Cloud Aurora was released in 2026, as the newest addition to the long-running Cloud perfume lineup from Ariana Grande. I recently tested out Aurora, so, let’s do a full review of this scent and how it compares to the others.
Cloud Aurora Breakdown
Notes include: spun sugar, blackcurrant, musk, vanilla glazed petals, sandalwood, amber, vanilla smoke, blonde woods
Click here to try: Cloud Aurora at Sephora
My Full Review
Here’s how the perfume is described: Luminous. Magical. Hopeful. Where light meets wonder. Ariana Grande Cloud Aurora is a dreamlike fragrance inspired by moments of magic and endless possibility.
I tested this fragrance out in store. As such this will be a one-time wear review, if and until I do an update. 4 sprays on the skin and I also sprayed a blotter test strip to see how it develops.
Aurora opens up with blackcurrant and the sugary spun vanilla (cotton candy) note taking the lead. Right away, I noticed that the muskiness is toned down in this version of Cloud, and the series’ praline note is noticeably absent.
Blackcurrant isn’t allowed to be too sharp in the mix, tempered by the sweetness and fluffiness of the vanilla notes. I saw some people comparing it to strawberry, which I can kind of get, but not entirely.
There are multiple vanilla notes in this one. Obviously, to this point, we’ve already gotten the fluffy cotton candy one. The rest of it smells like a more generic vanilla and some vague light smokiness once the top has started to burn off.
As this scent moves into the middle, the fluff begins to fade and this is a fruitier vanilla fragrance with wood and amber. It’s also a bit powdery at this point. I didn’t think it overwhelmed the composition, I did notice it.
The sandalwood note that is apparently here doesn’t come across to my nose as distinct, just an impression of woods.
It’s nice. I like when this moves out of the opening, the scent is better at this point in the wear.
The tail end of this is a sweetish vanilla wood with amber. On the paper, there is also the musk note peaking through. I couldn’t detect it on my skin, however.
Blackcurrant isn’t completely distinguishable, just sort of a fruitiness sitting in the middle of that vanilla.
Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility
Comparing this one to my bottle of Cloud Pink, Aurora certainly doesn’t have the same density or ability to project itself. Actually, after coming back to it after all of this time, Pink felt quite powerful.
Aurora? It’s solid, not a complete beast, but it was very noticeable during the wear and has a strong start to it. It is lighter versus the others in the series while not being weak.
Cloud Aurora lasted somewhere around 7 hours for me during this one test. Not strong in those last 2-3, but it is there. Don’t expect a powerhouse.
The other Cloud’s are somewhere in that range. For instance, Cloud Pink will go 5-8 hours on skin, depending on the day. I would expect that this fragrance is similar in that manner.
Not as heavy as the others, but sticks around about the same.
Seasonally, this one is probably best served in the more moderate temperatures of autumn and spring. It’s fine when it’s chilly out or even a bit warm, but it’d probably melt in the extreme heat. Go with something else during the daytime in summer.
This is more of a casual or a daily wear scent for some. Cloud Aurora does skew younger, but I don’t think it’s any different in that regard to other Ariana Grande perfumes. If you wore the other Cloud’s you can wear this.
Overall Impressions of Cloud Aurora
Overall, do I like Cloud Aurora? Yes, it might be my favorite of the Cloud line thus far. At least, that’s the way I’m leaning. It’s not super complex or a great perfume, but it is a change of pace from the series and does smell good.
I’d have to wear it a few more times to confirm my feelings about it. Though, generally positive. It smells similar to other non-Cloud fragrances that I cannot currently remember, but it does feel familiar.
For me, I like the toned down musk in comparison to the other Cloud scents, which often could feel like just another BR540 impression. Aurora has a enjoyable use of the blackcurrant note, which hung around for me for almost the entire wear.
Funny enough, the blackcurrant really what that I picked up on the blotter paper that I sprayed it on, a day later. Very different from the sweet musk/amberwood aroma of Cloud Pink that I sprayed on a t-shirt.
The middle and the dry down are my favorite parts to this one. The opening is okay.
Now, will everyone like this? I don’t think anyone will really be offended by this perfume, but you also might find it kind of basic. It’s smooth, sweet, fruity, and various facets of vanilla. Well blended, not too sugary (outside of the opening, which isn’t crazy) or cloying, but with an attractive and enjoyable scent.
If you’ve liked the other Ariana Grande fragrances, you’ll almost certainly like this one. It’s a safe blind buy and solid performer all around. Kind of synthetic smelling at times, just like most of the others are too.
Not a must have, if it sounds interesting to you, try it out.
Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I’ve owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally test out and written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides. You can also follow me on: YouTube, Instagram, and Tiktok!
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