Self-expression in the teen years is heavily tied to finding the right fragrance. If you are a teen looking to identify your fabulous signature scent or an adult shopping for the teenager in your life, this guide is for you.
A young man is on a classic, all-rounder fragrance or a trendy new release; we have rounded up some of the best for all your young men.
Best Fragrances for Teens: Top Picks
Best Signature Scent: Mont Blanc Explorer
Mont Blanc Explorer, released in 2019, is a fragrant, woody, and cruised (citrusy bergamot twist) release. It’s often likened to Creed’s Aventus but with a slick price.
Best Daytime Fragrance: Boss Bottled
Boss Bottled is defined by a crisp, citrusy apple and cinnamon profile. It’s just the right balance of youthfulness and maturity for daytime wear.
Best Evening Fragrance: Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF
One of the newest releases, MYSLF is a fresh, spicy scent for nighttime occasions. Light, airy, and effortlessly stylish, it has notes of Ambrofix and bergamot.
Best Date Night Fragrance: Bleu De Chanel EDT
Bleu De Chanel is a must-have for men’s fragrances. It blends citrus with wood to create a sharp, masculine scent. But it’s perfect for leaving a lasting impression on a special evening.
Best for School or Uni: Prada L’Homme
Prada L’Homme is a light, woody, and spicy modern scent that is inviting. It is subtle, sophisticated, ideal for older teens, and great for a campus or classroom.
Best Budget Fragrance: Tommy Now by Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Now is an affordable but stylish offer for the fresh, spicy scent for day and night. It’s a reliable all-rounder, released in 2018.
Best All-Rounder: CK One by Calvin Klein
A classic unisex scent, CK One is highly clean and citrusy. It is light, fresh, universally appealing, and perfect for first-time fragrance buyers.
Additional Recommendations
Armani Acqua Di Gio
It is a truly aquatic, fresh fragrance with a somewhat surprising versatility. It’s unsafe for any occasion but works well for day and evening.
Ted Baker Ag Silver
Ag Silver is fresh, inoffensive, and wallet-friendly, making it a nice casual wear. The gentle profile ensures you’ll be the one smelling nice without dominating the room.
Y by Yves Saint Laurent
Y by Yves Saint Laurent is the perfect introduction to designer fragrances. It is light and citrusy, ideal for spring, and fresh enough to make a good pick for youngsters.
Issey Miyake Pour Homme
Classic is another L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme featuring fresh citrus notes and light woody undertones. It’s subtle enough for daily wear and noticeable enough to be worth it.
How to Choose a Truly Great Teenage Fragrance?
When choosing a scent for a young man, consider these qualities:
- Fresh and Inviting: Citrus, aquatics, and light spicy scents get on people’s frequency well.
- Affordable: Bright perfumes don’t need to break the bank for teenagers. The best brands are recognizable at reasonable price points.
- Youthful Appeal: Heavy, dark, too woody, too mature, or overpowering fragrances are not to be used.
Fragrances to Avoid
While there are exceptions, here are some fragrance types to steer clear of for teens:
- Niche Perfumes: The cost for these are sometimes expensive, which may not appeal more to a broader audience.
- Overpowering Scents: Sometimes strong fragrances can seem overwhelming.
- Dark and Woody Profiles: They are typically better for older men.
Final Words
These fragrances suit most situations in school, college, or a weekend outing. There’s a scent for every teenage guy, from the classic CK One to any of the many modern versions of Bleu De Chanel (and more).
Choose one or two versatile options to get started, and then when your preferences change, you can delve deeper into the more complex and niche fragrances. For God’s sake, finding your signature scent is part of the fun!
Lucas Adams is a fragrance connoisseur who delves into the world of scents, offering reviews, recommendations, and insights into the art of perfumery.