Choosing the perfect fragrance for your teenager’s first special scent is a fun and memorable milestone. More than just a way to smell good, fragrances can transport us back in time with a single whiff, so as your teen embarks on this olfactory journey, selecting a signature scent becomes more than just a purchase – it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories and mark a significant moment in their growing independence. Before you buy anything, chat to them first and see what they prefer when it comes to the different fragrance notes available – research has shown that teens usually gravitate towards fresh, floral, fruity variations. The scents should also be easy-wearing and non-heady. Here are our favourites:
Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild Eau De Parfum
Fragrance category: Fruity floral
The notes: Banana blossom accord, jasmine, macadamia accord, sandalwood and vetiver.
Scent summary: Vibrant and eau-so energetic, the newest addition to the Marc Jacobs scent family will put a spring into your teen’s step. The fruity floral EDP has a non-overpowering, fresh sweetness that’s easy-wearing, making it a shoe in for a special-occasion fragrance. And they’ll gush over the bottle too! #WorthTheSplurge
DKNY Be 100% Delicious Eau De Parfum
Fragrance category: Fruity floral
The notes: Pistachio sorbet, blackcurrant bud absolute, lush pear, yellow mandarin oil, orange flower absolute, rose water essential, magnolia oil, sandalwood oil, blond woods and tonka absolute.
Scent summary: Light, but bright, through layers of sparkling fruit perfectly blended with hand-picked florals, this laid-back version of the usual DKNY ‘city girl’ scent fits snugly into the palm of your hand and brings sheer comfort with each spritz. It’s ideal for everyday wear and a perfect addition to your teen’s fragrance collection.
Ariana Grande Ari By Ariana Grande Eau De Parfum
Fragrance category: Fruity floral gourmand
The notes: Raspberry, pear, grapefruit, vanilla orchid, rose, lily-of-the-valley, marshmellow, musk and woods.
Scent summary: We’ve moved into fruity-floral gourmand territory and no one can do it like Ariana Grande. Gourmand, in fragrance terms, stands for a sweet, scrumptious, synthetic note (think dessert). Ari, the pop star’s first scent, launched in 2015 and is housed in an adorable pink, sparkly bottle with a white pom-pom. The juice is ultra-feminine, fun and lasts all day.
Revlon Pink Happiness Infinite Dreams Eau De Toilette Spray
Fragrance category: Floral
The notes: Amalfi lemon, elemi resin, pepper, bergamot, lily-of-the-valley, jasmine, ylang-ylang, musk, vanille, amber, Guaiac wood and Virginia cedar.
Scent summary: This is sheer happiness in a bottle. If your teen gravitates towards floral fragrances more than most, spoil them with this. It opens with a burst of fruits before the floral heart takes the lead. It eventually settles into warm, woody musks notes. Seeing as though this is an eau de toilette, it has a lower fragrance concentration, suiting teens who are sensitive to stronger scents.
Missguided Real Babe Eau De Parfum
Fragrance category: Floral woody
The notes: Pineapple, citruses, pink pepper, ambrette (musk mallow), jasmine, amber, tonka bean and musk.
Scent summary: The message behind this bold, unapologetic EDP is all about self-love and acceptance. The hero notes of jasmine, amber and tonka bean exude confidence and individuality, all through the magic of note combination. It’s also vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. We *love* what this scent stands for.
Kate Spade Cherie Eau De Parfum
Fragrance category: Floral woody musk
The notes: Raspberry, red currant, Mandarin orange, sweet pea, jasmine, musk and white woods.
Scent summary: Luminous and eye-catching, Kate Spade’s Cherie EDP is undoubtedly a statement fragrance. The perfectly blended pink and red hues of the bottle symbolise the ideal combination of notes – think the richness of red currant and raspberry intertwined with a heart of white flowers and sweet pea. The dry down consists of a musky, white woody base. Treat your teen for a momentous occasion, such as a matric dance or valedictory.
