Trying to think of the perfect gift for the teenager in your life? A quality starter cologne can go a long way not just in helping them smell nicer, but it can actually be a meaningful step toward adulthood. Finding a signature scent can help your teen further define their sense of self and of style.
There are dozens of good colognes out there, but the best one for your teen should fit their personal style and preferences. For a warm but refreshing scent that’s sure to give your teen that certain je ne sais quoi, Pure Instinct Pheromone-Infused Cologne makes for a great gift.
What to know before you buy cologne for teens
How to pick out a scent for teenagers
While it might be nice to surprise your teenager with a bottle of cologne, chances are that they’ll have a pretty strong preference for or against smells based on personal taste. Fragrances are a very personal thing, so it’s a good idea to at least get an idea of the sort of scents they like before investing in a bottle of cologne.
Is cologne a good idea for teens?
Unless your teenager attends a school where fragrances are strictly controlled or prohibited, a good cologne can make a big difference in their personal hygiene, as well as add a nice aromatic element to their routine.
Cologne vs. perfume
Traditionally, cologne is understood to be sold for men, whereas perfume is made for women. However, this is not entirely accurate: cologne is actually a type of fragrance made with slightly less amounts of distilled perfume oil than actual perfume, so it tends to be a bit lighter and doesn’t last quite as long. At the end of the day, there are great options in both perfume and cologne, and while cologne may have some scents like sandalwood or musk that may be read as more masculine, there’s no reason they can’t be used by anyone who enjoys them.
Cologne for teens features
Notes
The main differences in cologne for teens come down to the three layers of notes, or scents, that make up its full fragrance.
Top notes: Common top notes for colognes for teens include citrus, such as lemon, bergamot or verbena, or herbs such as sage or lavender. These are the first notes to hit your nose but the quickest to fade once applied.
Middle notes: Middle notes are just that: middle layer notes that last a moderate amount of time compared to top or base notes. These often include ingredients like ylang ylang, nutmeg or coriander.
Base notes: Finally, at the bottom of the cologne, the most lasting note is the base note. These most often include musk or sandalwood, hearty fragrances that hit low and last for a long time.
Cologne for teens cost
Colognes for teens can run anywhere from $10-$50, depending on the brand recognition of the maker, the quantity in liquid ounces and the quality of the fragrance.
Cologne for teens FAQ
When should my teen start wearing cologne?
A. There’s no hard and fast rule for what age wearing cologne can begin, but in general, puberty or onward marks a good time to consider using a tiny bit of cologne or perfume — perhaps on special occasions to begin with.
Is cologne a necessary part of a teenager’s hygiene routine?
A. No. Consider a spritz of cologne the cherry on top of what should be the solid basis of your teenager’s personal hygiene: regular bathing or showering, as well as wearing deodorant and always changing into fresh clothes after they’ve worked out or gotten sweaty. Instead, think of cologne as a nice accent that can help add an elevated air to any hygiene routine.
Which cologne for teens should I get?
Best of the best cologne for teens
Pure Instinct Pheromone Infused Cologne: available at Amazon
Our take: With a convenient roll-on bottle and a light but enticing fragrance, this elegant bottle can travel with you wherever you go.
What we like: This cologne is easily portable and with an easy-to-use pulse point roll-on design, making it ideal for a first-time cologne wearer or for anyone who’s on the go. With musk base notes and a cinnamon midtone, this warm and inviting aroma is sure to excite and delight. With added pheromones, some users report feeling sexier, younger and more attractive when wearing this cologne.
What we dislike: The roller might be hard to apply to certain clothes, which might be an issue if you like to add cologne to what you’re wearing.
Best bang for your buck cologne for teens
Adidas Team Five Special Edition Eau de Toilette: available at Amazon
Our take: With a low price and an inviting citrus aroma, this light cologne is sure to delight the teen in your life.
What we like: Base notes of musk and cinnamon find balance with bright citrus top notes to create an easy, breezy cologne from a recognizable brand. It’s light and won’t give you a headache while still having a pleasant aroma. It’s easily portable and would be good for bringing on a trip.
What we dislike: Some consider this scent to be too light, though that can often be a selling point, depending on personal preference.
Honorable mention cologne for teens
Michael Kors Coral Eau de Parfum: available at Amazon
Our take: With notes of fruit, wood and musk, this cologne from a recognizable brand is a strong and seriously delicious fragrance that rings scents of summer.
What we like: This cologne is much more powerful and long-lasting than some other teen-oriented colognes. It includes notes of sandalwood, raspberry, musk and orange blossom, resulting in a complex but not overwhelming aroma.
What we dislike: It may be too strong a scent for some teenagers. 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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