Growing up can be difficult and disorienting. Teenage girls, especially, are discovering who they are and what matters to them. They’re claiming their space in the world and carving out their unique identity. While it may seem small, a signature perfume scent can be grounding in the midst of a chaotic time. It’s also a great way to express yourself! That’s why we sought to find the best perfumes for teenagers on the market today.
Teenage girls face a lot of pressure both at school and at home. Think back for a moment. Remember facing the mirror in the morning, choosing the perfect outfit. Mastering the combination lock at your locker and swinging the door open to check your hair in the magnetic mirror. The pressure to act and look perfect can take its toll. New research reports, “All of those expectations extract a heavy mental health toll on many adolescent girls.” Additionally, “scientists say that pressure from both schools and families placed on teen girls to be ‘good’ and the ‘ideal girl’ can lead to mental health issues.”
What does this have to do with perfume for teenagers? Scent is powerful. There is a reason for the popular saying, “stop and smell the roses.” Refreshing and familiar fragrance can often bring us back to reality and alleviate our anxiety. A recent study found that, “just the smell of coffee alone is enough to improve focus in people who regularly enjoy a hot cup or two.”
Perfume Application Tips for Teens
Perfume can be a powerful tool for self-expression, but knowing how to apply it properly is key to achieving the desired effect. Here are some tips to help you unleash your signature scent without going overboard:
- Prep the canvas: Showering or washing your pulse points removes dirt and oils that can interfere with the fragrance’s longevity and true scent. Bonus points for applying an unscented moisturizer as it creates a smooth base for the perfume to adhere to.
- Target the right spots: Pulse points are your friends! These areas generate warmth, helping the fragrance diffuse naturally. Spritz your wrists, inner elbows, behind the ears, and the base of your neck. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can break down the scent molecules.
- Go for the “spritz and step”: Ditch the direct spraying! Hold the perfume bottle 4-6 inches away from your body and mist yourself with a light touch. Walking through the cloud allows the fragrance to settle gently and evenly.
- Less is more, especially for beginners: It’s tempting to douse yourself in your favorite scent, but remember, perfume is potent. Start with one or two spritzes and resist the urge to reapply excessively. You can always add more later if needed.
- Layer like a pro: Layering fragrances can create a unique and personalized scent experience. Start with a lighter lotion or body mist with similar notes to your perfume, then top it off with a few spritzes of the perfume itself.
- Be mindful of your clothes: Avoid spraying directly on delicate fabrics, as alcohol in perfume can stain. Spray onto your skin first, or opt for perfume specifically designed for clothing.
- Consider the occasion: Lighter, fresher scents are perfect for everyday wear or school, while stronger, richer fragrances can be reserved for special occasions. Remember, fragrance etiquette is important, so be mindful of those around you.
- Store it right: Heat and light can damage perfume. Keep your bottles in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Don’t store them in the bathroom, as humidity can also affect the scent.
- Embrace your individuality: Fragrance is a personal choice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different scents and find what makes you feel confident and unique.
Bonus tip: Perfume isn’t just for your skin! Spray a light mist on your scarf, hat, or hairbrush for a subtle, long-lasting scent.
That’s right, just the scent of something that we associate with increased stamina can trigger that energy within us. It stands to reason that a scent we associate with beautiful things like flowers could tune us into our inherent beauty and the natural power that comes with it. That’s why we at StudyFinds read through eleven different expert sources to determine the top seven best perfumes for teenagers. Have a favorite that isn’t listed? Let us know in the comments.
➡️ How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created
StudyFinds’ “Best of the Best” articles are put together with the idea of taking the work out of common consumer research. Ever find yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading multiple reviews to find items listed across many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked by how frequently it appears on expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you are getting consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!
The List: Best Perfume for Teens, According to Experts
1. Eilish by Billie Eilish
If your teen enjoys curling up with a good book and a cup of tea on cold, cloudy days, Eilish by Billie Eilish might be for her. According to Teen Vogue, Billie Eilish explained that she, “wanted her scent to smell like a warm embrace.” That’s just what you get with this fragrance that features scents of creamy vanilla, warm spices, and cocoa.
Men’s Cologne notes that Eilish, “has a uniqueness to it, that keeps it distinct from the rest.” You won’t find fruity or floral notes here. Instead, Men’s Cologne says that the perfume, “smells closer to baked goods.” If that’s not a reassuring scent, we don’t know what is.
Additionally, Billie Eilish’s passion for animal rights shows up in her perfume. Seventeen says, “The singer’s Eilish No 2. fragrance continues her dedication to clean and cruelty-free values.” Eilish was named PETA’s person of the year in 2021. You can feel good about wearing Eilish.
2. Daisy by Marc Jacobs
Just the name “Daisy” itself, as Byrdie notes, evokes lightness and happiness, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of this beloved fragrance. And the delightful packaging, adorned with charming daisy flowers, is a feast for the eyes (as any reviewer would surely agree). But the true magic, as Beatinow describes, lies in the scent itself.
Described as “magical and refreshing,” Daisy unfolds with a heart of captivating floral notes like jasmine and gardenia, according to Beatinow. These notes add depth and complexity, creating a delightful bouquet that is anything but simple. As the fragrance settles, warm and feminine base notes of white woods and musk emerge, leaving a lasting impression, as Beatinow further details.
No wonder Daisy has earned its place on countless “best of” lists and become a favorite among teenagers and beyond, as Byrdie mentions. Launched in 2007, it has stood the test of time, remaining a classic choice for those seeking a pure, subtle, and sweet fragrance. So, if you’re looking for a scent that embodies joy and leaves a lasting impression, look no further than Daisy. Its charming name, delightful packaging, and captivating aroma are sure to transport you to a world of happiness.
3. Juicy Coutour Viva La Juicy
Juicy Couture may be famous for its early 2000’s velour track suits, but there is much more to the brand. Remember when we had “juicy” stamped across our back sides? If you’re not interested in drawing all of the attention to your rear, a sweet perfume might be a better option. Chic Pursuit says, “Viva La Juicy EDP is without a doubt the brand’s best-loved perfume, bringing together sweet gourmand and floral notes that are quintessentially Juicy.”
Teens want to smell good, but they don’t want to leave a trail of overpowering fragrance while walking the school halls. All Women’s Talk explains, “It’s light enough for you to wear at school, but not overwhelming at all. It’s crisp, it’s fun, it’s addicting.”
Beautinow gives Viva La Juicy the number one spot on its “best of list.” Noting that the perfume lives up to its name, they say, “It has top notes of mandarin orange and wild berries, which give it a bright and juicy opening.” Viva La Juicy is a must have for teens.
4. Christian Dior Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming
Christian Dior Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming has a youthful name and adorable packaging. The French designer is known for his beautiful creations, but has a deep understanding of how to craft a fragrance that is timeless and beautiful. All Women’s Talk says, “I think that Christian Dior is one of those amazing designers that really understands body chemistry.”
Chic Pursuit describes the perfume’s delicious scent, explaining, “it’s intensely floral, rosey and fruity, with no heavy notes weighing the fragrance down. The leading notes here are fruity raspberry, black currant and pomegranate, mixed with feminine rose at the heart of the fragrance.” This fruity, floral medley will keep your teen smelling sweet.
If your teen is concerned about scent longevity, they need not worry with Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming. This scent is long lasting. Best Men’s Cologne mentions, “It has a very good performance, will last over 10 hours, but go light on the sprayer because it can be pretty strong.”
5. Vera Wang Princess
What girl doesn’t want to smell like a princess? Vera Wang is making our dreams come true with her royal fragrance. All Women’s Talk says, “Vera Wang makes some of the best and most beautiful wedding dresses, but her perfume? It’s amazing!”
What makes Princess so amazing? She Knows mentions that Vera Wang Princess “is brimming with rich vanilla and exotic floral notes that last all day.” We love the idea of a perfume that mixes vanilla and floral scents. If your girl wants to be refreshed and comforted, Vera Wang Princess is likely a good choice.
In addition to vanilla and floral fragrances, Vera Wang Princess mixes notes of fruit and even chocolate to the mix. According to Glamour UK, “Another of my young adult go-to’s was Vera Wang’s Princess, which is pretty in name, appearance and smell. The fruity, floral top notes are perfectly complemented by the richer, creamier vanilla, amber and dark chocolate, making for an irresistible spritz.” This perfume sounds too delicious to pass up.
6. Ariana Grande Cloud
We think that the only reason this perfume is not sitting higher on our list is because all of Grande’s beautiful fragrances are in competition with one another. Every list includes a fragrance by Ariana Grande, but this one popped up the most in our research. “Ariana Grande’s bestselling scent is everything a teenage perfume should be: sweet, creamy and fun,” says Glamour UK.
What makes this perfume stand out from the others in Grande’s collection? She Knows compares the lavender and bergamot scent profile to heaven or candy in a bottle. Either one sounds enticing.
Cloud is also affordable. It smells like a designer scent, without the designer price tag. According to Chic Pursuit, Cloud is, “often compared to the immensely popular Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Of course, Ariana’s perfume is a fraction of the price!”
7. Coach Dreams Eua De Parfum
Known primarily for its luggage and handbags, Coach also makes lovely perfumes. Dreams is geared toward younger women and is a great option for teens. Best Men’s Cologne says that it has, “a unique floral scent that is easy to wear.”
According to Chic Pursuit, Coach Dreams has a “creamy character, while keeping it fresh at the same time.” It sounds a bit like a fruity cream popsicle. This fragrance is rich, yet light as a, you guessed it, cloud.
The scent is, of course, dreamy. Chic Pursuit mentions that this scent “is a light blend of floral and fruity notes that smells softly tropical, sweet and fresh, with top notes of pear, fruits, and juicy pineapple blending together to give off a wonderful whiff of paradise.” Paradise in a bottle? Yes, please.
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Sources:
- Perfume.com
- Ventvenir
- Best Men’s Colognes
- Chic Pursuit
- All Women’s Talk
- Seventeen
- Beautinow
- Teen Vogue
- She Knows
- Byrdie
- Glamour UK
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.