Top 5 Fragrances Perfect for People in Their 20s

While it might not be an official rule, we strongly believe that once you graduate college or hit your 20s, it's time to retire those high school drugstore perfumes. This includes any fragrance associated with teen idols. (Goodbye, Someday by Justin Bieber.)

After ditching the youthful, inexpensive perfumes of your past—and maybe earning a bit of disposable income—you’re ready to dive into the expansive world of adult fragrances. Trust us, the options are nearly limitless, which is both exciting and a bit daunting. You might have a general idea of the scents you like, but without knowing the terminology, it can be challenging to know where to begin. You no longer want to smell like Justin Bieber's significant other, but you also want to steer clear of fragrances that feel too mature—White Diamonds or Chanel No. 5 can wait for now.

In your 30s and 40s, the focus often shifts to discovering a unique 'signature scent'—something rare and memorable. However, in your 20s, it’s perfectly fine to embrace popular, widely recognized fragrances from time to time. Celebrity-endorsed perfumes often serve as an accessible introduction to the world of fragrances. While some may dismiss perfumes tied to famous faces, many of these scents receive high praise from perfume critics (yes, such experts exist).

To help you begin your fragrance journey, we’ve selected five widely loved, youthful scents—each with distinct personalities and aroma profiles. Among them are three celebrity perfumes, one decade-long best-seller adored by critics, and a refreshing offering from a legendary perfume brand.

5: Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana

Light Blue, created by the renowned Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, has been a massive success since its launch in 2001. Unlike the typical fruity or floral scents aimed at younger women, this fragrance stands out with its earthy, woody notes. The initial burst of citrus gives way to a lasting blend of cedarwood, amber, and musk.

4: Fancy by Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson’s initial venture into the fragrance world began with the short-lived Dessert Beauty line, which featured edible body sprays and lotions. Her 2008 release, Fancy, incorporates a variety of gourmand notes like pear, apricot, vanilla, and toasted almonds. However, the addition of jasmine and gardenia in the base notes ensures the scent avoids being overly sugary.

3: Glow by Jennifer Lopez

Here’s a fun fact: Wearing Glow means you’ll smell just like Jennifer Lopez fresh out of the shower. This was reportedly the vibe she aimed for when co-creating the fragrance, and by all measures, she nailed it—Glow generated $100 million in sales during its first year. For those curious, J-Lo’s shower scent apparently features neroli, citrus, rose, sandalwood, amber, musk, and vanilla.

2: Princess Night by Vera Wang

Vera Wang introduced her Princess fragrance in 2006, targeting the 18-to-24 age group. Princess Night, housed in a striking deep purple glittering bottle, is its bolder, more adventurous counterpart. Released in 2012, it opens with refreshing top notes of watermelon and wild berries, transitioning to middle notes of jasmine and orange blossom. The base notes, which form the heart of the fragrance, include sugar, musk, and vanilla.

1: Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel

Chanel launched Coco Mademoiselle in 2001, targeting young women eager to experience the brand’s elegance without diving into its more mature offerings. True to Chanel’s reputation, the fragrance did not disappoint. It features exotic elements such as ylang-ylang, Haitian vetiver, and opoponax. Chandler Burr of the New York Times described it as "lovely, flowery, like a fresh-faced 17-year-old in a summer dress."