The 15 Best Colognes for Teens in 2025
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Tanja Ivanova
Are you looking for your first-ever cologne or hoping to find the perfect one for teens to gift someone — say, your boyfriend — with?
Colognes for teens have come a long way from the days of overpowering Axe body sprays. (Although, hey, even Axe is angling for a rebrand these days!) Over the past decade, the market — which is often targeted at teen boys, though colognes can be worn by any gender — has expanded a lot. Whereas teens once had a handful of one-size-fits-all, overly intense scents to choose from, today, colognes for teens are more sophisticated and varied.
Teen consumers are invited to personalize their fragrance in ways they weren’t before, and lighter, more versatile ingredients have made for smells that are easier and more fun to play around with. Trends like smellmaxxing on TikTok, too, encourage teens to experiment, helping fuel industry growth and even more olfactory options. Whether you’re looking for a subtle, approachable aroma that lets you (and not your cologne) make an entrance or something with an edgier flair, there are colognes for teens that fit every style and personality.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite buy-worthy bottles across budgets below. (FYI, most are either eau de parfums or eau de toilettes. That just refers to the amount of oil used, with eau de toilettes smelling lighter and costing less than more concentrated and longer-lasting eau de parfums.) We’ve also included some notes for the studious scent-lover on how to choose and pull off your new fragrance — because cologne isn’t just about what you wear, but how you wear it.
In this article, find:
How do I choose a new cologne?
How do I choose a new cologne?
Before nabbing the first well-reviewed bottle you see, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the types of scent you’re drawn to. That’s especially true if you’re a fragrance first-timer!
Typically, colognes are divided into fragrance families: woody scents, which are earthy and often use notes like sandalwood, cedarwood, or patchouli; fresh or citrusy scents, which are light and clean, with notes like lemon, grapefruit, or bergamot; spicy scents, which are warm, complex, and often feature whiffs of clove, black pepper, amber, or vanilla; and floral scents, which are becoming more popular in cologne and use notes like lavender, jasmine, or orange blossom.
Outside of those core fragrance families, there’s also a whole bunch of scent subcategories out there, from gourmand (think coffee or dessert scents) and aquatic (fresh, with marine notes) to colognes described as musky, leathery, fruity, smoky, or green. A lot of colognes blend multiple of these categories, too, for a uniquely layered scent.
If you’re not sure what you like best, head to a store like Sephora to sample scents in person. Spray cologne onto the scent strips they provide, and label each strip. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few favorites, try them on. It’s better to sample only one fragrance at a time, but if you need to, you could try out a couple at once by spritzing them on different pulse points. (More on pulse points next!)
How a cologne smells in its bottle generally isn’t the exact way it’ll smell when interacting with your personal body chemistry and worn throughout the day. That’s why, with fragrances, it’s always smart to try before you buy. Pick up a sampler set so that you can really get to know how different scents respond to you (and vice versa). That’s a good move if you’re shopping for cologne for someone else, too. Added bonus? Fragrance samplers make for great carry-on travel companions!
What’s the best way to apply cologne?
We’re guessing the image that first comes to mind here is of someone spritzing a cloud of cologne into the air and walking through it. That works, if you want to smell like your chosen scent for an hour or two.
Misting cologne into the air disperses it over a larger area, causing its scent to dilute. To make cologne stick around and better interact with your body heat and natural oils for a truly personalized scent, apply it directly to your pulse points instead. Because heat helps fragrances activate and release scent over time, this application method helps cologne smell the way it was intended to, with top, middle, and base notes revealed.
If you can, apply cologne right after stepping out of a hot shower, when your pores are still open. Spray it three to six inches from your skin, targeting pulse points like your neck and behind the ears, as well as your inner elbows and inner wrists. Speaking of wrists, avoid rubbing them together. That may look like what you’re supposed to do with fragrance, but it can cause scent molecules to break down and alter the scent.
At first, stick to one or two sprays on each pulse point and see how long the scent lasts you throughout the day. You can always experiment with adding an extra spritz or two later, but it’s better not to overdo it! Scent not strong enough? Make sure you’ve moisturized with a lotion that’s unscented or that complements your cologne before spritzing. Moisturized skin holds fragrance better.
Now that you’ve covered your bases for picking out and putting on cologne, it’s time to dig into the best colognes for teens. Behold our top picks for your sniffing pleasure.
The Best Colognes for Teens in 2025
1. Club de Nuit Intense Eau de Parfum
Club de Nuit Intense Eau de Parfum
$40.00, Amazon
Fragrance family: Woody, Spicy
Main notes: Lemon, Birch, Black Currant, Jasmine, Musk, Ambergris
Why people like it: For a cologne for teens that’s both luxurious-feeling and affordable, Club de Nuit Intense is a popular pick, and for good reason. Its bold top notes of lemon and black currant, smoky birch and jasmine for depth, and warm musk base add up to a scent that’s sophisticated without being overpowering. A bonus? It gets compared a lot to Creed Aventus, a cologne that’ll run you $365 for a small bottle, so you can enjoy the added kick of cheating the luxury fragrance system.
Price: $25.80 for 3.6oz on Amazon, $46.97 for 6.8oz at Walmart
2. Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette
Sauvage Eau de Toilette
$130.00, Ulta
Fragrance family: Fresh, Woody
Main notes: Bergamot, Sichuan Pepper, Amberwood
Why people like it: One of the best-selling fragrances on the planet, this timeless, versatile classic is a perfect starter cologne if you don’t necessarily want to begin with a fringe fragrance. Its earthy, woody base is topped with a kick of spice and subtle floral notes, like geranium and lavender, for freshness. It’s not the cheapest cologne out there, but we feel pretty confident in calling it a worthwhile investment.
3. Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette
CK One Eau de Toilette
$68.00, Walmart
Fragrance family: Fresh, Citrus
Main notes: Papaya, Bergamot, Lemon, Green Tea, Jasmine, Amber, Musk
Why people like it: Long considered a classic across genders, CK One is popular for its clean, refreshing scent. It’s bright and citrusy at first sniff, but soft floral notes, like jasmine and violet, and a warm, musky base soon come through. It’s a wearable, everyday scent that still feels elevated, and it’s also been around long enough to frequently be found on sale.
4. Davidoff Cool Water
Cool Water
$90.00, Amazon
Fragrance family: Fresh, Aquatic
Main notes: Sea Water, Mint, Lavender, Sandalwood, Musk
Why people like it: A super-refreshing aquatic fragrance, this one is perfect for people who love sea scents but don’t want to smell like you literally just stepped off the beach. It’s got plenty of peppery, amber, and woody notes, plus Haitian vetiver, an earthy-smelling ingredient you’ll see in a lot of modern colognes. Available as both a more intense eau de parfum and a subtler eau de toilette, you can start with the latter if you’re trying to ease in!
Price for 4.2oz: $85 on Amazon for parfum, $26.23 at Walmart for toilette
5. Paco Rabanne Invictus Parfum
Invictus Parfum
$140.00, Sephora
Fragrance family: Woody, Earthy
Main notes: Grapefruit, Marine Accord, Ambergris, Guaiac Wood, Patchouli
Why people like it: Ready to splurge on a scent? This one’s got a nice balance of zest and warmth, with sporty citrus notes that blend well with woody undertones and a hint of jasmine. It’s energizing and bold, but still easy to wear. For a “I have a signature scent vibe” that doesn’t come off as try-hard, it’s a solid pick with an effortless feel. It’s available as an eau de toilette, too!
Price for 3.4oz: $140 at Sephora, or $77 for a smaller bottle at Walmart
6. Montblanc Legend Spirit Eau de Toilette
Legend Spirit Eau de Toilette
$99.00, Amazon
Fragrance family: Woody, Fresh
Main notes: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Cardamom, White Musk, Cashmere Wood, Pineapple, Sandalwood
Why people like it: Montblanc colognes have gotten a fair amount of hype on fragrancetok, meaning you’re likely to see at least one on any roundup of the best colognes for teens. We’ll start with Legend Spirit, which is a Montblanc scent with a slightly more casual feel, featuring a fine-tuned balance of airy, clean notes and just the right amount of spice. The result? A fragrance that feels crisp, modern, and breezily cool.
7. Nautica Voyage Eau de Toilette
Voyage Eau de Toilette
$19.00, Amazon
Fragrance family: Aquatic, Fresh
Main notes: Green Apple, Mimosa, Lotus, Amber, Cedarwood, Oakmoss
Why people like it: For an affordable starter cologne that doesn’t skimp on scent or quality, we’re pretty sure nothing beats Nautica Voyage. It’s clean and refreshing, combining crisp, fruity, and marine motes with a warm amber and cedarwood base. It’s musky, but in an everyday kind of way, and it’s a classic for a reason.
8. Armani Acqua di Gio Eau de Toilette
Acqua di Gio Eau de Toilette
$115.00, Amazon
Fragrance family: Aquatic, Fresh
Main notes: Jasmine, Bergamot, Rosemary, Amber, Patchouli, Green Tangerine, Persimmon
Why people like it: Acqua di Gio has earned its rap as one of the most iconic colognes out there. It smells clean and citrusy on top, but with warm underlying notes of rosemary, amber, and patchouli that add depth and sophistication. As an aquatic fragrance, it’s also a great choice if you want a scent that feels grown-up but not overly mature, as some heavier, muskier scents might feel. You’ll pay a bit more on the frontend, but it’s the kind of scent that’ll never go out of style.
9. Abercrombie & Fitch First Instinct Eau de Toilette
First Instinct Eau de Toilette
$34.00, Amazon
Fragrance family: Fresh, Woody
Main notes: Gin & Tonic Accord, Aquatic Notes, Suede, Amber, Pepper, Melon
Why people like it: Notes of gin and tonic in a fragrance may sound a little out there, but Abercrombie made it work. It’s breezy, sweet, and a little fruity, but balanced with suede, amber, pepper, and soft leather notes. And if you’re someone who remembers shopping malls in the aughts, no, this isn’t the punch-you-in-the-face smell of Abercrombie stores of yore. It’s a fresh, modern scent that’s perfect for easy, everyday wear.
10. Etat Libre d'Orange You Or Someone Like You Eau de Parfum
You Or Someone Like You Eau de Parfum
$165.00, Walmart
Fragrance family: Green, Fresh
Main notes: Mint, Grapefruit, Rose, White Musk, Bergamot
Why people like it: Designed to be genderless — although, again, any fragrance can be worn by any gender! — this is a fresh pick, in both scent and feeling. Notes of mint and grapefruit start things off on a bright, zesty note, with clean rose, white musk, and bergamot coming in next. Softer and more natural-feeling, it’s more of a “lean in and sniff” fragrance than one that loudly announces your presence, making it understated and, above all, cool. The price is a little steep, but this one has signature-scent potential all over it.
Price for 3.4oz: $123.85 at Walmart
11. Comme des Garçons Black Pepper Eau de Parfum
Black Pepper Eau de Parfum
$110.00, Dover Street Market
Fragrance family: Spicy, Woody
Main notes: Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Tonka Bean, Musk
Why people like it: It was about time we got to a Comme des Garçons cologne. Their Black Pepper fragrance is attention-grabbing, edgy, and undeniably cool. One of the bolder scents on our list, its sharp, peppery notes blend with the warmth of cedarwood, patchouli, and a caramel-y finish. It’s a statement scent that works well for evenings and big events — or for everyday wear, if that’s the vibe you want to put forward! Just FYI with this one, it’s a bit
Price for 50ml: $110 at Dover Street Markets
12. Valentino Uomo Born In Roma Eau de Toilette Spray
Uomo Born In Roma Eau de Toilette Spray
$125.00, Amazon
Fragrance family: Woody, Spicy
Main notes: Violet Leaves, Sage, Ginger, Vetiver, Mineral Salt Accord
Why people like it: Some scents just smell like sophistication, bottled. This is one of them. Sharp ginger and heady sage are tempered by subtle floral notes and a super warm, earthy foundation of smoked vetiver and mineral salt. It’s versatile enough for daily wear, but it’s also an intuitive pick for special occasions. While pricey, you can also find it for a bit less than you can other legacy brand’s scents. There’s also an “intense” eau de parfum option.
Price for 3.4oz: $85.88 on Amazon
13. Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau De Toilette Spray
The One Eau De Toilette Spray
$110.00, Amazon
Fragrance family: Woody, Spicy
Main notes: Grapefruit, Basil, Cardamom, Ginger, Tobacco, Amber, Sandalwood
Why people like it: This cologne is timeless but with a modern edge, a bit like its iconic, minimalist bottle. Often described as a more approachable take on spicy colognes, its warm notes of cardamom and ginger are balanced by fresh grapefruit, bright basil, and a smooth base of amber and tobacco. It’s super refined, making it a scent that’ll grow with you.
14. Lacoste Essential Eau de Toilette
Essential Eau de Toilette
$51.00, Walmart
Fragrance family: Fresh, Woody
Main notes: Citrus, Green Leaves, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Rose
Why people like it: If you’ve never tried cologne before and are worried about the above options feeling too, well, cologne-y, this fragrance from Lacoste makes a great stepping stone (or forever fave). It’s fresh and invigorating, with notes of tangerine, bergamot, pepper, and blackcurrant that make it a perfect pick-me-up to spritz on in the mornings. And it’s got just the right amount of sandalwood and patchouli in its base to make sense for casual, everyday wear, too. A word of advice: Check out multiple sites for this one before buying. It can often be found on sale!
Price for 4.2oz: $50.55 on Walmart
15. Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme
L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme
$125.00, Amazon
Fragrance family: Aquatic, Woody
Main notes: Yuzu, Cypress, Vetiver, Sandalwood
Why people like it: Since the ‘90s, the fragrances of iconic Japanese designer Issey Miyake have been a staple, known for combining influences from nature with innovative, minimalist design. In the case of L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme, that meant using the intersection of water and wood to create a fresh, clean, and distinctive scent. It’s bright, thanks to yuzu, a kind of Japanese citrus, but it’s also got a lovely, earthy foundation. If you’re looking for a signature scent that feels easy and effortless, this could be the one.
Price: $69.08 for 6.7oz on Amazon, $29.98 for 4.2oz at Walmart
Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
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