Candy Gloss by Prada

Candy Gloss is a 2018 flanker of the original and quite popular Prada Candy. This perfume probably never got the same level of attention as some of the others in the series, but was that actually justified? Or is Gloss actually a hidden gem of a fragrance? I bought a sample and tested it out, to see how this Prada perfume smells and performs.

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What does Prada Candy Gloss Smell Like?

Notes include: cherry, cassis, peach, rose, orange blossom, vanilla, almond, benzoin, heliotrope, musk

Click here to try: Candy Gloss from Amazon

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My Full Review

Here’s how Prada describes it: Juicy, sparkling and intensely joyful: Candy Gloss is a sensual sorbet, sweet as acid cherry and solar as the orange blossom. A fruity bouquet with hints of rose and musk.

The opening is indeed sparkling, with a mix of cherry and tart fruity notes. The cherry is the star and it provides a sour type of cherry aroma in the early stage. Then, it will become more of your standard cherry smell.

In support, is the cassis and a touch of peach. Greenish, sort of tart and sour between them. I have to say, however, the combination works very well. I really enjoy the opening act.

It’ll become sweeter, powdery, creamy, and some almond bitterness. Yes, it has elements of Lost Cherry by Tom Ford. A less boozy and more playful perfume than that one.

The cherry will stick around for the duration, but it will share power. Gloss gets its floral influence, with some rose and orange blossom. Neither of which is massive, but they are present.

The heliotrope and the vanilla come through and further dampen that initial fruitiness. The middle act, is like a sweet cherry floral, with less of the cassis. This is when it has the most powdery aroma. Though, it’s never a total powder bomb.

A musky, amber, floral with cherry is how Candy Gloss ends up. Actually quite pleasant somewhat fuzzy and creamy on the edges. Sweet, and at times, I still catch a slight rose note in the mix.

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Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The opening act is fairly bold and does have a good reach, at least for me. That projection level isn’t sustained for too long and it will become pretty middle of the road, and finally, intimate for the rest of the way.

It’s sweet, has some heaviness, and can feel a bit cloying at times too.

The longevity here, isn’t great. Not the worst, that I’ve come across, but Candy Gloss is definitely pretty mediocre. Somewhere in the 4-6 hour range, on the skin. It’s lucky to reach six hours and that back half is basically a skin scent.

Seasonally, this does have a good range of wear opportunities. It’s got enough substance to do well in the autumn and winter months. Yet, Gloss isn’t so heavy as to excluded from warmer weather wear.

Maybe not for the height of the summer, but I could for sure see this fragrance getting used in the springtime.

It’s not a formal fragrance, but not completely juvenile either. It’s attractive and has some style to it. Though, I’d say it’s mainly going to be a perfume for casual use, potentially a daily wear for those who really like cherry.

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Overall Impressions of Candy Gloss

Overall, do I like this perfume? Yes, I do. It’s not incredible, but I think it’s an enjoyable cherry fragrances, and a tad better than the original Prada Candy.

The opening act is my favorite part. It’s when the perfume really seems to live up to the Candy name and gives you the boldest presentation of the cherry note. The back half, actually is a bit more of a make up sort of aroma, I guess lip gloss or even sort of a lipstick vibe.

It’s still nice and I like the scent on the whole.

The performance here, isn’t too great. I do wish that this perfume was beefed up beyond what is presented.

From the current prices that I’ve seen online (under $50 as of update), it does feel like one that’s a good enough deal to pick up. Mainly, if it actually sounds like something you’d love. I don’t think this is ever going to have a universal appeal.

From what I can tell, Candy Gloss did get discontinued by Prada. So, if you’re in the market for a bottle, this is probably your best chance to get one at a reasonable price.