Ariana Grande Cloud vs Thank U Next

Ariana Grande’s perfume line has become super successful over the past handful of years. Not just one dominant best-seller, but multiple fan favorites have been brought to market. Two of them, are Cloud and Thank U, Next. Two fragrances that are distinct from one another, yet actually share some of the same notes. It can be a hard decision to pick one of them versus the other. However, in this post, I will do just that. Comparing each on a head to head basis, before declaring an ultimate winner.

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Tale of the Tape: Thank U, Next vs. Cloud 

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

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Thank U, Next

Notes include: pear, coconut water, macarons, pink rose, raspberry, musk

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Thank U, Next Perfume 3.4 oz

Read my full review: Thank U, Next

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Opening

Cloud opens up with a blend of notes lead by pear, that is both sweet and bright. The lavender note makes itself known early on, but has sort of a rough finish to it. Cloud itself has a light, fluffy, and sort of airy style to it.

Later on, more of the praline, musk, and whipped cream will emerge in support of the main stars of this perfume.

Meanwhile, Thank U, starts out with that same pear note that is joined by an even juicier and delicious raspberry. Also, very sparkling with how it smells. This is paired with warm macarons and the coconut note that is also in Cloud.

Thank U, Next is a bit thicker but each has that watery sweetness provided by the coconut. Which might be slightly more noticeable in Thank U, Next.

Which is better?

For me, it’s a close call. Some people apparently get a pickle juice aroma from Thank U, on their skin, but I don’t at all.

These two do share a similar overlap, but I think I prefer the macaron note versus the lavender that presents in Cloud.

Edge: Thank U, Next

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Projection

The opening act of each, hits about the same level of sillage as the other. Both Ariana Grande perfumes, are strong and project themselves well for a time after spraying.

The separation comes once each has settled. Cloud is pretty moderate, you’ll know it’s there, but it’s not consuming the room.

Thank U, Next is also moderate but closer to what could be considered strong. It’ll project itself from the skin, a few feet further, and just pack a bigger punch in general.

Edge: Thank U, Next

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Longevity

On my skin, Cloud will stick around for about 6 hours. It has consistently been at this level, each time that I’ve tested it out over the years. It’s solid enough, but never reaches an elite standard.

Thank U, Next has a wider spectrum than its competitor, but is ultimately a longer lasting scent. This perfume will go 7-8.5 hours on me. It can vary, depending on the day, but it exceeds what Cloud does.

Edge: Thank U, Next

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Versatility

Both of these fragrances are very versatile. Some Ariana Grande perfumes are geared more towards teenagers. These two, can definitely be appreciated by a wider age group than others in the line.

Seasonally, Cloud is better suited for the cold to moderate temperatures of autumn through early spring. Thank U, shines in the spring and summer months, but can venture into the colder weather.

Hotter days favor Thank U. Colder days favor Cloud.

Can be worn casually or out at night. Neither is super formal, probably not an office scent for most folks. They pretty much occupy the same space. No clear winner here.

Edge: Push

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Overall Scent

Cloud is a nice perfume. I’m personally not that high on it, but I do enjoy it to some extent. I think that its association as a BR 540 ‘clone’ has hyped it up somewhat.

Nonetheless, the experience of wear Cloud is a pleasant one. The lavender is my least favorite aspect, in the early stages. But, I really like the dry down period of light and clean sweetness. The coconut, whipped cream, and praline. The Cloud moniker is very apt.

To me, Thank U, Next is the better perfume. It smells better and performs well. I think it’s one of Ariana’s top releases. The raspberry, coconut, and pear notes are really nice. It’s semi-aquatic and has a sparkling essence.

Later, it is a musky and sweet scent. The sweetness isn’t really a distinct note and just kind of a blend. Not my favorite part of the wear, but still attractive.

If I have to choose one of these, it’s Thank U, Next. It’s not miles ahead, just far enough to create a clear separation.