Perfumes
Whether your teen seeks a playful and light scent for school or a more sophisticated aroma for special occasions, there’s a fragrance out there waiting to capture their essence. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Also read:

Looking for a perfume that matches your teenage son or daughter's vibe? We might have some ideas. The world of fragrances is a fun realm for teenagers. With a captivating array of scents that reflect their individuality and zest for life, the right perfume can be a powerful extension of their personality.

As 2024 slowly draws to a close, fragrance options are more exciting than ever, blending fresh, floral, and fruity notes that resonate with today’s youth. So, whether your teen seeks a playful and light scent for school or a more sophisticated aroma for special occasions, there’s a fragrance out there, waiting to capture their essence. From timeless classics to trendy newcomers that are making waves, this guide unveils the best perfumes for teenagers in the UAE. It's time to discover the perfect first scent that will inspire your teenager to embrace their journey with confidence and flair.

To help us with this list, we spoke with several UAE parents, as well as Daniel Wallace, a perfume conoisseur who owns his own fragrance brand. So, read what they had to say, and shop with Amazon Prime to get your favourite perfume delivered to you as soon as tomorrow.

1. Best Overall (Unisex): Calvin Klein CK One 

Clean, poignant and refreshing, Calvin Klein's CK One is a winner for both boys and girls as they navigate adolescence. It opens with bright top notes of bergamot, cardamom, and pineapple, providing a refreshing and zesty introduction that instantly awakens the senses. The heart features a vibrant blend of jasmine, rose, and green tea, adding a floral and herbal touch that enhances the fragrance's uniqueness. Finally, the base notes of musk, cedarwood, and amber create a warm, comforting finish, ensuring that the scent lingers throughout the day. This fragrance works well for a wide range of settings, from school and casual outings with friends to special events and parties. Its light, yet captivating aroma transitions effortlessly from day to night, making it a perfect choice for everyday wear.

2. Best Casual Fragrance (Girls): Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue 

A radiant fragrance that captures the essence of summer for youth, this perfume is known for its vibrant and fruity profile. It opens with a sparkling burst of Sicilian lemon and apple, delivering an invigorating freshness that is both sweet and refreshing. The heart reveals a floral blend of jasmine and white rose, adding a romantic nuance that perfectly balances the fruity top notes. As the scent settles, base notes of cedarwood, amber, and musk create a warm, inviting finish that lingers gently on the skin, making it ideal for all-day wear. This fragrance seamlessly adapts to a variety of occasions, from casual outings with friends to school events and summer vacations. Wallace notes: “My 16-year-old daughter wears it, and she exudes a strong and confident vibe with this choice. I see it as a symbol of freedom, adventure, and fun.”

3. Best Luxury Fragrance (Boys): Christian Dior Sauvage 

A perfume that has a 'raw and rugged' character, as Wallace describes, Christian Dior's Sauvage is a good first choice for teenage boys. Sauvage is quite famous for its powerful and fresh composition, which opens with bright top notes of Calabrian bergamot and pepper, creating an immediate burst of citrusy and spicy energy. As the fragrance evolves, the heart reveals a rich blend of Sichuan pepper, lavender, and geranium, adding complexity and warmth to the scent. The base notes of ambroxan, cedarwood, and labdanum provide a deep, woody finish that lingers on the skin, leaving a memorable impression. Your teenage son can wear this perfume for a range of settings, from school and sports events to weekend hangouts and parties. The dynamic profile makes it suitable for both casual and more formal occasions. It spells adventure and a very bold attitude, Wallace adds. So, if you think that your teenage son needs to embrace his adventurous side, Christian Dior's Suavage is an excellent option.

4. Best Value (Boys): Tommy Hilfiger for Men

Let your son unwind in style with Tommy Hilfiger's titular perfume, the perfect match for a laid-back lifestyle. Aileana Roberts, a marketing sales manager based in Dubai, loves watching her 17-year-old son spray this fragrance every morning. "It just fits his vibe," she says. The scent opens with a vibrant burst of top notes, featuring the crisp freshness of grapefruit and mandarin that energises and refreshes from the very first spritz. As it unfolds, the heart reveals a blend of lavender, cranberry, and cotton flower, introducing a soft floral nuance that balances the bright citrus. Finally, the fragrance settles into a warm, masculine finish with base notes of cedarwood, amber, and musk, leaving a lasting impression that’s both inviting and memorable. With impressive longevity and moderate sillage, this fragrance stays fresh throughout the day without being overpowering — an essential feature for active teenagers, as Wallace points out. So, if you're looking for a scent that captures the essence of relaxation and casual confidence, Tommy Hilfiger is the perfect choice.

5. Best Floral (Girls): Givenchy Very Irresistible

A playful touch for your teenager? Absolutely! The moment you spray this perfume, you’re greeted with an exhilarating rush of freshness that sets the tone for the day. The cheerful top notes of grapefruit and anise create a bright, zesty introduction, instantly waking up the senses and evoking a sense of joy and excitement. As the fragrance develops, it unveils a bouquet of floral notes at its heart. Here, the delicate scents of rose, peony, and musk mallow come together, adding layers of sophistication and charm. This floral symphony enhances the fragrance's allure, making it perfect for young women who appreciate the beauty and elegance of flowers. Finally, the scent settles into a warm, earthy finish with base notes of patchouli and cedarwood. This grounding combination adds depth and richness, ensuring the fragrance lingers gently on the skin throughout the day. Owing to its lasting impression, it's suitable for all-day wear, whether your teenager is attending school, hanging out with friends, or heading to a special event. Wallace attests that it's not just a scent; it’s a celebration of individuality and playfulness. If your daughter adores floral fragrances, this could very well be her new signature scent.

6. Best Versatile (Unisex): Montblanc Explorer

The essence of Montblanc Explorer revolves around the theme of adventure. "It’s all about curiosity and boldness," Wallace shares. This fragrance effortlessly transitions from a day at school to a casual outing with friends or family. Its light yet captivating aroma makes it ideal for both daytime and evening occasions. The scent opens with a refreshing burst of bergamot from Italy, delivering a zesty and uplifting introduction that revitalises the senses. This citrus freshness is complemented by a hint of pink pepper, adding a subtle spice that brings excitement to the fragrance. As it evolves, the heart reveals a blend of warm leather and earthy vetiver, introducing depth and sophistication. Finally, the base notes of ambroxan and patchouli create a rich, long-lasting finish that evokes a sense of warmth and a connection to Nature. Crafted for everyone, Montblanc Explorer is a good choice for teenage boys and girls alike. The versatile scent profile allows each wearer to personalise it, showcasing their unique style.

7. Best Fruity (Girls): Chanel Chance Eau Tendre

Charming and playful, Chanel Chance Eau Tendre is perfect for teenagers who appreciate a fruity touch in their fragrance. With an invigorating burst of bright grapefruit and quince, this scent offers a lively introduction that instantly lifts your spirits, says Wallace. The heart reveals a delicate blend of jasmine and honeysuckle, adding a floral elegance that enhances its femininity. Finally, the base notes of amber and cedarwood provide a warm, subtle finish, ensuring the fragrance lingers delightfully throughout the day. "It has such a lively, cheerful vibe; it’s definitely uplifting for both the wearer and those around her," explains Natasha Hale, a Dubai-based public relations manager, If you're looking for a fragrance with a fruity flair, give Chanel Chance Eau Tendre a try.

Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.