Homework, hotties and hormones. Though we often reminisce on the largely responsibility-free joys of youth, many of us wouldn’t necessarily go back in time and re-live secondary school. From exam stress to the gut-wrenching woes of first crushes and all the bodily changes experienced in the in-between, being a teenager is far from easy. So, where we can, we should very much treat our burgeoning teenage beauty obsessives to the odd lovely and luxurious treat every now and then.
Vogue's top fragrances for teenage girls at a glance:
When it comes to buying perfume for teenage girls (and teens in general), it’s safe to say that older family members often get fragrance disastrously wrong. You’ll find no judgment here, for it’s indeed extremely difficult to see through the glittering clouds of pink and purple mist that is boldly spritzed onto our person following the smallest tiptoe into a department store fragrance section.
While we should certainly follow our instinct in terms of classic, beloved teenage girl notes – think vanilla bean, peony, coconut and rose – it also pays to think outside the box. Fresh, floral adjacent scents that have taken the fragrance world by storm in recent years include pink pepper (as popularised by the cult favourite Glossier You), fig, matcha, bergamot and the smokier take on tonka known as vanilla musk. Rather than evoking the scent of a perfectly sweet and manicured bouquet, these notes are even fresher and cleaner – instead resembling the scent of wild gardens and rolling hills with a touch of woody intrigue.
Where parents have gotten it wrong in the past is assuming all teenage girls are alike. Though it’s definitely true that there’s a greater sense of community and commonality in distinct interests thanks to social media (as per the many ‘cores’ that have emerged on TikTok), there’s also more space for individuality than ever before – and no young girl, non-binary or female-identifying teen can be placed in a singular box.
But what’s the difference between an eau de parfum and an eau de toilette, and which is better for a younger recipient? The primary difference is the concentration of perfume oils. EDPs are richer and tend to be slightly pricier, while EDTs are lighter, fresher and oftentimes more affordable. EDPs can be considered mature by some, but may equally be formulated with dainty notes in a higher concentration that ensures the aroma lasts longer.
It's all about taking stock of your teenager’s rambunctiously unique personality, and actually diving into the poetic descriptions often provided by higher-end fragrance houses. You’d be surprised by how accurately something as ephemeral and subjective as scent can be captured through words alone.
And why fresh fragrances, I hear you ask? Well, I think that question answers itself. Teens spend their days in classrooms, PE changing rooms, at sweaty parties and sleeping until 2pm. A little freshness goes a long way when you’re growing up. Below, you’ll find a selection of iconic fragrances and the trending perfume for teenage girls, flipping the script on traditional scent.
Chanel
Chance Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Pink pepper, jasmine, amber, patchouli, white musk, vanilla
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Chanel’s youthful eau de parfum, Chance, led the pink pepper revolution as one of the predominant aromas to star the now ubiquitous ingredient. Originally launched in 2002 and created by perfumer Jacques Polge, it’s known by many Chanel enthusiasts simply as the first of the label’s fragrances to be housed in a round bottle. For others, it sparks nostalgic joy as one’s first foray into luxury fragrance. It’s only fitting that the floral and feminine tradition of Chanel’s Chance be continued by today’s youth. Fresh and clean florals dry down into a warm and inviting vanilla musk that smells slightly different on everyone – but always delightful.
Glossier
You
- Key notes: Pink pepper, iris, ambrette and ambrox
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Grounded in simplicity and beloved for its ability to enhance the natural scent of the skin in a manner that is neither overwhelming nor oppressive, Glossier You is the ultimate teen fragrance. The pink pepper top note is fresh, bouncy and feminine, while the iris heart is earthy and redemptive. The base notes comprise ambrette, a musk derived from hibiscus seeds, and ambrox – a synthetic scent formulated to replicate ambergris. Both are considered skin scents, which sit close to the skin with a subtle but long-lasting and warm aroma that is second-to-none.
Boy Smells
Coco Cream Perfume
- Key notes: Coconut milk, vanilla, warm florals, tiare, tonka bean
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A delectable gourmand fragrance, Boy Smells’ Coco Cream perfume is almost hedonistically sweet. Described as “golden hour sunset in scent form”, it’s a summertime scent formulated with fun-filled days and languorous evenings in mind. Fresh coconut aromas blend beautifully with vanilla for a sweet but earthy top note, while fresh white florals bring out a heady sweetness. The base is a deeper blend of tonka and musk, and a hint of pineapple can be detected throughout.
Maison Margiela
Replica Up At Dawn Eau de Toilette
- Key notes: Pink pepper, rose heart absolute, soil accord, powdery orris, ambrette absolute Guatemala
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Part of Maison Margiela’s esteemed Replica range – formulated to replicate abstract, fleeting moments of joy, passion and memory – Up At Dawn is the perfect gift for a teenage daughter. Soft and delicate yet capable of leaving a lasting impression, it’s filled with an array of almost paradisal and remarkably fresh garden notes. Described as Shakespeare’s rose in the provenance of modern-day Windsor, it’s perfect for old souls with a contemporary mindset.
Marc Jacobs
Daisy Wild for Her Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Banana blossom, jasmine and macadamia accord, sandalwood, vetiver des sables
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Another iconic fragrance, Marc Jacobs’s Daisy range has been a stalwart of teenage vanities since 2007. Yet one of its more recent iterations, Daisy Wild, has captured the hearts of a newer generation – and for good reason. With a distinct and unique banana blossom accord, jasmine and macadamia heart combined with a sandalwood and vetiver des sables base, it’s all about capturing the essence of wild and untameable nature.
Phlur
Father Figure Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Fig, jasmine, iris, vanilla, sandalwood
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Perfect for fans of George Michael and clean, unisex fragrance, Phlur’s Father Figure is cult for a reason. It opens with a distinctly green, almost milky fig note that feels both nostalgic and subversive. Florals soften the composition without tipping it into overt sweetness, while a creamy sandalwood and vanilla base lends a skin-like warmth that lingers beautifully. It’s introspective, a little androgynous and entirely modern – ideal for teens carving out a sense of self beyond the obvious.
LOVENOTES by ariana Vanilla Suede Eau De Parfum
- Key notes: Vanilla, soft suede, amber, musk
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Created under the ever-expanding fragrance empire of Ariana Grande, Vanilla Suede feels like a grown-up evolution of the pop princess gourmand. Gone is the saccharine overload; in its place sits a velvety, lightly spiced vanilla wrapped in a supple suede accord that feels almost second skin. There’s a comforting warmth here – musky, cocooning and addictive – that makes it perfect for cooler months or cosy evenings in.
Miu Miu
Miutine Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Lily of the valley, citrus accords, akigalawood, musk
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Miu Miu is known for its offbeat femininity – and its fragrance is no different. Miutine has sparkling citrus notes that lend an immediate brightness, which is quickly softened by the delicacy of lily of the valley, before settling into a subtly spicy, woody base courtesy of akigalawood. The result is playful yet refined, with just enough edge to feel fashion-forward. Think crisp white shirts, ballet flats and a rebellious streak.
Penhaligon’s
The Coveted Duchess Rose Eau de Parfum
- Key notes: Mandarin, rose centifolia, vanilla
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Penhaligon’s is known for its sophisticated, elegant fragrances, each of which comes with a twist. Among the collection, Duchess Rose is one of the most suited for teens with its feminine, light and universally-appealing composition. It’s a sweet modern floral, created with notes of rose, vanilla and citrus. The result is sweet, warming, but in no way old-fashioned, thanks to the juicy opening of mandarin. To note, this is a luxury option that leans towards more mature teens.