Am I Too Young / Old for a Fragrance?

I am asked "Am I too young/old for this perfume/cologne?" all the time. This is where fragrance shifts from being just a good smell into a deceptively complex psychological statement. In this chat, I discuss what affects our (and others') response to the fragrance we choose to wear.
Long story short: wearing fragrance is a chance to express different sides of our multifaceted selves. Why limit yourself to one, peer-approved version of you? Playing it safe is risk-free, but surprise and joy-free, too.
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Theme song: "Perfume" by Sparks. Hear the whole song here:
• Sparks - "Perfume"

[@lilmoomoo]

I smelled Pink Sugar on a visitor at my work once, and she was in her 70s. Given her personality and appearance, she rocked the scent and it fit her perfectly.

[@hallyuniverse]

I'm 16 and I adore Chanel No. 5!

[@themagicalfox6]

I agree with you on this 100% I just wish Sales associate's would see this. Its really annoying when I'm testing perfumes and when I choose something like Armani Code, they would tell me "that perfume is for older ladies" then suggest me a sugary fruity floral instead... This is pretty much why I buy samples and perfume online..

[@NymphetMephisto]

Absolutely agree! I am 23 and I am rocking Shalimar. Who cares it's almost a century old? It blends well with my skin, fits in the Mediterranean climate I live in, goes great with the dark colours of the clothes I usually wear and makes me feel sexy! Bingo.

[@The711show]

I used to wear it 2 years ago since I was 14...

[@desertknights5003]

Too old for you

[@carmealguero]

Shalimar is just beautiful, I use to wear when I was twenty something and I will use it again

[@iampaulcram]

Your words really resonated with me. "Trust your own taste... We all are young at heart, we all have moments of great wisdom..." -Katie Puckrick I am gleefully surprised at finding such lovely sentiments. You've raised the bar in my expectations of scent discussions. Thanks Katie!

[@ZaidaKennedy]

I'm 16 and I wear the original Shalimar. I love the smell, the style, and the story behind it, and I think the re-makes are silly.

[@bronwynjones374]

I just adore her. So cool, so quirky, interesting, intelligent and enjoyable to watch!

[@angus1004]

Great video Katie! It is so right that we should just wear what we love. I've taken to wearing Shalimar when I work in the cave these days. The glowwoms are so bright now. Maybe they prefer my Shalimar to my usual Opium... Lou Lou fascinates me now, I'll have to give that a sniff, The Geranium mens one you mentioned sounds nice too. I remember wearing Hypnotic Poison when I lived in Korea. I loved that.

[@MakeupBeliever]

Wow, beside answering my "perfume issues", your words of wisdom also apply to the new man in my life, who happens to be 13 years younger than me, and you made me feel so much better about my choice. Age is in our heads ... not in the perfume/partner you choose :o)

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

You make the ultimate point. In terms of personal adornment, nothing is more personal than perfume. When people smell you, you're literally inside them: in their nose, their head, even their heart. That's why it's important that you wear what is truly meaningful to you.

[@feriwarlock]

This was a great explanation about choosing a fragrance. I try to put aside my preconceived associations about a certain fragrance and just think about whether I like it or not. When you do that it's amazing how it opens up a whole new world for you! If you like it wear it!

[@AhmadAli95]

Really great video! When I was 15 I used to think that 1 million is a strong heavy fragrance! now I'm 17 and I wear Hypnotic Poison, Alien, A*MEN, Dior Homme Intense... Woody, deep scents. I really hate it when somebody says that a scent smells like an old lady!!!

[@AdirondackRuby]

you made a really good point about how, in 20 years time, the scents we think of now as young will be considered old...but eventually things will come around again. it's a lot like names. tiffany and kelly are young and cute, but eventually they will grow up. and gertrude's and edith's were once fresh-faced young things. like any other trend, things will go in and out of fashion

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

How interesting! Lots of perfumes for the newly emancipated women of the 20s went well with their racy cigarette smoking, including Molinard Habanita and Guerlain Mitsouko.

[@geministory]

"We're all young at heart and have moments of wisdom." That is a fantastic quote and very true.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

That's an entertaining visual ("olfactorial"?) for sure! I doubt a 13 year old would be attracted to wearing Egoiste in the first place. (Although as a 14 year old, I loved wearing my mom's way-too-old-for-me Intimate by Revlon, but I loved how it made me feel powerful and "womanly".) But if they loved the smell, and it fulfilled something in them, then what's the harm? We all play with different identities and personas with our fragrance choices.

[@FM897]

I wear the fragrances I like and what makes me feel good, but I'm still mindful of how I may be perceived by others, due to our varying scent associations. I'm mindful, but I would never stop wearing a fragrance because someone dislikes it or doesn't think it suits me. I love your videos, Katie. You've really ignited a newfound enthusiasm in me for perfume :)

[@mako6335]

You are right. I agree with you on that. I really like your personalization of perfumes. Perfumes are really like people you meet. If you are too tentative to buy or wear them, you might miss them forever. When I was in my twenties, I really wanted to buy Noam from Sabon, a house from Israel, but I gave it up because it was too good for me. While I was thinking of buying it, it got discontinued. If you get criticism or suggestions from the people around you wearing the perfume you like, it's OK. Because you made your decision to listen to your heart without any regrets. You are the only one that can protect your loving ones including the perfumes because you know the beauty of them much better than the people passing by.

[@angelicapreston5932]

I don't mind if people think I smell "too young" or "too old" but I hate that my whole collection is full of commercial perfumes. I wish I had some nicer high-quality perfumes in there that aren't seen sitting on the shelves of every single department store in the country. Ugh.

[@brandonbentley8532]

Angelica Preston Try sending for some samples of niche fragrances. If you can visit a fragrance convention in a major city you will find some really unique scents, the trick is if you find a super duper niche scent buy two or three because you may not find it again.

[@tsubaith]

What a great message to start of the New Year. Love you Katie!!!

[@Bowiegirl75]

Katie you are always such a pleasure to watch! Eloquent and witty as always! Happy new year!

[@ohthatdickens69]

Well said, Katie! For me, there's an element of fantasy to a fragrance; I'm drawn to fragrances which fit my internal image of the woman I want to be. Guerlain's Champs-Élysées is said by many to be one of the house's worst concoctions. I don't care! It's my signature fragrance because I feel like it transforms me into elegant, chic woman loaded with money and personal style.

[@Alyjah777]

I NEVER consider the age restrictions or recommendations when buying frags, i snift, i love, i wear forever!

[@sugarlusttheband8450]

Im 18 and i wear opium ❤

[@fdpcompdm]

one of my favorites!!!

[@paolorosetto4871]

I starded wearing Chanel Anteus when I was a teenager. And still wears it for more than 25 years.

[@shavenonthedarkside6708]

this is a video that all reviewers, past & present, should watch repeatedly as a manual. Bravo! Bravo!

[@AnneLien1987]

i am 25 and i wear opium, aromatics elixir, obsession, must, .. I DONT CARE if people think they are too old or too old fashioned, i love them!

[@60scinema]

I love this video, this is fantastic. It informed me, inspired me and made me smile. Happy New Year!!

[@kanealson5200]

Came across your video by accident. Had no real abiding interest in the topic but listened anyway because I can always learn something. Wow, you know your stuff. You're also cute and lovely. Great presentation. Great job! You deserve every subscriber and more.

[@babykyle447]

Very well-said... I think if the fragrance you choose makes you happy, you should own it and wear it. Sometimes "everything old is new again"... :)) Alessandra

[@jaykay415]

Yay, you're back with your better camera & all! ...Maybe next time I'll go shopping for perfume in the men's section - new territory!

[@rinate4048]

Amaizing Katie, we're pretty insecure about perfume and therefore prefer to hear your opinion if it's okay ... Nice to know you don't just throw your mind into the air a certain perfume, but also refers to the mental aspect of each. Amazing woman- have I said??? Because that's what you are! And your expertise is to tell us whether it is wrong to smell like a cake over the age of 30 ... We simply trust you and know that there is something to trust! love your sense of humor! xoxo

[@Ziadalabbady]

My only problem with fragrances or to be more accurate, with the people who ware them is that when someone apply TON of scent on him/herself ! Other than that I'm open to all tastes.. Happy new year Katie and please keep us "gents" in your list :)

[@Crazyladydarcy]

I really love your videos Katie! I am 23 and my taste in perfume is definitely changing. I used to wear Vera wang princess and the like.. but now i am dabbing on the ole J'adore and Alien.. Although.. my fiancé adores Jimmy choo so if he is lucky i will spray that haha!! xx

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Perfume starts losing its brightness and original fidelity after a few years, but it will continue to smell more or less the same if stored away from heat/light. There is in fact a vibrant market for vintage perfume because of the fact that many classics have been reformulated out of all recognition, and connoisseurs would rather wear the original Opium or an earlier No. 5 than the current one, even if the vintage juice has lost the top notes.

[@BendiFaguette]

Bravo Katie! Well said from start to finish!

[@kidosho34]

Lol @ Juicy couture becoming an old lady smell. you made a good point. It'll be really interesting to see how trends go after this fruity sweet trend, who knows maybe aldehydes will become á la mode again

[@ludaborn]

ohhhh finally your back! and full of glory! as you said ,love you

[@MrFlea28]

Oooo are you back home? If so, welcome back home!

[@heathervanhoutenfaces]

I wore coco chanel all through college... SO THERE! ;D

[@charlottesmom]

Agreed!! I'm ahead of time being an old coot of 46 who wears Pink Sugar! It doesn't smell "kiddy" at all on me so I wear it and love it with pride. The fumes they pump into Abecrombie are the one thing that keeps me and my kiddos from actually going into that store! My 18 year old son likes some of the clothes but gags whenever we go near the store in the mall...lost customers guys!!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Linda, I've got a review of that one coming up. I think it's office appropriate, and would be delightful for day and night. I smells very joyful to me!

[@mysonruns]

Loved your advice! I'll be 50 later this month & to celebrate, I ordered an old favorite from my 20's Halston.

[@DVandM]

Great advice. When I was 15 my family had a friend who lived in France and he would give me gifts of male cologne because that was the best fragrance in the world to me at that time. I had a twinge of doubt about wearing it, but my love for the aroma overpowered those feelings.

[@-HRH]

A very moving, well-argued disquisition.

[@vanessamcqueen11]

I've been wearing obscure & not-so-obscure 'old' fragrances since I was 18. It's not a case of the fragrance smelling 'too old' for one's self or smelling too 'old world'. It's how you wear the fragrance & how you pull it off. I agree with people's comments below - just be yourself. I take various flacons of 'old' perfumes & mix up my own deadly concoctions with hypodermic syringes, a little bit of alchemy & a little bit of attitude. I certainly wouldn't describe any of them as smelling 'young'!

[@Rafick203]

OMG! So funny yet witty, I love your video response to that million dollar question!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Thanks and Happy New Year to you, too!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Gosh, Chris - those are all pretty heavy hitters! You're very consistent in your winter taste: you're drawn to thick, cozy scents. My personal fave out of all of those is Jubilation XXV, but not sure if it's an everyday smell. But it sure is glorious and nuanced. I'm leaning toward L'Instant de Guerlain Extreme for you. But maybe you could make XXV work...?

[@QWERTYOP80]

Brilliantly put. I guess Kouros & Bois du Portugal were young once...

[@NicPeey]

Would you please do a review on D&G Feminine and D&D Rose The One?? I cannot decide which one to buy...and you always give the best reviews :)

[@ShesInLosAngeles]

My Grandmother Sadie came into womanhood mid 1920's here in Los Angeles. She adopted Shalimar. She resembled Lucille Ball, always fully "dressed" and perfumed. Fast forward to 2012; I decide to take a hit of Shalimar at the Nordstroms counter and take a walk around the mall to help it mellow on my skin. I didn't love it. What was missing? Ahhh! Cigarettes! Yes, the combo of Shalimar and cigs was actually the smell I remembered from the 1950s. Her wonderful signature scent. Great video. :)

[@BazilTarmizi]

i am 16 year old boy and i wear Chanel Coco Mademoiselle , Chanel Coco Noir and even classic perfume like Miss Dior 1947 . Perfume is very personal , so wear what ever you want :)

[@RoyalOakSZ]

I don't think any perfume is really for mature or an older person. I happen to think almost all perfume has been created for the average age range of young (late teens to 30s). Take the fantastic Diorella, whether you are 15 or 75, it's just a fantastic scent. Thanks Katie love your point, trust your nose

[@ThePurestBoy]

Katie... I simply adore you! Well... I remember when I was 10 and my mom used to wear L'Interdit by Givenchy and the first time she went back from France she gave me a mini bottle of this wonderful juice! I also remember that when I was a teenager I hated all those Green Polo, Azzaro, Guerlains... Now I'm a bit older... 20 and something and I love Mitsouko (my gf hates btw), L'Heure Bleue... Can our taste to "increase" with us? Still hate Polo and Azzaro! And now Luvin' Guerlain Vetyver.

[@oysterinbread]

You're home!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Our tastes are always evolving. Whether it's food, music, clothes, etc - our palates develop and become ever more sophisticated.

[@cerversa]

I'm a man, and i wear Coco quite often. Loove it.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Great trip, thanks Jools!

[@Cleopatrasbeauty]

Love your reviews, Katie! I was wondering about your thoughts on Ange ou Demon Le Secret by Givenchy...it's a pretty popular one.

[@tonyp333777]

Miss you .

[@Hijabibti925]

86Bebelyn 1 second ago I love Marc Jacobs Daisy to me it is so modern. One day my friend told me I smelled like her great aunt's antiquated "violet" perfume! My jaw dropped when she said that!

[@reyramirez6362]

Beautiful video Katie, love it!

[@surfacenoise76]

I wear cologne for myself and myself alone (and apply it accordingly), so it's always what I like.

[@renatofurquimvry]

That was great, Katie, thank you so much!

[@sparkybish]

"I was a nubile young sprite in the woods of the world" is exactly how I react when people say Shalimar is "old lady". I wore that as Avery young woman, so to me, it reminds me of the age of my emerging womanliness. Also I'm like Honeybadger, I don't give a shit. I will wear what I want!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Sounds like a good thing to me!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

I love hearing that, MF897. So glad you've been ignited!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Wearing heritage fragrances is like getting into a supersonic time travel machine.

[@lellushkaasmr6232]

Greaaaat talk! Nice dress! Cool music!

[@GetGlossed]

Thank you! I have a friend who loves to tell me, "Honey, you're not in grade 9 anymore" whenever I put on my Harajuku Lovers edt.

[@raulrajendra4053]

I very very much agree, I’m 15 and i wear Alien by Thierry Mugler

[@kathyli1310]

@root9065 mother's high heels or an elderly lady might twirl in a dress she wore in her 20s, it's all a matter of what makes you happy. Everyone needs to "find" his or herself in some way, and this requires experimenting. That's just my two cents. Let people be what they want to be. If they are truly comfortable with something, let them be.

[@fdpcompdm]

this is just simply brilliant point but please make more of this videos they are so inspiring. you are like my perfume teacher and please what do you think about "the perfume a story of a murderer the movie"or the book??? love you

[@y33y337]

I’ve been wearing Opium since 13!

[@mikser]

Very astute observations Katie. In Dandy mode I'll apply Guerlain's Derby or Mouchoir de Monsieur. Lalique's Encre Noir and Tenere by Paco rabanne good mystery scents to keep them guessing! Bottom line if I like it I'll wear it. First watched you on 'The Word' and you don't seem to have aged a day! Did you in fact find the fountain of youth Katie?

[@Bigwave2003]

Fantastic message to start the new year, Katie. Speaking of new, have you gotten your nose on Enchanted Forest by Bertrand Douchaufour, the first perfume from an upstart fragrance company in San Diego evocatively called the Vagabond Prince?

[@michellebelledejour]

Perfume has age. My sister wears Chanel N. 5 and it smells wonderful on her.

[@entadus]

Lovely video with some great sentiment. I only wish it were longer than 6 minutes!

[@DrunkWatchReviews]

Well said...

[@floran620]

I'm a 21 year old guy and I wear Poison by Dior. It's my favorite fragrance! :)

[@luvpixi]

Thank you Katie.. Love you.

[@carissag99]

I *DO* know what you mean. :) Thank you for this, Katie!

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

Yes!

[@maddalena5708]

You are GREAT!

[@danjackson7758]

you've made me think about the age of perfumes themselves. do perfumes decline after a certain number of years, or do they last indefinately in a static state? if so, is there a market in "antique perfumes" from decades or even centuries ago? lastly, what is the oldest perfume in your collection?

[@classyandsassy89]

Hey Katie I was wondering if you could so a video on affordable floral perfume's for young women to wear.

[@danjackson7758]

incidentally, on the subject of producers of mens perfumes....which would you say are top five perfumiers based purely on their status, rather than necessarily the quality. i knew virtually nothing about perfumes before starting to watch some youtube clips. i seem to get the impression that creed and tom ford might be in the top 5 which perfume creator's would you assume most people would put in the top 5? [if you like, you can contrast them with your personal top 5, if they differ at all]

[@paulallyngoff7472]

Just curious, did you shave that line in ur eyebrow? It looks cool.

[@CanwllCorfe615]

I used to have a keen sense of this, but then as I tried out more and more, I get less and less of an old man vibe from the fragrances I try. I used to be a bit freaked out about going over to the woman's side, but now I don't have that fear at all. I've found my taste is very much unisex, so I'm all over the damn place.

[@vanessamcqueen11]

Hi Katie - for perhaps your video audience in their teens/early 20s, have you done any videos about reformulations? I know a few people in that age bracket who have no idea about the concept of reformulation. Eg.some of the latest versions of Shalimar are aimed at the 'youth' market versus the original classic 'old smelling' version/versions of Shalimar. Are there any young people out there actually interested in the 'youthful' reformulation versus original 'old' version discussion?

[@Tatiannamania]

Katie, what do you think about Mancera perfume line? Have you tried any of their fragrances?

[@smellythoughts]

This is a fabulous video Katie. I recently wrote a (not too positive) review of M by Puredistance recently, and when published, someone came back to me and said "Well... you're too young to like it". Ridiculous :') It started a very interesting debate that's for sure! I agree wholeheartedly with everything you say as I think my taste comes across as a little abstract but yep - whatever makes you feel fantastic needs to be worn.

[@KatiePuckrikSmells]

One does need to live up to a perfume. Too much of a gap between perfume and its wearer could be awkward.

[@khairulnisaR]

Dear Katie Puckrik, Please review Shiseido ZEN. I love it! I also like Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. What else should I try? Thanks in advance.

[@mai567]

btw, do you know if it's possible to have a discontinued (or any other) perfume recreated somewhere (especially if it's with ingredients that aren't all from the lab)? i know the exact formula is a secret but i wonder if there are perfumeries who do know the "recipe" and would make it. that wouldn't hurt the market cos how many ppl would go through the trouble of acquiring it or could afford it.

[@lexmori9356]

I've been trying to fight that stigma, myself. I feel a bit too young at 24 to wear Mediterranean by Elizabeth Arden, but I've owned it for a while and think it's absolutely beautiful.

[@brainwave7632]

So many people don't like Mediterranean. I think it's wonderful. I love the sharpness of it.

[@enzyme20056]

I think the age range issue comes from the people around you. I have been wearing clinique aromatics elixr since 15 and people used to think it was amazing, yet it is regarded as mature scent,.

[@kashmirha]

Just like flowers have symboly scents have too, and some of them are based on biology/evolution, psychology, and not by chance.. Like very fragile flowers should not be bought for an older or even middle age lady because it reminds her for her perfect but fragile body when she was young(er). A very sensual smell should not be chosen, if you are in an official environment (unless you are in some sexual profession). I mean come on, some of the ingredients are produced by animals for attracting the other sex of the same species (too) Alcoholic smells have also some connotations. Cakes also. Smells can have such symbols. Also there are sporty smells, a well known fact. Cupcakes are about hedonism and unpunished appetite/eating habit, which also tends to change over time. But for sure, taste is very important and individual. :)

[@vanessamcqueen11]

@ZaidaKennedy Cool, I like your approach. I wish more young people had the same thoughts. Have you smelt some of the vintage Caron and Piguet fragrances?