Ariana Grande Cloud vs Cloud Intense

Cloud has become an extremely popular fragrance release from Ariana Grande. Much of that has to do with its similarities to the much more expensive Baccarat Rouge 540. So, it’s almost natural that it would get a follow up with, Cloud 2.0 Intense. Now, this creates the decision as to which scent to get, Cloud or Intense? Which lasts longer? What’s the difference? Is it worth it to pick up the new option?

Tale of the Tape: Cloud vs. Cloud Intense

Cloud

Notes include: pear, lavender, bergamot, praline, whipped cream, vanilla orchid, coconut, musk, wood

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum Spray, clear, 3.4 oz

Read my full review: Cloud by Ariana Grande

Cloud Intense

Notes include: lavender, bergamot, musk, ambroxan, praline, whipped cream, vanilla orchid, coconut, cashmeran, wood

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Cloud 2.0 Intense Eau De Parfum Ulta Exclusive 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review: Cloud 2.0 Intense

Opening

Cloud Intense still opens up sweet and bright. Though, it feels less sparkling, and I pick up less of the pear note. What Intense is, is smoother. The lavender is stronger at first, but smoother (it will actually end up weaker in the composition in comparison, not by too much).

The ambroxan does make Intense more substantial and not as sheer as Cloud. Intense is thicker and will feature a creamier mix, during the second phase with the coconut, praline, etc.

Which is better?

I like Cloud Intense more so, at the start. The lavender is better here and I enjoy the subtle changes to the blend, like the additional ambroxan note.

Edge: Cloud Intense

Projection

I don’t find Cloud to be a complete sillage bomb. It does have a strong start and projects well enough, but it dries down to a pretty moderate projection that extends a few feet from the skin. Definitely, not weak and does a nice job.

Is Cloud Intense stronger? Yes, it has a bit of a wider radius from the skin. Maybe a few feet more, at it’s peak, but it hasn’t been crazy powerful while testing it out.

Cloud Intense gets the slight edge, though, it’s not a deciding factor.

Edge: Cloud Intense

Longevity

With the original Cloud, I can get up to around 6 hours of wear on the skin. It’s not super amazing, but it doesn’t just disappear in a few hours either.

Cloud Intense will get me an extra hour or so. It’s really not that much better with its performance than the original. The ambroxan and amped up musk, help it to hang around, but it doesn’t go on forever either.

Edge: Cloud Intense

Versatility

These two are pretty equal as to when they should be worn, as there is so much overlap. Colder to more temperate weather. Can be worn casually or out at night. Neither is super formal, probably not an office scent for most folks. Neither is strictly for younger women either.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I’ve never been a huge fan of Cloud. I like it well enough, but I think there are other perfumes by Ariana Grande that are better. That being said, it is a worthwhile scent.

The opening on my skin, is kind of iffy with that lavender note. It does get better, has a sweetness and clean lightness that is entirely enjoyable. Plus, the performance is good enough for the price range.

Cloud Intense is a good deal like the original. However, after comparing them side by side and both individually, I prefer this 2.0 version.

Intense has a better opening with the lavender note. It’s smoother to my nose and not as harsh. The ambroxan note helps with that and adds and additional thickness and warmth. Still clean and bright, but with less of the pear.

Then, it’s second act is when it really shines for me. The whipped cream, coconut, and other gourmand notes get extra creamy and delightful. That’s when these two fragrances are most distinct from one another.

The final dry down is basically the same. Though, Intense is muskier with a stronger wood note, on my skin.

If I didn’t have either of these perfumes and wanted one, I’d pick Cloud Intense. But, if you already have and like Cloud, you more than likely won’t need Intense, as there is so much common ground.

Cloud Intense isn’t leagues better, but it does get the win.

Winner: Cloud Intense

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.