Teenage years are perfect for self-exploration. They’re a time when young people can branch out, gain some independence and start defining who they are and what they actually like. Finding signature makeup looks, clothing preferences and hygienic products are part of growing up.
One way to help teens learn how to express themselves is to introduce them to perfumes. Perfumes are a great way to define yourself, and they can help growing teens feel excited about their journey to adulthood.
Whether you’re a teenager looking for your first perfume or an adult looking to shop for a teenager, this buying guide will give you the rundown on what to look for and some top perfumes to check out, such as Dior Blooming Bouquet, which is famous for its unique scent.
What to know before you buy perfume for teens
Why find a signature perfume?
A signature perfume can help you express something essential to your personality and style. It can be a deeply meaningful expression of self and a fun way of feeling more adult and defined. Teens that add a signature smell can give them more confidence and is well worth the investment.
Bottle sizing and duration
Perfumes often come in two or more different bottle sizes, which is a big factor when it comes to pricing. On average, a one-ounce bottle of perfume should last at least three months if you use it every day. If you use it more sparingly, it can last as long as a year. But remember, perfume can expire. So, as a rule of thumb, expect perfume to last for about two years.
Roll-on vs. spritz application
Roll-on perfumes let you apply perfume directly to specific areas. And perfume works best if you place it on pulse points such as your neck, wrists and ankles. Since roll-on perfume tends to be very concentrated, they last quite a while. Another common option is a spritz bottle, which you can spray on your body, hair or clothing. This perfume application produces a stronger, longer-lasting aroma. However, it usually uses more perfume than roll-on, so you may go through it more quickly.
Perfume for teens features
Floral vs. herbal
The two basic scent profiles for perfume are floral scents and herbal scents. Floral scents have distilled essential oils from flowers and tend to be sweet. Herbal scents come from herbs or roots and have a more earthy, musky smell to them. Floral perfumes align with springtime and youth, while herbal scents register as more refined and autumnal. At the end of the day, perfume preferences typically come down to personal choice.
Teen vs. regular perfumes
Some brands design perfumes specifically for teens. However, you might consider buying a name-brand perfume, even if it’s not specifically marketed for teenagers. There’s nothing wrong with buying a perfume made for teenagers, but it may lack the quality or complexity that comes with well-known brands. It’s a good idea to encourage your teen to try few scents before finding a scent they really like.
Designer preference
If you’re struggling to pick between different perfumes, you may want to rely on a product from a designer you already trust. Well-known and trusted brands include Dior, Clinique, philosophy and Channel.
Perfume for teens cost
Depending on the ingredients, brand and size of the bottle, perfume can cost between $30-$100. Keep in mind that there may be some trial and error when finding the right perfume, so you may want to opt for a smaller bottle to start and then purchase a larger bottle when you find a good fit.
Perfume for teens FAQ
When can teenagers start wearing perfume?
A. While there’s no specific age recommended for perfume, it’s best to wait until they are 13 years or older. However, some schools don’t allow students to wear scented products, so be sure to check their student handbook for any rules about perfume.
How much perfume should I apply?
A. When it comes to perfume, you might think the more, the better! However, a good rule of thumb for perfume application is less is more. Going beyond two or three spritzes on your body may create an overpowering smell and could even cause you or others to get a headache. Remember, you can always add more later when it’s time to refresh your scent.
Which perfume for teens should I get?
Best of the best perfume for teens
Dior Blooming Bouquet: available at Amazon, Sephora, Macy’s and ULTA Beauty
Our take: As the name would imply, this classic Miss Dior floral is the perfect light-but-complex fragrance.
What we like: The white musk base compliments the floral scents of peony and rose. Light enough for daily use. Long-lasting and comes in a beautiful bottle.
What we dislike: Some users prefer the original Dior to Miss Dior.
Best bang for your buck perfume for teens
philosophy Amazing Grace: available at Amazon, Sephora, Macy’s and ULTA Beauty
Our take: The perfect light daytime fragrance that lives up to its name.
What we like: Citrus, bergamot and musk make a unique floral scent. Not tested on animals. Bright and poppy scent.
What we dislike: Some users may prefer a bolder scent.
Honorable mention perfume for teens
Clinique Happy: available at Amazon, Sephora, Macy’s and ULTA Beauty
Our take: Happy is a popular perfume that has a sweet poppy aroma. It’s bound to make anyone smile.
What we like: It has a ruby red grapefruit top note and citrus-heavy accents. It’s perfect for daytime endeavors.
What we dislike: Customers seem to have a strong opinion about the strong citrus aroma, and either love or strongly dislike the perfume.
Micayla Mead is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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