget Impulse and lovely light body sprays
Oh Yes I used to buy them -lovely
Is Clinique Happy for teenagers? I must have missed the small print. I still wear it and I’m 65.
The Glasshouse and Ariana Grande are beautiful.
The Chanel perfume sticks look interesting
I used to love Vera Wang rockstar when I was younger.. Thought I was super edgy. haha!
Oops, it was called Rock Princess. Loved the bottle.
My youngest loved and still uses Marc Jacobs Daisy
Sounds lovely, love the sound of perfume sticks
Daisy by Marc Jacobs is a win with the Teens!
good to know thank you Gloss_Geek
Some lovely ideas here and awesome to pop into xmas box
I love those Chanel perfume pencils, such a convenient (and clever) way to carry perfume.