The teenage years are a troublesome time. All a boy wants to do is get noticed by the opposite sex and success is unlikely if one isn’t smelling their best. But hope was on the horizon as boys in generations past took a cue from dear old dad and liberally splashed on the unforgettable scent of Aqua Velva. 

You have to start somewhere and for millions of teenaged men, Aqua Velva was the first foray into the world of fragrance. With a scent not quite as manly as Old Spice, a little less macho than Brut, Aqua Velva was right up their alley. A healthy splash of the clean smelling liquid was not only invigorating and refreshing, but when following those first few shaves, a glimpse into the tortuous pain that alcohol can bring to the dance with one’s first razor.

Of course, a little (OK, a lot of) pain was a small price to pay when it came to captivating the opposite sex and millions of boys gritted their teeth and bared the painful pleasure of a splash of Aqua Velva, a cologne that was sure to turn the head of their female prey and give them the confidence as they took a scented step towards manhood.