The 16 Best Colognes for Teenage Guys in 2023

If you’re a teenage guy, it can be nearly impossible to know which colognes are right for you. With so many options, you’ll want a bias-free, review-backed guide explaining the pros and cons of top-selling colognes. And that’s exactly what we’re giving you in this article.

No matter if you’re just picking up your first bottle of cologne or if you’re a seasoned scent-wearer, we’ve picked out 16 colognes we think you should try.

How We Picked

There are thousands of colognes on the market. There’s a cologne for the “clean scented guy,” the “night-out guy,” the “business-casual guy” and even the “outdoorsy guy who doesn’t want to smell like BO.” And each of these colognes claims it’s the best in the business.

Here’s how we handpicked each cologne on this list:

Longevity

The first criterion is arguably the most important. Seriously, what good is a cologne you can’t smell after you walk out the door? What’s the point of wearing a cologne nobody will notice?

To tackle this challenge, we took a close look at ingredients proven to make your cologne last. Our findings? Colognes that used concentrated premium ingredients, and that were paraben-free, lasted longer than those without.

However, this wasn’t the only trick we found. Our second conclusion was that the method used to apply cologne played a major role in longevity. People who put their cologne on after the shower, on top of lotion or applied it directly to their clothing, said they could smell it throughout the day.

Price

Anyone who has bought cologne will tell you it can get expensive. As a teen, you might not have the budget for higher-end colognes. So, to keep things fair, we’ve chosen a variety of options at different price points. That way, you can splurge, keep things budget-friendly or stick with something in the middle of the road. It’s up to you.

The Scent 

The final thing we considered when choosing the best colognes for teenage guys was the scent of the cologne. You can have the best-priced, longest-lasting cologne out there, but if you don’t love the smell, what’s the point?

Most scents fall into four overarching fragrance families: fresh notes, floral notes, woodsy notes and oriental notes.

In the fresh fragrance family, you’ll find citrusy, geranium and marine notes. The second fragrance family, floral, is exactly what it sounds like: notes of fresh berries, fruits, lavender and a bouquet of flowers.

The oriental fragrance family provides warm undertones of spice, incense and patchouli, creating the perfect musk for an evening with your loved one. Finally, we come to the woodsy family, the pinnacle of masculine cologne. Woodsy scents are composed of amber, leather and sandalwood, building a richly textured scent you can almost feel.

Now that we’ve covered how we picked these scents, let’s get into them.

The Best Colognes for Teenage Guys in 2023

Here are our top 16 choices for the best colognes for teenage guys in 2023:

1. Blu Atlas Atlantis

Blu Atlas Atlantis evokes an adventure into the unknown and a journey on the trail less taken. It’s made with premium ingredients and formulated with clean beauty standards. Blu Atlas Atlantis was conceptualized in the beachside jungles of Bali, and those fresh, exotic notes are evident as the cologne dries down. 

The cologne has a fruity beginning composed of bright bergamot, lemons and blackcurrant berries. It continues on a more floral voyage, with notes of lavender, sage, peach and apricot. The fragrance concludes with a mellow musk, gently summoning the oakmoss and ambrette seeds that line the jungle floor.

Blu Atlas Atlantis comes in a padded black box, offering the production level you’d expect when purchasing new tech. Inside the box rests a durable glass bottle, also finished in matte black, with a black metal cap and atomizer. The cap slides into place with a satisfying click from a magnetic close – meaning you’ll never lose it. The durability and quality of the entire Blue Atlas package is top-of-the-line, and it comes at a great price.

2. Calvin Klein Eternity

Calvin Klein Eternity is a scent that evokes youthfulness. It has been a top seller since 1990 and continues to be a hallmark of consistency and simplicity. Simply put, it’s a fragrance that gets right to the point.

The strongest notes in the Eternity scent are lavender, vetiver and sandalwood. It rests in between the fresh and woodsy families, and is a scent that works for just about any occasion. 

When you first apply Calvin Klein Eternity, you’ll notice the lavender opener. It provides a fresh-out-the-shower quality, which is quickly complemented by the citrusy afternotes. After a touch of lemon zest, the scent moves toward a masculine sage and spice space. Overall, the scent stays smooth and light, making it a great choice for the teen who wants one cologne that does it all.

The packaging and longevity of the scent have a similar level of simplicity. Calvin Klein Eternity is a long-lasting, budget-friendly option. The scent can be smelled for about five to seven hours after application, depending on what type of activities you’re participating in.

3. Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren

Another fan-favorite cologne great for teen guys is Polo Blue. Whether you’re at school or work, or hanging out with friends, this is a safe option. It’s best for daytime wear in the summer or spring: an easygoing aquatic scent that dives headfirst into a morning swim in the ocean.

The scent opens with a familiar trip to a tropical island. Fresh cucumbers, honeydew melons and mandarin oranges invite you to sit down and soak up some sun. The fragrance follows along a similar track with basil, sage and geranium notes. The scent ends with a trip away from the beach and into the woods, complemented by a suede musk.

Polo Blue is a first-class ticket to compliment town. The scent projects well, although it’s not known for lasting more than four or five hours. It’s a classic fragrance when it comes to green or aquatic scents.

4. Abercrombie and Fitch Fierce 

Abercrombie and Fitch Fierce was the smell of the early 2000s. Before you even walked in the doors of Abercrombie, you could smell their signature scent. While things have quieted down a bit since then, you’ll still be able to notice the sweet fragrance if you frequent their store.

The Fierce fragrance embodies youth. However, unlike other colognes targeted toward teens, it can still work well for those who are about to enter their twenties. 

Beginning with a fresh scent of cardamom, Abercrombie and Fitch Fierce moves on to the sweet, sultry touch of floral notes. You’ll notice jasmine, rosemary and rose throughout the fragrance. The scent ends with a touch of rosewood – a deep woodsy aroma that comforts and soothes.

This scent is a good choice for the romantic teenage guy. It’s perfect for a date to the movies, dinner or the mall, as it’s attractive without being overbearing.

5. Nautica Voyage

Nautica Voyage is another classic that has been around for a long time. It was released in 2006, and it’s had a couple of updates since then to keep the scent trending. This is another coastal scent, making it perfect for the active teen guy.

Opening with fresh apples and leaves, the scent moves on to connect with the sea via notes of lotus. From there, you’ll smell clean linen. The scent comes to a close with two notable woodsy tones: amber and cedar.

This is a scent that’s best worn during the summertime. It evokes days spent at the beach enjoying the feeling of having nothing to do. Nautica Voyage is the cheapest cologne on this list and still packs quite the punch. It lasts between four and seven hours, though it will be most fragrant in the first two hours.

6. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

One of our all-time favorite masculine scents is Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male. This original from 1995 is an absolute classic. It’s made for the modern teen who likes to live on the edge. While it’s versatile, the scent is best worn during a chilly fall evening when you’re wrapped up under a warm coat.

Le Male is based on a sweet vanilla that is well balanced with the musk of sandalwood. If you have a trained nose, you’ll also notice cedar and tonka bean notes after it’s settled. Moving forward, the scent acknowledges spices with a light cardamom and cinnamon touch. The fragrance is topped with warm herbs, including lavender, mint and artemisia. 

This cologne is recommended for teen guys on the older end of the spectrum. The scent goes hand in hand with maturing and all the things that come alongside it, like romance, late nights and a sense of independence. 

Le Male can be worn anytime, but it’s ideal for the fall or winter. The scent offers comfort with its notes of vanilla and cinnamon. It lends itself to staying by the fire, whether that’s in a log cabin or tucked away under the stars.

7. Guess Seductive 

The second cologne that’s made for the colder weather is Guess Seductive. This cologne is the first one on our list that is based on warm spices and woodsy scents. As the name implies, there’s something deeply seductive about this scent, so it’s probably best for older teen guys.

Guess Seductive balances a spicy kick of pink pepper and cardamom with the citrus notes of mandarin orange. From the middle notes, you’ll get a floral scent from orchids and violet leaves, which adds a mellow sweetness to the overall scent. Guess Seductive closes with the woodsy scents of amber and sandalwood.

This scent is intended for date night – I mean, you saw the name! It offers romance while staying low key. Guess Seductive also comes at a great price, making it ideal for anyone on a tight budget. If you’re looking for a new winter cologne that offers the best bang for the buck, look no further.

8. Paco Rabanne 1 Million 

It seems like everyone who knows their cologne has an opinion on Paco Rabanne 1 Million. This cologne has a bold, loud scent that’s not for everyone. Due to its head-turning fragrance, it is best worn during time spent with friends, as opposed to a school day or at work.

Paco Rabanne 1 Million opens with a bang, with a mix of grapefruit, leather and rose. The forward notes quickly mellow out with the addition of masculine spices, including cinnamon and amber. Finally, the sweetness is tamed with rosewood.

The longevity of Paco Rabanne is top tier. It routinely stays fragrant for 10 hours. That means if you put it on for a night spent with friends, you’ll most likely be able to smell it when you wake up the next morning. Overall, Paco Rabanne 1 Million has a youthful feeling that’s playful, exciting and even a bit devious.

9. Old Spice Classic Cologne

Up next on our list of the best colognes for teenage guys is Old Spice. However, we probably need to clarify that we’re not talking about the same Old Spice cologne your grandfather has been wearing since the ’50s. This is a new and improved take on the classic scent.

Old Spice has a wealth of notes throughout the scent journey. It starts, as the name suggests, with spices, such as nutmeg and star anise, which are balanced with orange and lemon. The fragrance continues on a similar path of sweet and spicy with a touch of cinnamon, carnation and jasmine. The base is composed of vanilla, tonka bean and cedar.

You’ll be surprised at the performance of this low-cost cologne. The scent projects for the first few hours and then becomes more subtle, gently infusing itself into your clothing. 

Old Spice is a timeless scent and an easy purchase for teens. While the fragrance is classically used by older generations, Old Spice is making a comeback with younger crowds. It’s a versatile choice that can be worn throughout the day or at night. Frankly, for its price, it’s hard to beat.

10. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense is a perfect summer fragrance. While it has traditional aquatic textures similar to most summer scents, it’s enhanced with woodsy and citrus notes. It’s less of a backyard summer barbeque scent and more of a summer vacation spent off the Italian coast.

The heart of Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense revolves around notes of sea water and juniper. You’ll also notice touches of citrus from grapefruit and mandarin oranges. You can almost imagine taking a bite of a fresh orange while sitting by the seaside in Positano. The base of the cologne adds some masculinity with musk and amber wood.

When it comes to the performance of this fragrance, it’s better than average. You’ll get anywhere from seven to eight hours out of it. Since this is the “intense” version of the cologne, it lasts longer than the regular style. The longer you wear the cologne, you’ll notice more musk than citrus.

11. Hugo Boss Boss Bottled

The legendary German fragrance, Boss Bottled, could be your next signature scent. It’s youthful and aromatic, and has a gentle fruitiness about it. It is supremely versatile: You can wear this cologne on casual, formal and romantic occasions.

When you first apply this cologne, you’ll notice the spice mixed with a deep woodsy scent. That comes from the notes of cinnamon, oakmoss, amber, cedar and sandalwood. As you continue to wear it, the fragrance tones down the spice, introducing notes of apple, plum, bergamot and lemons.

Overall, the scent isn’t the most modern one out there. However, that’s not to say it’s not a good choice. It’s best for teenagers who like classic rock, old movies and trips to a diner. 

The performance of Boss Bottled is average. When you first apply it, the scent projects strongly, and you’ll get plenty of compliments. However, after five or six hours, it mellows out and will be scarcely detectable.

12. Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger 

Tommy is the original scent from Tommy Hilfiger. This scent is a simple, straight-to-the-point, no-frills cologne that’s perfect as a first fragrance for younger teens. It’s hard to go wrong with this scent; Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger is an easy and pleasant experience.

The scent moves between spicy and fresh notes. The top notes are lavender, bergamot, Florida grapefruit and spearmint. In the middle, you have cranberry, apple, driftwood and yellow rose. The base is composed of blue spruce, cactus flower, Vermont red maple, Wyoming cottonwood and amber.

Tommy has one of the greenest scents on the market. The cactus – a rare element in cologne – adds bitterness and a bright juiciness. We recommend this fragrance for teen guys who like to keep it casual but who want to dress it up every so often.

We should note that this fragrance has a below-average lifespan. You’ll only be able to smell it for three or four hours. So, if you’re at school or work, you may wish to keep it in your bag to refresh it.

13. Bleu de Chanel Parfum

Bleu de Chanel Parfum is a cozy, woodsy scent. It’s the sensation of pulling on a flannel shirt on a cold morning. Sitting around a bonfire with your friends. Kicking through a pile of autumn leaves. This classic Bleu de Chanel scent is elegant, with a hint of mystery. 

The scent is based on a foundation of woodsy notes. These include sandalwood, tonka bean, cedar, amber wood and Iso E Super. The deep woodsy scent is balanced with lighter notes of lavender, geranium and pineapple. It continues to move into a green space with notes of mint, artemisia, bergamot and lemon zest.

Bleu de Chanel Parfum has strong longevity, lasting around seven to eight hours. And it projects for almost four hours, which is impressive for a cologne. You’ll be happy to know that it is cruelty- and preservative-free. 

Of course, these benefits don’t come cheap. Bleu de Chanel Parfum is more expensive than many options on this list. However, due to the strength and longevity of the scent, you won’t need to apply it as often.

14. Dior Homme Parfum

There are plenty of Dior Homme lines of cologne out there. If you’re new to the fragrance world, it can be hard to know which one is for you. For the simplest solution, go with the classic choice, Dior Homme Parfum.

This fragrance has a modern smell. It’s up-to-date, fresh and exudes youthful exuberance. When you first spray it, you’ll notice the notes of pink pepper, elemi and bergamot. After some time, you’ll start to smell its woodsy roots from the patchouli, atlas cedar and sandalwood. The scent is based on notes of white musk, vetiver and Iso E Super. When all of these notes come together, the scent is almost effervescent.

As Dior Homme Parfum dries down, it retains its woodsy and fresh scent. It feels warm and inviting. After three or four hours, once it stops projecting, it turns muskier. Due to the perfect balance of musk and freshness, the scent is incredibly versatile and can be worn anytime, anywhere.

15. Armani Acqua di Giò

Armani Acqua di Giò is a cologne that many young adults gravitate toward. It’s a versatile fragrance and can be worn almost anytime, although it performs better during warmer weather. The cologne is a good choice for a beginner who’s looking for something inoffensive and easy to wear in any situation.

The notes in this cologne are very citrusy. You can smell the Mediterranean sea through the opening notes of sea salt, lime, lemon, bergamot and mandarin orange. The heart of the fragrance is made up of a wide variety of scents, from nutmeg, rose and violet to peach, jasmine and hyacinth. At the base of the cologne, you’ll find woodsy notes with patchouli, amber, cedar and oakmoss. 

If you’re a teenage guy who wants to make a unique impression, this might not be the fragrance for you. It’s wildly popular, and many people wear it daily. However, that’s not to say that you should avoid it. It’s popular for a reason: because it’s an easygoing, versatile scent.

16. Burberry Touch

Burberry Touch offers high-end elegance at a price you can afford. This unique fragrance is a great addition to the collection of a teen guy. It’s perfect for an evening out or a date night.

This cologne strays from the deep musk scent that many masculine colognes stick by. Instead, Burberry Touch has strong floral notes of mandarins, violets and artemisias. The heart of the cologne brings in the masculine touch with hints of nutmeg, warm cedar and white pepper. The base offers touches of vetiver and tonka bean.

Even when this scent is overapplied, it stays mellow. For teen guys who haven’t found the limit, this is a good thing. It is a forgiving scent that offers complexity without being overbearing.

The longevity of Burberry Touch is better than average, at around seven hours. The bottle, lid and packaging come in the high-end fashion that you would expect from a brand like Burberry. That makes this cologne a perfect gift for the teen guy in your life who has an expensive taste.